Healthy Foods from A-Z, “T”

Healthy Foods from A-Z, “T”

Good Morning Everyone!

We are on to the letter “T” in our journey through the alphabet of healthy foods!

Tomatoes-  

There is more to eating tomatoes than good taste, they are great for your health!  They are incredibly versatile and can be prepared in a seemingly endless number of dishes, as well as being great to eat alone. 

Health Benefits of Tomatoes:  

  • The more tomatoes people eat the lower their risks of certain cancers, especially lung, stomach and prostate cancers  
  • A substance called lycopene, which is responsible for tomatoes red color, is thought to be the reason for this cancer protective effect
  • High in important antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin A
  • Contain important nutrients, such as niacin, folate and vitamin B6, that are associated with the reduction of heart disease risk
  • Help to improve the functioning of the digestive system and the liver
  • Prevents the appearance of kidney stones and gall bladder stones in the long term
  • Help to maintain healthy bones 
Depending on which nutrition expert you choose to listen to, some, without question will tell you tomatoes will cause inflammation and others will tell you this is a myth.  We are all different in the way our bodies react to food, meaning, for some tomatoes may not be the right choice and for others, tomatoes are the best choice. Pay attention to your own body and make the decision for yourself based on how you feel after you eat them.  Personally, I do eat them and I feel fantastic! 🙂
Have You Ever Tried Tomato Juice?

One of the most popular options for consuming tomatoes is in tomato juice.  Raw tomato juice is rich, tasty, and filled with essential vitamins A and K and all of the B vitamins. 

*It is always best to squeeze your own tomato juice from fresh tomatoes!  If you choose pre-made, packaged tomato juice, be sure the sodium level is within a healthy range for your daily intake.  

For more information visit:

http://healthimpactnews.com/2014/20-amazing-health-benefits-of-tomatoes-that-should-make-them-a-daily-staple-in-your-diet/

http://www.newhealthguide.org/Tomato-Juice-Benefits.html

One medium whole tomato contains:

  • 22 calories
  • 0 grams of fat
  • 5 grams of carbohydrates
  • 1 gram of dietary fiber
  • 1 gram of protein
  • 6 milligrams of sodium

For more nutritional information go to: http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2682/2

Some great and healthy recipes for tomatoes include:

Greek Tacos – http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a33693/greek-tacos-122088/

Turmeric – 

Belonging to the ginger family, turmeric has been used in the Middle East and East India for thousands of years, and is now one of the most highly prized spices in the world!  It is arguably the most powerful herb on the planet at fighting and potentially reversing disease.    

It is a spice that gives curry its yellow color.  Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric.  It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. 

Health Benefits:

  • Improve your ability to digest fats
  • Reduces gas and bloating
  • Decreases congestion
  • Improves skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne
  • Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent
  • Doesn’t produce the toxic effects of ulcer formation, internal bleeding, and even a lowered white blood cell count that synthetic drugs sometimes do
  • Provides relief from joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, reduced joint swelling, and greater range of motion when used daily

Additional (Possible) Health Benefits:

  • Lowers cholesterol
  • Protects the heart
  • Relieves indigestion
  • Improves liver function
  • Prevents cancer and inhibits cancer cell growth, specifically breast, colon, prostate, and lung cancers

According to Dr. Axe and the extensive research he has done, turmeric benefits go beyond that of these 10 drugs – http://draxe.com/turmeric-benefits/

***Always consult with your physician before making ANY changes to your current health routine***:

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Anti-depressants (Prozac)
  • Chemotherapy
  • Anti-coagulants (Aspirin)
  • Pain killers
  • Diabetes drugs (Metformin)
  • Arthritis medications
  • Inflammatory bowel disease drugs
  • Cholesterol drugs (Lipitor)
  • Steroids

***One of the most powerful advantages curcumin has over the traditional medical approach is the lack of side effects***

Along with adding turmeric into your diet you may also consider taking it or curcumin in supplement form.  If you take it in supplement form, it is recommended that you take 800 to 1,000 mg daily.

Tip: Taking turmeric in combination with black pepper, which contains piperine, improves turmeric absorbability throughout the entire body!! 

7 Easy Ways to Eat and Drink Turmeric: http://www.thekitchn.com/7-ways-to-eat-drink-turmeric-198696

For more information visit:

http://authoritynutrition.com/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric/

http://foodfacts.mercola.com/turmeric.html

http://draxe.com/turmeric-benefits/

For more nutritional information go to:  http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/spices-and-herbs/212/2

Some great and healthy recipes for turmeric include:

Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Tea – http://autoimmune-paleo.com/anti-inflammatory-turmeric-tea/

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