The best are made from fresh, organically grown apples. Choose
raw,unpasteurized vinegars containing "the Mother". ACV has
enzymes helpful to digestion and, if diluted with a little
cool water, is good to sip on while you eat (remember, heat
will kill the enzymes). ACV contains several important minerals
and helps with the digestion of calcium. ACV lowers the pH of
the stomach (making it more acidic) which aids in protein
digestion. ACV has also been shown to slow the progress of
food from the stomach to the small intestine which helps proper
digestion and to minimize blood sugar spikes.
Grass-Fed Beef
Cows are ruminants, which by definition means they eat grass. As
you can imagine, forcing them to eat grain as is done in today's beef
industry causes illness and stress, the effects of which are passed on
to the consumer. For that reason alone, grass-fed beef is a better
choice fro the health concious consumer. Also, consider the following
reasons, too.
GFB has superior flavor, higher omega-3 content, and lower saturated
and total fat content. GFB is a good source of protein, heme iron, zinc,
selenium and the hard to find vitamin B-12. Grass fed cows also do
not have administered hormones and antibiotics as do grain fed cows.
Shiitake Mushrooms
For almost 3,000 years, the Asian people have known of the medicinal
properties of shiitakes. They believe them to improve one's chi and
Chinese herbalists use them to treat a variety of health problems such as
measles, colds, flus, headaches and liver problems. They also
prescribed them for improving circulation and increasing vitality.
Shiitakes are a good source of iron and protein and have been found to
contain several unique health promoting compounds. These include
eriadenine, a cholesterol-lowering compound, and lentinan, an
immune-stimulating phytonutrient.
Blueberries
Blueberries have consistently been ranked among the top fruits and
vegetables for antioxidant activity. They contain nutrients known as
anthocyanidins which are flavonoids that give blueberries their colour
and, along with vitamin C, resveratrol and ellagic acid, deliver powerful
antioxidant protection against cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Research has also found the blueberries protect the brain from oxidative
stress and can reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as
dementia. Blueberries are a very good source of dietary fiber and help
promote more regular elimination.
Sardines
Sardines are rich in nutrients that support cardiovascular health. They are
one of the most concentrated sources of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA
and DHA which have been found to lower cholesterol and triglyceride
levels. Sardines are also one of the most concentrated sources of the
elusive vitamin B-12 (second only to calf's liver) which promotes
cardiovascular health by keeping artery damaging homocysteine
levels in balance. Sardines are a great bone-building food too as
they are rich in calcium and are also incredibly rich in vitamin D.
Eggs
Eggs are a great source of low cost, high quality, very bioavailable
protein. Eggs promote thyroid health by providing iodine and selenium
which are both essential to proper thyroid hormone metabolism.
Eggs are a good source of choline which is essential brain function and
health. Eggs also contain concentrated amounts of the carotenoid lutein.
Lutein is an antioxidant found in the eyes where it helps to prevent
free radical scavenging.
Whenever possible, buy your eggs fresh from a local, organic farmer
who lets his chickens pasture freely. You'll be amazed at the quality
and flavor (not to mention that they are an even healthier choice). If
you can't, choose organic at your grocery store.
