|
| |
Body Talk
Body Talk Our body "talks" to us through negative signals such as aches and pains, as well as through positive signals such as higher energy levels, feelings of exhilaration and well being. These signals are a lifeline to healthy eating and exercise ...
Dieting 101: Week 1: Being Flexibile is Key
Losing Weight Requires Flexibility Why is it that when you decide to get in better shape or lose a few pounds, life suddenly throws you a curve? I decided to "get back in shape" and had a planning session about what I might change, how I might do it, ...
What's A Pedometer And Why Would I Need One?
A pedometer is a great inexpensive exercising tool that tracks your progress and keeps you motivated to stick to your daily workout. Let's take a look at what exactly a pedometer is and why you need one. A pedometer is a small electronic device, about ...
|
|
|
| |
That is a shame, since citrus fruits are among the most delicious, and most nutritious, fruits available. Whether you have a grapefruit at breakfast or an orange at lunch, adding more citrus to your diet can do wonders for your healthy eating program.
Of course citrus fruits are not limited to the standard oranges and grapefruits. Most major grocery stores have an endless variety of citrus fruits on their shelves, including pineapples, tomatoes, lemons kumquats, mandarin oranges, tangerines, and lemons.
Everyone knows that citrus fruits have large amounts of vitamin C to offer, but many citrus fruits have significant levels of other important nutrients, such as potassium, as well. Let's take a closer look at what citrus fruits have to offer.
Vitamin C Vitamin C is the first thing that comes to mind when most people think of citrus fruits, and it is true that most citrus fruits are simply loaded with this important vitamin. Vitamin C is perhaps the most studied of all vitamins, and it has shown promise in shortening the duration of colds, helping wounds heal faster, and protecting the body from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Vitamin C is essential for healthy skin and gums, and since vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, sufficient quantities must be consumed every day. Unlike fat soluble vitamins, vitamin C is not stored in the body. That is why eating at least a few servings a day of citrus fruits and other vitamin C rich foods is so important. Luckily, getting the recommended daily amount of vitamin C is not difficult, since a single orange contains 150% of the government's recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.
Fiber Fiber content is often overlooked as a benefit of citrus fruits. After all, most people picture cereals and grains when they think of fiber. Even so, citrus fruits are a good source of dietary fiber, including the all important soluble fiber. Fiber plays a vital role in digestion, and studies have indicated it may help to reduce levels of cholesterol in the blood and even reduce the risk of some kinds of cancer.
Folate (folic acid) Folate, or folic acid as it is also known, plays a vital role in early pregnancy, so all women of child bearing age are encouraged to consume adequate amounts of this important nutrient. That is because one of the most critical times in a pregnancy takes place before the woman knows she is pregnant. In addition to its importance in preventing many neural tube birth defects, folic acid also aids in the production of mature red blood cells and helps to prevent anemia. Citrus fruits are an excellent source of folic acid.
Potassium Oranges are particularly high in potassium, as are non citrus fruits like bananas. Potassium is vital to maintaining a proper fluid balance in the body, and for transmitting signals between nerve cells. Potassium levels can be affected by excess caffeine consumption and by dehydration, so it is important to consume adequate levels of potassium every day.
With all these things going for them, it is easy to see why citrus fruits are so important to the diet. No matter what your ultimate fitness goal, a diet rich in citrus fruits will help to get you off to the right start. And with the many varieties of citrus fruits to choose from, it is easy to spice things up and bring variety to your healthy eating plan.
About the Author
Zaak O'Conan discovers and presents useful information on how to enhance and/or repair your life, body and relationships. You'll find his other articles on eating better and other ways how to improve your life at http://your-health-center.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Study raises hope for obesity treatment - HealthCentral.com
CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. researchers may have found an obesity treatment that unlocks the fat-fighting promise of leptin, an appetite-suppressing hormone once hailed as the answer to the battle of the bulge. The problem with leptin is that it loses ...
Help kids make healthy choices when eating out - Dayton Daily News
Two-for-one deals, kids-eats-free night, complimentary appetizers or desserts ... they can all save families money, but a good value and a good meal are two different things. Many kids menus are full of what Rachel Riddiford calls "sometimes foods ...
Shilpa Shetty Reveals Her Secrets - Himalayan Times
Yes, Yoga is definitely one of the major factors … the driving force behind Shilpa's sexed up self. But the leggy lass says there's more to her being sexy and sassy! The sexy Shetty revealed some of the lesser known aspects of her life on her blog ...
Leave a Comment - Popsugar
To post comments, please log in or register . The Lowdown on Detox Products Another Reason to Exercise: Be Happier at Work How Often Do You Exercise at Home? DrSugar Answers: Menstrual Fatigue and Exercise? Work It at Home: Just You and a Deck of ...
It's time to bite the bulgur - Gilroy Dispatch
If the members of your family are anything like mine, by now you have consumed every tired old Christmas cookie and piece of stale fudge that can be found. You dove between the sofa cushions, examined the area beneath the fridge, searched the various ...
|
