Eating For Health

      Are there foods that can help control inflammation?   In our bodies we can have low-grade inflammation that can simmer along for years before raising its ugly head as cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or even heart disease.   There are foods that can help fight this low grade inflammation as described in Tame the Flame of Inflammation .          1.   Broccoli – not just broccoli but other vegetables in the cruciferous family – kale, Brussel sprouts, help lower inflammation.   The antioxidants in these foods seem to provide the benefits.   If you don’t like broccoli plain, add a cheese sauce, or put some in soups, on salads, in stir-fry dishes.         2.   Wheat berries and whole wheat – many people are shunning wheat and thus the benefits whole wheat can provide.   Wheat berries and whole wheat provide a polyphenol antioxidant that can ...

What are some easy nutrition tips to eat healthier?     Eat This Not That   has some easy nutrition tips to follow:   Out of Sight, Out of Mind - Hide the junk food and make healthier food more visible.   A study at Google noted that people ate less M & M’s if put in an opaque container.   They ate more fruit and nuts when these were displayed prominently.   In fact, staff ate 3.1 million less calories of M & M’s in an opaque container in seven weeks’ time. The 1 in 10 Rule :     Look at the nutrient label and for every 10 grams of carbs, look for at least one gram of fiber or 10 carbs:1 fiber.     Why is this important?   You want to have whole grains in your diet and this is the ratio of carbs to fiber in whole grains.   A study in the Public Health Nutrition journal found that carbs with the 10:1 ratio had less sodium, less sugar and less trans fats. Cut calories by boosting flavor :   in the nut...

Are there foods that will lead to a healthier, longer life?    Students in my classes love to ask questions and one student noted:   “I want to live a long time.   What foods do I need to eat?”    Great question and there are foods that will decrease your risk of disease and increase your changes of living longer.   Actually, there are two food groups that will lead to a longer life: fruits and vegetables.   So boring yet so important to our health.   What is the minimum servings of fruits and veggies we need?   5 A Day, a minimum of 5 A Day. Who is lacking in fruits and veggies?   Most of us are.                   87% of Americans are not eating enough fruit (at least a 1.5 to 2 cups a day)                 75% of Americans are not eating their veggies (2-3 cups a day) ...

One more manufacturer is getting on the bandwagon of taking out artificial flavors and colors from its products.   General Mills has announced it will be removing artificial colors and flavors from its cereals.   General Mills is already way ahead of its competitors when it comes to nutrition.   General Mills has taken out all high fructose corn syrup.   All General Mills cereals are whole grain.   In contrast, the first ingredient in Froot Loops made by Kellogg’s is sugar.   This means Froot Loops are mostly sugar.   Trix – a popular cereal among kids and even adults.   Trix will still have those vibrant colors but not from artificial ingredients.   General Mills will be using fruits and vegetable juice and spices to provide the colors so many kids like.   But probably good bye to blue and green as they haven’t yet figured out how to make those colors with natural ingredients. Reese’s Puffs will also be undergoing a color changes. ...