HEALING
As you get older, it’s harder for your body to bounce back from even small injuries and normal aches and pains. These foods will help your body repair itself faster and more effectively.

46. Red bell pepper: Runner’s World reveals that "just one red bell pepper provides 380 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C, a nutrient crucial for repairing connective tissues and cartilage." Add red bell pepper to salads, sandwiches or stir-fry meals.
47. Carrots: Help your body beat infections by eating carrots, which contain very high levels of Vitamin A, crucial to white blood cells’ ability to fight infection.
48. Bananas: Keep your muscles healthy and limber by eating potassium-rich bananas.

Next time Libido!

For more information go to:www.massagetherapyschools.net/blog/2009/50-foods-that-can-help-you-look-and-feel-younger/

Teeth and Nails!

Youthful teeth and nails are within reach when you consume these snacks.

44. Peanuts: Peanuts are an excellent source of biotin, which is fundamental to healthy nails.
45. Sugarless gum with Xylitol: Sugarless gum is a saliva generator, and Xylitol helps to prevent, and even repair tooth damage also great for cleaning your teeth.

To learn more about the benifits of Xylitol go to:www.xylitol.org/

Shiny, strong hair depends on your diet, as well as your beauty regimen. From lentils to oysters, add these foods to your diet.

41. Lentils: Lentils are rich in protein, iron zinc and biotin, which promotes hair growth and hair strength.
42. Oysters: Oysters can boost your libido and help your hair stay healthy.
43. Nuts: Nuts that contain selenium, promote scalp and hair health. Nuts that contain omega-3 fatty acids help hair stay shiny and strong.
 

For more information go towww.massagetherapyschools.net/blog/2009/50-foods-that-can-help-you-look-and-feel-younger/

Light Food that can still fill you up!
31. Fresh fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables are healthier for you overall and contain fewer calories than canned or packaged varieties with artificial flavoring.
32. Low-fat condiments: Choose fat free mayonnaise and low fat or low calorie salad dressing.
33. Turkey: Use ground turkey instead of red meat for hamburgers, pasta dishes and more.
34. Mushrooms: According to CNN, mushrooms are 90% water but they still contain a good source of potassium and antioxidants. Add to salads and sandwiches for flavor without lots of calories.
35. Fat-free cheese: Lower your calorie and fat intake by only using fat-free or part-skim cheese on sandwiches or when cooking.
36. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and have a number of beneficial nutrients. They’re also a tasty, low-calorie snack that can be added to crackers, salads, sandwiches, and more.
37. Apricot: Apricots have one of the lowest calorie counts of any fruit, at just 17 calories per 1/2 cup.
38. Cranberries: Cranberries are low in sugar and low in calories, containing just 44 calories per cup.
39. Raspberries: Raspberries contain fiber and a very low number of calories.
40. Summer vegetables: Yellow squash and zucchini contain just 15 calories per 1/2 cup.

For more info go to:www.massagetherapyschools.net/blog/2009/50-foods-that-can-help-you-look-and-feel-younger/
 

We need to keep our hearts as healthy, and strong as possible to live an energetic and active life.

21. Kidney beans and black beans: WebMD maintains that kidney beans and black beans are rich sources of B-complex vitamins, niacin, folate, omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fiber, all of which promote heart health.
22. Brown rice: High-fiber foods like brown rice promote heart health.
23. Cabbage: Cabbage is a good choice for integrating needed insoluble fiber into your diet.
24. Low-fat, fat-free dairy products: Choosing low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese and yogurt is better for your heart and figure.
25. Asparagus: Asparagus appears in WebMD’s list of "best foods for cardiovascular health" and contains carotenoids, B-complex vitamins, folate and fiber.
26. Walnuts: Walnuts contain Vitamin E, magnesium, folate, polyunsaturated fats, and other heart-healthy nutrients.
27. Sweet potato: Eat sweet potatoes for a heart-healthy dose of vitamins A,C, and E, plus fiber.
28. Trans fat-free margarine: Use trans fat-free margarine when cooking instead of heavy creams, butters, lard or sauces.
29. Egg whites: Egg whites are lower in cholesterol than regular eggs but still high in protein.
30. Papaya: Mix up your servings of fruit with papaya, which contains potassium, carotenoids, calcium, magnesium, folate, and Vitamins C and E.

For More info go to:www.massagetherapyschools.net/blog/2009/50-foods-that-can-help-you-look-and-feel-younger/

One of the secrets of feeling young is having enough energy.  You can't feel or look good if you are tired all the time!
11. Orange juice: Drink a glass of orange juice for a major Vitamin C boost.
12. Lean red meat: Good quality protein, like lean meat or sea food will keep your metabolism going and your brain feeling energized.
13. Tuna: Cold-water fish like tuna shoot omega-3 fatty acids to your brain, helping you stay focused, alert and energized.
14. Broccoli: Broccoli is a source of antioxidants that fuels your entire system.
15. Bran: Eat bran cereal for a serious energy boost that is also good for your digestion and metabolism.
16. Beans: Beans are complex carbohydrates that will keep you full and energized.
17. Blueberries: Blueberries are a popular brain food that are rich in antioxidants.
18. Almonds: Almonds are energy-dense foods that contain Vitamin E and magnesium and keep you full longer than sugary snacks.
19. Whole wheat pasta: Choose a moderate serving of whole-wheat pasta with marinara or olive oil-based sauce for a meal rich in complex carbohydrates.
20. Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a fantastic source of soluble fiber and a great way to boost your energy.
 

For more info go to:www.massagetherapyschools.net/blog/2009/50-foods-that-can-help-you-look-and-feel-younger/

I love having good skin!  Keep your skin smooth, firm and fresh with these foods.

1. Low-fat yogurt: Low-fat yogurt contains vitamin A and live bacteria called acidophilus, which is good for digestion and the skin.
2. Strawberries: Strawberries contain one of the highest levels of antioxidants and free radicals, which protect the skin against cell damage and sun damage.
3. Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which is vital to skin health.
4. Cantaloupe: Cantaloupe is recommended for firm and bright skin because of its free radicals and ability to reduce wrinkles and dryness.
5. Green tea: Green tea is rumored to have a range of health benefits, and it is also believed to be a good promoter of skin health. Green tea contains the highest levels of EGCG, which reduces inflammation and lowers your risk of skin cancer.
6. Salmon: Salmon is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which is necessary for cell membrane health. Cell membrane health is important because it helps your body expel the bad stuff and retain all of the good nutrients.
7. Spinach and kale: Spinach and kale are rich in vitamin A and are necessary for good skin.
8. Whole-wheat breads: Whole-wheat breads are high in selenium, which prevent cell damage and are a healthy alternative to white-flour foods that can cause break-outs.
9. Water: Drinking lots of water each day keeps your skin hydrated and refreshed. It can also clear up your complexion, and if you drink hard or mineral-rich water, you’ll also help your body get more nutrients.
10. Citrus fruits: Fruits that are very high in vitamin C, like lemons and oranges, keep collagen strong

To Read More Now go to:www.massagetherapyschools.net/blog/2009/50-foods-that-can-help-you-look-and-feel-younger/

Healthy eating plays a crucial role in your ability to withstand times of extra stress. Carbs, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals are all important for energy, mental concentration, and emotional stability. Stress may increase your body's need for certain nutrients and weaken your immune system, so you may need an extra healthy diet to stay focused, alert, energetic and to ward off colds and flu. If you eat a healthy diet most of the time, you will be prepared to stay healthy during times of stress; if you live off of fast food or unhealthy snacks, you are more likely to perform poorly or get sick during stressful times. For example, a diet that does not contain significant amounts of whole grains, fruits and vegetables will probably be low in magnesium, vitamin C and some B vitamins – all of which are needed more in times of stress. A daily multivitamin/mineral supplement can be helpful, but it will not replace the role that whole foods play in building a healthy body. Nutrients are generally better absorbed and used when they come from food. Whole foods also contain many other substances, such as hytochemicals, that boost the immune system and maintain health.

Any discussion about eating and stress must include caffeine and sugar. Many people use high sugar foods to keep their energy up and caffeine to keep going when they need rest. Too much caffeine will contribute to poor quality sleep and actually add to the physiological effects of stress. Sugar will satisfy you in the short term, but after an hour or two, you may find that you have less energy and need more food. Whole foods will provide you with energy that will last for several hours.

To read more go to:

www.uhs.uga.edu/stress/nutrition.html

You may be surprised to learn that cocoa is actually a FRUIT - and even more surprised to learn that it is actually one of the most healthy fruits commonly eaten by man!

Recent research studies have shown a link between cocoa and cardiovascular health, with reduced risk of blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks.

Cornell University food scientists discovered that cocoa powder has nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine, and up to three times the antioxidants found in green tea.

Raw cocoa has the highest antioxidant value of all the natural foods in the world!

The ORAC score per 100 grams of unprocessed raw cacao is 28,000, compared to 18,500 for Acai Berries, 1,540 for Strawberries, and only 1,260 for raw Spinach. The ORAC score for a typical manufactured Dark Chocolate is an impressive 13,120 - although one unique, organic, and non-roasted brand of Dark Chocolate has a much higher ORAC score. But for Milk Chocolate the ORAC score is much lower at 6,740.

Cocoa also appears to have anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. And cocoa is a good source of the minerals magnesium, sulphur, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium, and manganese; plus some of the B Vitamins.

When heart problems occur, magnesium is the most likely mineral to be missing in the person's diet.

Cocoa has a high content of the "beauty" mineral, sulfur. Sulfur helps build strong nails and hair, promotes healthy and beautiful skin, helps detoxify the liver, and supports healthy functioning of the pancreas.

Fresh cocoa beans are super-rich in the type of bioflavonoid called flavanols which are strong antioxidants that help maintain healthy blood flow and blood pressure. The heart-healthy flavanols in cocoa, especially the epicatechins, prevent fatty substances in the bloodstream from oxidizing and then clogging the arteries.

Flavanols help make blood platelets less likely to stick together and cause blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes - without the negative side effects associated with the use of aspirin (ASA) and other pharmaceutical blood-thinners.

Cocoa beans contain 10,000 milligrams (10 grams) of flavanol antioxidants per 100 grams - or an amazing 10% antioxidant concentration level! When it comes to supplying your body with effective antioxidants, no other natural food can even come close. No exotic super-fruit like Acai berries, no high-antioxidant fruits like prunes or blueberries, and no vegetables. The antioxidants in cocoa are easily absorbed by the human body, and are more stable and long-lasting than those in any other foods.

Cocoa also contains the amino acid Tryptophan which makes the neurotransmitter known as serotonin, which promotes positive feelings and helps keep us from feeling depressed. Cocoa contains the neurotransmitters dopamine, and phenylethylamine (PEA), and contains anandamide and MAO Inhibitors - which make this heart-healthy food a healthy food for the brain too.

Phenylethylamine (PEA) helps promote mental alertness and the ability to concentrate. The PEA in healthy chocolate can be of help to students taking tests, and to senior citizens who want to retain the mental capacity of a younger person and postpone the onset of dementia.

Studies have indicated that consuming dark chocolate produced an increased sensitivity to insulin (which indicates a protective effect against diabetes).

While you may have believed that cocoa and chocolate were "bad for you", the truth is that THE RIGHT KIND OF CHOCOLATE provides many health benefits that make it not only "good for you" but better for your body than most of the fruits and vegetables your mother made you eat when you were a child.

Eating a healthy dark chocolate provides a sweet, sensual, sin-free pleasure, as well as some significant health benefits. A heart-felt gift of healthy dark chocolate to a loved one offers a heart-warming, delightfully delicious treat, as well as a super heart-healthy food that promotes a longer and healthier life.

If the pharmaceutical industry managed to produce a patented product that offered all the health benefits of cocoa, they would likely proclaim it a "miracle drug"! But since cocoa is widely available, is relatively inexpensive, and does not require you to pay for a doctor's prescription nor pay fees to a dispensing pharmacy, you are not likely to hear many members of the medical establishment recommending chocolate for its many health benefits.

You may also be surprised to learn that dark chocolate can help you lose weight! Because it has appetite-suppressant properties, cocoa is often added to weight loss products to help control hunger.

While you may have been told that chocolate is "fattening", the truth is that the fats found in cocoa butter are actually healthy fats! Cacao contains oleic acid, a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat which is also found in olive oil and is believed to raise the level of the "good cholesterol" known as HDL cholesterol (the acronym HDL stands for "High Density Lipid").

Healthy chocolate can be of great benefit to tobacco smokers - but not just because they need lots of the antioxidants which neutralize the free radicals generated by the toxic compounds in tobacco smoke. A recent study in Switzerland indicated that dark chocolate may help prevent hardening of the arteries.

A 2006 clinical study by Swiss researchers found that within minutes of consuming dark chocolate, their test group of 20 smokers experienced a significant improvement in the function of the endothelial cells which line the artery walls. Smoking tobacco has long been linked to hardening of the arteries and an increase in the production of clot-forming platelets in the blood.

Raw cocoa beans contain over 300 chemically identifiable compounds. This makes cocoa one of the most complex food substances on Earth!

To read more go to:www.astrologyzine.com/healthy-chocolate.shtml

New research from South Dakota State University offers evidence that including flax in the diet may help prevent colorectal tumors or keep tumors from growing as quickly when they do form.

Distinguished professor Chandradhar Dwivedi, head of SDSU's Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, directed the study by departmental graduate student researchers Ajay Bommareddy, Xiaoying Zhang and professional doctor of pharmacy student Dustin Schrader.

"The study was conducted in a special strain of mice that develop spontaneous intestinal tumors due to mutation in a gene," Dwivedi said.

"This model is developed to investigate the effects of cancer preventive agents on genetically predisposed individuals," he said.

"Results indicated that mice on diets supplemented with flaxseed meal and flaxseed oil had, on average, 45 percent fewer tumors in the small intestine and the colon compared to the control group."

The scientists published their research findings in February in the academic peer-reviewed international journal Nutrition and Cancer.

"The results show that tumors in dietary flaxseed-treated groups, besides being few, were also very small in size when compared with what we found in the other experimental diets," Dwivedi said.

The study has important implications for human health, since colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Current statistics from the American Cancer Society showed that in 2008, 108,070 new colon and 40,740 new rectal cases were diagnosed in the United States, while colorectal cancers caused 49,960 deaths.

Flaxseed contains a high percentage of alpha-linolenic acid, omega-3 fatty acid, and lignans, a group of chemical compounds found in plants that act as antioxidants.

The new SDSU study builds on past research carried out by Dwivedi's lab at SDSU looking at the chemopreventive effects of dietary flaxseed oil and flaxseed meal on colon tumor development.

"Dietary flaxseed oil and meal are effective chemopreventive agents against colon and intestinal tumor development in experimental animal models," Dwivedi said.

"Further studies are needed to establish the optimal amount of flaxseed that should be incorporated into human diets to get an anti-tumor benefit and to explore the possible mechanism of action by which flaxseed can help prevent colon cancer."

Other participating researchers included assistant professor Radhey Kaushik, who has a joint appointment in SDSU's Department of Veterinary Sciences and the Department of Biology and Microbiology; professor David Zeman, head of the Department of Veterinary Sciences; and professor Duane Matthees of the Department of Veterinary Sciences.