What Dr. Oz wants you to eat

I think that this is a very helpful guide to what we should be buying in the grocery store. I'm definitely going to use it!

Curcumin, The Spice of Life!

Good Morning Ladies,

                                                                        
I have been hearing so much about this spice.  Curcumin, which comes from the curry spice tumeric has been used for thousands of years to fight disease and promote good health.  Curcumin, I have read, can positively affect every organ system in the body.  Curcumin can protect the brain against stroke.  And studies suggest it may help prevent or fight prostate, pancreatic, breast, and colon cancers.  (While anticancer drugs weaken the immune system, Curcumin actually enhances it by acting as an "immunorestorer.")
Individuals who consume a lot of Curcumin are less likely to experience cognitive decline....suggesting that Curcumin could help protect the nervous system against aging and may help prevent the pathological processes of Alzheimer's.
Curcumin has demonstrated antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities.  According to researchers, it shows promise in the fight against cystic fibrosis and multiple sclerosis.  It also may protect against cataracts.   It may reverse some of the damage associated with high blood sugar levels.  It may even be an effective treatment for skin diseases such as psoriasis and wounds.

Curry Dish

                      Some ways to use Curcumin

•Add 1/4 teaspoon to a pot of grain while cooking. Best bets: brown rice, Basmati rice, quinoa or millet



•Stir 1/2 to 1 teaspoon into a pot of soup


•Add a dash to your favorite guacamole


•Add a healthy pinch to a container of hummus


•Mix a little into bean spreads for sandwiches


•Stir fry veggies such as broccoli, onion, carrots and sweet peppers, and add a pinch of turmeric along with some ginger, garlic and tamari


•Stir a dash into yogurt


•Make a banana smoothie truly yellow by adding a pinch of turmeric


•Make salad dressing and add a pinch, or add it to your favorite bottled dressing
  
     (these ideas taken from the whole foods blog)




I guess the question is, why are we not using Curcumin?  I have never used it.  I never really knew what is was.  But I am definitely going to start using it!  Curcumin is a miracle spice!!!



Click here to read more about Curcumin.


Click here to learn about foods that contain Curcumin.



Some of this info was taken from "Life Extension"

The Acai Berry

                                                                      
Every day, every cell in your body takes about 10.000 separate hits by free radicals, a leading factor in the onset of aging and degenerative disease.  In search of a defense against free radicals, scientists have focused intensely on the potent antioxidant capacity of berry extracts......especially the Acai berry, now considered an antioxidant powerhouse.
The ORAC  (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) test measures the ability of antioxidants to absorb free radicals.  Fruits and vegetables with a higher ORAC score (and richer color) have been shown to suppress free radicals far more effectively than lightly pigmented foods.  And the Acai berry tops the list with the highest score of all.

Acai has been shown to powerfully counteract the superoxide and peroxyl radicals, which are among the most destructive free radicals.  Its potent antioxidant properties and highly beneficial polyphenol profile give Acai the ablilty to combat cellular aging and oxidative damage.  And research reveals that Acai may be a major cancer fighter, a major cardiovascular protector, and beneficial to brain function (with potential for treatment of neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease).      

Ladies........this is another important berry that we should add to our diet.  This is the perfect time of year to add these extremely healthy fruits that will keep us boomers forever young!


This article was taken from Life Extension - page 13.

Super Foods

Just eight strawberries contain more vitamin C than one orange!  A cup of strawberries also provides manganese, fiber, iodine, potassium, folate, vitamin B2, vitamin B5, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, vitamin K, magnesium and copper.   Few berries can compete with the strawberry for fighting a vast array of diseases, including fighting inflammation, controlling diabetes, to protecting cognitive function and improving heart health.  Yes, strawberries are that powerful!  The high phenolic content decreases activity of the COX enzyme (cyclooxygenase) to offer protection against inflammation-related diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.  Studies have shown that even in freeze-dried form, strawberries offer protection against a wide range of cancers, including breast and colon cancer.  Research has also found that regular strawberry intake could support folate status and heart health.

This info was taken from "LifeExtension" - page 10.