Monday, April 13, 2009

Antioxidants, surprises

Chocolate lovers you are going to love this! Researchers a the University of Oslo wanted to know which foods have the highest concentration of antioxidants, the natural chemicals in food that make us healthy and prevent disease. They tested 1,113 common foods and drinks.
The most surprising? Chocolate ice cream rated higher than fruits like honeydew and green grapes! Here are the best 10 foods to eat to "anti" up:
1. Blackberries, 1 cup
2. Walnuts, 1 ounce
3. Strawberries, 1 c
4. Artichoke hearts, 1 c
5. Cranberries, 1 c
6. Brewed coffee, 8 ounces
7. Raspberries, 1 c
8. Pecans, 1 ounce
9. Blueberries, 1 c
10. Ground cloves, 1 teaspoon

originally published in Fitness magazine, November 2006.

Detox, for your health

Detox is synonymous with celebrities for addictions (usually alcohol or drugs). However, detox is known in the health and beauty, or spa industry, for ridding the body of toxins. Popular detox diets not only offer to flush poisons from the body, but also eliminate excess weight, can clear you complexion and aid the immune system. 
Detoxifying, or purifying the body of harmful substances is a not new, it has actually been around for centuries. Detox, short for detoxification, is ridding the body of toxins such as drugs, alcohol and pollutants from our environment. 
A few reasons to be concerned about detoxing, which can be serious; vitamin deficiencies, muscle breakdown and blood sugar problems. Depriving the body of vitamins and minerals can weaken the body's ability to fight infections and inflammation. Diets can upset the blood sugar, potassium and sodium levels in the body, people with diabetes, heart or kidney disease or women who are pregnant or nursing shouldn't try detox. 
The safe, natural detox is by drinking water. Water is natural, offers dehydration as well as minerals and will flush the system along with your built-in detox; the liver, kidneys, lungs and skin. 
A few other side-effects to watch out for when detoxing include; headaches, fatigue, irritability, aches and pains and frequent urination and then dehydration.
Always consult with your doctor and a nutritionist prior to starting any diets or detoxes.
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