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Isoflavones

08 31st, 2007

Isoflavone is a class of non-nutrient plant substances with potential anticancer effects. Isoflavones occur in relatively high concentrations in soy products. The content varies with the variety, time of harvest, and geographic location. Isoflavones belong to the general class of flavonoids; they possess complex ring structures with oxygen atoms attached. Genistein and daizein are two examples of isoflavones. Their general shape resembles the steroid hormone estrogen, a major female hormone. It is possible that isoflavones block estrogen from binding to targets, a needed step in hormone-dependent cancers like cancers of the breast, ovary, and endometrium. They could also stimulate the production of an estrogen-binding protein in the blood, or they could block liver enzymes that activate compounds to become cancer-causing agents. Vegetarians whose diets are enriched in soy products and tofu have a lower risk of cancer.

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Carrots Recipes

08 22nd, 2007

Carrot Salad
4 Servings

  • 1 lb large carrots, scraped and cut in quarters lengthwise
  • 1 pinch each, salt and sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp each ground cumin and parsley
  • wine vinegar, salt, and hot red pepper to taste
  • a few coriander seed

Cook the carrots with salt, sugar, and garlic for 15 minutes. Drain and cover with vinegar, a little more salt, and hot red pepper to taste. Perfume with cumin. Decorate with parsley and little coriander.

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Stroke Prevention

08 15th, 2007

Disruption of blood flow to the brain is known as stroke (or cerebrovascular accident - CVA) - a disorder that occurs in two basic forms: clot strokes and bleeding stroke, both potentially life threatening. About 80 percent of stokes among Americans are due to clot stroke - clots in blood vessels blocking the oxygen-rich blood flowing to the brain. The rest come from bleeding stroke when blood vessels in the brain rupture, spilling blood into the brain.

Foods that help ward off clots, keep blood vessel flexible and unclogged, and keep blood pressure normal are good bets for preventing strokes. Even one extra daily portion of the right foods may cut an astounding 40 to 60 percent or even more of your chances of having or dying of a stroke as some scientific studies have indicated. Such an effective and certainly safer and cheaper drug is in everyone’s possession right now.

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Olive OilBiological Background: Olive oil is extracted from ground olives (Olea europaea).

Nutritional Info: A tablespoon of olive oil contains 14 g of fat (mainly monounsaturated oleic acid), equivalent to 120calories.

Pharmacological Activity: Olive oil is rich in oleic acid, a monosaturated fatty acid, and phytochemicals oleurpein and hydrooxylorosol, potent anti oxidants. Olive oil can lower blood levels of an undesirable form of cholesterol, LDL, while raising the level of HDL, the desirable kind of cholesterol and help keep LDLcholesterol from being converted to a toxic or oxidized form, thus protecting arteries from the fatty plague. Olive oil can also reduce blood pressure and help regulate blood sugars. Oleuropein and hydrooxylorosol in oliveoil help fight cancers, especially braest cancer.

Eating Tips: Use olive oil for salads and cooking.

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Aging and Foods

07 28th, 2007

Aging is the progressive decline over time in physiological functions, including reflexes, vision, hearing, short-term memory and learning, physical strength and endurance, digestion, cardiovascular function and immunity. Two well-supported theories have been proposed to explain the biological cause of aging.

Based on recent scientific findings, a revolutionary theory called free radical theory of aging has been developed to describe the roles of oxidative damages to cells in the process of aging. The theory hypothesizes that oxidative damage by free radicals to genetic materials, proteins, cell membranes, and other cellular machineries is the genesis of aging and its consequences. According to the theory, free radical damage to our cells accumulates but our inborn ability to resist and repair the damage with antioxidants and enzymes declines as we age, resulting in chemical disintegration of our bodies, increased risk of age-related diseases, and eventually death. Therefore, the battle between free radicals and antioxidants in the body is a major factor determining aging rate and life span.

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4 Servings

  • 2 medium carrots, cut into slices
  • 2 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch slices
  • 1/2 cup onion
  • 2 cups of water
  • 2 cups of tomato juice
  • 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 Tbs olive oil

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Phytochemicals

07 11th, 2007

Phytochemicals refer to a very broad class of substances derived from plants that have a beneficial effect on health. Many new studies have indicated consumption of phytochemicals through eating whole plant foods is a major factor to prevent many chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Current study on phytochemicals is focused on the following groups:

Carotenoids. This group includes b-carotene, canthaxanthin, lutein, lycopene, phytoene, zeaxanthin, and other compounds.

Indoles. This group includes indo-3-carbinol and other compounds.

Isothiocyanates. This group includes phenethylisocyanate, sulforaphanes, and other compounds.

Organosulfur compounds. This group includes diallyl sulfide and other compounds.

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BroccoliScientific Name: Brassica aleracea

Biological Background: Broccoli is a dark-green vegetable with small, tight heads (curds) mounted on stem-like buds, and is a member of Brassica family of the Cruciferous vegetables. It is one of the most popular vegetables and was originated in Italy.

Nutritional Information: One cup of chopped and cooked broccoli (146 g) provides 46 calories, 4.6 g protein, 8.7 g carbohydrates, 6.4 g fiber, 178 g calcium, 1.8 mg iron, 220 RE vitamin A, 0.13 mg thiamin, 0.32 mg riboflavin, 1.18 mg niacin, 98 mg vitamin C.

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Calorie Restriction

06 21st, 2007

Calorie restriction refers to reducing calorie intake to achieve better health. Calories are a measure of the energy released when the body burns any fuel including fat, protein, carbohydrates, and alcohol. Many studies have indicated that excessive calorie intake may result in various health problems such as cancer, heart disease, aging, and obesity. One of the reason that excessive calorie intake cause those health problems is that it facilitate free radical production in the body. Free radicals are considered to be a major causative factor for cancer, heart disease, and aging. Thus proper calorie restriction is an effective way to achieve good health and longevity. According to experts, certain things need to be considered in order to have success with calorie restriction:

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Flavored Green Beans

06 13th, 2007

4 Servings

  • 1 lb green beans, washed and trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • Salt to taste

Seam beans for 8 minutes until tender crisp. Saut onion and garlic in a small frying pan for 3 minutes. Add tomato sauce and seasonings. Cook 5 minutes more. Add beans and toss thoroughly to blend flavors and heat through.

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