Eating Right For Better Health

Remember when Mom used to tell you to eat your veggies? Well, Morn was right, and there is plenty of scientific proof to back her up. Fruits and vegetables, especially leafy green and yellow ones, are helpful in protecting the body from a wide variety of diseases and ailments like heart disease, atherosclerosis and cancer.

The guidelines issued by the United States Department of Agriculture call for a diet rich in produce - that’s at least two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables daily. But a large percentage of Americans don’t even come close to meeting that quota. In our fast food, high-fat culture, vegetables and fruit are second-rate foods, serving as side dishes, appetizers, or snacks. However, in the nineties, where the focus is on fitness and eating well, those greens are finally getting the respect they deserve.

The antioxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta Carotene, Selenium and QPC, are your best defense against free radicals and the damage they can cause. Here are some food sources for these nutrients:

VITAMIN C: Not just in your morning cup of O.J., this vitamin can be found in hot red pepper, sweet red pepper, kiwi, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, green and leafy vegetables, tomatoes, strawberries, cabbage, grapefruit, sweet potatoes, whole oranges and papayas. It is best known for its ability to heal wounds, burns and bleeding gums, and for strengthening the immune system.

VITAMIN E: It does more than alleviate fatigue and protect your lungs against air pollution. Found in many topical hand and face creams, it also keeps you looking younger by slowing down cellular aging due to oxidation. The best sources of this vitamin include wheat germ, soybeans, vegetable oils, broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach, enriched flour, whole wheat, whole grain cereals, eggs, almonds and sunflower seeds.

BETA-CAROTENE: Can be found in carrots, sweet potatoes, hot red pepper, kale, turnip greens, mangoes, cantaloupe and apricots. It protects against various skin diseases, against sunlight radiation and premature aging. It is also good for vision and maintaining the health of the corneas.

SELENIUM: This antioxidant is utilized in the manufacture of semen. However, it can also alleviate hot flashes and menopausal distress. It helps to regenerate the liver after damage, like cirrhosis. It is also used in the treatment and prevention of dandruff. You can find Selenium in onions, milk, eggs, garlic, mushrooms, seafood, most vegetables, and brewers yeast.

OPC: As mentioned earlier, OPC is the most powerful and effective antioxidant available. Bioavailable forms of this antioxidant include grape seeds. However, it would take 75 lbs. of grape seeds to make 1 lb. of the grape seed extract. Master Cell Protector? contains a generous 50 mg. of the grape seed extract, which is imported from France, and blended with the antioxidants Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta-Carotene and Selenium. This makes Master Cell Protector? one of the most potent antioxidant formulas available.

Now is the time to put aside that piece of fried chicken or that last slice of lemon pie. Hate vegetables? Try quick and easy low-fat recipes that are not only good, but also good for you.