Eat A Red Apple Today

Do you know that today is Eat A Red Apple Day? Yep, it is celebrated on December 1st of every year.

It's just one of those made-up food holidays but there are a lot of good reasons why we should participate in this special day. And if you remember, there's a saying that goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. It is true because apples are nutritious. Not just any apple, though.

A group of Canadian researchers studied eight popular varieties of apple grown on the same farm under similar conditions. Their findings show that Red Delicious Apples, along with Northern Spy and Ida Red, might do a better job at keeping the doctor away because of the greater amount of disease-fighting antioxidants it contains.

They also found that polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that protect cells and body chemicals against damage caused by free radicals, reactive atoms that contribute to tissue damage in the body, are five times more prevalent in the skin than the flesh of the apples.

Here's the nutritional information of red delicious apple.



Furthermore, researchers at Cornell University in New York offer more reasons why you should include apple in your diet.

A study published in the December 1, 2004 issue of the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry say that quercetin, another powerful antioxidant abundant in apples, appears to protect brain cells against oxidative stress in rats. It is the same tissue-damaging process associated with Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative disorders.

In March, findings presented at the ACS national meeting in San Diego say that antioxidants found in apple extracts have the potential to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) by stimulating the production of LDL receptors in the liver, which help remove cholesterol from the blood.

A study published in the April 6, 2005 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry show that rats exposed to a known carcinogen and then fed the human equivalent of one, three or six apples a day respectively over 24 weeks were up to 44% less likely to develop breast tumors.

Fresh Red Delicious Apples are available from Washington around this time, but cold storage product is available the rest of the year, so you can have them all year round. They're excellent for eating fresh or in salads. However, they are not recommended for baking. If you don't want to eat them, then drink them! They're succulent and sweet making them an awesome juicing apple.

Image by little blue hen on Flickr. Some Rights Reserved

Easy Ways To Add Flaxseed To Your Diet

Flaxseed, also known as linseed, may be tiny-- but it's tasty and definitely worth a try. That's what I read from Reader's Digest August 2010 issue. And with a little bit of research, I was convinced that it should be part of our daily diet.

Despite its teeny-weeny size, flaxseed's disease-fighting credentials just got bigger. A new analysis of 28 studies have shown that it lowers total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, especially in postmenopausal women. This is possibly due to its high contents of:

• alpha linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-derived omega-3 fatty acid,


• fiber and,


• lignan, a type of phytoestrogen that acts as antioxidant.

Some recent research also shows that flaxseed may slow down the growth of breast tumors in women and prostate cancer in men.

Studies indicate that two to three tablespoons are needed to reap benefits. Cynthia Sass, author and nutritionist, shares her tips on how to include flaxseeds in your meals.

Add it to recipes Sneak in a tablespoon or two into pasta, casseroles, homemade biscuits, muffins and breads.




Keep it handy Keep a jar on the kitchen counter so it's convenient to sprinkle anytime on your cereal or salad. For optimal health benefits, the seeds should be ground before adding to your food.




Try an enriched food There are many flaxseed or linseed food products available in the market today.

Grab one now and enjoy its light, nutty flavor along with the essential fats, dietary fiber and antioxidants. I buy a bulk of whole organic flaxseeds and  just ground them as I need them. They easily get spoiled after they're ground, especially if not refrigerated. And although it's alright to eat the whole seeds as is, it is best to grind them to fully absorb the omega-3 and lignan nutrients. Otherwise, you will only benefit from the dietary fiber if the kernels pass through your digestive tract without being milled.

I've also learned that you can substitute flaxseed mixture for eggs in home baking. One tablespoon of milled flaxseed and three tablespoons of water is equal to one egg. The finished product will have less volume and will taste nuttier and gummier.

Image by healthtalkplus on Flickr. Some rights reserved.

3 Simple Ways To Celebrate Organic Harvest Month

September is National Organic Harvest Month as implemented by Organic Trade Association (OTA) to promote organic food and agriculture through regional and local events. It is also the time of the year ideal for consumers and retailers to celebrate the abundance of the organic harvest.

Different kinds of events and celebrations are organized  all throughout North America to highlight organic agriculture and the growing organic products industry. Everyone is called to participate, but if you can't find any event anywhere near your area, there are other ways that you can do to support the cause.

Wheatgrass Juice For Wellness

My husband and I went grocery shopping a few days ago and we passed by a booth that sells wheatgrass juice. I've heard about it before and all the good things that it can do for the body, so we decided to give it a try. Each of us had a 12 oz. wheatgrass shot with honey and I'd say, it didn't taste so bad. Although many say it tastes like grass that you chewed when you were young, to me it tasted pretty much like tea.

Anyway, here are the different nutrients and health benefits you can get from drinking wheatgrass juice.

Other Sources Of Omega-3 (That Is Not Fishy)

Omega-3 fatty acid, a nutritional element that can reduce blood pressure and help prevent heart disease, is present in all fishes and even more concentrated in some varieties such as mackerel, salmon, sardines and herring.

But what if you can't stand the smell and taste of fish?

Miranda Kerr on Nutrition

Miranda Kerr, an Australian supermodel who fascinated many people with her captivating blue eyes, cute dimples and amazing figure, talked about  the importance of healthy eating. She believes that it is the first step to looking good and feeling good about yourself.

Miranda tells E! how she maintains her amazing body.

"The first step is eating healthy," Miranda told me. "I predominantly eat organic when I can. I eat extremely healthy because when I do, I have more energy."

Her favorite healthy foods are spinach, avocado, lots of greens and broccoli. And guess what? This Victoria's Secret angel does splurge sometimes. She says, "I'm pretty much 80% healthy, 20% indulgent, because I don't believe in depriving yourself."

As for fitness, she does yoga, Pilates, and low-resistance weight training. Then she added, "I also like to go on the stepping machine if I'm a hotel and I can't get outside."

Here's a video of Miranda sharing her beauty secrets and talking about nutrition.

Image by Foz555 on Flickr

Tips To Get Your Kids To Eat Healthy

Summer is going to be over soon and the kids are back to school. As a child, I remember my mom waking up early in the morning to pack a healthy lunch for me and my brother. And if I were to be a mom, I'll definitely do the same thing. So, I totally understand how important it is for moms that their kids eat healthy in school.

However, I am also aware how challenging it is to get the children to eat healthy even at home. How much more if they're in school? Moms will never know what happens in the cafeteria (lunch swaps or foods thrown to the trash can). If children don't like what's in their lunchbox, they're not going to eat it. And they will find ways not to leave an evidence of an uneaten food.

If it is important for you to get your kids to eat healthy and nutritious food and make it their habit, the following tips would be very helpful.

An Egg A Day Is Okay

Eggs have gotten a bad rap because of their yolks that are known to be rich in fat and cholesterol. We've been told to avoid them because foods that contain cholesterol increase our risk of heart disease. That's why many health conscious people have switched to egg-substitute products. With the promise of "zero cholesteterol" on the labels of these products, no wonder people buy it.

The truth is, foods that trigger inflammation in the body are sugars, refined grains, trans fats and other processed foods. Dietary cholesterol is not the major source of many health issues. And definitely, eggs are not the real problem. In fact, eggs are a good source of healthy fats, protein, vitamins and minerals that will support your body's health and is guaranteed safe to eat.

Avocados For A Flat Belly

I've heard and read articles about avocados being able to help lose belly fat and boy, was I glad to see them in the market!

Here's how the avocado works to help you lose that belly bulge:

• Avocado is rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat responsible for reducing cholesterol and risks of heart diseases.


• Blood sugar peaks signal your body to store fat around your midsection, while monounsaturated fats, found heavily in avocados, stop this.

And guess what? It does not only remove the heavy bulge you can see around your waist, also the dangerous fat stored in your intestines.

But really, who would've thought that the answer to a flat belly is fat? That's why I don't blame people if they don't buy it.

As for me, I'm already starting to choose the kinds of healthy fats I can safely eat. It's not about "low fat" anymore, but going for the "good fat," instead.

Having an avocado for a snack or dessert is a yummy way to begin a flat belly diet, don't you think?

Here's more! I learned from a friend that avocado is called butter pear in India. Why not? It's texture is butter-y and it is shaped like a pear. Must be a British thing! :)

Image by Jason Alley on Flickr

Sugaring: Best Hair Removal Method

Summer presents great opportunity for many to show some skin. You're probably among those who can't wait to show off their new bikini. However, unwanted hair gets in the way for most women when trying to show some skin. That’s why many hair removal products are available in the market these days, as well as different hair removal techniques are being introduced. But, it is best to do it the natural way to avoid possible skin damage and health risks. Some of the popular natural methods are shaving, plucking, waxing and sugaring. I’ve tried all of them, but there’s only one that I became comfortable with – sugaring.

Healthy BBQ Diet Tips

The bright weather during summer makes it awesome to celebrate with barbecue parties, not to mention, 4th of July this coming weekend. Talk about perfect time to have fun outdoors with family and friends. However, before you get too excited about it, remember that you have to keep that beach-worthy bikini body you have slim and healthy. So, don't get carried away with the delicious array of foods, grilled or not during barbecues and weekend/holiday cookouts.

Let me present to you the Summer BBQ Survival Guide from SheKnows. The following diet tips will help you stay slim and proud to bare your sexy body throughout the summer months.

1. VEG OUT

• Load up on salad and veggies before you hit the grilled meats.


• Make eating your veggies convenient and grill them in aluminum foil alongside the other grilled goodies.

2. HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE

• Drink a large glass of water before eating a meal.

3. GO SKINLESS

• Remove the skin from chicken and turkey.


• Choose skinless ground poultry meat for your burgers.


• Check the label and choose the poultry that is lowest in fat.

4. WATCH YOUR ALCOHOL

• Drink a glass of water in between each serving of alcohol to reduce alcohol intake.


• Eat a few bites of protein for every beer or glass of wine you drink to balance out the carbs.

5. DON'T LET THE NAME "SALAD" FOOL YOU

• Avoid potato and macaroni salads unless they are chock-full of chopped veggies and have been made with a low-fat dressing.


• Still, don’t overindulge on the carb-heavy fare.

6. USE WHOLE WHEAT BUNS

• And, eat your burger open-faced (one half of a bun) to even out your protein and carbohydrate ratio.


• Substitute pita bread for hot dog and burger buns.

7. USE YOUR HAND TO DETERMINE PORTION CONTROL

• Size of hand: Carbohydrates (complex carbohydrates like whole grain buns, pasta, brown rice, etc.)


• Size of palm: Protein including chicken, fish, beef, turkey, egg whites, low fat cheeses, and tofu


• Size of thumb: Fats and oils, nuts, avocado and olives

8. THINK FISH

• Try tuna steaks and salmon fillets – they hold up to grilling and are packed with lean protein.

9. DON'T DEPRIVE YOURSELF

• if you’re craving a cheeseburger, make a small meat patty and eat your burger open-faced with healthy sides like salad and grilled veggies.

10. GET MOVING

• When you’re finished eating, get up and play! Just step away from the picnic table.


• A game of horseshoes, Frisbee or bocce ball will help you burn extra calories and give you a fun way to bond with your family and friends.

In addition, I would like to share how to spice up your BBQs and burgers in a way that will minimize cancer-causing substances produced in flame-grilling meat at high temperatures. Simply add rosemary to meat and patties before grilling. It will neutralize compounds before they turn into harmful substances. If you don't like rosemary, simply mix thyme, chopped apples, sage, cherries, garlic or even pineapples.  They work just as well.

Another tip is to cook your meats at a lower temperature and turn them frequently on the grill. You see, it's not just about what you cook, but how you cook them, as well.

Image by mmmmmrob on Flickr

Reduce Sun Damage Without Using Sunscreens

We all want to look great all year round, especially during this season when the bright summer sun is inviting us outdoors. However, flashing your lovely and sensitive skin in your new swimsuit under the sun will do harm to your skin and body more than what you might have imagined.If you do not know yet, the ultraviolet rays from the sun form free radicals in the skin causing damage and putting you at a high risk for skin diseases and cancer. It is important that we learn how to protect our skin from the sun the natural and healthy way, by which I mean without exposing ourselves to the dangers of harmful chemicals and toxins from sunscreen products.

Make Your Own Cucumber Water

Say hello to cucumber water. It is officially my new favorite summer drink!

Cucumber water is not too sweet nor tart like the classic lemonade and other sugary beverages. Rather, it is less flavorful, absolutely refreshing and easy to make. I definitely prefer something fresh, less sweet and something that I can do on my own.

Aside from that, cucumbers are also nutritious. They contain vitamin C and caffeic acid, antioxidants that are responsible for protecting your skin from sun damage. So perfect for the summer! While vitamin C boosts collagen and elastin, which keeps your skin looking vibrant, caffeic acid provides protection to your skin from the harmful UV radiation. You will also benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties and its natural ability to help prevent water retention.

Easy Steps To Start A Weight Loss Plan

It is often the first step that is the hardest when beginning a weight loss plan. Moreover, changing your lifestyle into a healthy one is not going to be easy if you are not used to making healthy choices at all times.

You are not alone, but there's still something you can do to be better and healthier. Accept that fact that following a weight loss plan is a difficult challenge. However, let it not stop you from working your way to achieving a fit and healthy body. If you've eaten a chocolate cake yesterday or had donuts for breakfast, don't sweat it. Just start now and make the healthy change right away because that's all that you have. Think only of what you can do now to be fit and be better.