“Many of the nutrients present in our foods are developed from raw materials found in the soil where the food is grown.  When the fruit or vegetable is harvested also determines the amount of nutrients present since the nutrient density develops with growth.  Unfortunately, many of our products are grown in soil that has been overused.  As well, in order to reach the grocery stores in edible condition, many fruits are harvested before they ripen.  These conditions decrease the nutrients that are available to the consumer.

Supplementation of nutrients may be necessary when the person does not consume the full required intake of 5 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.  It may also be needed during the winter seasons when local sun-ripened products are not available and our fruits and vegetables are imported from other countries and thus may be picked before all the nutrients are fully developed.”

“An antioxidant has the ability to step between a compound seeking electron (the free radical) and normal body cells.  By donating electrons to this compound, the antioxidant will neutralize it and protect that part of the cell from attack and damage.  There are numerous antioxidants available in the body such as Vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, beta-carotene and lycopene to name a few.  Some antioxidants can become radicals when they donate an electron.  Other antioxidants with different properties join in and stop the reaction.  When we have infections such as bad breath or even when we exercise, our production of free radicals increases and more antioxidants are needed to neutralize them.  For a healthy body and a healthy immune system, it is necessary to have all types of antioxidants present.  This means that we have to pay attention to our diets very carefully.”

“”Nutrition is the process by which living things use food to obtain nutrients for energy, growth, development and maintenance of body cells.  Nutrients are biochemical substances that are supplied to our bodies from the food that we eat.  These nutrients are water, protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins.  All of these nutrients are essential, including fats.  All nutrients must be taken in moderation and these substances will then provide us with energy, heal our bodies and help us to repair broken cells and tissues.  As we learn about how the body functions, we are realizing that in addition to the major nutrients, there are many micronutrients called photochemicals that contribute to well being in ways that we do not yet understand.

Eating 5 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables is a very good way to get healthy cells and this includes the cells that make up the tissues of the mouth.  Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, for example, blueberries, cranberries, red bell peppers, tomatoes and spinach are rich in protective antioxidants and photochemicals. 

Antioxidants help protect our cells from damage created by substances called free radicals.  Free radicals are often natural byproducts, often short-lived forms of oxygen or carbon compounds that are missing an electron.  These free radicals can be a result of metabolism or they can be formed by the immune system to destroy bacteria and other microorganisms.  Because they cause a reaction much like the chain reaction in polymerization chemistry they can cause much cell damage.”

Check back next week on the 25th of January (next Monday) as we continue with the Fresh Breath doc’s guide to fresh breath!

For the few years that Nuit Blanche has been playing, I’ve yet to actually attend one of these. The above video shows just one of the highlights of the show with a blinking Toronto City Hall on display on the wee hours of the night. It’s certainly one of the many different attractions at the event, enough for you to plan that all-nighter. Remember those nights when you snuck out of your parent’s house to hang out with your friends? Do it again at Nuit Blanche 2009!

Address: All across downtown Toronto, see website for details!
Email: scotiabanknuitblanche@toronto.ca
Website: http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/independent.shtml
Parking: street and on-site parking available. Expect to walk during this trip
What’s nearby: Just about everything is since you’re walking all over the place.
Why you should go: An outside walk-around, feel like you’re sneaking away for the weekend, lots of contemporary art. it’s almost like a haloween party without the free candy for adults

Toronto Scuba Club

There’s an introductory course held on most weekends by the Toronto Scuba Club which has classes around Toronto (you’ll have to check out their website for more details).  What makes this worthwhile is that instead of paying about $300 for a beginners lesson,  you only have to pay a $75 fee to see if you actually like the experience with no strings attached!  So, take your partner on a wild adventure this weekend and who knows, maybe you’ll really enjoy doing something unique together that a small percentage of the population enjoys!

Check out the Toronto Scuba Club’s official website for details about their introductory lesson!

There’s a company called: High Perspective, which is run by Michael Robertson, who has successfully accomplished more than 15,000 tandem flights for the last 30 years. Some of his other achievements include being a master rated instructor, flying for a Diet Pepsi commercial in 1988 and flew for various Outdoor network television spots to list a few. Tandem flying is where there are two people flying together, one being the pilot. There are separate harnesses for comfort and safety. This is a great date idea for those looking for a little bit of adventure for an upcoming weekend. Consider planning a flight during the fall to see the tree colours from above!

From the High Perspective website:
“Tandem Discovery Flights allow you to experience the freedom of flight by the side of a certified professional. The feeling of freedom is fantastic. Surrounded by 30,000 empty acres, the view is breathtakingly beautiful. We can see Lake Ontario immediately and then Lake Scugog and sometimes even Lake Simcoe. It’s a dream come true…it’s awesome! ”

Check out the official website for more details!

Choose from Horse Back Riding...

There’s a place in Niagara called HorsePlay Niagara which has Horseback riding, Trail riding and off-road go karting for those looking for a weekend adventure.  Settled in on the Niagara escarpment, this is the only place that offers horse back riding for ages 6 and up, trails on the beach.  Trails are authentically planned over a 300 acre property in the wilderness, unlike some of the field tracks that looks like every other beaten path.  My girlfriend and I have been thinking about doing something like this and from what i’ve been looking for on the Internet thus far, this one looks to have the most amount value. 

Oh, and check out that pic below.  I’m still on the fence about what I’ll be telling my girlfriend to wear.  Check out their official website for more details.

Or you can go Go Karting in the mud! My girlfriend will love this!

Canoes by: zayzayem

The Harborfront is having some free canoe rides in their natrel pond this weekend from Saturday to Monday.  There are varying times available, so we suggest checking in with the official website and going a bit early to ensure that you get a spot.

Click here to check out their official website for more details on a free canoe ride!

Photo by: EverySpoon. View from the Leslie Street Spit

When my girlfriend told me we’re going to a ‘spit’ later in the week, I didn’t think that she meant we’re going for a walk in the park. The Leslie Street Spit was what she was referring to.
The Leslie Street Spit is actually a technically incorrect name because its a man-made headland as opposed to a natural resource. The Toronto islands used to be a true spit, but was detached some years ago.

Anyway, what makes this Toronto park so unique is that it’s home to more than 300 species of birds, 45 of which breed directly on the headland. Probably because of its supply of over 400 identified plants that keep the birds choose this as a viable habitat.

Great Date Idea: Bring binoculars and maybe a magnifying glass for some exploring and bird watching!

Address:  at the end of Leslie Street, at Lake Ontario
Phone:    416-392-1111
Email:    parks@toronto.ca
Website:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leslie_Street_Spit
Parking:  street and on-site parking available.  Expect to walk during this trip
What’s nearby:  Lake Ontario.  This is a walk in the park.
Why you should go:  over 300 species of birds, over 400 species of plant life and a lighthouse!
Agrandir le plan

Remember how cool those Segways were when they just came out years ago?  Now that personal transportation devices are becoming more popular and eco-friendly, the Distillery district and Segway of Ontario is taking full advantage with their Segway tours!  Complete a 30 minute spin around the block or a full hours worth of Segwaying on a Police equipped device and you’ll know what all the hype was about!  If you’ve never been on one of these before, it’s actually a very stable ride and very easy to maneuver.  On the tour, you’ll learn lots about the historic Distillery district as well as laugh out loud with some other unsuspecting travelers that are new to the device.

Address:  37 Mill Street. Building 37, Unit 106. Toronto ON
Phone:    416-642-0008
Email:    sales@segwayofontario.com
Website:  http://www.segwayofontario.com/distillerytours.htm
Parking:  street and on-site parking available
What’s nearby:  restaurants within the distillery district, small boutique shops
Why you should go:  An outside tour using Segways, very unique and can work up an appetite just before dinner.  Fun first date idea.

Agrandir le plan