The Things I Love About Apples

As a child, I loved apples. My father the healthy eating commissioner of our household,made sure that our home was always stocked with fruits, 100% juices and vegetables. It was a way of life for us and as a parent, I made sure that my children developed a love for the healthy foods. Well, getting back to the love of apples, it began with the colors. It helped that my favorite color was red and I enjoyed the crunch of the apple. Apples as you know have a variety of colors and are tasty from sweet to tart or just plain. The saying an apple a day keeps the doctor away actually has some truth to it.

According to the United States Drug and Food Administration funded study, apples have been found to benefit in the following areas:
* lowers (LDL) bad cholesterol
* increases (HDL) the good cholesterol
* good source of fiber pectin
* good source of antioxidants
* contains small amounts of potassium
* aids in weight loss

Further research studies have indicated that there is a correlation between apples and reducing/preventing some cancers, brain health (Alzheimer's disease), heart diseases, lung diseases and strokes.

One of my favorite apple treats as a child was the candy apple. Of course, I had it on a few occasions. It was the treat I ate at an amusement park, circus or a day at the museum. Unlike today with it's fancy dressings, my candy apple was simply coated with lots of sugar. As I promote the great benefits of apples, I would love to say that candy coated apples are exempt from the above references as its trimmings can cause quite a bit of health complications - especially if it is consumed often.

My love for apples took on a whole new turn as I had my first taste of apple pie as an adult. My father in-law made the most delicious pies ever. He would make his pies using the apples from his apple tree and they were so delicious, I wish I could have shared it with you. As the holidays approaches, and as we continue to enjoy the delicious treats of apples, from hot apple ciders to apple pies - keep in mind that everything must be enjoyed in moderation. Go out to the local farmers market or your produce stand and purchase some apples - get to improving on your health and wellness.

Have You Heard the Good News?

The word on the health scene is that there is a health product that has the potential to burn fat, lower cholesteral, prevents diabetes and stroke, fights cancer, heart disease and staves off dementia - do you know what it is?

Hint:

If your answer was green tea, then you are correct. It seems as though green tea has burst on the tea scene lately with much fan fare within the health and wellness community. Well, based on the benefits that are linked with green tea, how could you not want get in on it?

Although there are few human studies were conducted, the impressive outcomes indicates studies that drinking at least two cups of green tea daily inhibits cancer growth. Furthermore, the studies conducted in China shows that the consumption of green tea has reduced the risk of developing colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and stomach cancer.

In a study that involved 500 Japanese men and women, researchers found that drinking at least four cups of green tea every day may be related to the reduced severity of coronary heart disease among the male participants.

A Dutch study of more than 3,000 men and women found that the more green tea consumed, the less severe the clogging of the heart's blood vessels, more so in women.

Health experts all agree that green tea has important antioxidants and compounds that help in maintaining good health. Green tea's antioxidants are dilators because they improve the flexibility of blood vessels and make them less vulnerable to clogging. Clogging is not good as it complicates the circulatory process and prevents the proper flow/functioning of the internal mechanics.

Green tea and its extract have been shown to fight obesity and lower LDL which is the "bad" cholesterol. Obesity and high cholesterol are risk factors for diabetes and heart disease. Studies in both the Dutch and Japanese shows that those who drank green tea had positive weight loss outcomes. Case in point, there was a study with 240 Japanese men and women who were given varying amounts of green tea extracts and those who got the highest amount lost both fat and weight, it also had lowered their blood pressure and LDL.

Now here's the great news!! Delta Labs has taken to the lab and formulated the Green Tea Plus. They have used natural herbs, a safe method that speeds up your metabolism and also helps you to lose weight. Exciting isn't it? Well, you can have a chance to win your very own bottle of Green Tea + by sending an email to nutrition@solutionshealthnwellness.com Tell us how you are working to improve on your health and wellness.

If you are under the care of a physician with specific chronic/health issues, please discuss with your health care team before using any products. Even though we may promote something as being good for you, it may not be GOOD for YOU as it relates to your current health status.

Antioxidants - the benefits

Antioxidants are known to protect your cells from free radicals. Free radicals damages the cells as they are molecules that are produced when your body breaks down food, also when you are exposed to the pollutants in the environment. Free radicals are linked to diseases such as cancer, heart disease and many others.

Here are the foods that contains antioxidants:

Poultry
Fish
Some Meats
Fruits
Vegetables
Nuts
Grains

What substances are found in antioxidants?

Vitamin A - liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, milk, egg yolks and mozzarella cheese. Retinol (Vitamin A1), 3,4-didehydroretinol (Vitamin A2), and 3-hydroxy-retinol (Vitamin A3).

Vitamin C - also known as ascorbic acid is found in fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin E - is found in almonds, in many oils including wheat germ, safflower, corn and soybean oils, and also found in mangos, nuts, broccoli and other foods.

Beta-carotene - foods that are orange in color, including sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, squash, apricots, pumpkin, and mangos. Some green leafy vegetables including collard greens, spinach, and kale are also rich in beta-carotene.

Lutein - green leafy vegetables such as collard greens, spinach, and kale (all linked to healthy eyes).

Lycopene- tomatoes, watermelon, guava, papaya, apricots, pink grapefruit, blood oranges, and other foods.

Selenium - is a component of antioxidant enzymes. Plant foods like rice and wheat are the major dietary sources of selenium in most countries. Meats and bread are also common sources of dietary selenium specifically in the United States.

Be informed -make healthy choices!