5 Healthy Fruits

As most of us know, fruits and vegetables are great sources of important nutrients. Of course, most fruits are super-tasty, in addition to being healthy. Here are 5 fruits that are nutrient-packed health foods...

1) POMEGRANATE: Pomegranate seed are high in polyphenols, which fight inflammation. Pomegranate juice is a rich source of phytochemical compounds shown to benefit the heart and blood vessels. It not only lowers cholesterol, but lowers blood pressure and increases the speed at which heart blockages (atherosclerosis) melt away. Mix the seeds into a oatmeal for more flavor and crunch.


2) KIWI FRUIT: Kiwi fruits have a variety of great nutrients - The fruit contains Serotonin which has a calming affect on the nerves, reducing stress. Plus, the large number of electrolytes in the fruit make it a great option for those who regularly find themselves short on energy. The presence of Inositol in the kiwi makes it great for diabetes patients, as it helps regulate the body hormones and neurotransmitters. One Kiwi contains about 100 mg of immunity-boosting Vitamin C. Add kiwi slices to a lettuce salad.

3) GUAVA: Guava are one of the best fruits available. Guava's are cholesterol, saturated and sodium free, plus low in fat and calories. Guava are high in fiber, one cup of raw guava contains more then 8500 micrograms of the antioxidant lycopene, which may help prevent coronary artery diseases. Pair it with blue cheese and figs for a snack.

4) PERSIMMON: The antioxidants it has can help control diabetes and the cell damage it causes. Serve the fruit with chicken or ham and fresh mozzarella.






5) POMELO: Pomelo belongs to the citrus family and is one of the biggest and juiciest fruit found on our planet. The fruit is rich in Vitamin C, beta-carotene and Vitamin B, Pomelo pack flavanones, a class of antioxidants that can help prevent the spread of cancer cells. Include them in a topping for a sorbet.

Healthy Cheese?

I love Cheese and crackers!!  Especially with a nice glass of wine.  However, being a this health kick, I'm starting to rethink some of my habits.  As I mentioned healthy habits to start enforcing, I have decided to cut back on my intake of cheese.

On the one hand, cheese contains good amounts of zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and phosphorus. But on the other hand, it's often high in fat and salt. Cheese may not be a "health food," but when you choose the right type and eat it in moderation, cheese can easily fit into a healthy diet. Here are some guidelines for finding a healthy cheese and a few cheeses to try...

Some general tips:

Low-Fat
Harder cheeses usually contain more fat than soft cheeses, but you can cut back on your fat intake by choosing brands labeled "low fat" or "fat free." For soft cheeses, look for cheeses made from skim or part-skim milk. Natural cheese may have a higher fat content than processed ones, but even so, you're better off with natural cheeses, which contain more nutrients and fewer additives than processed cheeses.

Low-Sodium
The salt content of cheese tends to be high, but some like Swiss (Emmentaler) and Parmigiano Reggiano are naturally lower in sodium. Also, soft cheeses are usually lower in salt. In general, try to avoid cheeses with more than 400 mg of sodium per serving. 

Low-Lactose
Cheese from sheep's or goat's milk, such as feta, is naturally lower in lactose. Choosing aged cheeses, like cheddar, gruyere, Parmigiano Reggiano is another option. A benefit of aged cheese is that it's often higher in calcium.

Cheese to try:

Parmigiano Reggiano
Ricotta
Cottage Cheese
Feta
Gouda