So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Foods That Keep You Young

By Dr. Mathias Wikenslop

A study done by scientist for the USDA to determine foods that contained the highest level of antioxidants found that the acai berry, artichokes, and beans had the highest levels recorded.

It was also confirmed that already well-known high antioxidant foods such as cranberries and blueberries--the researchers also found that Russet potatoes, pecans and even cinnamon are all excellent--although lesser-known, sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants are thought to fight cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's.

"The bottom line is the same: eat more fruits and veggies," says Ronald L. Prior, Ph.D., a chemist and nutritionist with the USDA's Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center in Little Rock, Ark., and lead author of the study. "This study confirms that those foods are full of benefits, particularly those with higher levels of antioxidants. Nuts and spices are also good sources."

The new study is more complete more accurate than previous USDA antioxidant data and includes more foods than the previous study as high tech equipment was used by the researchers. They analyzed antioxidant levels in over 100 different foods, including fruits and vegetables--the new study also includes data on spices and nuts for the first time.

The foods were analyzed and measured for the concentration levels of antioxidants and the capacity per serving of the antioxidants. Research showed the top fruits were the acai berry, cranberries, blueberries, and black berries. The highest levels found in the nut category were walnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans--Russet potatoes, beans, and artichokes were found to have the highest level antioxidant concentration in the vegetable category.

ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and oregano were found to have high amounts of antioxidants. Spices are usually consumed in small amounts, even though many are high in antioxidants.

A study such as this proves very helpful for those looking to increase their antioxidant intake in their foods. However, caution must still be applied as foods that are high in antioxidants does not equate into health benefits--that process is determined by how the body absorbs and utilizes the antioxidant rich foods.

The government currently has no guidelines for how people should consume antioxidants as part of their daily diet--this is the same dilemma with vitamins and minerals. One big problem is the lack of continuity amongst researchers.

It is encouraged for the time being to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables that have a high concentration of amino acids like acai berry.

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