ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH AGEs?

We are not talking about your, or my, age. We are talking about AGEs as a sneaky health sapper! AGEs are Advanced Glycation End-products or harmful compounds formed when proteins or fats combine with sugars in the bloodstream. This process, called glycation, can contribute to various health problems associated with aging and disease. AGEs are often implicated in such health problems as Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, kidney disease and atherosclerosis. By lowering your levels of AGEs, you may reduce your chances of depression, heart disease, diabetes, and more. Recent research has also suggested that it may lower risk of breast cancer by 43%. Tomorrow we will post some ways we can work to lower the AGEs in our bodies.

file photo - Good health promotes happiness.

DO YOU KNOW THE FOODS HIGHEST IN VITAMIN C?

Studies have found that vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and one of the most potent in warding off atherosclerosis (clogged and stiffened arteries).  Following is a list (in order) of some of the foods that are the highest in this potent antioxidant, vitamin C. Notice where oranges rank!

• Bell peppers, red and green
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Strawberries
• Spinach
• Oranges
• Cabbage
• Grapefruit
• Cantaloupe

Interesting isn't it?  Look at all the green vegetables ahead of Oranges.  Most of us tend to think of oranges as so high in Vitamin C.  Actually, bell peppers have 128 mg of vitamin C per 3.5 ounces while oranges have only 50!  Your mother was right! Eat your vegetables.

BENEFITS OF COLORFUL FRUITS & VEGETABLES PART III

This is the third and last post regarding the benefits of adding colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet.  Again, remember this is only a partial list of colorful fruits and veggies and some of the unexpected benefits you can get from them.

• PURPLE - Beets get their color from betalain which helps to flush toxins from the body.  No need for harsh "cleansing" routines, just add a serving of beets to your diet every week.
• Purple cabbage (often referred to as red cabbage) has 6 times the vitamin C and more antioxidants per 100 grams that does green cabbage.

• BLUE - Blueberries are often referred to as the ultimate brain food since they defend against dementia and Alzheimer's.  Studies have also shown that persons who eat 2 cups of blueberries per week have a 25% less likely chance of developing Parkinson's disease.

• WHITE - Yes, there are white foods other than processed bread and pasta!  Garlic is known for its sulfur compounds that convert to a gas that lowers blood pressure.  Garlic also reduces the risk of blood clots by stopping platelets from becoming too sticky!
• Cauliflower which contains both vitamin K and omega-3s is known to defend against chronic inflammation and to lower one's risk of both cancer and heart disease when eaten on a regular basis.

• BLACK - Blackberries contain salicylate, a natural pain reliever.  They also soothe stomach cramps and ward off atherosclerosis.
• Raisins and other foods containing the mineral boron may provide some of the same benefits as estrogen therapy for women in menopause.

I'll just imagine you have found a few benefits in some fruits and vegetables that you had never known existed or had even considered.  Amazing how God created foods to take care of our bodies when used correctly!

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