Thursday, June 20, 2013

Vitamin C keeps WRINKLES at bay?!

 I started my day off with a bowl of oatmeal....packed with yummy fruits and chia seeds!
*old fashioned oats
*Cinnamon
*bananas
*raisins
*blueberries
*raw honey
*chia seeds
along with a slice of toast with apple butter spread and a cup of joe!
                                                                              
CHIA SEEDS:
 
Chia seeds are native to South America and have been a staple in Mayan and Aztec diets for centuries. Today, they draw the interest of many people for their health benefits and uses in cooking. It turns out the South American staple is a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants. They are super good for you and taste great in oatmeal! Some of it's benefits are, they are high in omega-3 fatty acids, excellent source of fiber, tons of good minerals and rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals, aging and cancer. They help with blood sugar regulation, they are gluten free and they are satiety, leaving you feeling full and satisfied!
 
 
For lunch, I decided to load up on my vitamin C! Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C and are back for the season, so I loaded up!
First I made a salad:
*Spinach
*Light mozzarella cheese
*Tons of strawberries
*Then drizzled a sauce I quickly whipped up in the blender; strawberries and balsamic vinegar
 
After my salad I was still hungry so, I made a unique sandwich, which turned out to be amazing!
*Rice bread
*Egg over easy
*Cottage cheese
*Spinach
*Strawberries
It was a gooey, yummy mess!

Strawberries are a bona fide superfood packed with antioxidants, like vitamin C, so they can boost your immunity. A 2010 UCLA study discovered that the antioxidant power in strawberries becomes "bio available" or "ready to work in the blood", after eating the fruit for just a few weeks.
 
They also promote eye health. The antioxidant properties in strawberries may also help prevent cataracts. Our eyes require vitamin C to protect them from exposure to free-radicals from harsh UV sun rays, which damage the protein in the lens. Vitamin C also plays an important role in strengthening the eye's cornea and retina. I am only 22 years old and in the last year, had cataracts removed and cornea transplants, due to a rare disease called, Fuchs dystrophy. Even though it's something I was born with, I realised, our vision is not something to take for granted. Thus, we need to do everything in our power to take care of our eyes and health overall. Health is a blessing and feeding our bodies the right food will defiantly be wise in protecting our body which is a gift! While high doses of vitamin C have been found to increase the risk of cataracts in women over 65, researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm note that the risk pertains to vitamin C obtained from supplements, not the vitamin C from fruits and vegetables....so, STOP taking supplements to get the good stuff we need, EAT them!
 
 Also, strawberries help fight cancer. Vitamin C is one of the antioxidants that can help with cancer prevention, since a healthy immune system is the body’s best defense. A phytochemical called ellagic acid, also found in strawberries, is another. Strawberries also, contain antioxidants lutein and zeathancins. Antioxidants are scavengers to free-radicals and neutralize the potentially negative effect they can have on our cells.
 
Strawberries, keep WRINKLES at bay! The power of vitamin C in strawberries continues, as it is vital to the production of collagen, which helps to improve skin’s elasticity and resilience. Since we lose collagen as we age, eating foods rich in vitamin C may result in healthier, younger-looking skin.
 
Strawberries also, fight bad cholesterol, reduce inflammation of the joints, promote pre-natal health, regulate blood pressure, boost fibre and aid in weight management!
 
So load up this summer with tons of antioxidants from fresh fruits and veggies, that you can get right at your local farmer's market. Don't depend on a supplement bottle.....your health could depend on it!
Hope you enjoyed,
Peace and Love.

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