Optimal Oxygen
We all crave balance. We all know that too much of anything can be harmful. We need oxygen to survive, however uncontrolled oxygen (called free radicals) can wrinkle our skin, lock up our joints, harden our blood vessels, let cancer grow and age us prematurely. This is where the power of ANTIOXIDANTS come in. This month in our AEF blueprint we will learn about the amazing Vitamin A, as well as the wonder of walking as we observe Mental Health Week in Alberta.
To understand antioxidants we must first understand the role they play in our body. Oxygen supports our life, and "oxidizes" or "burns" food to create energy and heat for our bodies. However certain types of altered oxygen molecules called "Free Radicals" which are ever-present in our bodies, will damage our own cells and even our DNA, causing degeneration and diseases such as cancer. A physical example of this is when you cut open an apple, the oxygen turns it brown. For years food preparers have known to sprinkle lemon juice on fruit salad to prevent the apples from browning. You can achieve the same principle in the body by ingesting antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that react easily with oxygen and thus protect neighbouring compounds from damaging reactions with oxygen. It is as simple as eating more fruits and vegetables. This month’s recipe Strawberry Spinach Salad contains 62% of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin A and 63% of Vitamin C, both powerhouses when it comes to fighting off free radicals.
To understand antioxidants we must first understand the role they play in our body. Oxygen supports our life, and "oxidizes" or "burns" food to create energy and heat for our bodies. However certain types of altered oxygen molecules called "Free Radicals" which are ever-present in our bodies, will damage our own cells and even our DNA, causing degeneration and diseases such as cancer. A physical example of this is when you cut open an apple, the oxygen turns it brown. For years food preparers have known to sprinkle lemon juice on fruit salad to prevent the apples from browning. You can achieve the same principle in the body by ingesting antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that react easily with oxygen and thus protect neighbouring compounds from damaging reactions with oxygen. It is as simple as eating more fruits and vegetables. This month’s recipe Strawberry Spinach Salad contains 62% of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin A and 63% of Vitamin C, both powerhouses when it comes to fighting off free radicals.
Walking for wellness
During Mental Health Week from May 7 -13, a number of initiatives are taking place across the country. The Not Myself Today campaign is an online campaign that tries to remove the stigma of mental health by providing more information to the public.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, one in five Canadians under the age of 65, is coping with a mental health illness. That is more than 6.5 million Canadians. When you go to the website you will be asked to take a pledge. The pledge is to pay attention to your own mental health and well-being, to support someone who is living with a mental health illness, to throw away negative stereotypes and attitudes surrounding mental illness and to promote and support issues about mental health.
There has been plenty of research done linking physical health and mental health. One of the best forms of physical exercise is walking and there is increasing evidence that walking can enhance mental well being too. Health professionals recognise that exercise in general, and more specifically outdoor activity, has a definite, positive psychological impact. Walking can lift your mood, help to alleviate stress, anxiety and depression and contribute towards a relaxed, more creative state of mind. In short, we feel better live longer and develop a better sense of awareness. Walk alone, walk with friends or family, walk your pets, walk in a fundraiser or plan a walking vacation. Any way you want to walk, just get out and do it. Pioneering cardiologist and a founding member of the American Heart Association Dr. Paul White said: “A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy, but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, one in five Canadians under the age of 65, is coping with a mental health illness. That is more than 6.5 million Canadians. When you go to the website you will be asked to take a pledge. The pledge is to pay attention to your own mental health and well-being, to support someone who is living with a mental health illness, to throw away negative stereotypes and attitudes surrounding mental illness and to promote and support issues about mental health.
There has been plenty of research done linking physical health and mental health. One of the best forms of physical exercise is walking and there is increasing evidence that walking can enhance mental well being too. Health professionals recognise that exercise in general, and more specifically outdoor activity, has a definite, positive psychological impact. Walking can lift your mood, help to alleviate stress, anxiety and depression and contribute towards a relaxed, more creative state of mind. In short, we feel better live longer and develop a better sense of awareness. Walk alone, walk with friends or family, walk your pets, walk in a fundraiser or plan a walking vacation. Any way you want to walk, just get out and do it. Pioneering cardiologist and a founding member of the American Heart Association Dr. Paul White said: “A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy, but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world.
