health-supporting polyphenols and oligomeric proanthocyanidins( mostly known as OPCs).
OPCs are the precursor to anthocyanins – the strong antioxidants that give red, blue, and purple fruits and vegetables their antioxidant power. These powerful components protect cells from oxidative stress, and have been researched for tumor inhibition, liver detoxification, reduced blood platelet aggregation( keeping blood vessels from becoming clotted), and muscle health in athletes. In fact, in one double-blind study, the nutrients in a whole grape extract increased muscle endurance by 24 %. Aside from those kinds of immediate physical results, OPC’ s from grapes have also been shown to have protective antioxidant effects in the brain, supporting focus and cognitive health.
While I am a huge fan of the nutrient dense grape, there can be disadvantages in consuming large amounts. Grapes are one of the most highly sprayed crops. And, almost all grapes are grown in Chile where there are no restrictions on sprays and pesticides. If you can’ t find organic grapes, another natural alternative is to look for organic grape juice. Keep the intake small. Since juice is very concentrated, you may only need 4 ounces two or three times a day for excellent cardiovascular health. Each serving would constitute a serving of fruit for the day.
We could really spend a lot of time looking at all of the great benefits of fruits and vegetables. I believe that you should eat a variety each day, because they provide so many valuable nutrients. Getting the amount you need really isn’ t as difficult as you may think. After all, even one small apple counts as a serving. Carrots, rich in beta-carotene and blueberries, one of my favorites, and an excellent source of anthocyanins, are just a cup per serving as well. You can easily work those foods into healthy snacks or reserve them for an energizing dessert.
If you haven’ t been eating a lot of fruits and vegetables in your diet, start off by just adding a couple of your favorites at first and build up from there. If you can, I’ d always recommend buying organic when it’ s available. The last thing you want to do is jeopardize your health with chemicals just as you’ ve been adding a better group of foods to your diet.
THESE TOP TEN CAN MAKE A MAJOR DIFFERENCE
The foods I’ ve outlined here are some of the very best that you can add to your
20 HimPower September 2018