Your Health Center

Aside from acai berries, flax seeds and sprouts, other little known super foods include:

Beets

Beets have antioxidants called flavenoids and carotenoids which help reduce the risk of heart ailments. They are also naturally low in calories so you don’t need to worry about putting on extra weight. Beets are also very good for pregnant and lactating mothers because of its folic acid content which can help babies develop strong spinal cords. Beetroot juice also provides silica which can reduce the risk of osteoporosis by allowing calcium to be used by the body properly.

Sesame Seeds

These seeds are rich sources of B Vitamins, Vitamins A and E, zinc, calcium, magnesium, copper, phosphorous, potassium, iron, copper and magnesium. Its many health benefits include helping blood circulation, promoting bowel and joint lubrication and lowering blood pressure.

Grape Tomatoes

We all know what tomatoes are but some of us may not have encountered grape tomatoes yet. These are actually hybrid tomatoes that are as small as olives and grapes. Tomatoes in general are good sources of Vitamin C, potassium, and beta carotene which can give you healthier skin and a stronger immune system. Tomatoes are also known for their lycopene content which can reduce the risk on prostate and lung cancer. Grape tomatoes basically offer similar health benefits as other kinds of tomatoes but these bite size versions have lower water content and are sweeter and tastier than other tomatoes which makes them perfect fruit snacks.

If there are power foods there are also foods known as super foods. These foods are so dense with vitamins and minerals that they can effectively fight disease by destroying free radicals. Common super foods include beans, tomatoes, broccoli, green tea, oranges and spinach. There are however, lesser known super foods that are equally rich in antioxidants.

Acai Berries

These are small black berries that grow in the Brazilian rainforest. These berries are rich sources of oleic acid, linoleic acid and sterols which are instrumental in lowering bad cholesterol and maintaining good cholesterol. These berries actually contain 33% more anthocyanin than red wine grapes and more than other kind of berry. Anthocyanin is powerful antioxidant that can slow down the aging process by protecting skin connective tissues and repairing damaged protein.

Flax Seeds

These seeds are perfect sources of fatty acids for vegans. Flax seeds are rich sources of Omega-3, 6 and 9 acids and lignin which can moderate cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease. The fatty acid content of flax seeds also may also help improve mental functions and prevent some types of cancer. Aside from taking care of your heart, flax seeds can also help prevent osteoporosis, asthma and diabetes. Other nutrients found in these seeds are fiber, manganese and Vitamin E.

Sprouts

There are any different kinds of sprouts that you can get from beans, radish, alfalfa, broccoli, mustard and many more. All sprouts however are richer sources of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, proteins, enzymes and trace elements than other foods. Some sprouts for example carry at least ten times more enzymes than other vegetables and fruits. Sprouts are particularly known for their ability to reduce the symptoms of menopause and prevent cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

What other little known super foods are there?

Last time, we discovered the merits of self detoxification and choosing other options for healthy and flavorful meals. Let’s continue with other great tips.

Avoid Processed Food

If you really cannot avoid meat then choose the better kinds of meat. Processed meat including canned meat and repackaged meat usually lose much of their protein and nutrient content because of processing methods. Other packaged meats are also made of lower quality meat. Always choose fresh lean meat over processed meat. This rule should be followed for all other food items.

Drink Red Wine in Moderation

Researchers and ordinary people have often wondered why the French do not suffer as much as other westerners from cardiac diseases when their daily diet is known to be rich and fattening. Theoretically, the answer may be because they are also lovers of red wine. Red wine has antioxidant properties that help prevent blood vessel clogging by fat deposits. Having a glass of red wine to complement your rich meal may be a healthy practice.

Improve Cooking and Preparation Methods

You can have a healthier meal of lean meat if you broiled or grilled your meat instead of frying it. Meats cooked this way are lower in fat and come out as more visually appealing. If you really want to fry some meat, remove the fat before doing so and use a dripping rack to eliminate excess oil from fried meat.

It is a common belief that healthy food means the same as tasteless or bad taste. Modern culinary discoveries and guidelines however are now making it possible for anyone to enjoy delicious and tasty dishes and still remain healthy and fit. The following are some helpful tips.

Self Detoxification

Detoxification is usually a special process that will require you to ask for expert help. You can however practice and set a schedule for your own self detoxification. If you are a meat eater, set a few days in a week for you to be a vegetarian. Another alternative would be to cook your daily dishes with a mixture of lean meat pieces and vegetables. On the days that you are eating meat, make sure that you have side dishes or desert that contains vegetables and unsweetened fruits.

It will also help if you tried to discover different natural spices and herbs to enhance the taste of your food. Instead of using store bought sauces for your meat and fish, experiment with tasty and flavorful herbs and spices like parsley, cloves, rosemary and thyme.

Water is also an essential part of self detoxification. Drink as many glasses of water as you can everyday to help flush out harmful toxins from your body and to replenish your system with lost nutrients.

Choose Other Options

You can still have tasty food in other less fattening forms. Instead of eating bread made of refined flour for example, you should choose whole wheat bread instead. If you are a pasta lover, choose pasta that is made of whole meal and top it off natural tomato sauce mixed with bits of tuna instead of pork meat. Sweet smoothies can also be made more nutritious by blending fresh fruits and using natural sweeteners like fresh apple juice or pure honey.

Fish and vegetables are healthier to eat if steamed or broiled. Improve the taste of dishes like these by mixing healthy sauces made of soy and sesame oil. If you really want to fry some of your foods, avoid oils made of pork or animal oil. Use healthy oils instead like grapeseed oil, canola oil and olive oil.

What other options do we have for healthy, tasty eating?

We’ve only just begun with exploring the aphrodisiac qualities of some common foods in our previous article. This time we explore other common aphrodisiac foods.

Chocolate

This is probably everyone’s favorite sweet treat in modern times but in the time of the Aztecs, it was a known aphrodisiac even in its bitter form. It is not only its smooth suggestive texture that makes it sexually enticing. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine and caffeine which promotes the release of chemicals in the brain which bring about a sense of well being. Recent studies also show that chocolate contains antioxidants that can promote general health.

Garlic

Garlic has been known for centuries to be a helpful treatment for cold, asthma and even heart ailments. It can greatly enhance the taste of food as a common part of almost any recipe. Its smell especially when cooked in oil can effectively arouse the senses and even cause an erection in some men. Garlic also has antioxidants. Diallyl sulfides in particular help promote proper blood circulation.

Honey

No wonder “honeymoon” is called as such because honey itself is an ancient aphrodisiac. The ancient Egyptians, Vikings and Persians all used honey in different ways related to sex and romance. Honey can also increase polyphenolic antioxidants in the blood that fight free radicals and promote general health. Even without its health benefits however, the sweet taste and spreadable qualities of honey are already sexual tools in the hands of a creative lover.

Aphrodisiacs have long been regarded as the secret to sexual appetite and stamina. These kinds of food however need not be complicated gourmet dishes. You might not know that some of the common foods in your pantry might actually be powerful aphrodisiacs. Let’s take a look at some of these common foods.

Asparagus

This stalk was once a popular aphrodisiac simply because of its shape. It has since become a well known edible phallic symbol. Studies show however that asparagus stalks are also actually rich in Vitamin E which can stimulate sex hormones. Vitamin E is also a known antioxidant that can help make your skin smooth and healthy. Asparagus stalks are served best steamed or boiled. Some believe that the asparagus will give better results when eaten for three days straight.

Avocado

This fruit is also symbolic because of its appearance. It was once named “testicle tree” by the Aztecs because its fruits hang in pairs. When cut open, the avocado also resembles the female genitalia. It draws its reputation as an aphrodisiac however from its sensuously creamy texture. Avocados are rich sources of potassium which is known to prevent fatigue and Vitamins K and C which are good for the skin.

Oysters

These mollusks which resemble the female genitals have been popular aphrodisiacs since the time of the ancient Romans. Oysters however are best remembered as aphrodisiacs because the great 16th century womanizer Casanova, who seduced more than 120 women, was known to feast on oysters nearly every day. Oysters are really high in zinc which promotes better production of testosterone. The salty scent and taste is also similar to the pheromones of women.

What else can you find in the kitchen to heighten sexual endurance and libido?