On Caffeine and Health

It's a heart-tugging decision that I made a month ago to heed my doctor's advise. I am temporarily bidding goodbye to caffeine (temporarily being the operative word hehe), while the lipids are still acting up wayward.

I loved caffeine for the longest time. Although sinful to some who may take it abusively (and I am guilty as charged), many people have been addicted to Coke, coffee, and chocolates that are rich sources of caffeine.



As of late, I have been drinking low-fat milk, pineapple and mango juices, and plenty of water. Sounds too good to be true for those who really know me. But what the heck, if this isn't what it means to be turning on a new leaf, then I don't know what is. Let's see shall we.

This morning, I was reading through the health section of Philippine Star when I came across an article that listed some foods that are really proven to aid against cancers and help us detoxify.

Green Leafy Vegetables - the chlorophyll they contain helps swab out environmental toxins (heavy metals, pesticides) and protects the liver. Throw them into a broth and then to juices or just eat them raw.

Brocolli - rich in vitamins A,C, and K. Vitamin A decreases oil production, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, and vitamin K can help prevent bruises.

Lemons - lemon juice or lemonade helps keep the fluids running to wash out the body. Its vitamin C, considered the detox vitamin, helps convert toxins into a water-soluble form that's easily flushed away.

Garlic - add it to everything, salads, spreads, sauces. In addition to the bulb's cardio benefits, it activates liver enzymes that help filter out junk.

Apples - the fruit's rich pectin content helps to decrease cholesterol levels and helps prevent colon cancer.

Berries - blueberries and cherries are rich in antioxidants because they contain bioflavonoid that reduce free radical damage, more potent than vitamins C and E. Cherries contain anthocyanin compounds which aid the pancreas in producing insulin.

Fruits - they are full of vitamin C, fiber, nutritious fluids and all kinds of antioxidants.

Fish - it contains omega 3 fatty acids which is the good oil. Some also contain vitamin D. Omega 3 fatty acids are present in fish like salmon, tilapia and cod. Our bodies cannot produce those essential lipids naturally so adding omega 3 fatty acids to our diet can bolster our skin barrier, that is, the layer of lipids that holds onto moisture and keeps irritants out.

Lunch box check for today: Mango juice, 2 pieces tuna pandesal, granola bar.

As Hancock says, "Good job!"