Christy's Healthy Living

Black tea is one of the most popular tea in history, it's full of medicinal and health benefits.Black tea is made from the leave of Camellia Sinensis.

Black tea contains powerful antioxidants that can help reduce the risk of many different diseases and cancer. it is rich in abundant tannins and other chemicals that have a positive and relaxing effect on the digestive system, it is also useful for curing digestive disorders.

According to several studies, people who drink black tea can reduce their level of bad cholesterol which are responsible for fatal heart attacks and strokes.

Black tea contains polysaccharides, which are carbohydrates that work to slow blood sugar absorption,a potential benefit to those battling diabetes.Regularly drinking black tea may protect you from developing diabetes in the first place.

Black tea can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease such as heart attack and stroke. According to recent study, as little as 3 cups of black tea per day can decrease the chance of cardiovascular death by 11%.

Black tea is filled with loads of antioxidants that the body needs for general well being and for getting rid of free radicals that destroys the cells.

Black tea helps to regulate the blood sugar levels. The caffeine in black tea may also enhance weight loss. The antioxidants in Black teas are known for contributing to weight management, they boost your metabolism and help the body burn fat more effectively.

Black tea help to reduce plaque formation and also restrict the growth of bacteria that promotes the formation of cavities and tooth decays.

Black teas have also been shown to reduce the stress hormone cortisol when consumed in moderate amount on a regular basis.

Drinking Black tea moderately and regularly can have a positive impact on your health.

Citrus fruits includes oranges, limes, lemons,grapefruits,tangerines.They are very delicious, tasty,refreshing and highly nutritious fruits,which is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants that helps  prevent various chronic diseases. Citrus fruits are also a good source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, calcium, vitamin A, and fiber.

They have the highest antioxidants activity of all fruits which helps to boost your body immune system and protect you against cancer and heart diseases.

Citrus fruits reduce the damaging effect of bad cholesterol and heart disease by protecting the inside of the artery walls.

Citrus fruits are high in folic acid which is very good for pregnant women. one orange provides 18% of  the recommended daily intake.

They may reduce plaque formation in your arteries and improve blood circulation.Also eating citrus fruits can help in preventing stroke.Citrus fruits also helps in preventing  stomach,mouth,larynx
and pharynx cancer.

The flavonoids in Citrus fruits may stop the progression of cancer cell growth and slow down the progression of tumors and can also help in neutralizing the activity of free radicals in the body.

Citrus fruits helps reduce the risk of many chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases, Heart diseases, Hypertension, Stroke, Cancer,Anemia.The abundant polyphenols in citrus fruits have been shown to provide protection against viral infections

Citrus fruits are rich in antioxidants that help your brain and bone function properly and it also helps in reducing phlegm.

Citrus fruits are low in calories and high in dietary fiber so its good for weight loss programs.

The antioxidants in Citrus fruits helps protect the skin from free radical damage, which are responsible for aging and skin problems.

Lifestyle diseases are diseases that are associated with the choices and the ways a person lives. These are diseases that occurs because of the life choices that people make,like smoking, poor diets,lack of physical activity and drinking. it has emerge as the biggest killer of people.
These diseases can be prevented by changes in diets,environments,and lifestyles choices. Common lifestyle diseases include:

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Heart Diseases
• Stroke
• Hypertension
• Cancer
• Allergies
• Depression
• Anxiety Disorders
• Liver Disease

Cabbage is an important member of the brassica family which includes broccoli and cauliflower. it is not the most glamorous vegetable but is pack with loads of nutrients and disease fighting powers.

Studies has shown that cabbage can help to prevent cancer, reduce cholesterol and heal ulcers. Cabbage is a low calories, fiber rich leafy vegetable, it is low in fat but high in fiber.

Cabbage provides huge health benefits and comes in different varieties, savory, spring green, red, green , white.

Red cabbage has the most health benefits than the green leafy ones. In general coloured fruits and vegetables are richer in antioxidants than the paler ones.
Rich in vitamin k, cabbage provides 85% of the daily intake requirements.cabbage is also an excellent source of iron, vitamin B6, Folates. it also provides calcium for strong bones,magnesium and also potassium for regulating heart rate and blood pressures.

Other Health benefits of Cabbage includes: The treatment of

• Stomach ulcers
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Obesity
• Skin disorder
• Eczema
• Jaundice
• Scurvy
• Eye disorder
• Gout
• Heart disease
• Aging
• Alzheimer disease
• Deficiency of vitamin c
• Brain health
• Weight loss

Turmeric is a spice grown in Indian and other tropical regions of Asia.it is known as one of the ingredients used to make curry. it comes from the root of the curcuma longa plant. it has been used for long years as a powerful anti-inflammatory in both Chinese and Indian medicines and used to treat various conditions like flatulence, jaundice, menstrual pains, toothaches, bruises, chest pains.

Some studies also show that Turmeric may help to fight infections, and some cancers and also use in treating digestive problems.

Turmeric is widely used in cooking and gives indian curry its flavour and yellow colour. its also used in mustard and to colour butter and cheese.

Turmeric contains compounds with medicinal properties, these compounds are called Curcuminoids, the most important of which is the Curcumin.

Curcumin, the compound in Turmeric responsible for that bright colour is behind a host of the health benefits of Turmeric.

Curcumin is the main active ingredients in Turmeric. it has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and it is also a very strong antioxidants.The Curcumin content of Turmeric is just about 3% in weight.

Turmeric increases the antioxidants capacity of the body. The Curcumin in turmeric have powerful antioxidant effects which neutralizes free radicals on its own, then stimulates the body's own anti-oxidant enzymes.

The Curcumin in turmeric is linked to improved Brain function and lower the risk of brain disease.
Curcumin boosts the levels of Brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and fight various degenerative processes in the brain.

Turmeric can  help prevent  prostrate cancer,stop the growth of existing prostrate cancer  and even
destroy cancer cells. multiple study have shown that the active ingredient in turmeric makes it one of the best protector against radiation induced cancer. it also has preventive effect against tumor cells such as T-cell leukemia,colon carcinomas, and breast carcinomas.

Turmeric relieves Arthritis. The anti inflammatory properties in it helps in treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Turmeric antioxidants property destroy the free radicals in the body that destroy the body cells. Study's has shown that those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis who consume turmeric regularly experience much relieve from moderate to mild joint pains and inflammations.

Heart disease is the biggest killer in the whole world, Curcumin the active ingredient in turmeric may help reverse many steps in the heart disease process. it improves the function of the lining of the blood vessels. Curcumin has beneficial effects on several factors known to play a big role in heart disease.it improves the function of endothelium which is the lining of the blood vessels and also it is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant.

One way to get Turmeric into your diets is by drinking Turmeric tea and of course you can simply indulge in eating more curried dishes, either in the restaurants or at home.

However, adding Turmeric to your diet is one of the best moves you can make towards optimal health.

Tomatoes is a very popular vegetable that is high in antioxidants, some people even consider it a fruit.
They are often referred to as "functional foods",this are foods that goes beyond just providing the basic nutrition, but also prevents some chronic diseases.

Tomatoes are filled with loads of health benefits due to the phytochemicals present inside it such as lycopene. lycopene is the antioxidants that give tomatoes its rich red colour.
Tomatoes account for 80% of lycopene consumption.

Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family which includes potatoes,chili peppers,egg plants.

Tomatoes are also filled with nutrients and antioxidants that helps to combat several diseases as well as keeps you in perfect health condition.

Tomatoes improve vision because of the presence of vitamin A in it . it helps to improve eyesight and also prevent night blindness.

Tomatoes helps to fight some types of cancer.According to studies, because of the large amount of the antioxidants lycopene that is present in tomatoes,this is effective in lowering the risks of some types of cancer especially stomach, prostrate and lung cancer.

The vitamin k that is present in Tomatoes helps to build strong bones.it also strengthen and repair damage bones. The antioxidants in tomatoes helps fight free radicals that can cause cell damage.
Tomatoes are also good source of chromium which helps to regulate blood sugar.

Tomatoes can help to prevent kidney stones and gall stones.Studies suggest that kidney and gall stones are less likely in people that eat tomatoes without the seeds.

Tomatoes can help to reduce chronic pains,they are high in bioflavonoids and carotenoids which are
anti inflammatory agents.

Tomatoes are filling foods, one that fills you up fast without alot of calories or fat, so if you want to lose weight include lots of tomatoes in your diets.They are also powerful blood purifiers and clear up urinary tract infections.

Processed Tomatoes contains even more lycopene than raw ones. The process of cooking breaks down the cell walls,helping to release lycopene.

So give your health a boost today and includes Tomatoes in your daily menu.

Garlic is a plant in the Allium family. it is grown in many part of the world and is use for both medicinal and culinary purposes.Others in this family include onions, leeks,and cloves.

Garlic is use to prevent and also treat a wide range of conditions and diseases, it has been used all over the world for thousand years.

In history in the Middle East,Asia and Nepal, garlic has been use to treat bronchitis,hypertension
tuberculosis,liver disorder,dysentery,flatulence,and colic.

According to a study, people who eat raw garlic at least twice a week have a 44% lower risk of developing lung cancer.

There are two main medicinal ingredients that produces the health benefit of garlic, Allicin and Diallylsulphides. Garlic is a sulphurous compound and in general a stronger tasting cloves has more sulphur content and hence more potential medicinal value.

Garlic is rich in antioxidants which helps to fight off free radicals that build up in the body and  it also strengthen the immune system helping the body to fight off diseases.

Garlic is also a wonderful seasonings that add flavor and aroma to your meals and also added
nutrition to your dishes. You can increase the health benefits that you get from garlic by letting it sit for at least 15mins after chopping or crushing it. This will allow the alliinase enzymes in the garlic the opportunity to develop it cancer fighting properties.

"A clove a day keeps the doctor away".

Green tea originated from China, but it is well consumed in Asia and all part of the world. it is one of the world's healthiest drinks and it contain one the highest amount of antioxidants of any tea.

Green tea is high in antioxidants that can improve the function of your body and also brain.

Green tea is made from the leaves of camellia sinensis that have undergone minimal oxidation during processing.

Green tea has been use as medicine for thousand years and its a widely accepted tea in all part of the world.

Green tea increases fat Burning and improve physical performance.

The antioxidants in Green tea may lower your risk of various types of cancer.

Green tea may protect your brain in old age , lowering your risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Green tea improves Dental health and lower's your risk of infection. it also reduce your risk of TYPE II diabetes.

Green tea may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Green tea may help you lose weight and also lower your risk of getting obese.

Fruit salad is a simple and delicious desert that you can enjoy without feeling guilty. it consist of different types of fruit that can be served in a syrup or juice.As fruit is one of the most healthy and natural foods in existence,fruit salad is loaded with different range of health protective benefits derived from the various fruits.

Fruits has been recognized as a good source of vitamins and minerals, they are well known for their role in preventing vitamins C and A deficiencies, they are filled with disease fighting nutrients that will nourish the body.People whose diets consist of a good amount of fruits have a reduce risk of chronic diseases.Fruits are important source of many nutrients including potassium,fiber,vitamin c and folate (folic acid)

The potassium in fruit can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke and also reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. it helps in decreasing bone loss as you age along.

Folate (folic acid) in fruits helps to form red blood cells in the body.This is very important especially for women of child bearing age as they need plenty  which prevent neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida.

Eating fruit salad produce a wider variety of nutrients from each fruits and these nutrients actually work together to produce even more powerful health benefits than eating a single fruit.
Fruits are filled with loads of antioxidants and they are even more powerful in the company of other antioxidants.

So why don't you keep your health in shape by eating a bowl of fruit salad today.

Simple fruit salad recipe:

ingredients:
3 ripe bananas
2 ripe pears
1 watermelon
2 apples
1/2 cup orange juice

Method:
Peel the watermelon,apples,pears and bananas. cut it into small pieces,add the apple juice over the fruits, cover and refrigerate.serve chilled.

Eating healthy is one of the basic steps in attaining perfect health, its not about following a strict and rigid diet plan but making smart food choices.You are what you consume, your choices of  what you eat go a long way to determine your state of health and general well being.

Eating healthy is not rock science,its much easier than it sound. The following are simple tips to eating healthy:

Eat lots of fruits and vegetables: Fruit and vegetables are important part of a healthy diet.  A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.  There is a strong evidence that a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce blood   sugar level. The higher the intake of fruit and vegetables the lower the risk of developing heart related diseases and cancer. Consumption of green leafy vegetable like lettuce, spinach,broccoli,
cauliflower,cabbage and citrus fruits like oranges,lemon,and grapefruits makes a very good impact in our body system and general well being.

Drink water:Water make up about two-third of human body weight,it nourishes our body and flush out toxins leaving us hydrated and  our skin  fresh .it also aids digestion and  lubricates our joints and cartilage.

Watermelon is one of the most powerful healing fruit.watermelon is a vine like flowering plant originally from Africa. its mostly water about 92% but filled with loads of nutrients among which are lycopene, vitamins C, B6,  folate, potassium, riboflavin.

There are different types of Watermelon among which are:

• Seeded
• Seedless
• Mini
• yellow
• orange.