Weight Loss & Nutrition

The Letter Z. Zeaxanthin An antioxidant (a carotenoid), which along with lutein defends cells from the attack by damaging free radicals. Both are important in protecting against the development of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Fortunately both carotenoids are abundantly available in many food sources like eggs, kale, spinach, turnip greens, collard greens, romaine lettuce, [...]

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The Letter Y. Yogurt A source of calcium for your bones, vitamins riboflavin and B12, protein and potassium. A essential aid to improving digestive health (make sure the natural yogurt you but says “active yogurt cultures”).  Your digestive tract has many kinds of beneficial bacteria (called probiotics). Eating yogurt with live cultures helps the delicate [...]

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The Letter X.  Surprisingly, easier to write about than “U”. X-Rays The X-Ray was recently voted as the number one scientific invention. Obviously the ability to look inside a living body without cutting is an achievement not to be understated.  However, it is still radiation exposure.  Remember that the technician wears protective clothing and operates [...]

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The Letter W. Water My favorite beverage. This wasn’t always so!  When I was offered tap water as a kid I didn’t enjoy it much, later as an adult I tried all types of bottled water and mineral water – I wasn’t keen on those either! So what changed my mind – it’s simple really [...]

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The Letter V. Vitamins Vitamins are vital compounds essential to our well-being. Vitamins enhance cellular function and deficiency causes diseases like scurvy, beriberi, rickets, night blindness.  Check out Wikipedia for more information. The best way to obtain vitamins is from our food, as this is as nature intended and the vitamins come along with the [...]

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The Letter U.  The hardest letter to find something to write about!!  All I could come up with is:- Ubiquinone – Also known as Co-Q 10 Food Sources – Oily Fish (esp. mackerel, salmon and sardines) beef, peanuts and spinach. Most often used for: Cardiac insufficiency (it strengthens the heart muscle itself), high blood pressure, [...]

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The Letter T. Thirst If you’re thirsty it means you are already dehydrated. Drink plenty of water each day to ensure your cells are properly hydrated and to ensure your body has sufficient water to help cleanse it of the toxins you are inevitably exposed to each day. Turmeric An intensely yellow colored spice derived [...]

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The Letter S. Salmon When choosing salmon select those which have been wild caught. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and selenium. It is also a very good source of protein, niacin and vitamin B12 and a good source of phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin B6. Salt Salt is essential to [...]

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The Letter R. Raspberry Delicious and delicate fruit consisting of multiple globules aggregated into berries. An important seasonal food for Ancient hunter gathers, who no doubt helped spread the plants. A natural source of the phytonutrient ellegic acid. Contains other phytonutrients and flavonoids, vitamin C, riboflavin, folate, niacin, as well as manganese, magnesium, potassium and [...]

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The Letter Q. Quality of Life What we all like to maintain as long as possible. Longevity is one thing but quality of life simply makes life worth living. Living well, disease and pain free should always be your goal. Protect your body as you travel through life, avoid the pitfalls as much as possible, [...]

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The Letter P Phytochemicals The active health-protecting compounds that are found as components of plants. Currently, the terms “phytochemical” and “phytonutrient” are being used interchangeably to describe those plant compounds which are thought to have health-protecting qualities. The antioxidant, immune boosting and other health promoting properties of active compounds in plants are being investigated. Phytonutrients [...]

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The Letter O. Oats High in soluble fiber (beta-glucan) which helps lower cholesterol. Diabetics also benefit from eating oats  due to their low GI value. Fiber also helps clean your digestive system and prevents constipation. Oats also contain phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins. Obesity There are lots of numbers, BMI, fat cell counts and weight measurements [...]

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The Letter N. Nuts A convenient healthy snack food. Just keep the portion  size in mind – snack size is a small palmful. -  Nuts have good fats (monounsaturated fats), which help lower “bad” cholesterol and may raise “good” cholesterol when substituted for saturated fats in the diet. Several major studies have found that eating [...]

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The Letter M. Macadamia Nuts A delicious, crunchy, native Australian nut with the world’s hardest nutshell which provide a wide range of beneficial compounds. A high energy food, full of protein and fiber and loaded with other important nutrients that, combine to benefit your health. Macadamia Nut Nutrition Summary Antioxidants Fiber Phytochemicals Protein Minerals Monounsaturated [...]

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The Letter L. Lecithin Required by every cell in your body. It is necessary for for optimal brain, nerve and cell functions – you can grow new brain cells. It’s inexpensive. It’s easy to consume. It’s an anti-aging nutrient for your skin.It’s natural. It protects your heart and cardiovascular system. It’s essential for healthy liver [...]

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The Letter K. Kale A dark green leafy vegetable with high nutritional vale and low in calories. Kale is an excellent source of nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and manganese. It is also a very good source of dietary fiber, calcium, copper, vitamin B6, and potassium. Kale is also well known for [...]

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The Letter J. Juice A convenient, time effective way to consume your required quota of fruit and vegetables each day. Making your own fresh juices ensures the vitamins and antioxidants are not destroyed by processing methods. TIP – Make sure your juicer leaves some of the fiber! Juniper Berries A traditional medicinal food used by [...]

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The Letter I. Immune System A complex interactive automatic  system which collectively protect the body from bacterial, parasitic, fungal, viral infections and from the growth of tumor cells. Inflammation A sign of your body reacting to a stressful influences from poor diet, lifestyle choices, allergies and your environment. Chronic inflammation is a modern epidemic causing  [...]

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The Letter H. Holistic Health Wellness is more than just your body. Holistic health involves your body, mind and spirit. We are complicated beings with many interconnected aspects.  Enjoy a balanced life.  I’m sure there are lots of different definitions – see if this one suits you. Mind – Your mental, emotional thoughts. Soul – [...]

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“Health – A to Z” -  The Letter G Garlic Low in calories, high in health benefits. Garlic has anti-Inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. GI Glycemic Index describes this difference by ranking carbohydrates according to their effect on our blood glucose levels. Choosing low GI carbs – the ones that produce only small fluctuations in [...]

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