Vitality Food Sources

Your grocery store is stocked with items that can increase your energy and your vitality. Commonly stocked items can boost your energy level, endurance, and overall health. Specific foods and their benefits include:

Let’s start with my favorite: CHOCOLATE. Chocolate is full of anti-oxidants that helps remove free radicals. And the caffeine in chocolate boosts your energy for hours. The long-range benefits of chocolate last much longer: Chocolate  contains natural opiates, called endorphins to boost your mood. They also act to decrease anxiety and reduce sensitivity to pain.  Research now associates the flavonoids in chocolate with a lowered risk of heart disease and the ability to lower blood pressure.  In another study chocolate prevented platelets from sticking together or clotting, which increased blood flow and lowered the risk of heart attacks.

Healing power of PIZZA? The lycopene in tomatoes helps prevent heart problems and cancer. Eating 14 ounces of pizza a week has been shown to lower risk of a heart attack by 50% in an recent Italian study.

BROCCOLI contains cancer-fighting compounds. When combined with the lycopene in tomatoes, it has been shown to significantly reduce prostate tumor growth in rats.

BLUEBERRIES contain a powerful antioxidant, pterostilbene, which protects against heart disease and cancer. Blueberries also contain ellagic acid, which detoxifies the metabolic pathways and increases energy. And blueberries have been shown to lower cholesterol in pigs. They contain manganese, B6, vit C, vit K, and fiber. Researchers concluded that it is the flavonoids in blueberries whtih attribute their anti- cholesterol effect, acting as an antioxident and protecting the inflamation in blood vessels.

Cultures that eat a lot of GARLIC in their diets have increased longevity.  Raw garlic has anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Researchers in England found that garlic speeds recovery from the flu and boosts immunity.

OATMEAL is a great breakfast choice because it slows absorption of carbohydrates, which keeps blood sugar levels steady. The fiber slows digestion and aids physical stamina.

The Chinese have used GREEN TEA for over 4,000 years to treat everything from headaches to depression. Drinking green tea reduces the risk of infection and repairs immune function. Researchers have discovered a compound in green tea inhibits cancer cells and lowers total cholesterol levels.

The French have known that RED WINE is good for your health.  Now studies have shown that red wine limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. Red grapes can lower the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol.

OYSTERS contain more zinc per serving than any other food: 100% of the daily suggested dose. Zinc is a very important nutrient to aid in fighting infections and in wound healing. The immune system is adversely affected by even moderate degrees of zinc deficiency. And then there is oysters’ known effect on libido! Three ounces of cooked oysters contains 6 mg of iron, one third of the daily requirement. And low iron slows your metabolic rate. Add plenty of oysters to your shopping cart.

Another seafood, SARDINES, contain tyrosine, and amino acid that helps manufacture two brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine. These brain chemicals improve brain function and alertness.

Our bodies are made up of over 80% WATER. Water cleans your blood, floats your brain and burns fat! Dehyration can make you fatigued and cause head aches. Drink plenty of fresh water every day.

The vitamin C found in ORANGE JUICE fights infection and produces carnitine that helps your body burn fat for energy. Taking 200-300 mg of vitamin C daily, the equivalent of one 8-ounce glass of orange juice, can increase sports performance.

Red wine, chocolate and oysters will boost your energy and your metabolism. Eat well and be healthy.