Foods That Increase White Blood Cells and Over-all Good Health

In order for our bodies to be able to fight off infection caused by certain diseases, we need to have enough count of white blood cells in our immune system. Low WBC levels can mean serious damage to our body that’s why we need to maintain the adequate number our body needs. By eating certain foods and taking the right medication you can make this possible.


Vitamin C is often the go-to vitamin when it comes to boosting up the body’s immune system. Vitamins C helps in the regeneration of white blood cells that helps the immune system fight infection. You probably know where to find vitamin C: carrots, guava, oranges, berries and most fruits and vegetables.


Beta-carotene is also a famous immune system booster just like vitamin C. And just like vitamin C it also contributes in the formation of infection-fighting cells. Beta-carotene has also been known to fight cancerous diseases and heart problems. Carrots are probably the most common source of this super vitamin. Other sources may include tomatoes, chili and squash.


The human body is being attacked by free radicals almost every time and without proper protection, cells can easily get injured and die. To help with this problem you need antioxidants like vitamin E. Vitamin E can mostly be found in olive oil, nuts and some fruits and vegetables. It is primarily involved in the function of the immune system and helps prevent blood to clot in blood vessels.


People used to think that eating egg everyday can be bad for the health but not anymore. Protein found in egg, fish, lean meats and dairy can actually improve white blood cell production. As the body gets a rich amount of protein, it increases its ability to replenish white blood cells. That is just amazing if you ask me.


These are not just the food group available out there that can help you increase your white blood cell count. There are hundreds more that include seafood rich with omega-3 fatty acids and zing. These two are also good immune system boosters. Sometimes when we fail to get enough vitamins from the food that we eat every day, we can make use of food supplements and multivitamins.
See more about wise dietary choices under the Nutrition tab at the top of the page..

Foods That Look Like Body Parts That They're Good For! Put a Little Fun Into Teaching good Nutrition. Here are some Teaching Tips that you will love! Wine & Blood? Ginger & Stomach? Sweet Potato & Pancreas?

Red wine, which is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, including powerful resveratrol, looks like blood. "When you drink it, you're really loading up on the healthy stuff that protects against destructive things in the blood, like LDL cholesterol, which can cause heart disease," says Somer. "There's also a blood-thinning compound in red wine, so it reduces blood clots, which are associated with stroke and heart disease." Photos by iStockphoto

Anyone who's ever reached for a glass of ginger ale when they’ve had a stomachache knows about the antinausea effects of ginger. So it's fitting that the herb somewhat resembles the digestive organ. According to Dr. Moulavi, "gingerol, which is the ingredient responsible for ginger's pungent scent and taste, is listed in the USDA database of phytochemicals as having the ability to prevent nausea and vomiting." Photos by iStockphoto

The oblong sweet potato bears a strong resemblance to the pancreas, and also promotes healthy function in the organ. "Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, which is a potent antioxidant that protects all tissues of the body, including the pancreas, from damage associated with cancer or aging," says Somer. Photos by iStockphoto

Foods That Look Like Body Parts That They're Good For! Put a Little Fun Into Teaching good Nutrition. Here are some Teaching Tips that you will love! Citrus & Tomato? Breast & Heart??

The similarity between round citrus fruits––like lemons and grapefruit––and breasts may be more than coincidental. "Grapefruit contains substances called limonoids, which have been shown to inhibit the development of cancer in lab animals and in human breast cells," says Dr. Moulavi. Photos by iStockphoto and 3D4Medical.com

Slice open a tomato and you'll notice the red veggie has multiple chambers that resemble the structure of a heart. "Studies have found that because of the lycopene in tomatoes, there is a reduced risk for heart disease in men and women who eat them," says Somer. And, she adds, if you mix them with a little fat, like olive oil or avocado, it will boost your body's lycopene absorption nearly tenfold. Photos by iStockphoto and 3D Clinic

Foods That Look Like Body Parts That They're Good For! Put a Little Fun Into Teaching good Nutrition. Here are some Teaching Tips that you will love! Avocados & Clams ??

The lightbulb shape of an avocado looks like a uterus, and it supports reproductive health as well. "Avocados are a good source of folic acid," says Elizabeth Somer, registered dietician and author of Eat Your Way to Happiness. "Folate has been found to reduce the risk for cervical dysplasia, which is a precancerous condition." Photos by iStockphoto and Shutterstock

Studies have offered evidence that clams, which bear a resemblance to testicles, are actually good for the male sex organs. "Research from the Netherlands has suggested that supplementing your diet with folic acid and zinc—both of which clams are high in––can have a significant effect on improving semen quality in men," says Dr. Moulavi. Photos by Shutterstock and 3D Clinic

Umami the Fifth Taste

Umami (pronounced oo-MAH-mee) is a Japanese word for a taste that can't be categorized as one of the four tastes we traditionally recognize: sweet, salty, sour, or bitter. It is often referred to as the "fifth taste," and is usually described as meaty or savory - like the flavor of grilled fish or rich chicken soup.

What distinguishes umami foods from others is glutamate, an amino acid. Studies have shown that we have receptors on the tongue for glutamate and related compounds. In the traditional cuisines of East Asia, glutamate-rich foods such as seaweeds and mushrooms have long been used to add a deep savory flavor to soups and sauces.

If you seek more of this rich, satisfying flavor in your meals, remember that umami can be found in foods such as Parmesan cheese, anchovies, tomatoes, tomato paste, asparagus, mushrooms, and seaweeds. Adding it can be as simple as including some tomatoes or shiitake mushrooms into soups, stocks and sauces, or sprinkling some good Parmesan on your salads or vegetables.

Food Choices based on the Dietary Guidelines

http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/index.html

One size doesn't fit all. “MyPyramid “ offers personalized eating plans and interactive tools to help you plan/ assess your food choices based on the Dietary Guidelines for everyone



MyPyramid Tracker is an online dietary and physical activity assessment tool that provides information on your diet quality, physical activity status, related nutrition messages, and links to nutrient and physical activity information. The Food Calories/Energy Balance feature automatically calculates your energy balance by subtracting the energy you expend from physical activity from your food calories/energy intake. Use of this tool helps you better understand your energy balance status and enhances the link between good nutrition and regular physical activity. Keep track of your energy balance history and view it up to one year.

March is National Nutrition Month

Nutritional Tip

Did you drop potatoes from your menu back when they became the carbohydrate villains of the low-carb diet fad? That's really a shame, because when you prepare them properly, they're very good for you. Potatoes are good for your health because they contain fiber, vitamins B6 and C, lots of potassium, plus phytochemicals that help keep your blood pressure normal. Potatoes are also low in calories.

Visit Potato Goodness from the US Potato Board for lots of tips and recipe ideas to help you add this healthy vegetable back into your diet.

Heart Health - Potatoes and Potassium


http://www.potatogoodness.com/




Potatoes rank the highest for potassium content among the top 20 most frequently consumed raw vegetables and the top 20 most frequently consumed raw fruits.


One medium potato with skin contains at least 18% of your daily requirement of potassium - more than a banana!


The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that diets containing foods high in potassium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.


In addition to being a great source of potassium, potatoes are also sodium and fat-free and contain just 110 - 150 calories per serving.


A serving of potatoes is just 25 cents - one of the most cost effective ways of meeting your daily potassium quota.

Great Suggestions For Your Grocery List

•Fresh vegetables and fruits should make up the largest part of your healthy foods grocery list. Vegetables and fruits have vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and they are usually low in calories. We all need at least five or more servings of vegetables and fruits every day. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables that everyone in your family will enjoy.



•Most of your grain and cereal products should be made from whole grains, not from refined flours. This part of your list includes whole grain breads, whole grain pastas, and whole grain breakfast cereals. Whole grains are important for vitamins, minerals, and for fiber, which is often lacking in modern diets. Read labels to look for 100% whole-grain or 100% whole-wheat to be sure you are getting whole grain products.


•Your protein and meat choices should consist mostly of fish, poultry and lean meats. Eggs, nuts, seeds and legumes are also good protein choices. Choose fresh and frozen unbreaded meats and fish. Avoid breaded, deep-fried convenience foods that you put in the oven. They are high in fats and sodium.

•Beverages should be kept simple. Water, low-fat milk, juices and herbal teas are all good choices. If you opt for soft drinks, choose diet sodas and soft drinks to avoid extra sugar.


•Dairy products should include low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. If you do not want cows' milk, choose soy and rice beverages, calcium-fortified orange juice, or goats' milks and cheese.


•Be careful with dressings, cooking oils and condiments. They are sneaky sources of refined sugar and poor quality oils. Read labels to choose dressings made with olive oil, canola oil or walnut oil. Choose low-fat mayonnaise for your sandwiches and choose canola oil and olive oil for cooking.


•Frozen foods are a convenient way to keep vegetables on hand. There are also prepared meals that you can pop into the microwave or oven. These can be convenient and healthy if you choose low fat versions with good portion sizes. Read labels and chose frozen foods wisely. Avoid frozen pizzas, pocket-sandwiches, deep-fried appetizers, and breaded foods.


•Foods in cans and jars are also very convenient. Look for low-sodium soups, vegetables and sauces. Avoid high-fat gravies and high-calorie foods like canned spaghetti and ravioli products.


•For sandwiches, choose peanut butter or other nut butters, low-fat turkey slices or sliced roast beef. Avoid processed lunch meats, sausages and hot dogs.


•Don't load up on high calorie treats and desserts. Choose fresh fruits, healthy nuts, seeds and whole grain crackers for snacks.

Antioxidant rich spice

Rosemary

Another herb that is antioxidant-rich is "Rosemary". According to research, rosemary contains powerful antioxidants that may help to inhibit free radical damage to cells. Rosemary was been revealed to have even greater health benefits than paprika. Using rosemary to season fish, vegetables, egg-white omelets, and salads will give your system an antioxidant boost.

Rosemary is an excellent accompaniment to pork and chicken. In Mediterranean cuisine, rosemary is most often associated with vegetables sautéed in olive oil such as zucchini, tomatoes and eggplant. Sprinkle dried rosemary on charcoal when grilling for a delicious, aromatic treat.

Rosemary is very good with apricots, cabbage, cream cheese, eggplant, eggs, fish, lamb, lentils, mushrooms, onions, oranges, parsnips, pork, potatoes, poultry, rabbit, tomatoes, veal, and winter squashes

Rosemary combines well with bay leaves, chives, garlic granules, oregano, parsley, sage, savory and thyme.

Pack in the Antioxidants. Vitamins, and Minerals

Cauliflower Soup with Black Truffle Oil

Here is a treat that is as healthy as it is delicious.

Deliciously Organic