Nutrition Articles

Benefits of Acai Berries

The acai berry represents a new trend in weight loss efforts, but its pound-dropping effectiveness may be questionable.

Although some claim that drinking the berry juice can stimulate weight loss, few studies can actually justify this theory according to www.webmd.com.

Although the acai berry may not actually help you lose weight, it is beneficial to you.  Like other berries in the same family, the acai berry has many antioxidants and is a good part of any diet.

Any fruit with high antioxidant content can help prevent heart disease and cancer.

Those with allergies to pollen, however, should be cautious.  Some allergy sufferers have been sensitive to this berry and should avoid it.

In conclusion, should you incorporate the acai berry into your diet?  Of course!  It has a place there, just like all fruits.

Should you base your weight loss regimen solely on this fruit?  Probably not.

Spotlight on: Dates

• The history of date eating can be traced back to almost 6000 B.C.
• There are various forms and kinds of dates, and the ways to eat dates are endless.
• The fruit is packed with vitamins and minerals essential for daily intake, and is linked to preventing abdominal cancer, constipation, heart problems and even sexual problems.
• The date also is ideal for daily intake because it helps digest food and prevent overeating.

Recipe: Date and Banana Cookies 

• 3 oz. dried dates
• 3 oz. walnuts, finely chopped
• 3 medium bananas, mashed
• 6 oz. oats
• ¼ pint liver or sunflower oil
• 1 tsp vanilla essence

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Mix everything together really well and put tablespoons of the mixture onto an oiled baking sheet.

Flatten them down a bit and bake for about 20 minutes, until golden.

Recipe:  Date and Egg Breakfast 

• 3 Tbsp corn oil
• 1 medium (1/2 cup) onion, chopped
• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Heat oil in skillet and stir-fry onions until golden. Add dates, pepper and stir-fry over low heat for 3 minutes.

Make four depressions in date/onion mixture and add one whole egg to each depression. Sprinkle with salt and fry for 3 minutes to cook eggs.

Serve warm.

Reduce the Signs of Aging With What You Eat

Aging is a difficult thing, and it can be tough on your body.  Even when you make the appropriate food choices and exercise, it still may feel like you aren't doing enough to reverse the physical signs of aging.

Because there is no “Fountain of Youth” we offer you these foods that contain vitamins and nutrients that contain anti-aging properties. Add some of these foods to your daily diet and see what difference they make for you,

Flaxseed : full of DNA-boosting omega 3s, zinc and selenium

Spinach : contains antioxidants Vitamin A and C

Grapes : antioxidant polyphenols, resveratrol, aids in cell repair

Red snapper : high in omega 3 fats that reduce oxidative damage to cells

Yams : excellent source of antioxidants Vitamin A and C that can reduce oxidative stress on cells

Almonds : high in antioxidant Vitamin E and a great source of zinc and iron

Oysters : contains the antioxidant selenium as well as DNA-boosters Vitamin D and zinc

Canola Oil : contains Omega 3 fats as well as antioxidant Vitamin E

Collard Greens : great source of Vitamin A, folate and fiber, which are all linked to longer DNA strands

Dark Chocolate : contains the antioxidant resveratrol that is thought to fight aging cells

Chia seeds : whole grain high in Omega 3 fats, minerals and calcium

Bell peppers : antioxidant beta carotene and Vitamin C help in DNA repair

Cuckoo for Coconut Water

You have seen people drinking it on the subway, in the elevator, at the gym and maybe even in those posh cafés and grills, but what's the big deal about coconut water?

Well, that's easy, coconut water is incredibly healthy and one of the best drinks to hydrate the body.  And besides aiding in digestion and helping to remove harmful toxins from your body, coconuts have anti-viral, anti-microbial, AND anti-fungal properties that can help cure disease!

Coconut water is low in carbohydrates, low in sugars and is 99 % fat free.  Many nutritionists are calling coconut water the “sports energy drink” of today's day and age because it is naturally good for you and full of the vitamins we need to ward off fatigue.

How about these little known facts about coconut water,

• Coconut water is much healthier than orange juice because it has much fewer calories.
• Coconut water is more nutritious than whole milk because it has less fat and no cholesterol.
• Coconut water is better than processed baby milk because it contains lauric acid, which is present in mother's milk.
• Coconut water is a universal donor and is identical to human blood plasma.
• Coconut water is naturally sterile.
• Coconut water is a naturally isotonic beverage; the same level that we have in our blood.
• Coconut water has saved lives in Third World Countries through Coconut IV.

Spotlight on: Mangoes

• Mangoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, and they are also an excellent way to replenish potassium lost through exercise or for those who are constantly “on the go.”
• An average-sized mango can even contain up to 40 percent of your daily fiber requirement, thereby being a great way to curb constipation and irregularity.
• Mangoes can also help to prevent certain types of cancer and help to lower blood cholesterol levels, too.

Recipe: Jamaican Jerk Chicken Salad

• ½ cup prepared or purchased honey mustard dressing
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
• 4 chicken breast halves without skin, boneless
• 1 tablespoon Jamaican Jerk seasoning
• 2 large fresh mangoes
• 10 to 12 cups mixed greens

Stir together honey mustard dressing and lime zest.  Cover and chill dressing while preparing chicken.

Rinse chicken and pat dry; sprinkle with Jerk seasoning.  In a large skillet cook the seasoned chicken in hot oil over medium-high heat about 6 minutes on each side until browned and no longer pink.  Thinly slice each chicken breast.

Recipe:  Mango Pork

• 2 medium ripe mangoes
• 1 pork tenderloin, about ¾ pound
• Cooking spray or olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hot pepper sauce

Put pulp of one mango in food processor or blender. Cut the other mango into small cubes.  Trim pork tenderloin and slice into 1-inch thick medallions.  Flatten slices lightly with hand.  Spray a skillet or medium saucepan with cooking spray or add a small amount of olive oil and heat on medium-high.  Brown pork for one minute on each side. Season each side with salt and pepper to taste.

Reduce heat and cook pork another five minutes to cook through.  Remove to plate and add mango to skillet or saucepan. Cook puree about, scraping