Mark's Daily Apple

Pump Up Your Health with Pumpkin

This week’s Smart Fuel: Pumpkin

Pumpkin is one of nature’s richest sources of the antioxidant beta carotene. Beta carotene is converted to vitamin A by the body and plays an important role in many vital functions. This plant carotenoid is what gives pumpkins their lush orange coloring. Compelling current research suggests that beta carotene is a powerful tool against cancer and heart disease.  Today we’re featuring pumpkin as our smart fuel of choice because of its combined antioxidant value and low sugar content. At only 49 calories and 9 net carbs per generous cup, this vitamin-rich squash is high in fiber, as well. Pumpkin contains many trace minerals, including over 560 milligrams of potassium. A banana contains roughly 450 milligrams. (In other words, you can go bananas for pumpkin.)

Look out for a healthy and savory pumpkin recipe from Aaron this afternoon!

Posted By: Worker Bee

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This Antioxidant Powerhouse Is in Season

Cranberries. We’re not talking about the aluminum can hunk of gel on your grandmother’s Thanksgiving table. We’re talking about fresh cranberries, one of nature’s most powerful antioxidant sources! Fresh, tart cranberries are in season right now and can be found at great prices in many stores.

Cranberries promote urinary tract health, but they are also good for the gastrointestinal tract and the mouth. Recent studies have shown they may play a role in helping to reduce the risk of kidney stones, as well as lower bad (LDL) cholesterol. Not too shabby for this sour little fruit!

Cranberries contain anthocyanadins, potent antioxidants also found in blueberries and pomegranates. As you know, antioxidants fight inflammation and free radical oxidation in your body. Translation: they help prevent aging, disease, and health problems! Cranberries also contain plenty of vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. You can stew fresh berries, or pit them and dice them up into salads, or reduce them into a delicious topping for pork, duck, turkey or other meats. Aaron will be bringing you a cranberry recipe later today, so stay tuned!

Posted By: Worker Bee

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Why Does the FDA Call This Omega-3-Rich Green a Weed?

Purslane belongs in your diet! This abundant “weed” is a deliciously sour green that makes a wonderful addition to salads, stir fries, vegetable dishes, soups, and salsas. It pairs nicely with citrus and melon. It’s a tasty complement to pork, fish, and protein-rich beans such as lentils.

Purslane is the richest source of Omega-3 fatty acids of any green, leafy vegetable. Interestingly, purslane contains the EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) form of Omega-3, which is rare for a plant source of fatty acids. Purslane is also naturally high in magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, and iron. Pretty incredible, isn’t it!

Posted By: Worker Bee

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The 16 Most Powerful Foods

Here they are: perhaps the most nutritionally potent, anti-aging, bang-for-your-buck super foods nature has to offer, as recommended by Mark. If you can shoot for getting these power foods into your diet on a weekly basis, you’ll be doing very well indeed. Bookmark the list or print it out and keep it on the fridge. There are dozens more powerful foods, of course, so be sure to add your favorite recommendations in the comments at the bottom of the post!

Posted By: Worker Bee

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Smart Fuel: Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are in season, so make the most of this colorful antioxidant-loaded vegetable now. Mix red, yellow, orange, and green peppers in with your salads, stir fries, vegetable mixes, and grilled meats. Bell peppers are excellent all on their own as a snack, too. Along with carotenoids and lycopene, bells supply nearly three times your daily value for vitamin C, all of your daily vitamin A requirement (as beta carotene) and a nice dose of B6. They’re low in calories, too!

Posted By: Worker Bee

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