Z is for ………………………

30 Thursday Apr 2015

Posted by Karen in A to Z Challenge 2015

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art, fine art, food, photoaday, Photography, superfood, vegetables

Zucchini is one of the very low calorie vegetables, contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. Its peel is good source of dietary fibre that helps reduce constipation and offers some protection against colon cancers. Zucchinis have anti-oxidant value which is far below to some of the berries, and vegetables. Nonetheless, the pods are one of the common vegetables included in weight reduction and cholesterol control programs by the dieticians. The golden skin varieties, are rich in flavonoid poly-phenolic antioxidants such as carotenes, lutein and zea-xanthin. These compounds help scavenge harmful oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the body that play a role in ageing and various disease processes. They hold relatively moderate amounts of folates are important in cell division and DNA synthesis. When taken adequately during early pregnancy it can help prevent neural tube defects in the foetus. It is a very good source of potassium, an important intra-cellular electrolyte. Potassium is a heart-friendly electrolyte and helps bring the reduction in blood pressure and heart rates by countering pressure-effects of sodium. In addition, they contain moderate levels of B-complex group of vitamins like thiamin, pyridoxine, riboflavin and minerals like iron, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc.

Zucchini

A closer look

Phew, I made it all the way through the alphabet and managed to post daily, I have impressed myself 🙂

Now I think next week I will get back to my personal projects once again. Also, I have an idea for a project which I will share soon, once I iron out the details that is. It would be fantastic if other photographers wanted to join me on this one, so watch this space……………

Y is for ……………..

29 Wednesday Apr 2015

Posted by Karen in A to Z Challenge 2015

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art, fine art, photoaday, Photography, superfood, vegetables

Thought to be one of the world's earliest vegetables under cultivation, yams may be undergoing an identity crisis due to frequent comparison with sweet potatoes. Though yams don't come close to the vitamin A content and carotenoid presence, this world-traveling tuber has a unique set of phytonutrients. Besides strong antioxidants, including the enzyme superoxide dismutase, yams contain vitamin C, fiber, potassium, manganese, B vitamins, and a long line of other minerals like riboflavin, potassium, iron, and manganese. Yams, which may have a role in stabilizing hormonal patterns and lowering risk of osteoporosis

Yams and sweet potatoes

V is for ……………………………

25 Saturday Apr 2015

Posted by Karen in A to Z Challenge 2015

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art, fruit, market, photoaday, Photography, street photography, superfood, vegetables

Eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke. Eating a diet rich in some vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may protect against certain types of cancers. Diets rich in foods containing fibre, such as some vegetables and fruits, may reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Eating vegetables and fruits rich in potassium as part of an overall healthy diet may lower blood pressure, and may also reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and help to decrease bone loss. Eating foods such as vegetables that are lower in calories per cup instead of some other higher-calorie food may be useful in helping to lower calorie intake.

Vegetables

T is for …………………………

23 Thursday Apr 2015

Posted by Karen in A to Z Challenge 2015

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art, fruit, photoaday, Photography, superfood, vegetables

It’s not important the form, canned or fresh, just be sure to get more of these into your system. There are so many benefits to eating tomatoes that they cover almost every major part of the body including the heart, the skin, and bones. Ward off cancer, fight the harmful effects of smoking, help manage your diabetes, and improve your vision.

Tomatoes

R is for ……………………………

21 Tuesday Apr 2015

Posted by Karen in A to Z Challenge 2015

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art, daily, fine art, food, fruit, photoaday, Photography, superfood, vegetables

Research suggests that raspberries can help you get the most out of your fitness routines. The study has discovered that phytochemicals in raspberries, which give them their ruby colour, guards against exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) after a strenuous session and speeds up recovery. A handful of raspberries makes a powerful post-gym pick me up, as they are packed with anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants that immediately start to reduce this damage. Raspberries also hold the key for those hoping for a post-run "glow". Free-radicals attack collagen and skin’s lipid barrier, resulting in tired skin and wrinkles.

Raspberries

Vitamins and minerals are abundant in Romanesco and calories are low, making it a nutrient-dense food that is ideal for the vegan diet. You’ll find vitamin C, A, and K as well as folate, dietary fiber (though slightly less than broccoli), iron, manganese, carotene, protein, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids in this pretty vegetable – along with so much more. It is a well-tolerated food for those who have sensitive stomachs. It improves and protects eyesight, boosts overall immune function, strengthens both the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, benefits bone and muscle health, detoxifies the blood, and safeguards the central nervous system (spine, brain, and nerve pathways).

Romanesco broccoli

P is for………….

18 Saturday Apr 2015

Posted by Karen in A to Z Challenge 2015

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art, fine art, food, fruit, photoaday, Photography, superfood, vegetables

The real power behind their hue is beta-carotene, a provitamin that is converted to vitamin A in the body. Known for its immune-boosting powers, beta-carotene is essential for eye health and has also been linked to preventing coronary heart disease. The REAL treasure though is in the seeds. One ounce (about 140 seeds) is packed with protein, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Studies suggest pumpkin seeds provide a number of health benefits— such as blocking the enlargement of the prostate gland, lowering the risk of bladder stones, and helping to prevent depression. Plus, they contain high levels of phytosterols, which research suggests can reduce cholesterol and even help prevent some types of cancers

Pumpkin

The top benefits of drinking it are that it can help with breast, prostate, and lung cancer. It’s also been shown to help with blood pressure, and can help prevent or even reverse plaque buildup in the arteries.

Pomegranate

L is for …………………………..

14 Tuesday Apr 2015

Posted by Karen in A to Z Challenge 2015

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art, fine art, food, fruit, photoaday, Photography, superfood, vegetables

There are plenty of reasons to start using more lemon and lime in your cooking, or even squeezed into your water. They can help with conditions like indigestion and constipation, and can even be a solution for fevers. Several hair and skin products also contain these natural citrus extracts in them, so it only makes sense to get on a first name basis with them.

Lemons

Like onions and garlic, leeks have sulfur-containing compounds such as allicin that fight dangerous free radicals in your body Leeks contain kaempferol, a flavonol that may help fight cancer and lower your risk of chronic diseases including heart disease Leeks contain notable quantities of antioxidants and vitamins A and K, along with healthy amounts of folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, magnesium and thiamin Leeks likely share many of the same health-supportive properties of garlic and onions, including benefits for your heart and anti-cancer and anti-diabetes properties

Leeks

C is for……….

03 Friday Apr 2015

Posted by Karen in A to Z Challenge 2015, Practice

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art, fine art, food, fruit, photoaday, Photography, superfood, vegetables

Like nearly all of the superfoods on this list, cherries hit on multiple levels. They can help improve your memory, as well as having a substantial amount of beta carotene. You might also want to consider eating cherries to help put you out for the night, as they’re a natural source of melatonin.

cherries

The health benefits of cinnamon can be attributed to its antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, astringent and anticlotting properties. Cinnamon is rich in essential minerals such as manganese, iron and calcium, while also having a high content of fibre. Health benefits include boosting brain activity, blood purification, and circulation, mouth freshener, infections and healing to name just a few.

cinnamon

Yes, carrots do actually help with good vision, and they can also help prevent cancer, and they can help slow down the aging process of cells. But that’s not all, they’ve also been shown to help with heart disease, and can have a cleansing effect by providing the liver with Vitamin A so it can do its job better.

carrots

It is not only a good low calorie food. There are a number of other reasons why you might want to include this vegetable in your diet. Celery is thought to be beneficial for the digestive tract and cardiovascular system. In addition, the seeds of the plant are also commonly used in medicine to help relieve pain.

celery

B is for …………..

02 Thursday Apr 2015

Posted by Karen in A to Z Challenge 2015, Practice

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art, fine art, food, fruit, photoaday, Photography, superfood, vegetables

Blueberries have been shown to help the belly fat fight and help you avoid cardiovascular diseases. Many types of berries can offer you plenty of antioxidant support, as well as add a burst of flavour to a dish, a meal, or all by themselves. Cranberries can help with yeast infections, tooth health,and certain types of cancers. Goji Berries rank extra high in antioxidants. And raspberries contain a good amount of potassium which can help with blood pressure levels.

blueberries

It can feel like a giant by eating these tiny trees, broccoli packs a lot into a regular serving. It’s got fiber to help with regularity and keeping blood sugar levels optimal, it helps the heart and eyes with lutein, and can help prevent cancer. It’s also been shown to help with sun damage, and is good for bones and can help with the nervous system.

Broccoli