HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHOCOLATE !!
antioxidants, chocolate, health, imagine, diet
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Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of vegatables. These benefits are from "flavonoids", which act as "antioxidants". Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by "free radicals", which can cause damage that leads to heart disease. Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants - more so than milk chocolate.
Flavonoids provide important protective benefits to plants, such as in repairing damage and shielding from environmental toxins. When we consume plantbased foods rich in flavonoids, it appears that we also benefit from this "antioxidant" power. Flavonoids also help relax blood pressure through the production of "nitric oxide", and balance hormones in the body.
Chocolate does have some fat but the good news is some of the fats in chocolate do not impact your cholesterol. The fats in chocolate are 1/3 oleic acid, 1/3 stearic acid and 1/3 palmitic acid. OLEIC ACID is a healthy monounsaturated fat that is also found in olive oil. STEARIC ACID is a saturated fat but one which research shows has a neutral effect on cholesterol. PALMITIC ACID is also a saturated fat, one which raises cholesterol and heart disease risk. This means only 1/3 of the fat in chocolate is bad for you.
So enjoy chocolate several times a week. Don't forget to eat other flavonoid-rich foods like apples, red wine, tea, onions and cranberries.
Of course I have to end this with my important MEMO " GIVE ME ALL YOUR CHOCOLATE AND NO ONE WILL BE HURT" !!!!!!
ENJOY !!!!!!
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on 6/24/2008
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12.6
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IS GENSING FOR YOU ??
antioxidants, health, fitness, ideas, diet
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Ginseng is a general name for a class of naturally occurring steroidlike compounds that contain a steriod nucleus bonded to a sugar molecule and an alcohol (or phenol) group. The Chinese, for thousands of years, have taken ginseng in one form or another as a rejuvenating tonic. Ginseng is not a medicine or drug. It is a natural food which contains more than thirty active ingredients working synergistically to produce ginseng's many health benefits. Ginseng is rich in germanium, calcium, magnesium, iron and B vitamins.
Ginseng is available in liquid and powder form and is approved (as a water extract) by the Food and Drug Administration for use in beverages such as tea. Ginseng is also an antioxidant that can quench free-radicals, thereby preventing premature aging and destruction of healthy cells and tissues.
Some studies have demonstrated that prolonged and excessive use of ginseng led to high blood pressure, insomnia, skin rash, and diarrhea. The studies noted that participants were taking other stimulants at the time such as caffeine and may indicate that those persons who use one or more natural stimulants, such as caffeine, should not take ginseng as well.
The mystique that surrounds ginseng has stimulated great interest amoung athletes in search of ergogenic aids because it may offer athletes a competitive edge when properly used. However, consulting with your physician before supplementing your diet with ginseng is advisable.
Some beneficial efects of Gensing are :
Purifies the blood of toxins, lowers Bad cholesterol LDL, increases Good cholesterol HDL, lowers high blood sugar, prevents cellular damage from oxidation, increases production of red blood cells, increases physical stamina and strengthens the immune system.
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on 5/8/2008
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23.7
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Sports-Care Experts Call it " RICE " !! Facts & Antioxidant Info !!
health, fitness, injury, antioxidants, diet
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R I C E = Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (of the injured area - usually above the heart if possible).
Rice is self explanatory but what should be recommended along with RICE is :
1. A fat-restricted diet
2. Antioxidant therapy
Antioxidants inhibit the excesive production of the free-radical particles that can INJURE, AGE, and even KILL healthy cells. A high-fat diet means a high free-radical potential in your body. The more fat you eat - especially the unsaturated type - the more free-radicals your body makes, and the longer an injury takes to heal. High-fat diets AGGRAVATE SPORTS INJURIES AND NEEDLESSLY INCREASE HEALING TIME !!
Beta carotene, ascorbic acid, and dl-alpha tocopherol are among the most common and most powerful antioxidants. A chemical class that also includes some food additives, preservatives, amino acids, and a number of prescription drugs used to treat health problems.
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on 5/5/2008
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7.9
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