DEFINITIONS - NUTRITIONAL REFERENCE

Antioxidant - inhibits free radical activity in the body. Helps combat premature aging

Superfoods - Fresh and easy to eat items that offer disease fighting vitamins, omega fatty acids, antioxidants and essential minerals. Some or all of them boost immunity, and help fight disease. Some help lower cholesterol, and maintain heart health.. Some improve memory function, while others supply calcium for adequate bone density.

This category consists of a list that includes: blueberries, cranberries, pomegranates, grapes, red wine, green tea, eggs, legumes, broccoli, pumpkins, tomatoes, almonds, walnuts, yogurt, oranges, oats, green tea, black tea, vegetable juice, sweet potatoes, bell pepper, soybeans, garlic, avocado and wild salmon.


ORAC - Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity. It measures the antioxidant capacity of a food. The higher the number, the better protection from cell oxidation (or getting brown and spoiling). Think of a sliced apple, and what happens to it as it starts to turn brown and aged.

Phytonutrients - Powerful antioxidants that help create the color, taste and disease-resistance of plants

Anthocyanins - A flavonoid, besides chlorophyll, they are probably the most important group of visible plant pigments. The pigments are responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors of many fruits, vegetables, cereal grains, and flowers. Eggplant, blackberries, pansies, etc. are examples of foods with this pigment. Anthocyanins were found in one study to have the strongest antioxidizing power of 150 flavonoids.
First, they neutralize enzymes that destroy connective tissue, and prevents oxidants from damaging connective tissue. They also repair damaged proteins and have an anti-inflammatory effect in the blood-vessel walls.

Polyphenols - Powerful antioxidants highly found in grapes. With the anthocyanins found in red wines, are thought to decrease incidences of heart disease

Glucosamine - natural compound found in the body to help make and build cartilage. It helps lubricate, cushion, protect and rebuild joints

Sterols - compounds of plant cell memberans that help provide
reduction of blood plasma cholesterol