Tea Black Not Light

Swirling a little cream in your tea ? Not such a hot idea if you're trying to maximize your antioxidant intake. The proteins in milk or cream bind to and neutralize much of the nutritional value.  Drink that Earl Grey black to boost your immunity, prevent cavities, lower blood sugar and improve cardiovascular function, all documented benefits of the second mot consumed beverage in the world (water is still #1).

Five Star Fungus on Your Plate

Did you know that oyster mushrooms contain two cholesterol-lowering compounds --lovastatin and beta-glucans? Combine them with walnuts for even more bad blood lipid-reducing power!

Bag the cans, refuse the receipt and shrink that muffin top

You may be tipping the scales because of all the canned goods and hard plastic containers in your kitchen. The latter are  sources of BPA, a toxin that can cause not only reproductive disorders and neurological disorders but, say researchers,  also cause you to bulk up. People who are obese have up to 70% more BPA in their cells than normal weight adults.  The FDA so far has refused to ban this troublesome environmental poison. It is also found in recycled paper, dental fillings, and cash register receipts.

No to H2O

What hydrates better than old-fashioned water? New fangled coconut water. Quenches thirst with no sugar, lots of electrolytes and more potassium than a banana. Pop a box in your gym bag. Read my book Super Immunity Foods for more on crazy healthy foods.

High on Apples, Low on Cholesterol

An apple a day for three weeks could cut your LDL cholesterol by up to 70%., say researchers. One reason: high  pectin intake (the soluble fiber in apples) they report results in  less atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries. The two varieties richest in antioxidants like vitamin C and polyphenols? Red Delicious and Northern Spy. And do eat the peel which delivers 1 gram of fiber and half the apple's vitamin C.

P is for Yum

A super antioxidant soup and dessert all-in-one. And it's raw, dairy-free and enzyme-rich.
Pop a peeled chopped papaya (seeds and all) into the blender with coconut milk, pineapple juice, vanilla and agave (or honey) to taste and puree. Serve at room temps for soup, chilled for dessert. Top with toasted almond slices or toasted oatmeal. Papayas are rich in the digestive enzyme, papain.

WATER, WATER BUT NOT EVERYWHERE

Two thirds of the world will be running out of water by 2025. Eat less meat to low down the big run-off.  It takes 1857 gallons of water to produce a single pound of beef. Fresh fruits and vegetables have the lowest water footprint. Go to h20.conserve.org to calculate your own water footprint.