Get More Nutrients From Your Food

Eating plenty of fresh produce is one of the keys of good nutrition. But did you know that how you purchase, store and prepare your produce can affect its nutritional content?  Here are our top 5 tips to help you get the most nutrition from your food: 1. Eat locally grown food to maximize your vitamin & mineral intake. Produce starts to lose its nutritional value after being picked, so shortening the time & distance between the farm & your plate maximizes your vitamin & mineral intake.  2. Cut up fruits and vegetables to free up the nutrients by breaking down rigid plant cell walls. 3. Crush or chop onion and garlic to release an enzyme that helps other compounds protect us against disease. 4. Soak grains, beans and nuts to reduce phytic acid, which can block your absorption of iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium. 5. Store fruits and vegetables properly to slow down nutrient loss. Heat, light, and oxygen degrade nutrients, so store: vegetables, except those of the root variety: in the refrigerator. whole fruits, except berries: at room temperature away from direct light. cut fruits and vegetables: with a squeeze of lemon juice in an airtight container in the fridge.  herbs: chopped up and frozen in an ice cube tray with water. Blog published by AAYCommunity. Visit www.AAYCommunity.com for information on your fitness & nutrition program.