Foods That Contain Antioxidants

For many, getting older is often seen as a negative. With the use of antioxidants, the aging process can be slowed down while allowing a person to age gracefully. Antioxidants basically attach to free radicals and prevent cells from aging through a process called oxidation. By eating foods or beverages high in antioxidants, the fountain of youth can be potentially tapped to keep you looking younger later into your years. Below, you will find a list of foods that are often under looked as great sources of antioxidants.

1. Dark chocolate

Now dessert does not have to be such a bad thing. Enjoy a couple pieces of dark chocolate to increase your antioxidant uptake. Remember, milk chocolate is not what you want to be consuming. The more cacao the chocolate has, the more benefits that it offers. Not only does it have more than twice the amount of antioxidants of wine, it tastes great!

2. Green tea

Green tea is actually giving coffee a run for its money and is another great source of antioxidants. Also, green tea is known for its anti-inflammatory properties which may be help for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Another known fact, green tea may have up to 10 times more antioxidants than those found in vegetables and fruits.

3. Pomegranates

One of the earliest recorded fruits, the pomegranate has been touted as a symbol of life, fertility, and longevity. Punicalagins, chemicals found in this fruit, are known to help lower cholesterol levels and improve cardio circulation. Another added benefit is fresh squeezed pomegranate has been known to reduce the amount of heart blockages by up to 30 percent for those who drank one ounce of juice everyday for up to a year. 

4. Red wine

This is one of the more popular beverages that has high antioxidant properties. Wine, specifically reds, are known to have polyphenols and resveratrol. These compounds are regarded as anti-aging chemicals that will keep you feeling and looking great. Red wine is also great for your overall cardiovascular health and may promote good kidney function.

5. Coffee

Often carrying a bad reputation for its other side effects, coffee is actually a great source of antioxidants and is the number one source for most Americans. Another benefit associated with drinking coffee is that java drinkers have half the chance of developing liver cancer according to the National Cancer Institute. In addition, coffee may be able to reduce the chances of colon cancer by stimulating the bowels. 

6. Blueberries

Although last on the list, the blueberry is actually number one on the list of fruits with the most antioxidants. This berry is one of the most popular and for good reason. The blueberry has the ability to repair damaged DNA structure while still being a tasty snack. For those that can only get blueberries in season, this berry can be frozen with no damage to the antioxidants.

Eating Healthy at a Asian Food Buffet

For many people, the cuisine at a buffet can pose serious problems with a healthy lifestyle. However, with a little preparation it is possible to eat at a buffet and still not go overboard.

1. Stay away from foods that are breaded or deep fried. This will include General Tso's chicken, egg rolls, fried fish.

2. Try to visit a hibachi buffet. These types of buffets will have an assortment of fishes, meats, and chicken that have no added calories and are really good for those maintaining a high-protein diet. If you are working out to gain muscle mass, these buffets are really good in terms of value and will help you get your protein for the day without costing you an arm and a leg.

3. Eat foods that are roasted or barbequed. Chicken, ribs, and pork can be healthy substitutes for sugar-heavy dishes that are commonly found in the buffet. Once again, great sources for protein.

4. Sushi is a good choice for anyone who wants to have an abundance of nutrients and can be a very healthy choice as well. Sashimi sushi can be very healthy for someone who is trying to eat more raw foods. Raw food diets have been known to improve skin, nails, and hair while providing a excellent source of protein.  In addition, sushi at a good buffet will be a very cost effective way to enjoy an otherwise expensive dinner.


If you have any additional tips on how to eat healthy at a buffet, feel free to include them in the comments. Together, we will become ZEN STRONG!

The Power of Coconut and Olive Oil

We all want to look and feel our best. One of the most useful products that I have come across is coconut oil and olive oil. These two oils can do wonders for your hair, nails, and skin. Below, you will find multiple uses to bring new life to your body.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can be used to lighten age spots if you rub the areas directly with the oil. This can dramatically make a person look younger. Remember, results are not instant and will require some time to see any progress. Be consistent and there will be change

 Coconut oil is a good type of fat that when consumed may aid in the ability to lose weight. It helps increase ATP production and increase energy. By doing so, your energy and metabolism will increase allowing your body to lose weight with a proper exercise routine.The fatty acids in coconut oil (called medium-chain triacylglycerols, or MCT) are shorter and more water-soluble than those in other oils, such as olive or canola. “So they’re more directly routed to the liver, where they’re readily burned for fuel,” explains Peter Jones, Ph.D., professor of food science and nutrition at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada.

If pregnant, a woman can rub coconut oil on her belly and breasts to prevent stretch marks or even lighten them if they are already there. It is important to only use cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil to get the most benefit. 

Rubbing the oil onto your skin after a shower will be one of the best moisturizers that you can ever buy. The oil is natural and has no perfumes, additives, chemicals, or toxins that would otherwise clog pores. Lastly, this oil has a natural coconut scent that is quite lovely.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is excellent in protecting your cells from damage thanks to a wonderful antioxidant called polyphenols. This means that it can protect your heart from coronary damage and free radicals that can cause you to age faster.

According to MayoClinic, olive oil has monounsaturated fats which may lower cholesterol levels when consumed in your diet. Another great benefit would be that insulin levels can controlled the use of this oil. Overall, when insulin is controlled, sugars are used more efficiently and do not get stored as unhealthy fat in the body.

Although many uses for olive oil can be used internally, there are also many uses for it externally. It can be used as a cheap makeup remover and has no added ingredients, such as alcohol, that will dry out the skin. High grade Olive Oil has oleic acid, carotenoids, oleuropein, and vitamin E which is absorbed and used by our skin. Oleic acid helps to soften the skin, vitamin E improves the elasticity of the skin, and carotenoids protect your DNA and RNA.   

 

Fresh Starts

 Courtesy of JeffreyPaulblog.com



Officially, this is the first post of many...

For many, the act of starting fresh can be seen as a challenge. However, it must be known that everyday is a new day to accomplish goals, challenges, or to even finish a task you have been procrastinating on. The purpose of this blog will be to inspire everyone to become stronger, healthier, both physically and mentally, while allowing yourself to become successful in all aspects of your life.

With patience and time, we can all become inspirations to those around us.

Together.... we will become....                  ZEN STRONG!