These fruits and vegetables contain at least 75% water by weight - From now until Labor Day, challenge yourself to over indulge in summer's bounty to satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst. Notice how your body responds. Your mood and energy should improve and your weight should drop ... Enjoy!
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Food Focus - Strawberries
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American's most popular berry is rich with antioxidants and packs a huge health punch. It's long been documented that increased berry consumption is linked to improved cognitive and memory function but now the latest research suggests this heart-shaped, summer favorite is not only good for the brain but also the heart. Anthocyanins, a type of flavonoids found in strawberries, has recently been linked to lower blood pressure, improved blood vessel function and reduced levels of C-Reactive Protein, a marker of inflammation in the body. Researchers believe, in part, that this phytochemical is one of the reasons why women who eat 3 or more servings of strawberries a week have a 34% less chance of suffering an early heart attack than females who eat other fruits and vegetables but not berries. Just a cup of these affordable treats contain a mere 46 calories, 3 grams of fiber, 140% of your daily value (DV) of vitamin C and 25% DV of manganese, an essential nutrient that helps the body process cholesterol, protein and carbohydrates. Unfortunately, the Environmental Working Group ranks strawberries 5th among produce most likely to contain pesticide residue, so if you're concerned about ingesting pesticides, buy the organic variety of these delicious gems.
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Jean Varney is the founder and president of Eat Right, Be Fit, Live Well LLC, a health and nutrition consulting firm committed to empowering men and women to improve their health through sustainable changes to their diet and lifestyle. Based in the Washington DC metropolitan area, Jean coaches clients nationwide by phone and in person. She focuses on helping individuals make smart choices about the foods they eat in order to maintain high energy levels, avoid unwanted weight gain and decrease their risk of heart disease, cancer, type II diabetes and other chronic illnesses. Jean received her training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City. To learn more about her practice, please visit her website at: www.EatRightBeFitLiveWell.com. |