Nutrition for a Lifetime

Phytonutrients

Learn How To Boost The Immune System With Ease!

You've heard of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, but you need to have adequate phytonutrients in your diet as well. What exactly are these chemicals, and how do they help you maintain a healthy diet? Here is some information about these substances, as well as the best phytonutrients-rich foods to prepare.

Phytonutrients are actually a form of antioxidants, which means that the more you eat them, the more you will be fighting off disease and infection your body. 'Phyto' actually comes from the Greek word meaning 'plant', the nutrients are completely all natural. These substances help to boost the immune system, and are found in most fruits and vegetables, but there are some food items that have slightly higher amounts.

Phytonutrients are broken up into a few different sections, since you can find these nutrients in a number of natural foods. Lignan, one of the phytonutrients found in grains like rye and barely, is very important for colon health, and the substance is also found in oatmeal and flax seed, so you can start your day with this healthy substance. Polyphenols, another one of the phytonutrients that you need to incorporate into your diet, can be found in purple grapes, red wine, soy products, and cranberries. Cranberries help to cleanse the liver, and soy milk and tofu have the protein you need to build strong bones and muscles. Herbal and green teas are also great sources of phytonutrients; these teas are rich in vitamins and minerals as well, and can make it easier for the kidneys and liver to rid themselves of toxins.

Fruits that are pink or red in color contain lycopene, which is another one of the important phytonutrients that you'll need for a completely balanced diet. So, be sure that you eat plenty of fresh tomatoes (about three servings a week should be fine), as well as pink grapefruit and watermelon for great skin, more energy, and healthy brain function.

There are also a number of vitamins and nutrients that work well with phytonutrients; these should be included in the diet as well to make sure that you have all the energy needed to complete all the tasks you have scheduled for the day. For instance, you may want to take Coenzyme Q10 supplements to help you better digest your food, since this substance assists the adrenal glands in processing nutrients. You may also want to supplement your phytonutrients intake by taking Glutathione; this can be found at your local health food store.

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Creating A Energy Sports Drink Of Your Own

Finding the right energy sports drink can be a bit of a challenge if you have a specific body goal in mind. Here are some tips for creating a sports drink of your own, as well as the link to some resources that will give you the energy drink you need at prices you can afford.

Natural fruit juices without the added sugar can serve as an energy sports drink in some cases. If you have a juicer, you can use apple and grapes juices to boost your immune system and eliminate toxins from the body. And, when your digestive system is cleansed, you will automatically have more energy and endurance, whether you're playing sports or working at the office. You may also want to try vegetable juice in order to restore the body's natural balance of electrolytes. Carrot and celery juices will give the body potassium, as will cabbage and spinach juices. Vitamin A is also present in these vegetables, which helps to keep the skin healthy and strengthen the immune system.

Another way to create a great energy sports drink is to use vitamin powder and amino acids. Amino acids are the acids needed to restore the body's energy and endurance, and many amino acids will help to regulate the mood and brain function, so that you can ward off sluggishness and depression. You can find amino acid powders at your local GNC or Vitamin Shoppe, or you can take the amino acids in capsule form with your meals in order to enhance the work of your energy sports drink. Adding your own ingredients to the powder, such as milk (you can use rice or soy milk as well), pureed fruit, and additional vitamins will also help you to create a balanced meal for yourself, and will give you energy and improved concentration throughout the day.

You can find a number of energy sports drink varieties at your local grocery store as well. Gatorade has a number of flavors to choose form, and Propel fitness water is a great buy as well, since it is more water-based and is safer for everyday use. You can also purchase Powerade varieties at your local grocery store; these sport drinks are ideal for sporting events that may take place outdoors or in warm weather.

A new and very exciting energy sports drink is called Verve! The Insanely Healthy Energy Drink.

Professional and amateur athletes praise the benefits of Verve as well. They realize the product helps them perform better, less downtime, recovery, stay healthy and overall just help them improve their motivation and well-being for maintaining peak performance.

Ms. Fitness declares Verve! Product of the Year for 2009!

If you want to try Verve! The Insanely Healthy Energy Drink - Risk Free - just head over to TestVerve.com

For more information on energy sports drink varieties, as well as information on amino acids and the need for electrolytes, visit www.webmd.com to get details on the brands and lifestyle habits that are right for you.

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