Eating For Health

Who doesn’t love some fresh‑cooked asparagus? My husband recently stopped by our local farmer’s market hoping to pick up a bundle — but it wasn’t quite in season yet. When it is available, asparagus is truly a powerhouse of good nutrition. And here’s something many people don’t realize: how you cook asparagus can affect its nutritional value . Let’s take a closer look at why asparagus is so good for your gut, your bones, and your overall health. 🥗 Packed With Vitamins and Minerals Asparagus is naturally low in calories — just 27 calories per cup of raw spears — yet loaded with essential nutrients: ·          5 grams of carbs ·          No cholesterol ·          Very little fat ·          Almost half your daily vitamin K ·          20% of your daily folate, and several ot...

Most people know too much salt increases your risk for high blood pressure and strokes.   Although everyone knows about salt in the salt shaker but many people aren’t aware of the hidden salt in the foods we eat and even drinks.   In fact, more than 70% of the salt (sodium) in our diet comes from packaged, prepared foods and restaurant foods.   🧠 What Sodium Does in the Body Sodium helps regulate fluid balance , nerve function , and muscle contractions . It’s essential—but only in small amounts. Most people consume far more than the recommended daily limit. The American Heart Association recommends 2300 milligrams of sodium a day.   Yet, the average American consumes about 3,300 mg a day or about 50% more than the recommended amount.     ⚠️ Health Risks of Too Much Sodium High Blood Pressure ( Hypertension ): The most direct and dangerous effect. Sodium causes the body to retain water, increasing blood volu...

Who doesn’t love eggs?   In an omelet or scrambled for breakfast or egg salad sandwiches for lunch or hard-boiled eggs for a snack.   For many years eggs were given a bad rap because of cholesterol.   At one time even the American Heart Association recommended limiting egg consumption.   With newer research we can enjoy eggs once again.   🥚 What about eggs and cholesterol?   New research has not found a link between egg consumption and heart disease, even among men at genetic risk for heart disease.   It seems high blood cholesterol levels are more linked to the saturated fat in meat and trans fats rather than the cholesterol in eggs.   In one Finnish study , over 1,000 men were followed for 21 years.   They found egg consumption and dietary cholesterol did not significantly increase risk of heart disease.   Harvard notes , “For most people, an egg a day does not increase your risk of a heart attack, a stroke, or any other type of c...

How often do you get to work and then by noon you are feeling tired?   Or after a good lunch do you do well but then by 3 pm you are ready for a nap?   What can you do to stay energized from morning through the afternoon?   My husband sent me a great article on “What to Eat for All-Day Energy”.   The focus is on the food you eat and when you eat them.   ⚡️ How to Eat for All-Day Energy 🥣 1. Start Strong with Breakfast Breakfast really means to “break the fast”.   After a good night’s sleep, your energy stores need replenishing.   A balanced breakfast replenishes glucose and sets the tone for stable energy. Focus on protein and carbs with fiber. Try: Greek yogurt with fruit, oatmeal with nuts, or a veggie-packed breakfast wrap. Avoid: Refined carbs like pastries or donuts—they spike blood sugar and lead to mid-morning crashes. 🥗 2. Build Balanced Meals Focused on the Right Combo Combine protein + fiber...