Prevent Weight Gain with This Sweet Treat
December 1st 2009 02:41
Signature Tune
By RealAge
As the first rounds of holiday cookies start arriving on the scene, you can arm yourself against extra pounds by munching on pears.
Yep, these fresh and juicy in-season treats contain two important types of antioxidants that are associated with less weight gain over time.
Perfectly Paired Antioxidants
In a study, middle-aged women who consumed the highest amounts of three different types of flavonoid antioxidants -- flavones, flavonols, and catechins -- saw the smallest increase in body mass index (BMI) over a period of 14 years. Pears just happen to contain two of these choice phytonutrients, catechins and flavonols. They're also high in filling fiber and low in calories, making them a win-win sweet solution for your waistline and appetite. But be patient with pears. Here's why you should wait until they're nice and ripe.
What You're Missing by Eating Rock-Hard Pears
We've all seen those hard-as-rock pears at the supermarket, picked well before their prime. Well, here's a reason you might want to pass on them.
Or at least let them ripen on your kitchen counter before you bite. A pear (or an apple) at its peak offers something extra -- a special kind of antioxidant that only develops once it's ripe.
Do It Ripe
Figuring Out Flavonoids
Researchers aren't really sure why flavonoids seem to inhibit weight gain. But other studies have revealed that the catechins in green tea may help boost weight loss and diminish body fat. It's possible they also have some kind of beneficial effect on the body's breakdown of fatty acids. Find out why flavonoids are good for your memory, too.
Your Brain on Fruit
Reaching for the fruit bowl might keep your brain sharp as a tack when you get older.
That's because big fruit-eaters -- besides getting boatloads of good-for-you nutrients -- score high when it comes to memory and reasoning skills.
Mind Your Flavonoids
The reason for fruit's brain-boosting effect? It's all about the flavonoids, those amazing antioxidants that fight disease and might be one of your best defenses against cognitive decline. In a study, people who had the highest flavonoid intake performed best throughout a 10-year period on tests of verbal fluency, logical reasoning, and visual memory.
| 54 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
subscribe to this blog
Comment by Wilson Pon
Health 2 Know
Adventure Toes
boxing sound
Business Rope
Fun Places 2 Travel
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art