Bioactive Foods Promoting Health

The Benefits of Bioactive Compounds

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Bioactive foods, compounds. Images

These compounds do quite just help us live vibrantly. Antioxidant bio­actives like flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols are plant chemicals that protect your body’s cells from damage caused by unstable atoms referred to as free radicals, which cause disease and illness. If your diet is lacking in foods that contain these compounds, you’re getting to vomit and gain weight.

Studies have shown that bioactive compounds may help:

⚫ Improve vision
⚫ Prevent diabetes and obesity
⚫ Manage blood pressure (High blood pressure)
⚫ Protect against cardiovascular disease
⚫ Lower cholesterol (Dangers of high cholesterol)
⚫ Possibly fight cancer and slow tumor growth

Bioactive compounds are contained in plant foods and herbal remedies, including essential oils, contain essential elements necessary for a better immune system.

Why You Need Bioactive Foods In Your Diet

Every day, we are bombarded by toxins in our food, soil, water, air – briefly, all around us. These toxins include:

⚫ Organophosphates and other pesticides used in homes and schools accumulate in the body.

⚫ Chemicals pesticides and preservatives sprayed or used in foods may cause multiple health problems.

⚫ Overuse of antibiotics, leading to antibiotic resistance. These medications destroy healthy gut bacteria, a crucial
contributor to a healthy system. Many are fed to the animals we eat also.

Exposure to an accumulation of toxins plays a significant role in cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.”  It is great to know science is moving in the right direction. Start today with steps to enhance your health by adding more bioactive foods to your diet.

The Essential Eight Bioactive Foods

“Essential Eight”, is foods that you simply should be putting into your diet to maximize your health. These are all rich in bioactive compounds that promote overall health or support fat­burning by addressing issues like inflammation, stress, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia.

SEEDS

Bioactive seeds, compounds. Images

These plants contain many life­enhancing properties.

⚫ Hemp seed: These seeds are rich in omega­3 and omega­6. They also contain as much protein as an ounce of beef
or lamb. They also provide all the essential amino acids your body requires that it cannot produce on its own and are an
honest source of vitamin E and lots of minerals. They can also reduce inflammation.

⚫ Cacao seeds: Cacao may be a powerful antioxidant and may help regulate the system, protecting against oxidative stress. It also can offset hyperglycemia, improve cellular response, and modulate obesity­related inflammation caused by high­fat diets.

⚫ Chia seeds are noted to help lower total cholesterol. It also increases the “good” cholesterol and reduces your risk of heart health problems.

⚫ Flaxseed helps to manage your weight, lowers cholesterol, thereby reducing the danger of the disorder, and improves insulin resistance which may reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

HEALTHY FATS AND OILS

Healthy fats and oils are a crucial part of a diet. Some, like vegetable oils and margarine, are unhealthy foods albeit they’re often labeled as healthy choices.

Here are some excellent choices:

⚫ Extra­virgin vegetable oil is one of the simplest overall sources of fat and adding it to a nutritious diet promotes weight loss. It contains monounsaturated fatty acid, which has been shown to scale back inflammation, aiding in diseases like cancer, autoimmunity, and dementia. It is also rich in antioxidants and should even reduce the danger of a cardiovascular event or stroke. We get ours fresh­pressed here.

⚫ Avocado oil can lower cholesterol, banish hunger pangs, and spot­reduce fat around the middle. Like vegetable oil, avocado oil has a high content of monounsaturated fats, these fats help the bioactive compounds to get into your bloodstream and are essential in fighting the free radicals that protect your mitochondria.
⚫ Butter is a crucial dietary fat that has to be consumed carefully if you’ll tolerate it. The regular kinds of butter we may purchase mostly come from cows that are fed with a feed filled with hormones that are fed hormone­filled feed and administered antibiotics. Grass­fed cows are always the healthier choice. Try to choose non­GMO and organic butter, preferably from grass­fed cows.

FRUIT

Bioactive Flavonoids. Fruit images

Bioactive Flavonoids

⚫ Berries of all varieties are full of bioactive compounds and their seeds are an excellent source of fiber, which may help suppress your appetite.

⚫ Eating avocados – not just the oil – can assist you in absorbing bioactive compounds better and may reduce your desire to eat more. They’re also an honest source of fiber and vitamin K, which helps with weight control.

⚫  For many years we have known grapefruit has been used as a weight ­loss tool and has been a benefit in managing diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Be sure to eat the entire fruit, not just the juice, for the foremost benefit. However, this fruit can interact with certain pharmaceuticals so ask your doctor before adding it to your diet.

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES

Considered one of the healthiest food groups that are available to us. These types of vegetables are considered anti-inflammatory, they help fight cancer and are natural detoxifiers. These vegetables are rich in vitamins C, E, and K, folate, and minerals.

⚫ Protect cells from DNA damage

⚫ Inactivate carcinogens

⚫ Produce antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects

⚫ Induce cell death (apoptosis)

⚫ Inhibit angiogenesis (tumor blood vessel formation) and tumor cell migration (which is needed for metastasis)

The best choices include:

⚫ Broccoli, which has been shown to counteract nonalcoholic fatty liver disease that can progress to deadly cancer. Buy it fresh as the prepackaged type may have reduced levels of bioactive compounds.

⚫ Bok choy contains sulforaphane, which improves blood pressure and kidney function. Buck choy contains lutein and other anti-inflammatory cancer-protective compounds, vitamins A, B, and C. High in fiber and low in calories.

NUTS

While they are calorie-dense, nuts are nutritional powerhouses full of protein, unsaturated fat, and fiber.

⚫ Almonds: Research shows that daily consumption of small or large amounts of almonds does not result in weight gain! Almonds improve fat metabolism and moderate the rise in blood sugar after meals. They are also good for fighting food cravings which can help you if you are on a diet by making you feel full.

⚫ Walnuts offer much of the same benefits as almonds but they contain higher amounts of both omega-3 and omega-6. This makes them particularly effective in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

LEGUMES

Legumes are rich in bioactive components and are known to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. They are also packed with fiber and antioxidants that together combat high blood sugar and excessive lipids in the blood, common for people who follow a typical American diet.

⚫ Legumes help to lower blood sugar after a meal, which is particularly important in preventing the onset of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

⚫ Lentils no matter what the color usually green, black, or red, contain numerous bioactive components as well as prebiotic carbohydrates that help your healthy gut bacteria to survive.

WILD-CAUGHT COLD-WATER SALMON

Fish is an important protein food to include in your diet if you are not a vegetarian or vegan.  Try to avoid farmed fish, as they are fed grains and other unnatural ingredients that change their fat makeup. Cold-water fish are great for cardiovascular health and are rich in omega-3 fats. Cold-water salmon is harvested in the waters of Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, or Northern Europe among other sources. Avoid Atlantic salmon. These fish can help control inflammation,

Along with caloric restriction, eating wild salmon has shown the best results in affecting weight loss and decreasing concentrations of some inflammation markers.

TEAS

Purified or distilled water is a necessary drink but when you need flavor, tea is your go-to solution.

⚫ Matcha green tea is one of the best sources of catechins, bioactive compounds that act as antioxidants.    Matcha tea also helps fight cancer, partially by protecting DNA. It’s also effective at burning body fat. Our favorite brand of matcha is Ujido. Learn why we love this brand.

⚫ Rooibos and holy basil tea: This blend combines rooibos, which can help you lose weight and achieve your body’s ideal weight with holy basil (tulsi), an herb that increases energy and relieves stress. Combined, they form a tea that revs you up and makes you feel energetic. One of our metabolism-boosting favorites is the Republic of Tea’s Get Burning blend.

⚫ Senna tea stimulates the intestines, aiding in the natural process of elimination. Traditional Medicinal’s Smooth Move Tea is a natural, gentle bowel cleanser best taken at bedtime.

Essential Oils are Also Bioactive Compounds

Essential oils are also inherently bioactive but, unlike bioactive-rich foods, they are not a source of nutrition. For example, both the fruit of a lemon and lemon essential oil, which is extracted from the rind, contain bioactive compounds, but the latter doesn’t provide any energy in the form of calories, vitamins, or minerals.

Essential oils offer a more concentrated form of bioactivity than food does. These minute but highly concentrated compounds are able to heal the body (and soul) with metabolic effects that can assist in weight loss – or weight gain if that is your concern. Certain oils can also boost your energy so you can be more active and burn more body fat.

You should check with your doctor before using any type of essential as a protective measure against allergies.

When using essential oils, proper dilution is always recommended.

The 3 basic ways to use them include: 

Inhalation from a diffuser is the safest and most popular way to use them. There are a few risks to diffusing that should be done using between 4-5 drops of essential oils in water as directed. Be sure that your room is well-ventilated especially if you have children or pets. Run it for a few minutes only at first, to gauge your reaction. When applying topically, make sure that you use a carrier oil and dilute properly.

THE PHYSICAL BENEFITS OF USING ESSENTIAL OILS

How can essential oils assist you in reaching your ideal weight?

Essential oils have a number of healthy applications, supported by research. Orange oil is one of the foremost versatile and affordable essential oils and is an efficient mood booster. Topical applications of both peppermint and lavender oils are proven pain relievers and peppermint can assist you to get cracking once you start a fitness routine also improving performance, endurance, and respiration rate.

What to Expect with Bioactive Foods

Your health is either great or poor, depending on your diet’s proportion of bioactive foods. Many of those compounds are present in foods that you simply are probably already eating, but taking the time and energy to incorporate more bioactive compounds into your daily diet, really has a healthy impact on your life.

These benefits include:

⚫ You will burn calories more efficiently, helping you reduce and attain your ideal weight.

⚫ Your cells are going to be better protected against free radicals, reducing illness and slowing down aging.

⚫ A diet crammed with bioactive compounds finetunes your metabolism in order that your energy state remains high throughout the day.

⚫ You also gain peak physical and mental performance.

⚫ Since you’re not tied to any “fad diet,” you’ll have more food freedom as you integrate the various colors and flavors of bioactive-rich foods into your diet. With numerous varieties and options, you’ve got the liberty to make a healthy diet that you simply will enjoy while losing weight.

Here’s a list of 10 popular essential oils and the health claims associated with them:

  • Peppermint: used to boost energy and aid digestion
  • Lavender: used to relieve stress
  • Sandalwood: used to calm nerves and help with focus
  • Bergamot: used to reduce stress and improve skin conditions like eczema
  • Rose: used to improve mood and reduce anxiety
  • Chamomile: used to improve mood and relaxation
  • Ylang-Ylang: used to treat headaches, nausea, and skin conditions
  • Tea Tree: used to fight infections and boost immunity
  • Jasmine: used to help with depression, childbirth, and libido
  • Lemon: used to aid digestion, mood, headaches, and more

THE BENEFITS OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS

These compounds do quite just help us live vibrantly. Antioxidant bio-actives like flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols are plant chemicals that protect your body’s cells from damage caused by unstable atoms referred to as free radicals, which cause disease and illness. If your diet is lacking in foods that contain these compounds, you’re getting to vomit and gain weight.

Studies have shown that bioactive compounds may help:

Improve vision
Prevent diabetes and obesity
Manage blood pressure
Protect against cardiovascular disease
Lower cholesterol
Possibly fight cancer and slow tumor growth

While researchers are just beginning to dive into this subject, the rock bottom line is that plant foods and herbal remedies, including essential oils, contain bioactive compounds.

More On Bioactive Compounds

Found in small quantities in foods. They are being intensively studied to gauge their effects on health. The reasons sparking this scientific inquiry were the results of many epidemiologic studies that have shown the protective effects of plant­based diets on the disorder (CVD) and cancer. Many bioactive compounds have been discovered. These compounds vary widely in chemical structure and performance and are grouped accordingly. Flavonoids, are present altogether in plants and are studied extensively in cereals, legumes, nuts, olive oil, vegetables, fruits, tea, and wine.

Various bioactive compounds are present in soy, but also in linseed oil, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Resveratrol, found in nuts and wine, has antioxidant, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory properties, and inhibits carcinogenesis. Lycopene, a potent antioxidant carotenoid in tomatoes and other fruits is assumed to guard against prostate and other cancers and inhibits tumor cell growth in animals. From a practical perspective, this translates to recommending a diet rich in a sort of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, oils, and nuts.

THE PHYSICAL BENEFITS OF USING ESSENTIAL OILS

How can essential oils assist you in reaching your ideal weight? Essential oils have a number of healthy applications, supported by research. Essential oils from grapefruit, peppermint, lime, cinnamon, lime, and peppermint, and cinnamon help with appetite reduction, fat burning, and key processes to weight loss. Orange oil is one of the foremost versatile and affordable essential oils and is an efficient mood booster.

Another citrus oil and bergamot help you if you are trying to lose weight. They are also used for stress relief and anxiety reduction. Topical applications of both peppermint and lavender oils are proven pain relievers and peppermint can assist you to get cracking once you start a fitness routine also improving performance, endurance, and respiration rate.

Clove, lavender, melissa (lemon balm), and lemongrass are known for their blood sugar-balancing properties. Also known to relieve stress, and minor inflammation, and help heal your gut. This is just a little sampling of how the bioactive compounds in essential oils can assist you in achieving greater health.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM BIOACTIVE FOODS

These benefits include:

You will burn calories more efficiently, helping you reduce and attain your ideal weight. Your cells are going to be better protected against free radicals, reducing illness and slowing down aging. A diet crammed with bioactive compounds fine-tunes your metabolism in order that your energy state remains high throughout the day.

This also enables peak mental and physical performance. Since you’re not tied to any “fad diet,” you’ll have more food freedom as you integrate the various colors and flavors of bioactive-rich foods into your diet. With numerous varieties and options, you’ve got the liberty to make a healthy diet that you simply will enjoy while losing weight.

It’s not that difficult to get started but here’s an honest place to start: with our fat-burning matcha latte recipe. This is only one example of the various life-changing recipes you’ll use to succeed in your ideal weight with The Essential Oils Diet program.

References:

  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/bioactive-compound
  2. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-013-0503-0
  3. https://ebrary.net/18009/environment/health_benefits_bioactive_compounds
  4. http://cancerpreventionresearch.aacrjournals.org/content/2/3/200
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4488002/

Thank you for reading

Michael

Comments are welcome

2 thoughts on “Bioactive Foods Promoting Health”

  1. As I read through this article I started to feel more and more relieved, since I actively consume a lot of the bioactive foods you talk about here!  Few.  It’s a little scary to know about all the toxins and junk that we are exposed to on a regular basis, but as long as you are aware and make the effort to counteract it, things will be fine.  And I had no idea about essential oils!  That is good to know. 

    Reply
    • Hi Max,

      Thank you for your comments. Glad to hear you are maintaining a healthy diet with bioactive foods. Essential oils serve many purposes, I did leave a link.

      All the best,

      Michael

      Reply

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