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Winter 2007-2008 |
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HEALTH AND NUTRITIONAL TIDBITS While we have offered a number of health-related articles over the years, we are now adding something new. Beginning with this newsletter, we will offer a section entitled “Health and Nutritional Tidbits”. We plan to offer some segments on healthy foods, life styles, recent medical breakthroughs, technical article summaries, etc. We welcome your comments, and if you’re interested in reading about something specific, please write us at the address on the front page. What is that? – We used to think foods contained vitamins, minerals and fiber, and had proteins, carbohydrates and/or fat. Now we hear about additional substances in foods that can be very beneficial. Here is a brief summary of four that are mentioned often: Antioxidants – Protect against cell damage and found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Flavonoids – Pigment-producing compounds acting as antioxidants, offering a wide range of protective health benefits and found in plants. Phytochemicals – Work with nutrients to protect against disease, maybe having anticancer properties and found in plants. Phytoestrogen – Chemical compound having similar properties to estrogen and found in plants, such as soy. Chocolate – Thanks to further research, we are now being told that chocolate can be good for us. Scientific studies confirm that chocolate has flavonoids that may act as disease-fighting antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease, reduce the “bad” LDL cholesterol, and inhibit the formation of blood clots. Also, chocolate has been shown to raise the levels of serotonin and endorphins, which help give us a feeling of well-being. The best chocolate is dark, containing at least 70% cocoa solids. In the :Journal of the American Medical Association, the results of a small study showed a small reduction in blood pressure readings from those taking a small quantity of dark chocolate each day (about the side of a Hershey’s Kiss). So far, we should limit the daily intake to an ounce or less, as the calories still haven’t been eliminated! Want more energy? – Although those with PPS can feel drained at times, here are some ways that may help you to become a little more energized…. · Eat something every 3 or 4 hours to stabilize blood sugar (extreme highs/lows tire us) · Drink water to avoid dehydration and speed nutrients to the cells · A cup or two of coffee may kick-start your energy levels, provided you can tolerate caffeine · Have some protein with your meals, especially in the morning, to help increase both energy and mental focus · Laugh--laughter reduces stress hormones by releasing endorphins which can help us feel better and more energized, and increases blood flow · Take a break before getting too exhausted to lessen recovery time—accept the need to rest · As able, exercise in the morning which helps stimulate you for the rest of the day · Eat a diet rich in complex carbohydrates , such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables to help you feel full longer · Energize the mind, which may help you to feel more energetic—try reading a new book, putting together a puzzle, learning about anything new, doing crossword or sudoku puzzles, playing cards. |
