• Onions – They have long been known to be beneficial, even if they have a potent smell. However, there may never be a better time to start adding these fragrant foods into your diet. The onion is rich in many different components that are good for you, including Vitamin C and B6, as well as folic acid, and even potassium. Onions also contain quercetin, with is an antioxidant. This may be responsible for preventing many diseases, including lung cancer and even heart problems. This component also helps prevent blood clots.
• Green Tea – This is one of the most popular preventives on the market, and as more research is done on the benefits of this tea, expect it to continue to stock the shelves of your local markets. That’s a good thing since green tea may be responsible for preventing not only lung cancer, but a host of other diseases as well. It is very rich in antioxidants and can assist in boosting your immune system. In fact, a report published by the Linus Pauling Institute recently stated that combining green tea with NSAIDS may boost its protective values even more.
• Garlic – there must be something about the smelly foods that makes them so beneficial. While most people rank garlic right below onions in their favorites list, this is a terrific little additive that packs a powerful punch and not just on your breath. Fresh garlic contains many antioxidants and may help prevent respiratory ailments, lung cancer and many other cancers. However, keep in mind that the over the counter supplements frequently do not produce the same results. If you want the full benefit, you’ll have to it fresh.
• Red Wine – Lastly, we already know that Red Wine can help prevent cancers and heart disease, but it may also help those that suffer from inflammatory conditions of the lung, such as COPD. The wine acts a natural anti-inflammatory and may greatly assist those suffering from the disease. It may be beneficial in keeping your entire body healthy and promoting healthy lungs. This isn’t license to go drink a bottle a day, but a glass every night or every other night can be very beneficial for disease prevention.

These are just a few everyday foods that can really help prevent numerous diseases as well as lung ailments. They are easy to find and easy to add to any diet. However, if you have food allergies or an underlying health problem, it is best to discuss this with your doctor before adding anything new to your diet. Since many of these foods lower blood pressure, they should not be eaten if you are already on medication that does this.

What are antioxidants?

What are their benefits, and how can the health conscious individual insert them into their diet?

Antioxidants work against oxidative damage. Free-radicals are by-products of the body’s use of oxygen, and they can have negative side effects. These health consequences are believed to include cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, muscular diseases, among others. Antioxidants seek out and eliminate oxidizing free radicals, thus greatly reducing the risk for these diseases and conditions. They can also reduce the risk of stroke and improve overall immune functions. Oxidative damage is also a cause of neuro-disorders such as Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimers. It’s also a great way to reduce your risk of getting a cold.

What are antioxidant foods?

Antioxidants can be found in numerous fruits and vegetables, and can also be consumed in pill form. Studies suggest that consuming them naturally through produce is more beneficial than consuming the pill forms. However, both are shown to have a positive effect on disease prevention and overall health. The reason that they are often more effective when consumed in their natural form is because of the combinations of other vitamins and minerals that are present in these foods.

Some of the most well-known sources for antioxidants include tomatoes, garlic, onions, green tea, grapes, pomegranates, virtually all types of berries, and apples. Some foods with the highest concentrations of antioxidants are as follows.

1. Red beans
2. Blueberries
3. Kidney or pinto beans
4. Cranberries
5. Artichokes
6. Blackberries
7. Prunes
8. Raspberries
9. Strawberries
10. Apples

Not to be overlooked are green and black teas. These contain antioxidants called polyphenols and flavonoids, and contain them in amounts eight to ten times that of most fruits and vegetables. This is one reason why those following a traditional Japanese diet are found to have lower instances of cancer and heart disease.

There are several spices that are also shown to be high in antioxidants, including cinnamon, oregano, and cloves.

There are no government regulations currently in place that give recommendations for levels of antioxidants that should be consumed, although it is believed that guidelines will be developed in the near future. Doctors and dietitians say it comes down to just consuming more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and spices (nuts are also a good source of antioxidants). Doing this has numerous health benefits. You can’t help but consume a wide variety of nutrients and vitamins when you increase your overall produce intake, and antioxidants are just one of the positive outcomes of such a diet.

Photo Credit: ninjapoodles

If you have no idea, welcome to the club because until about fifteen minutes ago I had no idea either. I just knew that olive oil was supposed to be good for you and that you should be buying extra virgin or virgin olive oil if you want the best bang for your buck (the other types suck). So, why is it good for you?

Well, there are two aspects about olive oil that make it healthy for you to consume:

• High content of monounsaturated fatty acids, and,
• High content of antioxidants.

The oleic acid from the olives in olive oil offer good protection against heart disease because they help regulate the “bad” LDL cholesterol while raising the “good” HDL cholesterol. The first pressing, or extra virgin grade, is especially good because it has the highest concentration of antioxidants such as Vitamin E and phenols. Most of the fatty acids in olive oil are the omega-9 group, so it doesn’t affect omega-6 to omega-3 ratios.

It’s been shown that 25 milliliters of olive oil each day for a week reduces LDL cholesterol and increases antioxidant compounds in the blood.

So… that’s why it’s good for you, but 25 mL is enough (don’t chug it!).