Whole Foods

Basically whole foods are just what the words mean. Fresh, natural foods are whole foods. For example, fresh fruits and vegetables, garden fresh is best. Fresh herbs, butcher fresh meats, or better yet, farm fresh meats. Fresh eggs, cheeses and whole grain breads and cereals, nuts, legumes, and dried beans, peas, and lentils are other examples of whole foods. Fresh garlic instead of garlic powder is another example of a "whole food."

The whole grains include the bran. Wheaties are an example of whole grain cereal, old-fashioned rolled oats are whole grains, and actually, corn is a whole grain food.

Here is a list of whole foods and some of the health benefits that re researched based.

Artichokes - contain Polyphenols act as antioxidants and destroy free radicals; they also contain Folic Acid, which is known to prevent neural tube defects in developing baby as well as decrease homocysteine levels and in turn helps to prevent premature heart disease.

Almonds - Vitamin E, Monosaturated Fat, and Fiber as well as minerals.

Apples - soluble fiber, which lowers cholesterol, the Quercetin and Kaempferol, plant chemicals contained in apples act as antioxidants and help protect against carcinogens.

Avocado - rich in Monosaturated Fat, which is heart healthy.

Beef - contains conjugated Linoleic Acid, which may repress tumors. Beef also contains protein, which builds and repairs muscle tissue and contains a significant amount of iron and zinc. Lean cuts are sirloin, filet mignon, eye of round steaks, and roasts.

Blueberries, blackberries and grapes - contain Ellagic, Caffeic, and Ferulic Acids, which protects against oxidative damage and has been suggested to prevent cancer of the esophagus in laboratory animals.

Broccoli - contains organo sulfur compounds, which are cancer fighting chemicals. Also, broccoli is rich in Vitamin C and Beta Carotene, and lots of fiber.

Cantaloupe - is rich in Vitamin A and C, and is low calorie and sweet.

Chocolate - milk chocolate one ounce 147 calories, 2 grams protein, 9 grams of fat, and only 16 grams of carbohydrate, contains magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, calcium and some vitamin A. You chocolate loves a 1.55 ounce Hershey with Almond Bar contains all natural ingredients as well as 246 calories, 5 grams of protein, 15 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbohydrate, 40 IU's vitamin A, 55 mg's sodium, 189 mg's potassium, 116 mg's calcium, 132 mg's phosphorus, 40 mg's magnesium, not to mention traces of copper, iron, zinc and manganese. Now also, this contains the polyphenols, which are protective antioxidants fighting cancer and heart disease. Dart chocolate is reported to have a little more phytonutrients

Cheese - contains the conjugated Linoleic Acid, which may repress tumors. One ounce of cheddar contains almost 30% of daily calcium requirement. Dairy products in general rev up the body's fat burning ability.

Eggs - contain a chemical called Zeaxanthin and this substance may help to protect against macular degeneration. Also, they are the best source of protein that one can ingest.

Garlic - contains the Allyl Sulfide, which may protect against some cancers, boost enzyme detoxification systems.

Red Grapefruit - contains Quercetin and lycopene which are Flavanoids

Hot Peppers - they contain the Lutein Zeaxanthin, which are carotenoids and antioxidants Beta Carotene and Vitamin C and a chemical called Capsaicin.

Ketchup - contains tomato paste, which is loaded with Lycopene. Ketchup also contains Flavonoids and Terpenes.

Lemons - contain Vitamin C an antioxidant and Limonene.

Parsley - delicious parsley!! Flavones and Carotenoids contained in parsley may help prevent the macular degeneration. They are Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Beta Carotene.

Rosemary - contains Carnosol, which may be protective of cell damage and act as an antioxidant.

Strawberries - wonderful strawberries!! These beautiful fruits contain Ellagic Acid, Flavonols and Vitamin C.

Tea and Green Tea - contain Phenolic compounds (Flavonoids, Quercetin, Kaempferol) and may help neutralize free radicals.

Tomatoes - contain carotenoids Lycopene, Terpenes, and not to mention Vitamin C, Potassium, and fiber. Cooked tomato products have more Lycopene. The body absorbs more Lycopene in tomato paste rather than a fresh tomato. Fresh tomatoes are wonderful foods as well.

Watermelon - contains Lycopene as well. Research as suggested that this prevents the breakdown of the bad cholesterol. Lycopene is in tomato products as well.

Walnuts - contain Omega 3 fats, Vitamin E and Antioxidant, Phytoesterols and Ellagic Acid. These nutrients may protect against cancer and lower cholesterol.

Yogurt - contains Lactobacilli, which are great for digestive tract health and the calcium may help to prevent cancer of the colon as well as great for bones and speeds up the body's fat burning ability.

Zucchini - 1/2 cup has only 9 calories and contains lots of Vitamin A, phyto chemicals

Now go and enjoy some of those wonderful whole foods and or products with all natural ingredients. Notice not one diet food or weight loss product was mentioned above.

Toni