flavonoids

You all know I am all about increasing my intake of flavonoids. Since it is better to eat your antioxidants than to take supplements, I heartily suggest we all eat more organic tomatoes.

A new study published recently in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" found that organic tomatoes produce almost double the amount of flavonoids compared with conventionally grown tomatoes. Flavonoids are a type of antioxidant known to be beneficial for reducing high blood pressure, lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke.

There are a couple of theories as to why this is so. Most scientists think it has to do with the soil in which the tomatoes are grown. Organic tomatoes are grown without conventional nitrogen fertilizers and flavonoids are produced by the tomatoes as a defense mechanism triggered by nutrient deficiency, such as a lack of nitrogen in the soil.

So go for it. Spend a little extra dough and buy some organic tomatoes while they are in season. I have always found organic tomatoes to be tastier.

What is your favorite way to eat fresh tomatoes? Tell me in the comments section below.

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I don't know about you, but I really do love chocolate and rarely need an excuse to indulge. Since there is new research suggesting that dark chocolate (my favorite) helps lower blood pressure I might not need to rationalize my small indulgences any longer.

German scientists found that eating a tiny square of dark chocolate every night before bed, lowered blood pressure. I just want to reiterate, that it is a "tiny square" of dark chocolate, not an entire bar of chocolate. Participants in the study ate one square -- 6.3 grams and 30 calories -- of a Ritter Sport Halbbitter, which is 50 percent cacao, every day for 18 weeks. The cool thing about this new study is that participants ate regular, ol' dark chocolate not some fancy pants, scientifically distilled, flavonoid enhanced cocoa.

It is thought that chocolate lowers blood pressure when cocoa flavanols spur the release of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow. I think it is super cool that my chocolate fix is helping to keep my blood pressure regulated. I think it is important to mention, when dealing with high blood pressure, chocolate may help but it is not the only answer. It is just one element folks can use to manage hypertension.

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The belief that pesticides do not have an effect on nutrients in foods, is being seriously challenged.

Recent news from an EU funded project has found that organic fruits contained more Vitamin C than their non-organic counterparts. Specifically researchers found that organic carrots, apples and peaches contained higher levels of vitamin C and flavonoids, an antioxidant. While last week, U.S. researchers revealed that organic kiwi fruit have significantly more vitamin C and polyphenols. If you're looking to up your vitamin C intake, you may want to go organic. Still confused about what organic products are worth the extra money? Then check out this post.

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If you want to drink tea for its health benefits, then don't add milk. New research found in the European Heart Journal has found that milk counteracts with tea, making the tea not so beneficial. The reason is due to a group of proteins in milk called caseins, which interact with tea, decreasing the concentration of catechin (the flavonoids in tea that are responsible for its protective effects against heart disease).

Fit's Tip: If you need something to enhance the taste and remove the bitterness, add fresh lemon and/or honey.