Archive for March, 2009
Caprese Salad
This article was syndicated from: Laurel on Health Food
I wanted to share a picture of a Caprese salad I made last weekend at my Mom’s house. I cut up two vine-ripe tomatoes (one red, one yellow) into slices and layered them between slices of fresh mozzarella. Then I sprinkled fresh basil on top which was fresh from my mom’s basil plant on the porch. To finish, we topped it off with extra virgin olive oil, cracked pepper, and salt. Delicious and super easy to make. Caprese salads are a perfect start to the Spring and Summer.
But, it looked so yummy that we dug into it before I could take a picture!
I also sauteed a huge batch of fresh kale. Look at the mound on the plate! Of course, it looked much smaller once the steam hit it. I used my Easy Greens recipe to make the greens as a side dish for dinner.
Wine May Reduce Your Risk of Esophageal Cancer
This article was syndicated from: Laurel on Health Food
Wine May Reduce Your Risk of Esophageal Cancer
Researchers from Kaiser Permanente in California found that drinking a glass of wine every day could reduce your risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus, a condition affecting the lining of the esophagus (likely caused by acid relux) that often leads to esophageal cancer. According to the study, people who drank at least seven glasses of wine a week were 66% less likely to get Barrett’s esophagus than people who did not drink wine.
Although the researchers could not determine exactly why wine provides protection to the esophagus, it might be the potent antioxidants that help reduce free radical damage and kill off cancer cells. Check out another Kaiser Permanente study I wrote about last year. Researchers found that eating a diet high in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables could significantly reduce your risk of esophageal cancer.
To get you in the mood for some wine drinking, here’s a picture of some fabulous sangria I had in Little Italy last month. Doesn’t it look delish?
Honey May Relieve Sinusitis
This article was syndicated from: Laurel on Health Food
USC University Hospital reports that honey could help reduce chronic sinusitis. An in-vitro lab study conducted at the University of Ottawa found that the “natural germ fighters” in honey can kill off bacteria that cause sinusitis. Researchers tested honey on biofilm substances that contain the sinusitis bacteria, and found that honey was actually more effective at killing the bacteria than traditionally-used antibiotics.
The Director of Pediatric Clinical Research at Penn State, Dr. Ian Paul, commented on this new study: “Bacteria do not grow very well in honey…There is data that honey works well for wounds, in smothering the bacteria that that grow in wounds. So it’s not altogether surprising that honey would be effective in killing these bacteria.” Dr. Paul and a team at Penn State College of Medicine completed a different study last year that found honey to be more effective than commercial cough medicines in reducing coughing in children.
If you’re interested in specific types of honey, here are two varieties that the Canadian researchers found to be most powerful against sinusitis: Manuka honey from New Zealand and Sidr honey from Yemen.
Strawberries Help Reduce Cholesterol Damage
This article was syndicated from: Laurel on Health Food
Strawberries Help Reduce Cholesterol Damage
Researchers at the University of Toronto recently completed a new study on strawberries and their effect on cholesterol. The study looked at 28 men and women with high cholesterol who had been eating a low cholesterol diet. Researchers gave half of the group three cups of strawberries every day for 30 days and the other half more oat bran bread.
At the end of the month, the subjects who ate the strawberries maintained lower cholesterol but also had a reduction of “oxidative damage to LDL cholesterol.” In excess, LDL (bad) cholesterol is harmful to our arteries, but it’s even more harmful if it’s oxidized. The antioxidants in the strawberries help reduce the free radicals that cause oxidation in the body.
This small study was backed by the California Strawberry Commission. Although the study clearly helps the Commission promote strawberry sales, these new findings help prove that strawberries, and other antioxidant-rich berries and fruits, are an important part of a healthy diet and disease prevention.
Unfortunately, strawberries are known to have some of the highest levels of pesticides. Try opting for organic or better yet…grow them at home. Chelsea Green wrote a great article on The Huffington Post this week with step-by-step instructions on how to grow strawberries at home. Fun and money saving!
How To Grow Strawberries at Home to Start Your Victory Garden
Low-Carb, Low-Brain
This article was syndicated from: Laurel on Health Food
Think you need to avoid eating carbs? Think again. A new study found that low-carb dieters perform worse on memory-based tasks than other dieters who simply cut calories (not carbs).
The primary fuel for our brains is glucose, and once carbohydrates break down in your body, they are converted into glucose. Study authors say cutting carbs could actually weaken your brain function and memory skills. James Joseph, Ph.D., a physiologist from the USDA’s Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, recommends that you stick with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to maintain a healthy, clear mind. (Ref: Body + Soul, April ‘09, p. 33)
Cranberry Keeps Meat Safe, Fresh
This article was syndicated from: Laurel on Health Food
Cranberry Keeps Meat Safe, Fresh
I just found out about an interesting study from the Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition at the University of Maine. Researchers found that adding small amounts of cranberry concentrate to ground beef helps prevent outbreaks of E. coli. You probably heard about the major outbreaks of E. coli last year that resulted in recalls of millions of pounds of beef. It’s great to hear that scientists are identifying some natural ways to help preserve our foods and cut the spread of deadly bacteria.
The UMaine researchers added cranberry concentrate to ground beef and stored it at 4
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Learn to Love Whole Grains
This article was syndicated from: Laurel on Health Food
The National Cancer Institute in Maryland recently conducted a study on whole grains and cancer. Researchers found that people who consumed a daily minimum of 8.4g of fiber from whole grains were 40% less likely to develop cancer of the small intestines. (Self Magazine, March 2009, p. 88)
If you have a minute, check out this helpful tips page from the Whole Grains Council. They’ve got great ideas for how to add more whole grains to your diet. For example, add 1/2 cup brown rice to your favorite soup. Or, add 3/4 cup raw oats to hamburger meat or meatloaf before you portion them out.
To get more information on whole grains, including what they are and why they’re good for you, read the Whole Grains Fact Sheet online the International Food Information Council.
