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The Facts About Coconut Oil And Good Fats

September 08, 2008 By: blogger Category: Nutrition No Comments →

Coconut oil has been given a bad rap and called “unhealthy” since the 60’s. The media reported studies of how tropical coconut oils were laden with artery-clogging fats. What wasn’t reported was the fact that the coconut oil used in the studies was hydrogenated — not the virgin oil used for centuries as a staple food.

We have since learned it’s the hydrogenation - artificially adding a hydrogen molecule to oils in order to make them shelf-stable - that’s the problem, not the coconut oil itself. Hydrogenated soy, corn, and canola oils - loaded with dangerous trans-fats and processed with toxic hexane solvents - are routinely added to packaged foods. Hydrogenation added fat to corporate profits and American waistlines, and is now linked with trans-fats and associated heart disease.

Why is it that baby formulas often include coconut oil as an ingredient? Because coconut is one of the most healthy super foods in the world. Virgin coconut oil is cholesterol - and trans fat-free, contains only 1% Omega-6 and is rich in the medium-chain “good fats” that doctors recommend.

Benefits of Lauric Acid

One of the “good fats” that makes up about 50% of coconut oil, is lauric acid. Lauric acid is a rare medium-chain fatty acid found in mother’s milk that supports healthy metabolism and is now being studied for its anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial health-protecting properties. Some researchers predict that lauric acid will become as well known in health circles as Omega-3 is today.

As studies reveal the consequences of consuming too many Omega-6 vegetable oils, coconut oil is making a comeback. We suggest 3 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil a day.

Hydrogenated Trans Fat or Healing Coconut Oil?

The FDA started requiring the labeling of “trans fats” in 2006, and as a result the entire fat category is undergoing a critique of its assumptions. Hemp and coconut oil products deliver the nourishing “beneficial fats“, which can play a vital role in our health. Outdated “corporate-speak” assumptions including “zero fat is good,” “tropical fats are bad,” and “lots of vegetable oils are beneficial” are being increasingly questioned by research and millions of Americans.

The traditional Pacific Islander diet included large quantities of coconut, and those who still follow this diet have a low incidence of heart disease or weight issues. When a Western-style diet including vegetable oils replaces their traditional diet, all of the fat-related diseases common in the developed nations begin to appear.

Besides its nutritional value, Coconut Oil also makes a luscious and soothing massage and body oil for dry and or damaged skin.

Discover delicious recipes, learn more or purchase Nutiva’s virgin coconut oil

Best Foreign Fitness Travel

August 10, 2008 By: blogger Category: Nutrition No Comments →

Enjoy quiet and calmness at one of the most exotic spa retreats in the world. From world-class cuisine to the essential pleasure spa comfort, the body, mind and soul will be taken care of. It should come as no surprise that Fitness Spa Vacations is one of the most dreamed of by everybody. The most exotic Fitness Resorts have a variety of spa packages that offer different treatments. Travelers can come across a huge amount of stimulating spa therapy. The services are set with treatment rooms for therapeutic bodywork, massages, conditioning body scrubs, cocoons and facials. Massage options consist of lymphatic, reflexology, aromatherapy, Shiatsu, sports, Thai and Swedish. Couples can also arrange side-by-side massages. Facials include skin care treatments, such as aromatherapy facial, aqua-lift replenishing facial and men’s fitness facial. There is also a meticulous skin treatment, facial, body waxing as well as self-tanning treatment. For total-body therapy, visitors can select among grape seed scrub, deluxe conditioning body scrub and mineral salt scrub. Alternatives to the body scrubs include a 100-minute full-body treatment; a 50-minute body conditioning therapy, Euphoria, Aroma Boosters and Cocoon; 50-minute therapy that promote physical and emotional well-being and include Anti-Aging, Detoxify Body, Regeneration and Tour Exhaustion.

Knowing the values of heat and water, Fitness Vacations inventors integrated exclusive water features all through the service. The Aqua Therapy features a 30-by-15-foot co-ed therapy pool with airbed loungers; a torrent cascade, neck fountains and an air tub with body rub jet counter. Some of the pool area also has a wide thermal suite and whirlpool featuring herbal and sensory showers, Finnish saunas, reflexology sinks, ice fountain and aromatic steam room. Some Fitness Tours also offer the exotic ceremony and signature treatments. This steam therapy and therapeutic mud which takes place in an elaborately cemented steam hall, is a modern version of an ancient Middle Eastern cleansing ritual. Fitness Resorts are loaded with the quality facilities, including the world’s original planetarium at sea, a theater, first-class dining amenities, a casino, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, children facilities, boutiques as well as the largest ballroom, wine collection and library.

Whistler, British Columbia, has been widely recognized as one of the most popular downhill ski Fitness Vacations in North America. During the last several years, however, it has turned out to be a true constant destination. And, for wellness-minded travelers, downhill skiing just about attains the backseat to the riches of wellness type activities presented in this attractive and stunning mountain-based society. Fitness Tours to wellness stayed recently for walking, hiking, and of course, spa hopping.

Some other exotic full-service spas are situated right in the village. They are small and hav several treatment rooms plus a tiny leisure area and manicure and pedicure area but are well presented and relaxing. The only thing lacking owing to space restraint is a hydrotherapy spot. The hotel’s gym is just outside the door. They also provide signature treatments recommended with a sense of place by incorporating products such as mud and seaweed that are hand harvested. They are said to be simultaneously calming and healthy.
Other Fitness Resorts offer a serene, relaxing and stunning environment for the weary guest by the beauty of the wide English gardens and classical music concerts held once per month in the acoustically-designed space. The added improvements made them into a popular choice, especially for honeymooners. This peaceful space includes saunas, steam rooms, a meditation room, showers and relaxation area.

Fitness Resorts offer full wellness and health program with an amazing Thermal Suite and Hydrotherapy Pool provided that attraction for the essential spa experience. Inspired by stress-relieving, relaxing and holistic treatments drawn from disciplines around the world they will advise the most exotic and lavish treatments available in any spa resort. For fitness enthusiasts, the health centers offers a complete wellness approach to keeping fit including acupuncture, nutrition consultations, six branded exercise programs and a meditation program. The center also includes a nail spa and style spa to give inclusive hair and beauty treatments. As a ideal match to worldwide tours, travelers be able to acquire inspiring journeys with treatments encouraged by exotic traditions. Travelers can as well take pleasure in a multi-dimensional lifestyle-wellness approach, during a full prearranged fitness program. Travelers wish to live healthier lives and they want to create life-changing good habits in the way of some of the world’s most diversely skilled fitness practitioners. They have truly established the precise balance among pure pleasure and have created a unique program of lifestyle pampering and fitness.

Soothing, exciting, relaxing, extravagant, intimate and sophisticated that creates a striking first impression and offers an alluring blend of service and style with a large measure of Fitness Travel. Deluxe product lines and careful, expert service treat and reward and spares no detail in providing a proven regime for total body health. Professional trainers teach and oversee personal workouts, aerobics and yoga and instructions in dance, complemented by the world’s most complex cardiovascular and free-weight equipment. Leisure and stress-management methods as well as individual help with diet guidelines from a registered dietitian, sports conditioning, age and exercise and exercise physiology are provided in the Wellness Education seminars.

Oral Hygiene May Play A Key Role In Preventing Diabetes

July 30, 2008 By: blogger Category: Nutrition No Comments →

According to the Centers of Disease Control, kidney disease is ranked in the top 10 causes of death.

Kidney disease plays a major role in Brain Disorder and several other Diseases.

The kidneys produce a hormone (erythropoietin) that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all of the other cells in the body including teeth and gum tissue. People with kidney disease don’t always produce enough erythropoietin, and the result can be anemia (a shortage of red blood cells).

If your kidneys fail to keep your body clear of toxic waste, then the result is an increase in the level of toxicity throughout the body including the oral cavity (mouth) which, in turn, leads to a health crisis.

Oral Hygiene

The American lifestyle (containing alcohol, red meat, coffee, caffeinated teas, soft drinks, artificial sweeteners and sugars) is killing our kidneys.

So, with that in mind what are you to do for your threatened kidneys?

1. Drink more water. Twelve glasses of water a day is recommended.
2. Cut back or, better yet, eliminate dehydrating agents. The ones to eliminate are the worst of the bunch, such as alcohol, soft drinks and coffee.

Cancer

Beware: People with kidney disease should not take supplements without first consulting their doctor. With kidney disease, the kidneys cannot process high doses of nutrients.

It is important to do all you can to keep your kidneys healthy which, in turn, will help to keep your oral cavity healthy coupled with good Oral Hygiene habits.

SUMMARY

Kidney disease plays a major role in Brain Disorder Diseases.
The kidneys produce a hormone (erythropoietin) that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells.

The American lifestyle (containing alcohol, red meat, coffee, caffeinated teas, soft drinks, artificial sweeteners and sugars) is killing our kidneys.

What do you need to do?
1. Drink more water.

With kidney disease, the kidneys cannot process high doses of nutrients.

Nutrition - Over 50s Stay Healthy

July 23, 2008 By: blogger Category: Nutrition 1 Comment →

As our bodies age, our metabolism tends to slow as our activity levels reduce and it is not uncommon to get a bit of a tummy. Stomach acid and saliva production are reduced making it more difficult for the body to process food. As a result, we are less able to obtain the nutrition from the foods we eat. In particular, we can easily become deficient in vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid. As well, many enzymes and coenzymes that are essential building blocks of the body or digestive aids, are produced in far fewer numbers or in some cases are not produced at all. This can all sound a bit too scary, but don’t worry. There are some simple steps you can follow to keep you healthy and your body functioning at optimal level.

You know that it is essential to eat a healthy and balanced breakfast but it is easy to forget to look after yourself the way you have looked after others. A light healthy breakfast including fresh fruit, whole grain cereal such as oatmeal, toast and juice (or a cup of tea or coffee) can give you a healthy and enjoyable start to the day.

For a mid-morning snack, enjoy more fruit perhaps alongside some cheese. If you want to get creative you can create a kebab made of strawberries, cheese and grapes. As you get older, your digestion will thank you if you eat smaller meals more frequently. This not only increases metabolism and helps the absorption of nutrition, it also evens out blood sugar and stops you from getting hungry.

A good, healthy lunch can include salads, healthy wraps, or soups. However, it might be a good idea to avoid creamy soups since milk products can cause flatulence as we age. The reason for this is likely to be because of a reduction in the production of lactase as we age so we are less able to digest milk sugar. Undigested lactose can cause diarrhea as well as flatulence. When cheese is aged more than sixty days, it contains very little lactose, so you may be able to tolerate it and obtain needed calcium if you otherwise cannot consume dairy products.

As you age, if you begin to show signs of food allergies that you never had before, they may not be food allergies at all. If your body is not able to properly digest certain foods, the symptoms can mimic those of some allergies. For example, gluten intolerance can cause real health problems that can often go undetected unless a physician asks the right questions. Wheat and many grain products contain gluten.

To make sure your body is supplied with all the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to properly function, it is important to take a good quality daily supplement. Many companies sell combination of vitamins and minerals designed specifically for older people. Capsules are more easily absorbed than tablets. You can also purchase enzymes and coenzymes. CoQ10 is a coenzyme that is usually made by the human body and has been found to benefit people with damaged hearts, the onset of Alzheimer’s or taking cholesterol lowering medication.

As you get older, try to keep your intake of processed sugar to a minimum. This means sugar in tea or coffee, cakes, cookies, and sweets. Satisfy your craving for sweets with fruit and you will be rewarded with good health and improved fitness. If you eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly, you will have more energy and feel a great deal better. Exercise can be as simple as going for a walk or having a swim.

More than anything, it is important to be positive, happy and enjoy life. Maintain an active life and stay interested in people and life in general. By simply changing your approach to healthy diet, you can develop a new outlook to life. You can learn new healthier recipes, create interesting healthy menus and begin to enjoy food in a different way. baby boomers changed the way youth was viewed and experienced. Are you ready to change the future of aging with great nutrition?

Verve Energy Does Healthy Mean More Energy?

July 18, 2008 By: blogger Category: Nutrition No Comments →

One of the healthiest drinks on the market now is the Verve energy drink. There is a lot of argument over whether energy drinks are detrimental to our health, and having a healthy energy drink will make a huge difference . A lot of energy drinks are detrimental to health. During the last two decades, energy drinks have become a substitute for other beverages like tea, chocolate and coffee. Teenagers and young adults use energy drinks for an immediate tonic during longstudy sessions and long days at work. Young folks guzzle down energy drinks, with the intention of staying up all nightto cram for exams, or finish papers or some other work load. Meanwhile, they are fighting off sickness and feeling terrible from all the junk food and caffeine-loaded beverages they’ve been consuming.

One industry consulting firm Beverage Marketing, says that energy drink sales have increased nearly 700% since 2001. 262 million gallons of energy drinks were consumed in the US throughout 2007 Energy drinks are also very popular in other countries, many countries within Europe and Australia. Some energy drink companies have added up to 300 mg of caffeine to their drinks, whereas the average cup of coffee contains approximately 80 mg. An average 8 oz energy drink usually has 80 mg of caffeine. Energy drinks containing mostly sugar and caffeine are harmful

Instead of drinking an energy drink that’s loaded with sugar and caffeine, young people can have a healthy energy drink like Verve drink and get energy from natural ingredients. Some of the nutrients to look out for in a healthy drink are vitamins, minerals, and other exotic things such as mangosteen juice and green tea. Vitamins are not stored in the body, so to avoid vitamin deficiencies, they should be stored regularly. Most commonly, B1 to B12 will assist in improving the immune system, supporting metabolism and increasing energy levels, which is why B vitamins are often added to energy drinks.

Minerals are also a good nutrient to have in an energy drink, because the body can’t naturally produce minerals, so it often craves for them. Exotic fruits like the mangosteen fruit are another nutrient to look out for, because it has a very high amount of antioxidants, other essential nutrients and restorative properties. As you can see, it’s sensible to look at what’s inside the can of an energy drink, before drinking it, so you can drink something healthy and get natural energy, while staying healthy and well.

Healthy energy drinks still have the energy blend in addition to the healthy ingredients, so you get the almost instant boost that you’re looking for. The Verve energy is extra healthy because it contains a natural energy blend, plus vitamins, minerals, mangosteen, green tea and aloe vera.

Oh Nuts Going All Out For The Nutrition Of Nuts

July 15, 2008 By: blogger Category: Nutrition 2 Comments →

It wasn’t very long ago that nuts were feared. – They were considered a dieting disaster, with far too high a fat and calorie content to be anything but bad for you! Recently though, extensive studies have shown that the opposite is actually the case. – Nuts are incredible for the human body. Recently there have been many health discoveries showing that nuts are a wonderful protein source that are great for everyone, and should be added to our diets.

Yes, nuts do contain plenty of fat and calories, - About 200 calories per ounce – but this is a rather deceptive number, as they aren’t nearly as fattening as they might seem on the surface. Almost all of the fat nuts contain are either polyunsaturated or monounsaturated. – Two forms of fat that not only don’t contribute nearly as much to weight gain as others, but actually can help to lower LDL cholesterol levels! And considering today’s emphasis on eating heart-healthy foods, this is a great find. Studies have shown that nuts are actually very good for the heart, and the general consensus is that a person who has a diet that includes eating nuts on a regular basis has a 35% lower risk of having heart disease in the future!

Nuts are plentiful sources of protein. Proteins are necessary for the body’s day-to-day function, and are also difficult to obtain in a vegetarian diet, because most plants only contain pieces of proteins. Nuts, however, are sources of complete proteins, making them a wonderful addition to vegetarian diet, but also ideal for a cardiovascular-minded diet. Unlike meats and other conventional producers of protein, nuts are actually beneficial for the heart instead of being damaging.

Nuts are terrific sources of energy. Protein is an important ingredient for energy, and when combined with the other minerals in nuts make them perfect for providing longer, more constant energy levels. In addition to proteins, nuts also happen to rich in the powerful antioxidants selenium and vitamin E. Anti-oxidants have recently been identified as having powerful anti-aging effects on the body due to their ability to block the damage caused by free-radicals, substances that contribute to early aging.

Studies have shown that, interestingly, all forms of nuts seem to have the same benefits for the body. While there is no evidence pointing to any particular nut being the most beneficial, the most effective nuts are generally believed to be cashews, almonds and peanuts. A healthy amount to be consumed on a daily basis is about one to two ounces. This provides the body with the maximum amount of benefit, while cutting down as much as possible the high calorie levels. The only downside to nuts, in fact, seems to be that it can be difficult to eat only a handful or so a day; most people instead seem to continue munching on them once they’ve passed the two ounce-a-day limit.

Knowledge about these tasty little snacks has morphed immensely over the years as research has shown that nuts are actually good for us. By adding a small serving of nuts to your daily life, you can help improve your health and well being immensely. – Especially the health of your most important organ, the heart. Keep in mind that nuts still are considered a high calorie food, and that instead of adding them to your diet, it’s best to substitute them for another, less healthy food instead. Nuts used to be considered a food that everybody should avoid, but with extensive research and a growing knowledge of nutrition, we’ve come to learn that in actuality, everyone should be eating them as long as they don’t go overboard!

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Verve Energy Drink And Your Health

July 12, 2008 By: blogger Category: Nutrition No Comments →

If a health drink contains natural energy from nutrients, along with an energy blend, it will provide longer lasting energy. Energy drinks can be found everywhere, from supermarkets to health stores to gas stations Some of these drinks contain additional nutrients to improve health, others are just very high caffeine beverages, and there are others which are enhanced fruit juices.

an extra boost of energy when they’re feeling tired, whether it’s the traditional coffee or tea, or some kind of drink with an energy blend. Over the last 20 years or so energy drinks came into existence, and a lot of these are just soft drinks with Guarana or Caffeine added to them . People of all different ages drink coffee and tea, but it’s usually younger people who prefer energy drinks. .

The caffeine found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks, has the benefit of increasing the metabolic rate and stimulating the nervous system. . Guaranine, which is found within the Guarana seed, is nearly identical to caffeine. The Guarana seed is believed by nutritionists, to be supportive for weight control, fatigue and athletic performance.

Those energy drinks which contain very high sugar content, only result in short lived energy because when the sugar leaves the bloodstream, there is no energy left. Recently, many of the energy drinks are being made with an artificial sweetener instead of the sugar.

Energy drinks differ enormously in the ingredients they contain. . Extra vitamins are added to some, and others have some natural ingredients like Ginseng and Yerba Mate. Many of the energy drinks contain B Vitamins - Red Bull, HiroEnergy and Monster Energy. Verve energy drink is a new kind of energy drink on the market and is actually a whole food supplement with an energy blend. The Verve Drink is a very healthy drink because it contains mangosteen, aloe vera, minerals, vitamins and green tea, in addition to the energy blend, which includes Guarana.

Depending on the nutrients, the body’s immune system should be supported, as well as the cardiovascular system, and this will assist in the prevention of illness. ) The body’s immune system and cardiovascular system will also be supported, which will help prevent illnesses. Antioxidants, which help prevent damage to the body, caused by over exercise, dirty air, stress and environmental pollutants, are also contained within some nutrients. Certain healthy energy drinks can be taken by athletes without affecting their performance. The label on the energy drink should always be read, so that you know what ingredients are contained within it, especially if you’re a professional sportsperson. Go here to find out more about the Verve energy drink supplement facts

What Exactly Is Nutrition Focused Exam And Nutrition Information Found Here

July 09, 2008 By: blogger Category: Nutrition 4 Comments →

A Nutrition Exam is encompassing of all the data from the client or patient or setting that is available. The areas of data collection include the client history, their food history, anthropometric measurements, and available biochemical data as well as medical test and procedure data. After review of this information nutritional insult or risk may be flagged that would lead a health care professional to further examination of the patient for nutrition-focused physical findings and possibly more in depth subjective information.

The practitioner may decide to do a full or a Focused Health Informationphysical exam depending on the data collected, the symptoms and diseases of the client and the referrals of other health care providers. If a person has blood work that suggests an iron deficiency (low hemoglobin and hematacrit with a high red blood cell distribution width and a low mean cell volume) the practitioner could be focused in looking for signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia such as pale nails, pale everted lower eyelids or a pale tongue or koilynchcia. On the other hand if a person is a known, longstanding alcoholic who eats poorly, the practitioner may suspect general undernutrition or malnutrition and look for signs of malnutrition in general as well as those specific to alcoholism.

The Nutrition Focused Exam exam time is a great time to spend visiting with the client and asking about possible symptoms, about an unusual finding, about their appetite or foods that most appeal to them. A great way to start a conversation is to lead in with, “Tell me about . . . . . “ or “How long have you had . . . . “. Most people appreciate your spending time with them regarding their concerns.

On the other hand the whole process may be new to most clients so it is best to ask them if it would be okay to check them for signs of nutritional concern. Most people don’t object to a “check up” and will agree. I think I have only had one person in my years of dietetics who refused and his wishes were granted.

That said, most people are more than happy to cooperate with a nutrition physical examination. During this time you are looking for lesions that aren’t normally there, for things that are missing that should be there and for any negative situations that would influence nutrition. Let me give you some examples. We’ll start with lesions that are there that aren’t “normal”, things that shouldn’t be there. Examples might be a goiter, ecchymosis, or pitting edema. They can all be caused by nutrient deficiency or be nutrition related. What you are doing is gathering pieces of the puzzle.

Lets’ go on to nutrition-related or nutrient deficiency-caused things that are missing next. Missing affect, missing color (pale nails or tongue), or patches of hair that are missing would all be examples of things that should be there but aren’t. Once discovered missing, finding the etiology of the problem is the next challenge. It may take asking questions, further tests, a referral or nutrient treatment with follow up and monitoring.

Going on to negative situations, some examples might be dental debris that clearly shouts “lack of oral cares” or missing teeth that prevent proper chewing and therefore limit the variety of foods a client can or will eat. Whatever the case, the challenge is “fixing what can be fixed” or, in other words, looking for the solution to the problem with the most important person on the health care team, the client. The nutrition physical exam is like a mystery, you as the health care practitioner are the investigator. Are you up to the challenge?

New Nutrition Examfocused Health Exam Website Just Released

July 08, 2008 By: blogger Category: Nutrition 5 Comments →

Come on in and learn about performing a nutrition-focused physical exam as part of your data collection in completing a Nutrition Assessment of your client, patient, or resident. This site is a free Nutrition Exam Focused Exam Site with Information, Member Profiles, Site Contributors, Learning Tutorials. I would love it if you would join the site and help build the community with your Nutrition Knowledge and Nutrition Focused Exam Questions. This is an active community with plans for Nutrition Nutrition Focused Exam Content and Videos being added all the time.

There are a variety of different levels of knowledge and skills with performance of a Health Exam physical exam. You need to determine where you fit into the NFE topic. Your learning of the subject can then become more effective.

NFE Newbie:
♦ You need to learn the general process
♦ You have heard some of the lesion terms but don’t know exactly how to identify them or how they relate to nutritional deficiencies
♦ Student or intern

NFE Beginner:
♦ You probably know the general process of NFE
♦ You stumble across nutrient-based lesions on a regular basis
♦ You could probably explain the some of the basics of NFE to others %Video1%

NFE Intermediate:
♦ You know the NFE process and have performed it many times
♦ You can often identify lesions upon introducing yourself to the client
♦ You have several resources on hand to help you in making lesion and nutrient-related decisions

NFE Advanced:
♦ You know what corneal arcus, petechiae, corkscrew hair, Casal’s Necklace and koilonychia mean and the most probable nutrient deficiencies connected with each
♦ You probably work in a nutrition-focused physical exam environment every day
♦ You probably have been a mentor to others or had a good NFE mentor yourself

Take a minute to determine your NFE skill level before we move on.
This web site and the resources it provides were developed for the Newbie to Intermediate skill levels. Everyone who works with NFE can probably learn something but Advanced NFE performers probably know most of this information like “the color of their tongue”.

One last note:
Occasionally I will get an email from an expert telling me that there are exceptions to this or to that. Usually I agree with them. I have tried to present how I learned NFE and how I use the information I have learned in practice. Think of it a guide for those wanting to get started in NFE rather than a scientific analysis of the subject. My reason for the web site is to help teach those wishing to gain some skills and knowledge in the area of performing a nutrition-focused physical exam.

Live A Healthier Life And Start With Your Veggies

June 22, 2008 By: blogger Category: Nutrition No Comments →

What is the healthiest vegetable? Upon doing some research the other day, it certainly seems that very few people can decide on exactly what the healthiest vegetable is. I found it amusing to see numerous sources all citing something different, everything from onions to collard greens to swiss chard. While many people have varying opinions on the healthiest vegetable, there is one thing we can all agree on: They all have their great, health-producing benefits. Here today we’ll list ten vegetables that by adding to your diet you can drastically improve your health!

1. Collard Greens. Collard greens are well known by many to be very nutritious. With their large, dark green leaves they are not only quite pretty but also extremely good for you. The leaves of this plant are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin E, and calcium. They also contain diindolylmethane, sulforaphane and selenium, nutrients shown to have anti-cancer properties. They have been used in plenty of anti-cancer research, and are thought to be able to help reduce the occurrences of many types of cancer.

2. Onions. Onions have been shown to have great health-promoting benefits. Onions contain a flavanoid (Antioxidant) called “quercetin”. Quercetin has been found to be the most active of the flavanoids. Containing not only antioxidants that fight free radical damage, it has also been shown to have incredible anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.

3. Red Peppers. (Bell peppers) Bell peppers are gorgeous no matter what color they come in, and are commonly used not only for their great taste but also their colorful accents to food. Because of their large amounts of folic acid and vitamin B6, they have been shown to have great effect on reducing your risk for stroke and heart-related illness. As well as containing plenty of vitamins C and A. They also have tons of antioxidants, making them another veggie perfect for cutting down on free radical damage and the effects of aging.

4. Sweet Potatoes. Sweet potatoes are great for their variety. They’re sweet enough so that with a bit of brown sugar or cinnamon you can have a very tasty sweet food, but also vegetable-like enough that you can mash them up or put them in a chowder, really whatever you can think of. They are yet another vegetable brimming with antioxidants. – Vitamin C and beta-carotene to be exact. They also have plenty of fiber, calcium, iron, and protein.

5. Broccoli. Besides being rich in vitamins A and C, broccoli has sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is really one of broccoli’s biggest secret weapons. – It’s an anti-cancer compound that really charges and stimulates your cells to create enzymes that help fight cancer. It’s an amazing anti-cancer food.

6. Carrots. Everybody knows that carrots help improve your vision. The cause of this is beta-carotene, which the human body converts into vitamin A. Lack of vitamin A can lead to poor eyesight and by consuming it one can improve their vision. Carrots are also a good source of dietary fiber and Vitamin K. Carrots are very tasty and can be eaten in many different ways, raw, cooked, or in your favorite smoothie or juice blend!

7. Eggplants. Eggplants are not only good for you; they’re extremely low in calories, making them a great diet food. They’re a great source of fiber, copper, Vitamin B1, and potassium. The skin of the eggplant also contains plenty of antioxidants, and studies have shown it can help reduce risks of heart-related medical problems.

8. Spinach. While spinach’s fame comes from its supposed “amazingly high” iron content, the truth is that while spinach does have an above average amount of iron in it, it has many other nutritional benefits that are just as important if not more so. It has plenty of magnesium, vitamin E, vitamin A and vitamin C, making it a very nutritionally dense vegetable. It may not make you as strong as Popeye, but it will definitely improve your health!

9. Celery. It is my belief that celery, more often than not, is thought of as “rabbit food” or food you really only eat when you’re trying to lose weight as a substitute for more fattening snacks. While it is true, the calorie content of celery is incredibly low; it’s actually quite surprising at just how nutritious this bright green vegetable really is! It’s loaded up with potassium, calcium, vitamins C and A, and magnesium! That’s a lot of great nutritional benefits, and there’s so many fun ways it can be prepared, especially for snacking.

10. Asparagus. Asparagus is a great source of vitamin E and potassium. It also contains glutathione, an antioxidant shown to have great cancer-fighting benefits, and an antioxidant called rutin, known to strengthen the capillary walls. It is also a good source of fiber and vitamin B6.

We all want to live healthier, more fulfilling lives, and fortunately that can be as easy as tossing a few healthy veggies into your diet. Of course, while we’ll probably always have differing opinions on the “healthiest”, there’s no question that every one of these vegetables is great for you!

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