The Power of Whole Foods

[Guest guest]

The Power of Whole Foods

 

News:

 

Compiled by Jen Syberg, RNCP

Did you know.?

 

· The black color coat on black beans actually reflects additional nutritional

value? There are at least 8 different flavonoids in the 'coat' of a black bean.

(Flavonoids are antioxidants which protect our bodies against cellular damage

such as premature ageing, disease and cancers.)

 

· Those little lentils can help to stabilize blood sugar levels and lower

cholesterol levels as well as help to prevent constipation and irritable bowel

disorder. Did you know such a small legume, could have such an impact on health?

 

· Beans contain healthy, immune supportive, artery protective essential fatty

acids? In fact, one cup of black beans contains the equivalent amount of omega-3

fatty acids as one ounce of halibut.

 

· That small red beans (I can only find canned by Eden Organics) have the

highest concentration of antioxidants.

 

· In one cup of black beans contains the same amount of protein as 2 eight

ounce glasses of milk.

 

· If you are sensitive to sulfites (a preservative often added to foods, deli

salads, wine and beer) a cup of black beans a day will provide you with 172% of

your daily value of molybdenum, a trace mineral and an integral component of the

enzyme sulfite oxidase, which is responsible for detoxifying sulfites.

 

· Garbanzo beans are also high in molybdenum and as well high in folate and

magnesium. Folate helps to lower homocysteine- high blood levels of homocysteine

are associated with a higher risk factor for heart attack or stoke and are found

in between 20-40% of patients with heart disease.

 

· Magnesium deficiency may trigger muscle tension, muscle soreness, muscle

cramps, PMS muscle cramping and muscle fatigue. This is because in many nerve

cells, magnesium serves as a chemical gate blocker - as long as there is enough

magnesium around, calcium can't rush into the nerve cell and activate the nerve.

This gate blocking by magnesium helps keep the nerve relaxed.

 

 

 

To reach Jen with any nutritional questions or suggestions for articles you can

email her at: jen Jen is the nutritionist for the Beaches

Wellness Centre, 2276 Queen Street East at 416-698-7070.