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Sunday, May 31, 2009
Cacao Bean’s Nutrient Profile
For many people it is a surprise to learn that chocolate is rich in a variety of nutrients!! The lifesustaining, energy‐boosting cacao bean was a major part of the Mesoamerican diet because it was a powerhouse of phytonutrition, even rivaling more common place fruits and vegetables.
Cocao bean reportedly contains the following nutrients:
* Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
* Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
* Niacin (Vitamin B3)
* Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
* Pyroxidine (Vitamin B6)
* Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
* Copper
* Calcium
* Phosphorous
* Iron
* Magnesium
The nutritional content of the pure cacao bean is:
* 55 % cocoa butter
* 12 % protein
* 9 % cellulose (fiber)
* 7 % starch
* 6 % tannins (polyphenols)
* 5 % percent water
* 3 % acid
* 2 % theobromine
* 1 % natural sugar
More info:
Body By Chocolates Website: http://bodybychocolates.com/xo/gs/guy.htm
Body By Chocolate TwitWall: http://twitwall.com/view/?who=bodybychocolate
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Anandamide Has Ties With Marijuana, Chocolate
Discovered in 1992, the chemical anandamide performs special duties in the body, some of which can be
reproduced by tetrahydrocannibol (THC) in marijuana and by chocolate. Anandamide plays a role in a person’s pain, depression, appetite, memory, and fertility.
The active ingredients in marijuana are much stronger and last longer than fragile anandamide molecules, and chocolate “highs” are triggered, like the other two, when the ananadamide or its substitute activates cellular receptors, thus producing dopamine, a neurotransmitter that triggers a sense of well being.
Anandamide, easily able to penetrate the hydrocarbon-rich curtain that separates the brain from the bloodstream, is 100 times more common in a woman’s uterus than in the brain. There, anandamide helps synchronize development of the embryo with the uterine wall’s ability to be implanted upon.
Facts about arachidonyl ethanolamide (anandamide,) and how it’s related to marijuana and chocolate include:
* The word anandamide, derived from the Sanskrit word ananda, which means “bliss”
* Some research shows amandamide plays a key role in making and breaking short-term neural memory connections
* One theory is the body’s purpose for anandamide is to filter out unimportant or unpleasant memories
* Although studies are new, research indicates that newborns in the animal world have more anandamide molecules than adults, indicating the possibility that anandamide plays a role in developing the cortical function of infants
* Anandamide is a lipid, meaning it doesn’t dissolve in water, but can be broken down in organic solvents
* A second THC-like molecule in addition to anandamide, sn-2 arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) also has been found to be naturally produced in the brain
* 2-AG is present at 170 times the concentration of anandamide in some areas of the brain and is thought to perform a complementary role to that of anandamide
* Concentrations of anandamide are equally high in a woman’s uterine wall and her developing embryo
* Anandamide is a factor in keeping one embryo from planting too close to another in the uterine wall
* Because THC is a ‘key’ that attaches to the same cells as anandamide, the high concentrations of that chemical and its longevity in the body may interfere with embryo/uterine wall functions
* Although marijuana and chocolate generate similar effects, it’s estimated a person would have to consume 25 pounds of chocolate to achieve an equivalent marijuana high
* The anandamide molecule was discovered by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, of Israel
Nerve cells communicate by releasing special ‘key’ molecules that only adhere to special receptor sites on cells designed to accept those keys. Anandamide, THC, and dark chocolate molecules have such keys that trigger the production of dopamine.
Studies on various animals, including pigs, indicate that the addition of anandamide can act as a sedative, lowering body temperatures, resulting in slower respiration, and producing more calm.
Dr. Daniele Piomelli, of the Neurosciences Institute, in San Diego, says the study of Anandamide has the potential to help discover a cure for mental illness.
By Rocky Wilson author of Sharene -- Death: A Prerequisite For Life
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Learning All About Acai Berries
Researchers intent on learning all about acai berries consistently reach the same conclusion. Not only are the small berries that grow near the top of acai palm trees in Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest an extremely healthy food source, but the high level of antioxidants they contain can help combat cancer cells, some heart diseases, contribute to weight loss, and generate energy boosts in humans.
Often consumed as a juice or thick pulp, acai has been proven to elevate antioxidant levels in a person’s blood or urine significantly within 24 hours after being taken into the body.
Some facts about the acai berry include:
* Acai berries are about the size of a grape
* Acai is said to taste “like a vibrant blend of berries and chocolate”
* Acai berries are royal purple in color
* The pulp surrounding its seed is the edible part of the acai berry
* Acai berries contain healthy Omega fatty acids like those found in fish oil and olive oil
* Acai berries include oleic acid, a component along with Omega fatty acids that penetrate cell membranes, making them more pliant, hence more efficient in promoting the function of hormones, neurotransmitters, and insulin receptors
* Acai berries include amino acids, which are keys to proper muscle contraction and regeneration
* Acai berries include monounsaturated (healthy) fats, dietary fiber, and phytosterois that help promote cardiovascular and digestive health
* Acai often is sold in supplement form
* It’s recommended that acai products have no preservatives included in them
* Unfiltered acai juice or pulp is recommended to maintain the product’s organic wholeness
* Glass bottle containers are recommended for acai juice or pulp products; leeching will occur in plastic bottles; and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates that acai berry products be pasteurized
* Be wary of “free trial” internet scams for acai products; providing such companies with credit card information to pay for shipping can open doors to unwanted further purchases
* Before accepting free trial samples, read any contract’s fine print; many advertisers include in their contracts the stipulation that billing will be continued if you don’t cancel your agreement in fourteen, or even thirty days
Although Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) scores have been around since 1992 and are widely accepted as the best available measure of the antioxidant capacities of different foods, the scores still aren’t defined and regulated by the FDA.
However, many doctors recommend a daily intake of the equivalent of about 1,750 ORAC units per day to maintain health. And ORAC scores for acai products nearly are off the chart.
An ORAC score for 100 grams of food places acai powder (freeze dried from acai pulp puree) well at the top of the ORAC fruit chart with 90,000 ORAC units. Second to it is Goji berries at 25,300 ORAC units.
It’s possible that learning all about acai berries could, at a future date, open doors to new health discoveries.
By Rocky Wilson author of Sharene -- Death: A Prerequisite For Life
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Healthy Chocolate Is A Lie
By Jean Kelsey
I was doing some google searches on chocolate and happened to come across some person’s blog that had major negative words and posts from people who DO not use the product, have NO interest in trying the product and claim that it is all rubbish. These folks are claiming that healthy chocolate is a lie.
The first thing I want to say to all those folks who have nothing good to say about a product that they have NEVER tried yet make all these comments is, ‘how would you like someone to judge a book by its cover and you are that book?’ Someone who has judged you and spread negativity like a virus and those people who have joined the band wagon spewing the same thing, yet have no clue? I wonder how that would make you feel?
I was a doubting ‘Thomas’ as they say. I have lived with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms since 1991. Google that and find out what that does since this article is aimed at the folks who don’t think before they speak. I heard about it and decided to give it a try. I bought a box and gave it one month to see what was going to happen. I now am experiencing an overall wellness and my body feels much more balanced. *My biggest thrill, however, is the energy that has been bestowed on me from consuming this awesome stuff.
So to those people out there who like to trash a product without trying it I say shame on you. Without the fair shake that someone or something should receive, you have already damned them or it to hell. You are setting a wonderful example to those around you and I certainly hope you have the ability to take a few steps back and see just how you appear to people who know this stuff works. If you REALLY think that healthy chocolate is a lie then I want to tell you that your internet blabbing really does make you look foolish. Put your money where your mouth is, give it a try and then come back to your blog and update your comments.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Chocolate: Journey From Being Evil To Angel
Neha Wasnik
Chocolate has always been regarded as the great temptress since ages. It has been the sign of celebration, reward, allurement, envy, gratitude, and also comfort. It can amalgamate with possibly all ingredients and yet be equally tasteful. But more often than not chocolate has earned a reputation that of a evil temptation, a high caloric sin, or heavy food little has been spoken of its added value until recent times.
Chocolate comprises a number of raw and processed foods that are produced from the seed of the tropical cocoa tree. The word "chocolate" comes from the Aztecs of Mexico, and is derived from the Nahuatl word xocolatl which is a combination of the words, xocolli, meaning "bitter", and atl, which is "water".
Several types of chocolate can be distinguished. Pure, unsweetened chocolate contains primarily cocoa solids and cocoa butter in varying proportions. Much of the chocolate consumed today is in the form of sweet chocolate, combining chocolate with sugar. Milk chocolate is sweet chocolate that additionally contains milk powder or condensed milk. "White chocolate" contains cocoa butter, sugar, and milk but no cocoa solids. Chocolate contains alkaloids such as theobromine and phenethylamine, which have some physiological effects in humans, but the presence of theobromine. It has been linked to serotonin levels in the brain. Dark chocolate has recently been promoted for its health benefits, as it seems to possess substantial amount of antioxidants that reduce the formation of free radicals. Dark chocolate, with its high cocoa content, is a rich source of the flavonoids epicatechin and gallic acid, which are thought to possess cardioprotective properties. Dark chocolate has also been said to reduce the possibility of a heart attack when consumed regularly in small amounts.
On the other hand, eating large quantities of any energy-rich food such as chocolate increases risk of obesity. The high amount of calories is caused by factory-added substances such as fat and sugar. The high amounts of added fat and sugar are also suggested to make chocolate so addictive. This is because it is psychologically considered to be unhealthy by most (due to the added sugar and fat), causing a desire to eat chocolate, resulting from restraint. As such, eating black chocolate, or chocolate products with sweeteners, is considered less addictive (and more healthy) than milk chocolate, white chocolate, or any other high-calorie chocolate product.
Recent studies have suggested that cocoa or dark chocolate may possess certain beneficial effects on human health. This is mainly caused by a particular substance present in cocoa called epicatechin. Cocoa possesses a significant antioxidant action, protecting against LDL oxidation, perhaps more than other polyphenol antioxidant-rich foods and beverages. Some studies have also observed a modest reduction in blood pressure and flow-mediated dilation after consuming dark chocolate daily. However, consuming milk chocolate or white chocolate, or drinking fat-containing milk with dark chocolate, appears largely to negate the health benefit. Processed cocoa powder (so called Dutch chocolate), processed with alkali greatly reduces the antioxidant capacity as compared to "raw" cocoa powder. Processing cocoa with alkali destroys most of the flavonoids.
One-third of the fat in chocolate comes in the forms of a saturated fat called stearic acid and a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid. However, unlike other saturated fats, stearic acid does not raise levels of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. Consuming relatively large amounts of dark chocolate and cocoa does not seem to raise serum LDL cholesterol levels; some studies even find that it could lower them. Indeed, small but regular amounts of dark chocolate lower the possibility of a heart attack, a result of cholesterol imbalance according to the lipid hypothesis.]
Other benefits
Several population studies have observed an increase in the risk of certain cancers among people who frequently consume sweet 'junk' foods such as chocolate. However, very little evidence exists to suggest whether consuming flavonoid-rich dark chocolate may increase or decrease the risk of cancer. Evidence from laboratory studies suggests that cocoa flavonoids may possess anticarcinogenic mechanisms, but more research is needed to prove this idea.
Studies suggest a specially formulated type of cocoa may be nootropic and delay brain function decline as people age. According to researchers at Harvard, the University of California, and European universities, cocoa-based prescription drugs could potentially help treat diabetes, dementia and other diseases.
Other research indicates that chocolate may be effective at preventing persistent coughing. The ingredient theobromine was found to be almost one third more effective than codeine, the leading cough medicine. The chocolate also appears to soothe and moisten the throat. Flavonoids can inhibit the development of diarrhea, suggesting antidiarrhoeal effects of chocolate.
The major concern that we have is that even though eating dark chocolate may favorably affect certain biomarkers of cardiovascular disease, the amount needed to have this effect would provide a relatively large quantity of calories, which, if unused, would promote weight gain. Obesity is a significant risk factor for many diseases, including cardiovascular disease.
Like everything else even chocolate can be a saving angel when in limits otherwise it takes form of a persisting demon inside of you.
Look forward to my healthier chocolate posts soon every week.
Wish you wellness,
Neha Wasnik
R.D
Related blog - http://wellnessandi.blogspot.com/
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Benefits of Cacao Beans and Their Derivatives
Nearly 1,000 years ago, the ancient Aztecs of Central Mexico already were availing themselves of the healthy benefits of cacao beans and their derivatives, especially a nonsugared cacao drink said to be consumed to strengthen the mind and body.
Raw, unprocessed cacao, which can be treated to become common chocolate, is considered to be a powerhouse of cognitive, mood, and bliss enhancement.
Raw cacao includes more than 300 compounds, including the crucial element magnesium, and stimulates neurotransmitters in the brain that orchestrate mood, influence thought patterns, and help dictate alertness.
Miscellaneous facts, figures, and information about cacao beans include:
* Cacao is derived from Theobroma Cacao beans; “Theobroma” meaning “Food of the Gods”
* Cacao includes the chemical phenylethylamine (PEA,) which quickens the pulse and can generate an “in love” euphoria
* Cacao is high in sulfur, creating strong nails and hair
* Anandamide in cacao resembles THC in marijuana, although it would take about 25 pounds of chocolate to generate an equivalent marijuana “high”
* The average dark chocolate bar includes 10 to 60 milligrams of caffeine, while an average cup of coffee can yield up to 175 milligrams
* BrainReady.com lists cacao beans as the second highest-scoring brain health food that’s widely available and all natural, behind wild salmon
* Although cacao includes calcium, it also includes oxalic acid which interferes with the body’s ability to absorb calcium
In 1992, Dr. Guchua Cao, of the National Institute on Aging, in Baltimore, Maryland, devised a scale to record the level and effectiveness of antioxidants as agents to absorb free radicals in the body; free radicals considered to be main contributors to such terminal diseases as cancer, some heart malfunctions, and obesity. Called Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) scores, many look at ORAC scores as a way to determine what is and isn’t healthy to eat.
Using that criteria, although ORAC scores aren’t regulated by the Federal Drug Administration yet, it’s considered the higher ORAC score a food has, the healthier it is.
According to organicconsumers.org, five of the top 10 antioxidant foods on its ORAC chart are derivatives of cacao beans. ORAC scores per 100 grams:
* #1 Raw cocoa powder 95,500, though no more than 40 grams per day is recommended due to oxalic acid
* #2 Raw cacao nibs 62,100
* #3 Roasted cocoa powder 26,000
* #4 Organic Goji berries 25,300
* #5 Acai berries 18,500
* #6 Dark chocolate 13,120
* #7 Milk chocolate 6,740
* #8 Prunes 5,770
* #9 Raisins 2,830
* #10 Blueberries 2,400
Theobromine, as well as oxalic acid, is a negative factor from the more than 300 compounds in cacao beans. Theobromine stimulates the central nervous system, dilates blood vessels, and, though containing only one-fourth the stimulating power of caffeine, is the reason dogs shouldn’t eat any chocolate. Dogs lack the necessary enzymes to metabolize theobromine, and could experience cardiac arrest.
Yet, overall, the value of cacao beans and its derivatives is high.
By Rocky Wilson author of Sharene -- Death: A Prerequisite For Life
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Is MLM A Pyramid Scheme?
By Guy Siverson
Recently I received this comment on my @BodyByChcolate Twitter account.
#TwitterFAIL for spamming Bellinghamsters one at a time for their MLM "event." Pyramid schemes only work 4 those @ top.
The messsage I sent out was:
Priv Chocolate Tasting Event: 06.02 Bellingham 7PM network opp. Pre-reg bonus 25 seats left - info http://bit.ly/SXWm2 Pls RT
I could run this person to the ground by pointing out that is followers and following are extremely low indeed, or point out that those higher up on the Twitter numbers get more recognition and love which must mean that Twitter is an International pyramid.
I'll do neither but rather I would like to directly answer their accusation while keeping their identity secret for discretionary reasons.
Please join me as we uncover the truth of "Is MLM A Pyramid Scheme"?
Let's start by looking into Wikipedia to see what it has to say about Multi Level Marketing & Pyramid Schemes.
PYRAMID SCHEMES:
A pyramid scheme is a non-sustainable business model that involves the exchange of money primarily for enrolling other people into the scheme, often without any product or service being delivered.
===> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_schemes
MULTI-LEVEL MARKETING:
Multi-level marketing (MLM) is a marketing strategy that compensates promoters of direct selling companies not only for product sales they personally generate, but also for the sales of others they introduced to the company. The products and company are usually marketed directly to consumers and potential business partners by means of relationship referrals and word of mouth marketing.
Not everyone likes Wikipedia so lets turn to AskJeeves and see if they can straiten out this confusion. We will do this by typing the word "define" before each word in question here on http://Ask.com
PYRAMID SCHEMES:
A fraudulent moneymaking scheme in which people are recruited to make payments to others above them in a hierarchy while expecting to receive payments from people recruited below them.
MULTI-LEVEL MARKETING:
A system for selling goods or services through a network of distributors. ... The typical Multilevel Marketing program works through recruitment. You are invited to become a distributor, sometimes through another distributor.
Well now we have Wikipedia & Ask Jeeves in agreement. Let's turn to the king of the Internet and let Google set them straight following the same process as what we did for ask.
PYRAMID SCHEMES:
A pyramid scheme is a non-sustainable business model that involves the exchange of money primarily for enrolling other people into the scheme, without any product or service being delivered.
MULTI-LEVEL MARKETING:
A business system where goods and services are sold through a pyramid scheme structure, with distributors on the top supplying others lower down the scale in return for commission
Finally we found someone referring to "pyramid scheme" while talking about MLM's. However, even here the words were "PYRAMID SCHEME STRUCTURE" and that may be why so many people confuse the two. They both use the same general structure but the difference is an MLM has an actual physical product (ie healthy chocolate) while a pyramid scheme does not.
However, in all fairness there are some points that were made in their 140 character post that we need to address.
Here is the post again:
#TwitterFAIL for spamming Bellinghamsters one at a time for their MLM "event." Pyramid schemes only work 4 those @ top.
"For Spamming Bellinghamsters"
Is a 1 time message about an activity that will be taking place in one's local area considered spam? I for one wouldn't think so. However, if I were to submit numerous replies of the exact same thing over and over again to a specfic person you are now officially spamming. I'm not going to take the time to define spam here and now. You have Google, search it out.
"their MLM "event."
Actually its a healthy chocolate tasting event where people will indeed be encouraged to purchase healthy chocolate. If they want to get paid to consume our healthy chocolate they may very well take part in our MLM opportunity.
Pyramid schemes
Since we clearly have an amazing chocolate product that is legally sold in 15 countries how can this possibily be an illegal "pyramid scheme"? Sure it is built the same way as a pyramid scheme. But just because something looks like a duck and sounds like a duck doesn't make it a duck.
only work 4 those @ top
No matter what area of interest you choose to pursue to build your career the higher up the ladder you climb the greater your success. It's no different in the world of Multi-Level Marketing. Though I will say that with this company unlike any other I have seen greater success faster and I've only been involved since January.
But, it does take work!
I wonder if the poster tried an MLM once for all of a month and a half, couldn't get his dog Rover to sign-up, and consequently came to the conclusion that MLM opportunities don't work. The question I would have is what wasn't working? The program or the enrollee? Whatever the case I've personally been very pleased with how financially rewarding something that doesn't work has been for me in just the few months I have been involved.
That's why my answer to a question like:
"Is MLM A Pyramid Scheme" would be flat out NO! I'd also take the time to tell them about my own personal favorite MLM which Body By Chocolates is built off.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
ORAC Scores, A New Measure of Healthy Foods
Talking about Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, or ORAC scores without speaking of antioxidants and free radicals is like holding a swimming competition without water.
You might address both topics using a common language, but nothing of merit will be achieved unless the basics of comparison and substance, antioxidants and free radicals for the former and water for the latter, are met.
ORAC score ratings, which measure the antioxidant capabilities of foods and chemical substances, were first devised in 1992, but to date aren’t judged uniformly for accuracy by the Federal Drug Administration. That means, realistically, that an illicit company can advertise it has higher ORAC scores than a company selling products higher in antioxidants without legal repercussions.
In essence, the boundaries have not been set yet.
Generally speaking, the higher the ORAC score, the healthier the food because ORAC scores measure the effectiveness of antioxidants in the body to combat free radicals. And free radicals, in simple terms, are thought to be molecular factors in causing cancer, some heart diseases, obesity, constant fatigue, and can lead to early aging.
Some factors about ORAC scores are as follows:
* To maintain health, an average adult should consume the equivalent of 1,750 ORAC score-units per day
* Though studies are far from complete, currently there’s no established ceiling of how many ORAC score- units one can consume in a day
* Free radicals are caused by normal body functions, such as by the process of oxidation, and by environmental factors such as pollution, cigarette smoke, radiation from the sun and electrical appliances, and rancid food
* The ORAC score test was developed by Dr. Guohua Cao, a chemist and physician at the National Institute on Aging, in Baltimore, Maryland
* The recommended physician’s diet of consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, on average, will meet a person’s quota of ORAC score-units
Some fruits that record high ORAC scores (per 3.5 ounces) include:
* Prunes … 5770
* Raisins … 2830
* Blueberries … 2400
* Blackberries … 2036
* Strawberries … 1540
* Raspberries … 1220
Some vegetables that record high ORAC scores (per 3.5 ounces) include:
* Kale … 1770
* Spinach … 1260
* Brussels sprouts … 980
* Alfalfa sprouts … 930
* Broccoli flowers … 890
* Beets … 840
Science has shown that consuming foods with high ORAC scores--where the tiny acai berry native to Brazil is thought to yield the highest score on the planet and unprocessed cacao, too, rates extremely high--can raise antioxidant levels in the blood by as much as 25 percent. To reach those lofty figures, experts recommend the consumption of about 5000 ORAC score-units daily, possibly by additional servings of bright-colored fruits and vegetables, or dark greens.
Many things about ORAC scores, including the fact spinach is a more effective antioxidant than strawberries, which records a higher ORAC score, remains a mystery in this newly created field of science that could lead to serious health breakthroughs.
By Rocky Wilson author of Sharene -- Death: A Prerequisite For Life
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Who Tweeted In My Chocolate?
By Guy Siverson
You might say that it started innocently enough.
First, people added items like nuts & cocoanut to make oh so delicious brownies, cookies, fudge and the list went on.
Then one day someone thought it would be clever to add peanut butter and chocolate. This was so popular that they even made commercials and gave it its own brand name.
As fine as this all is, I am here to say this has got to stop.
Why?
Easy. Someone just tweeted in my chocolate.
Yes, you heard it right someone tweeted in my chocolate and I’m quite sure I shouldn’t be happy. After all, would you be happy if they tweeted in your chocolate?
What’s that, you don’t know what a tweet is?
Well, I can tell you that its not a new ingredient or flavor. To my knowledge its not even edible, well at least not to us humanoids.
It’s also not quite as disgusting as it might sound. If the secret were told I actually enjoy tweeting in my chocolate, but don’t let that get out or I may never hear the end of it.
Given all the above are you wondering what exactly a tweet is?
Well, twitter my fancy. It’s a 140-character message. But not just any 140-character message, for anyone can do that. It’s a 140-character message posted on Twitter.com, which is the latest greatest rage of social networking on the Internet.
Pull over Facebook, theirs a new kid in town.
Take notice MySpace your pink slip is bound.
Of course, the success of Twitter depends on people like BodyByChocolate providing high quality first class informative tweets on a regular and consistent base so that those who want to tell you about what they had for “X” are over-run with helpful friendly conversations. A mission that BodyByChocolate is more than glad to take on.
So, join the healthy chocolate revolution by following the helpful friendly BodyByChocolate tweeter.
And yes, if you must know, I’m the one that tweeted in my chocolate and I do it all the time.
The Health Benefits of Antioxidants Abound
To understand the health benefits of antioxidants one almost needs to return to his or her high school chemistry classroom where the basics of atoms, neutrons, and electrons were taught.
For its only by returning to the molecular level of understanding, where electrically charged electrons trigger chemical reactions that bond atoms into molecules, where we can grasp the concept of unhealthy free radicals that can be held in check by the consumption of antioxidants.
Free radicals are a natural byproduct of the process in which human body cells release oxygen: a process in which weak molecular bonds are broken; electron counts left unstable and uneven; and free radical electrons left roaming, eager to bond with any molecule they can “steal” electrons from.
Free radicals also are caused by environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke, and herbicides.
Facts, statistics, and other minutia concerning antioxidants include the following.
High antioxidant foods include:
* FRUITS … Berries (cherry, blackberry, strawberry, raspberry, crowberry, blueberry, bilberry/wild blueberry, black currant,) pomegranate, grape, orange, plum, pineapple, kiwi fruit, grapefruit, cantaloupe, lime, tomato
* VEGETABLES … Kale, chili pepper, red cabbage, peppers, parsley, artichoke, Brussels sprouts, spinach, lemon, ginger, red beets, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes
* DRY FRUITS … Apricots, prunes, dates
* LEGUMES … Broad beans, pinto beans, soybeans
* NUTS AND SEEDS … Pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, ground nut, sunflower seeds
* CEREALS … Barley, millet, oats, corn
* SPICES … Cloves, cinnamon, oregano
* MEATS … Fish, shellfish, red meat, chicken
* OTHER FOODS EXTREMELY HIGH IN ANTIOXIDANTS … Acai berries, unprocessed cacao powder
Because free radicals are thought to be a major cause of many aspects of poor health, the high consumption of antioxidants to combat those free radicals is encouraged by most doctors. If one is to meet the average person’s antioxidant needs on a daily basis through the consumption of fruits and vegetables, it’s recommended that a person eat from five to eight servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
Negative health conditions caused at least in part by free radicals that, according to 21st Century health practices, a steady diet of antioxidants could help deter, include:
* Cancer; especially mouth, larynx, and esophagus cancer
* Heart disease; where antioxidants can reduce damage caused by bad cholesterol and artery-clogging plaque
* Obesity
* DNA damage
* Lack of energy and stamina
* Weakened immune systems
One of the world’s least known fruits that’s off the charts in its antioxidant content is the Acai berry, mainly raised in Brazil.
It’s no surprise that Jiu-jitsu fighters and soccer players from Brazil regularly eat large meals of acai berry pulp before competing in strenuous athletic competitions. Not only a major source of nutrition and carbohydrates, the antioxidant properties in the berries generate huge increases in energy levels and stamina.
But it’s not the acai berries or unprocessed cacao that’s the true key to a better life, but the health benefits of antioxidants contained within those and other foods.
By Rocky Wilson author of Sharene -- Death: A Prerequisite For Life
