Your Health Matters Investing in Your Health

Soup Up Your Engine!

Your body is made up of millions of cells that work together so you can function. Along with other tasks, these cells help create energy from food.

As we age, our cells begin to produce less energy, which leads to increased levels of free radicals in our bodies. These free radicals slowly attack our cells, tissues and organs, jeopardizing our health. Once cellular function declines or cells begin to die, we start to see signs of aging and disease. You may be asking, “What can I do about this?”

By eating a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein sources, you will be protecting your cells from harm. Antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, selenium and alpha lipoic acid, can offer help in cleansing your body of free radicals. Some sources of these antioxidants are:

• Beta-Carotene – dark green leafy vegetables and orange fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, apricots, green peppers
• Vitamin C – green peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, leafy greens, sweet and white potatoes, cantaloupe
• Vitamin E – vegetable oils, whole cereal grains, nuts/seeds, corn, olives, asparagus, spinach
• Selenium – whole grains, fish, nuts (especially Brazil nuts)
• Alpha Lipoic Acid – red meats

You can also find these antioxidants in supplement form at your local drug store or health food store, but be sure to consult your doctor before you begin taking any supplements, especially if you are taking medication.

Don’t forget that in addition to eating healthy, you should exercise regularly. According to the Centers for Disease Control, those with a healthy lifestyle have been shown to have half the risk of developing disease. So, fill up your tank and go.

Healthy Low Calorie Recipe
Broccoli Dijon

Ingredients:
1 full head of broccoli
1 TBS butter
1 TBS brown sugar
1 TBS Dijon mustard

NUTRITIONAL INFO:
Fat: 3.6g / Carbohydrates: 9.2g Calories: 72.0 / Protein: 3.2g
Cut broccoli into bite-size pieces. Quick-steam broccoli, until bright green, yet still somewhat firm (3-5 minutes). While broccoli is steaming, mix remaining ingredients together and microwave until melted - usually less than a minute. When broccoli is done, pour sauce over. Simple, elegant, delicious, quick and good for you.
Number of Servings: 6