Berry Delicious!

Who doesn’t love munching on fresh berries? They’re the perfect snack for any kind of day, and you have options – Gotta love options!

Blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, blackberries or raspberries. Eat them separately or mix them up.

Berries are full of powerful nutrients that feed the body and fight disease, while satisfying the taste buds and belly. They are full of vitamins, fibre and antioxidants.

Benefits:

• Improve vision
• Improve memory
• Lowers blood cholesterol levels
• Reduces the risk of arthritis
• Protects the brain and central nervous system
• Helps slow down neural aging and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease
• Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes
• Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
• Aids in constipation and digestive conditions
• Cranberries and blueberries contain a substance that may prevent bladder infections
• Slows aging 
• Reduces body fat 
• The antioxidant compounds found in berries may even help reduce the severity of certain types if cancers by decreasing cellular growth and division in cancerous tumor

Interesting info:

One cup of strawberries contains over 100 mg of vitamin C. We need vitamin C for immune system function and for strong connective tissue. Strawberries also add a bit of calcium, magnesium, folate and potassium and only 53 calories

One cup of blueberries offers a smaller amount of vitamin C, minerals and phytochemicals for only 83 calories. The same amount of cranberries is similar, but with only 44 calories

One cup of raspberries offers vitamin C and potassium for 64 calories

Make sure to wash your berries properly...



Nutritionista's Recipe Corner:

I made this 'Berry Platter' for Nour's birthday. It tasted as good as it looks...

All you need is:
- Fresh mint leaves - Slice each leaf in half
- Sliced strawberries
- Blackberries
- Toothpicks

Stay Healthy!

The Healthy Side of Chocolate...

'February is Heart Health Month'

With Valentines Day just around the corner many are rushing to buy their special someone a little something special. I suggest, if you're going with chocolate choose the DARK CHOCOLATE...

Dark chocolate has many health benefits. It is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. These benefits are from flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can cause damage that leads to heart disease. Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants.

Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Lowers Blood Pressure
Lower Cholesterol
Stimulates endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure
It contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant
It contains theobromine, caffeine and other substances which are stimulant

Check out what people are saying: The Bittersweet Treat and The Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

For a homemade, creative and healthy gift idea check out the recipe corner... 

Nutritionista's Recipe Corner:

Dark Chocolate wafers

You can mix in anything you like, such as:

Cranberries, shredded coconut, almonds, pumpkin seeds, raisins, walnuts, dried blueberries and/or dried strawberries

I tossed in cranberries and crushed walnuts!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Stay Healthy! 

To your health and well-being!

“Your body is the harp of your soul. And it is yours to bring forth sweet music from it or confused sounds.”

Khalil Gibran, Lebanese American artist, poet and writer

I finally made it to the Science Centre and saw the Body Worlds exhibit. I must say it’s an exhibit worth visiting. Through the displays, pictures and videos our extraordinary make up is shown. Not only does it serve as a collection of facts and details about the human body, but it also addresses the idea of the heart as the centre of emotion and passion for humans.

Dec. 2009, BlogTo

This exhibit is a reminder of the importance of taking care of the body.

Here are a few ideas and suggestions that will nourish your body and help you look and feel great!

1) Limit your intake of meat: It’s been estimated that a third of all cancer patients developed disease as a result of insufficient whole plant fibre in their diets. You don’t need to give up meat just limit it.


2) Stop eating dead food: Its dead how do you expect to get any nutrients out of it?!?!? Choose fresh, whole foods. Avoid canned and preserved items they have little to no nutritional value.


3) Whole grains: When considering foods such as rice, pasta and bread always choose brown over white. Modern research has found that refined white products lack in nutrients, whereas whole grains are effective in lowering high blood sugar, rich in nutrients, contain B vitamins and antioxidants.


4) Sea vegetables: These have been found to prolong life, prevent disease and impart beauty and health. Seaweed contains more calcium than milk, more iron than beef, more protein than eggs and is rich in micronutrients. These vegetables include nori, kelp and dulce.


5) Essential Fatty Acids: Omega –3 is found in cold water fish, fish oils, walnuts and flaxseeds (ground and oil form). Omega-6 is found in borage oil, hemp, evening primrose oil and sunflower and pumpkin seeds. EFA’s help lower cholesterol, keep cells functioning properly, keep aging brains healthy, combat inflammation, revitalize skin and strengthen nails and hair.


6) Stop eating when your 80% full: Eat slowly and pay attention to your portion size. Stop when you’re satisfied not when you’re stuffed. Keep in mind – You shouldn’t have to unbutton or unzip anything!


7) Protein at every meal: Protein provides essential building blocks for the daily repair of nearly every single cell in your body. Good sources include skinless white meat such as fish, chicken and turkey, fat-free milk, yogurt and cottage cheese, egg whites, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds and tofu and soy.


8) Keep hydrated: Make sure to drink 8 glasses (8 oz = 1 glass) of water every day. It’s essential for your body to keep hydrated to stay strong and fight disease and illness. Also, compare your skin when your hydrated to when your not. Hydrated looks a lot healthier!

“And in the end, it’s not the years of your life that counts. It’s the life in your years.”

Abraham Lincoln

Stay Healthy!