Tag Archives: perricone diets

glutathione-rich asparagus

Summer Beauty Foods: The Asparagus

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Known as “the ultimate detox vegetable” in some circles, Asparagus is an incredible anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory all start. The nutrients present in asparagus make it a shining light for chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other systemic diseases. Here are some of the other key nutrients may be that make Asparagus such an incredible health and beauty food.

Folate – This nutrient works with Vitamin B12 to help fight cognitive deterioration. So this is increasingly important as we age, since the ability to absorb B12 decreases with age. Folate also helps reduce pain and inflammation.

Glutathione – This antioxidant, known as the master antioxidant, present in asparagus, helps break down cancer causing carcinogens and other free radicals. Asparagus is great as a detox vegetable, an anti-aging vegetable, and no surprise – an aphrodisiac, and much more.

Vitamin C – Asparagus contains over 30% of the RDA of this vitamin. It’s a strong antioxidant and can help lower blood pressure, promote a healthy immune system, and prevent other age-related declining eye problems.

Vitamin K – Asparagus is the top source of Vitamin K. This vitamin helps your body with blood clotting, helping it to heal faster. It also has the ability to increase calcium absorption for your bones. After all, what good are all these wonderful nutrients if they can’t be absorbed?

Chromium – This trace mineral helps the body to be better able to transport glucose from the bloodstream to its cells. That basically means that it helps regulate blood sugar levels.

One last thing to note when storing your bunch of asparagus: these vegetables have a very high respiration rate making it more perishable. Wrapping by the ends with a damp paper towel or cloth, and wrapping it around the ends will help slow down this process. However, it is still a good idea to enjoy the asparagus within two days of purchase.

How do you enjoy asparagus?

Katharina Knoll, a Manhattan-based food and art enthusiast has prepared a series of anti-inflammatory recipes celebrating simple, rustic foods. Enraptured by the intersection of health and nutrition, Kat is the founder and director of Behind Foods. Follow Kat on her blog, Katharina’s Food Adventures, and keep in touch through her Facebook fan page and Twitter

Coconut half

Drink up, Beautiful

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This creamy, healthy, and anti aging adaptation of the classic Pina Colada will leave your skin glowing. Packed with protein and healthy fats, this coconut, almond and avocado concoction will help to hydrate skin from the inside out and give you an Omega buzz. You can enjoy this healthy cocktail virgin (or not, we won’t tell).

The Coconut oil in this drink provides you with medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA’s) which are a great aid in losing weight, lowering cholesterol, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.  According to Dr. Perricone, MCFA’s will give you immediate energy and increased thermogenesis (fat burning) which also helps circulation.

Ingredients:

  • 4-6 oz. unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 c. frozen pineapple pieces
  • 1 sm. piece avocado (about 1/5 of a lg. avocado or ¼ of a sm. one)
  • 1 tbsp. shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 1 tbsp. coconut oil
  • Dash vanilla extract
  • 2-4 ice cubes
  • 4-6 oz. water
  • 1 oz rum (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

And if you’re drinking this pool side, make sure you’re wearing your No Foundation Foundation SPF 30. 

How do you slim down your favorite cocktails?