Foods Rich in Antioxidants

Foods Rich in Antioxidants

What are Superfoods?

Superfoods are a group of foods which are specially”nutritionally dense”, and have added benefits to our health which come from “antioxidants” and “phytochemicals”. Let’s examine both of those statements in a bit more depth.

So what is the definition of a “nutritionally dense” food? When a food is”nutritionally dense”, it means that the food has high concentrations of essential vitamins and dietary minerals that we know are required by human beings. That includes all the vitamins we know so well such as vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, and also dietary minerals such as Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Zinc and others. But of course many foods contain these things. In fact, all foods we eat every day (even junk food!) contains at least some vitamins and minerals, so what’s this all about?

The major point is that superfoods contain very high amounts of vitamins and minerals compared to their size. For isntance, cucumbers are mostly (90% or so) made up of just water, so to get any decent levels of nutrients from a cucumber you’d have to eat rather a lot of the stuff.

With superfoods you can eat a mouthful and it will provide a large dose of nutrients, occasionally providing as much as you need in a single day, in a single bite. Now that’s super! There aren’t many foods that are this rich in useful nutrients, so superfoods rise well above the rest in this respect.

What are antioxidants and phytochemicals?. These may be new words for you, so I want to explain them before we get any further.

Inside your body, oxygen reacts with cells in a process called oxidation. Unfortunately, this process can damage cells. Antioxidants are natural compounds which prevent or stop oxidation, and prevent the damage it causes. This damage is linked to all sorts of nasties including premature ageing, degenerative diseases and some cancers. Antioxidants prevent the damage from oxidation by interfering with the chemical reaction and stopping it from happening at all, and therefore in theory reduce any undesirable effects. An everyday antioxidant you will be familiar with is vitamin C (otherwise known as ascorbic acid).

Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds found in plants and animals, which are not yet acknowledged as being an essential vitamin or dietary mineral. As humans we depend on some vitamins and dietary minerals for the various chemical processes inside our bodies to function properly – that’s why they’re called “essential” , whereas we’re only just starting to fully comprehend the uses and benefits of phytochemicals. A major element of the reported power of superfoods (such as anti-cancer, anti-heart disease, anti-ageing and so on) is thanks to the different phytochemicals found inside them.

Superfoods are  packed with a  high concentrations of all the essential nutrients we need, and they also contain large amounts of phytochemicals and antioxidants making them even more astounding!

So what does this mean?   In order words, since we are human beings, and we need different essential vitamins and minerals for our bodies to function properly. Without these essential nutrients, our bodies stop working and we become ill. Now we’re discovering powerful new nutrients which can help to further boost our health and defend us from old age and disease. Superfoods are foods which combine high amounts of both essential and non-essential nutrients and taste great too -even more reason to eat superfoods as part of a healthy diet.

Click here to check out a list of the world’s most powerful  superfoods, all available from your local supermarket – http://www.SimpleSuperfoods.com/go/MyLink

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Different Types of Detox Methods

Common Detox Methods

When it comes to detoxing there are as many ways to detox as there are reasons to. It can be confusing trying to figure out which one is right for you. Before you make a decision, decide what you want to accomplish with a detox plan. Also consider your lifestyle and how you might fit a detox program into your life for a few days. Finally, make sure the program is safe and reputable.

Once you know what you’re looking for then you can begin comparing methods. The following are the most common detox methods.

#1 Juicing

A juice detox plan generally requires you to drink juice and only juice for several days to a week. Some juicing detox plans actually let you gradually ease into the plan and ease your way out. Juicing is a fairly easy way to detox. You are able to consume calories which is better than a starvation detox diet. And all of those organic vegetables and fruits are great for your body. You’ll be consuming a vast amount of fiber and nutrients.

#2 Tea

There are several tea type cleanses or detox diets. They essentially require you to drink an herbal or laxative tea for several days. The challenge to this diet is the fact that you don’t get to eat anything. You just drink a lot of tea. People tend to lose weight on a diet like this. However, they also tend to gain it back once they quit the diet. They do, however, often work to flush out your kidneys, liver, colon and cleansing organs.

#3 Elimination diets

Elimination diets like a Candida diet, a gluten free diet or a sugar free diet are all great for helping you regain your health. They tend to last a few weeks to several months. This means you need to be committed to the diet. However, once you cleanse your system of the offending food(s) you will be much healthier. These types of deist are best for those who are struggling with poor dietary habits. Or if you suspect you have a food sensitivity or allergy.

#4 Traditional methods

Traditionally people detoxed by sweating. Saunas are a wonderful way to detox. You can enjoy a traditional steam sauna. You might also take a look at infrared saunas. Massage helps move the toxins from the muscles too.

Another traditional method to detox is to take a salt bath. Epsom salts cost just a few dollars at your supermarket. You can find them in the first aid section. Pour a cup, or two, of Epsom salts into a hot bath. Add essential oils to the bath to add an aroma therapy element to the bath. Bathe for thirty to sixty minutes. While bathing use a loofa or scrub to brush dead skin cells and toxins from your skin. Rinse off.

There are many detox methods to consider. Some are easy, like taking a sauna. Others are a bit more challenging. You might consider combing some methods to receive maximum benefit. Always take care to detox slowly and to make sure you’re healthy enough for a detox plan.

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