My Projects

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine, pyridoxal phosphate)...
Performs as a coenzyme (which is a small organic but non-protein molecule that carries a chemical group between enzymes) and affects the body’s use of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. It helps convert tryptophan (which is an essential amino acid that's involved in human nutrition) to niacin (which is most important to functions in the production of energy from the body’s blood sugar. It is also necessary to the production of fats in the human body. Niacin is also essential for correct functioning of the nervous system) It may be found in meat, fish, eggs, milk, and whole grain foods. This vitamin promotes healthy cardiovasicular, nervous, and immune systems. Supports healthy hair, skin and normal red-blood-cell development. Assists in the creation of food energy and possible anemia treatment. It functions as a tranquilizer, it's important for healthy nerve and muscle functioning, blood cholesterol may decrease, reduction of PMS symptoms, it may reduce asthma symptoms and increases levels of serotonin to ease sleep.
Vitamin B6 may be found in Avocados, Bananas, Beef liver, Chicken, Fortified cereals, Ground beef, Ham, Hazelnuts, Potatoes, Salmon, Shrimp, Soybeans, Sunflower seeds, Tuna and Wheat germ
Suggested amounts:
-Men: 1.3 mg
-Men (Over 50): 1.7 mg
-Women: 1.3 mg
-Women (Over 50): 1.5 mg
-Pregnancy: 1.9 mg
-Lactation: 2.0 mg

Pears...
A medium sized pear contains only about 100 Calories even though Levulose (which is the sweetest of known natural sugars) is found in fresh pears more than any other fruit. Pears have no sodium, no cholesterol, no saturated fat and is a quick, natural source of energy. For every 100g of pear contains about 6mg of vitamin C. Good source of fiber, vitamins B2, C, E,Copper and Potassium. Pears also contains a significant amount pectin (a water soluble fiber). Pectin helps lower cholesterol and tone the intestines. They are also really good for infants.

Tomatoes...
Eating tomatoes has many health benifits. They contain compounds that have been proven to help prevent cancer, heart disease, cataracts and much more. Tomatoes were never eaten in the U.S. until the early 1800's because they are considered part of the deadly nightshade family. The deadly nightshade family were considered toxic and caused many things like appendicitis, cancer and "brain fever". But now people know that they are safe to eat and may do just the opposite. They contain a large amount of vitamin C (40% of the daily value), 15% of daily value for vitamin A, 8% of potassuim, 7% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of iron for women and 10% RDA for men. The compound I talked about in the beggining appears to act as an antioxidant which neutralizing free radicals that may damage cells in the body. Harvard's studies have discovered that men who consume 10 servings of tomatoes a week (which is the equivalent to 10 slices of pizza) can reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer by 45%. Italian researchers discovered that those who consume more than 7 servings of raw tomatoes lower the risk of developing rectal, colon, or stomach cancers by 60%.

Zucchini...
Zucchini is a type of squash that resembles a cucumber in size and shape made up of 95% water, and is a refreshing addition to a salad. Zucchini contains vitamin C and lutein, which is important for healthy eyes and seeing at night. Vitamin C helps heal cuts and scrapes faster and fights off sniffles and colds. One zucchini has 25 calories and became popular in the U.S. in the 1950's. They are available year round. They are also rich in fiber which helps the digestive system and prevents constipation.

MyPyramid.gov

My Pyramid Plan:
Eat these amounts from each food group daily. This plan is a 2000 calorie food pattern. It is based on average needs for someone like you. (A 17 year old female, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 150 pounds, physically active less than 30 minutes a day.) Your food needs also depend on your rate of growth and other factors. See a health care provider who can track your height and weight over time to identify your specific needs.
1. Make half your grains whole and aim for at least 3 ounces of whole grains a day
2. Vary your veggies and aim for...
3 cups of dark green veggies
2 cups of orange veggies weekly
3 cups of dried beens and peas weekly
3 cups of starchy veggies weekly
6 1/2 cups of other veggies weekly
6 teaspoons of oils a day
limit extras to 265 calories
Physical activity is also important for health. You should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity most or all days.

Group 2: Veggies
What's in the vegetable group?
--All Veggies and 100% Vegetable juice would be countable as a memeber of the vegetable group. Your vegetables may be raw or cooked. They can be whole, mashed or cut up. They can even be fresh, frozen, canned or dried. Vegetables are organized into 5 subgroups based on their nutrients.
The subgroups are:
--Dark Green Vegetables, Orange Vegetables, Dry Beans and Peas, Starchy Vegetables and Other Vegetables.

How much is needed?
--The amount of veggies needed all depends on your level of physical activity, age and sex.
Children:
*Ages 2-3 should consume about a cup.
*4-8 should get about 1 1/2.
Girls:
*Ages 9-13 should have about 2 cups.
*14-18 2 1/2 cups.
Boys:
*Ages 9-13 should have 2 1/2 cups.
*14-18 about 3 cups.
Women:
*Ages 19-30 years old should have about 2 1/2 cups.
*Ages 31-50 should also have about 2 1/2 cups.
*51 and older should only consume about 2 cups.
Men:
*Ages 19-30 should have about 3 cups.
*Ages 31-50 should also have about 3 cups.
*51 and older should only consume about 2 1/2 cups.
These approximations are all based on indiviaduals who get less than 30 minutes of exercise per day. Those are more physically active may be able to consume more than suggested above without exceeding calorie needs.

My Juice!
Juice 3 slices of pineapple
Juice together one-half of an orange, 4 fresh strawberries and 1 bunch of red grapes.
Stir it. You'll get about 1 ½ cups of delicious fruit juice.
It will help to fight colds, the flu and aid with general cleansing.