#BodyDetoxFriday: PINEAPPLE

TGIF. I can perceive the excited of not going to work or school tomorrow already, and I also see the excitement of having to wake up to no magician too….. LOL.  It is alright, and totally I am not judging right now. However, just before we go the short break, let’s dust off for the weekend.

The Body Detox Magician of the day is PINEAPPLE.

Fresh pineapple is not only sweet and delicious, but it also aids in detoxing your body, thanks to the presence of bromelain, a powerful digestive enzyme. This enzyme has been proven to help in digesting protein, breaking down fats, and reducing inflammation.

Pineapple is also packed with manganese, which has been recommended by nutritionists as a way to boost your mood. How is that for a bonus?

Give your body a green treat today.

Follow @thegreenfoodshop on Instagram for more recipes and tips.

Olubunmi Ayodele

#HeartyTuesday: TOMATO

Its Hearty Tuesday is here again, and I must say the magician of the day is one of a kind. It’s TOMATO. Now who would have thought Tomatoes could do the magic of strengthening the Heart?

 I mean, a lot of us must have thought all it could do was give food the exciting that makes one want to dive into the pot. Really, a tomato has got truckloads of nutrients and fun in it.

Tomatoes are a rich source of Vitamin C and A. They also contain Potassium, Fibre and are equally high in Lycopene, which works with other vitamins and minerals to aid disease prevention.

Intake of tomatoes has long been linked to heart health. Fresh tomatoes and tomato extracts have been shown to help lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Also, tomato extracts have been proved to help prevent unwanted clumping together (aggregation) of platelet cells in the blood - a factor that is especially important in lowering risk of heart problems like atherosclerosis.

In a recent South American study of 26 vegetables, tomatoes and green beans came out best in their anti-aggregation properties. But only recently are researchers beginning to identify some of the most unusual phytonutrients in tomatoes that help provide us with these heart-protective benefits.

One of these phytonutrients is a glycoside called esculentoside A; another is flavonoid called Chalco- naringenin; and yet another is a fatty-acid type molecule called 9-oxo-octadecadienoic acid.

As our knowledge of unique tomato phytonutrients expands, we are likely to learn more about the unique role played by tomatoes in support of heart health. Tomatoes are also likely to rise further and further toward the top of the list of heart-healthy foods.

 Cooking may increase the health benefits of tomatoes so don’t be afraid to pass it under a little heat. Cooking Tomatoes may reduce the Vitamin C content but Lycopene is made more available, and the antioxidant activity is left undiminished.

Give your body a green treat today.

Follow @thegreenfoodshop on Instagram for more recipes and tips.

Olubunmi Ayodele

Introducing the Green Food Shop Series

Often times we ask ourselves why mortality rate in our time has doubled. A study was conducted by Karin Michels and Alicja Wolk at the Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health in 2002. This study was designed to show the link and connection between food and increased death rates. The result revealed that the category of people who followed a healthy diet plan had reports of reduced mortality. Healthy diet here was defined as the intake of high variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, cereals, fish, and low fat dairy products. Similarly, upon several researches and investigations, doctors have blamed the emergence of most life threatening ailments to life style and bad nutrition. In agreement with Michels’ research, I would say that improved food and nutrition is a huge factor to put in place for better health and living. So yes, I am part of the ‘Let’s go green’ campaign. I am about greening our bodies. I am of the opinion that improved food and nutrition is the most important aspect of going green, a few others may think otherwise. But, it is important to stay alive and healthy, only then can you balance the big accounts as the known world class accountant that you are or make critical decision as the CEO of Chevron.

Join the green food shop on Liver cleansing Mondays, Hearty Tuesdays, Kidney Cleansing Wednesdays, Skinny Thursdays and Body Detox Fridays.

In this one month series, I would be introducing you to the magic of keeping your heart, kidneys, liver, skin and other body parts together with a cup of smoothie or a plate of salad. It’s your choice. I will unveil one secret ingredient every day. So sit tight, drown yourself in a cup of magic or a plate of greens.

Give your body a green treat today.

Follow @thegreenfoodshop on instagram for more recipes and tips.

Olubunmi