FitSugar

What's the Deal With Catechins?

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 04:30:00 -0700

I know the word catechins sounds like a furry underwater sea anemone, but it's actually a type of flavonoid, which are compounds known for their antioxidant properties. Soy products, wine, citrus fruits, and tea are great sources of flavonoids. They're big in the health world because they're believed to help lower cholesterol, prevent cataracts, and have anti-cancer abilities. Catechins have been linked to a reduced risk of stroke, heart failure, cancer, and diabetes. When combined with regular exercise, catechins have also been shown to delay some forms of aging. This healthy compound can be found in green tea, black tea, Oolong tea, beans, grapes, apricots, apples, red wine, and chocolate. So be sure to include these in your diet. And don't forget to exercise, either.

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Berries For Weight Control?

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:30:00 -0700

As if I needed another reason to love the berries of Summer. Not only are they loaded with anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant, according to new research from Japan these mighty antioxidants may alter the activity of genes found in human-fat cells. In a completely separate study, mice fed anthocyanins (poor rodents didn't get to eat the actual berries) while eating a typically weight-inducing, hight-fat diet didn't gain weight. Researches surmised it was the berry-derived antioxidant.

I need no reductive reason to eat berries, but I find this research fascinating. Berries are a great part of any healthy diet since they are naturally sweet, low in calories, and high in both fiber and water. So berries, whatever their intense color – blue, black, red, or pink a – help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

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Food Review: Bossa Nova Açai Juice

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:45:00 -0700

Have you ever tried Bossa Nova Açai Juice ($3). In case you've never heard of açai (pronounced ah-sci-ee), they are small, dark purple berries that grow on palm trees found in the Brazilian rainforest. Recently, they have been called the "world's healthiest fruit," because they're so high in antioxidants and naturally low in sugar. Açai actually have 60 percent more antioxidants than pomegranate juice.

So how does this juice taste and compare nutritionally to other juices? To find out read more.

I tried the raspberry and mango flavors and loved them. Both flavors were light, refreshing, smooth, and delicious. They tasted sweet, but not obnoxiously sweet like some juices can be. They are very berry-like and are similar to cherry or a really mild cranberry juice.

Nutritionally speaking, since pomegranate juice is also high in antioxidants, I compared this juice to POM Blueberry Pomegranate Juice and Naked Pomegranate Açai Juice. Check out the results.

	8 oz. Bossa Nova Raspberry Açai Juice	8 oz. POM Blueberry Pomegranate Juice	8 oz. Naked Pomegranate Açai Juice
Calories	89	160	160
Total Fat	0g	0g	1g
Sodium	13mg	20mg	30mg
Carbs	23g	39g	36g
Fiber	0g	0g	0g
Sugar	18g	33g	31g
Protein	0g	0g	1g

Wow. That's a huge difference in calories and sugar, isn't it? Those other juices definitely are tasty, but Bossa Nova açai juice is so much lower in calories, sugars, sodium, and carbs that the healthier option is obvious. Have you tried it yet? If so tell me what you think in the comments section below.

Give Your Green Tea a Boost With Citrus

FitSugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:00:00 -0700

In case you were feeling like your green tea wasn't already healthy enough, scientists have found a way to make the wonder juice even healthier. According to research, adding citrus juices to green tea may increase catechins - antioxidants believe to be responsible for green tea's health benefits- levels by more than five times, while vitamin C boosted absorbable levels of catechins by up to 13 times. So moral of the story? Think about squeezing a little lemon into your green tea tomorrow. Not only will it add a little extra flavor to your tea, but you'll be boosting its antioxidant power as well.

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What's the Deal With: Goji Berries?

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:45:00 -0700

The Inappropriate Yoga Guy video on Giggle, always cracks me up. I love when the guy hums and says "Goji BERRIES!"

Very funny to me, but I wanted the back story on this little berry. Why are Goji berries so popular? I was inspired to do a little research and here is what I found.

Goji berries, also called wolfberries, grow in regions of China, Mongolia, and the Himalayas in Tibet. They're part of the nightshade family that includes peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes. Fresh ripe goji berries can be hard to track down, so people usually eat them dried. Similar in appearance to raisins, the dried berries have a tangy slightly sweet and sour taste.

These berries are rich in antioxidants and have been used by herbalists in China for over 6,000 years. They're believed to protect the liver, help eyesight, improve sexual function and fertility, strengthen the legs, boost the immune system, improve circulation, and promote longevity.

Are Goji berries really that nutritionally dense? To find out read more

Goji berries and goji juice are hitting stores, and marketing is making huge claims about their nutritional value and powers. The thing is though, there isn't much scientific research to back it up. Only 2 studies have been published about goji berries and their effects on humans. One study found that goji extract may help to prevent the growth of cancer cells, but this says nothing about the increasingly popular Goji juice or tea.

Call me skeptical, but I feel like more research definitely needs to be done. If I were you, I wouldn't rush to your local health food store for some goji berries just yet.

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Healthy Recipe: Blueberry Chicken Salad

FitSugar — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 13:30:00 -0700

Blueberries are low in calories and high in antioxidants, so they definitely fall into the super food category. I always throw a few on my cereal when I have them off hand, but I never thought about throwing them in a salad too.

That is why when I found this blueberry chicken salad recipe, I just had to share it with you all. Especially since it sounds tasty along with being healthy and rich in antioxidants!

Blueberry Chicken Salad
via msn.com

What you need:

4 cups sliced Belgian endive (about 2 large heads)
1 cup gourmet salad greens
1 1/2 cups chopped roasted skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp chopped pecans, toasted

Dressing:
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp honey
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

What you do:

Combine first four ingredients in large bowl.
Make the dressing in a separate bowl, combine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper; stir with whisk.
Add dressing to endive mixture; toss gently.
Sprinkle with cheese and pecans.

Yield: 4 servings

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Blueberries: In Season and So Good For You

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 10:15:00 -0700

What is not to love about the blueberry? Low in calories and high in antioxidants, blueberries definitely fall into the super food category.

Blueberries are high in antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanidins. You may not be able to pronounce that word, but let me tell you what it does. This antioxidant is an anti-bacterial pigment, which has a beneficial effect on blood vessels and the treatment of varicose veins. Blueberries also contain tannins, which act as astringents in the digestive system to reduce inflammation. Blueberries also promote urinary tract health, since they contain the same compounds found in cranberries.

Personally, I like blueberries just about any way you can serve them: fresh and unadulterated straight out of the basket, on cereal, in muffins, distilled into a compote and ladled over ~~ice cream~~ whole wheat pancakes. This delicious berry is in season right now, so get them while they are tasty and affordable.

Tell me, do you love blueberries? If so what is your favorite way to enjoy them - tell me in the comments section below.

Eat Kale: Leafy Greens in Honor of St. Patty's Day

FitSugar — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 07:00:00 -0700

Since St. Patrick's Day is March 17th, why not eat something that's green and loaded with good stuff (instead of the green bagels like they have at my bakery)?

Kale is a member of the same family that you'll find broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, and cauliflower in, so you know it has got to be good for you. Not only is kale healthy, it's considered to be one of the most highly nutritious vegetables, with powerful immune-boosting antioxidants, as well as a unique rich flavor.

Although you can find this beautiful leafy green vegetable throughout the year, it is in season, and the sweetest tasting from mid-winter through the beginning of spring.

Why is kale so nutritious? It contains something called phytonutrients that may prevent cancer, because they can help to neutralize potentially carcinogenic substances in your body. Kale is also known for its health benefits for your eyes and lungs.

Its deep green color lets you know that kale is an excellent source of all the basic nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and manganese. It is also a very good source of dietary fiber, calcium, copper, and potassium. This combination of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients makes kale a vegetable celebrity.

Fit's Tips: Raw kale can have a tough texture and bitter taste. You can lightly steam a few leaves and eat it plain, or add a little dressing and some sesame seeds to it. Or you can rip up the leaves and sauté them with other veggies in a stir-fry.

Want to know how you can get your very own "Eat More Kale" shirt? Then read more

Check out these t-shirts that say "Eat More Kale." They're handmade in Vermont and you can order them from the EatMoreKale.com website. They have women's, kid's, and men's short and long sleeve shirts. They cost $18 - 28.

The Magical Peppercorn

FitSugar — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 16:30:00 -0800

Black pepper comes from the berries of the pepper plant which are picked and then left to dry (that's why they look all shriveled up). Black pepper, green pepper, and white pepper actually come from the same plant - the different colors represent different stages in development.

Black pepper stimulates the taste buds in such a way that it alerts your stomach to increase hydrochloric acid secretion, therefore improving digestion - consuming pepper can prevent heartburn and indigestion.

Black pepper is known as a carminitive - it helps prevent gas. It also promotes sweating and urination.

Salt's buddy has also been shown to have significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which are important for fighting disease and maintaining overall good health.

The outer layer of the peppercorn stimulates the breakdown of fat cells, keeping you slim while giving you energy to burn.

Wow - black pepper is magical.

Fit's Tips: Check out this electric pepper grinder from Williams-Sonoma. It even has a light so you can see how much pepper is on your food. It's a great gift idea for the pepper lover in your life (cost is $60).

Popcorn Hopping With Antioxidants

FitSugar — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:00:14 -0700

The list of super foods just got a little snackier: popcorn is loaded with antioxidants. We have known for a while now that blueberries and broccoli contain high amounts of disease-fighting micronutrients, but whole grains are also high in polyphenols that can help in the nutrition fight against cancer and heart disease. Even whole grain foods like cracker and cereals - especially those with added cinnamon and cocoa, which are both known for their beneficial antioxidant content - are high in polyphenols. The key word here is "whole grain."

Surprisingly, popcorn ranked highest in antioxidant content among snack foods. It can be considered a healthy snack if it's not coated with butter. It's still important to eat your veggies, since they're loaded with other nutrients as well. Go for a well-balanced diet and keep your carbs whole grain.