Monday 18 June 2012

A Healthier Heart


Want better skin, a stronger skeleton, or a slimmer waistline? There's a food pairing out there that can help you get it

Green Tea + Lemon -
Green tea has been linked to a reduced risk of heart attacks, thanks to catechins, the brew’s powerful antioxidants. But studies show only about 20 percent of these healthful compounds are available for our bodies to absorb.

The good news: Recently, when scientists added lemon juice to green tea, the availability of health enhancing catechins skyrocketed to a whopping 80 percent.

Stay-Well Strategy: After brewing yourself a cup of green tea, squeeze in the juice of one whole lemon (you can also use an orange, lime or grapefruit, all runners-up in the study). Don’t want to DIY? Look for bottled green teas that list “ascorbic acid” (also known as vitamin C) among their ingredients. Scientists say the vitamin C in citrus fruits can also improve catechin absorption.

Oatmeal + Strawberries -
Oats contain two important phytochemicals called avenanthramides and phenolic acids. These compounds have been shown in research to work synergistically with vitamin C to reduce the harmful effects of “bad” LDL cholesterol (determines your risk for heart diseases) and help prevent the plaque build-up that can lead to heart attacks.
Stay-Well Strategy: Enjoy a half cup of sliced strawberries with your morning bowl of oatmeal.





 

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