Coconut Products

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Most Asian and Pacific Islands believe that coconuts can cure many forms of sickness. Coconuts products consist of fiber, Vitamin C, a few B vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, iron and copper. There are studies that show coconuts a can improve cholesterol, blood pressure, and protect against heart disease. It also shows that it can help with weight loss and lower the risk or clogging arteries and type 2 diabetes.
Coconut Water: This is clear liquid which is found inside young (green) coconuts. Consists of a natural sugar but no fat. It may be used as a sport drink. Add it to smoothies for extra potassium.

Coconut Milk:  This is a white liquid which is pressed out of the coconut “meat.” It can be found in the dairy area in your supermarket. For people with diabetes, buy it without sugar. It can be added cereal, coffee, or smoothies. 

 

Coconut Oil: This is a fat like any other oil. It consists of saturated fat, but scientists believe that it may not be bad for the heart. It has antioxidants that help keep the heart strong. Only use small amounts, it can be used as a substitute of butter. 
Posted by: SSG
Source: Diabetes & You, Fall 2013, Johanna Burani, MS, RD, CDE

Foods to Avoid Before Bedtime

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Everyone wants to have a great nights rest without feeling bloated or uncomfortable in his or her stomach. There are various foods that may be harder to digest before bedtime, and may cause heartburn or nausea. Here are some foods that you may want to avoid prior to bedtime.

High-fat foods not only make you gain weight, but they also have an affect on sleep cycles. A heavy meal activates digestion, which can lead to nighttime trips to the bathroom. Eating fried foods before bedtime can result in trouble falling to sleep due to stomach pains, cramping and acid reflux.
Ice cream contains high amounts of fat, which is digested at a slow rate. It also contains a lot of sugar, which can keep you up.  
Vegetables such as, broccoli, cabbage, onions and cauliflower are high in insoluble fiber that moves

slowly the digestive system. These vegetables can make you full longer but also contain
gas-producing qualities.


These are just a few of the foods that you can avoid from affecting your nighttime bathroom runs. Avoiding these foods will lead to better nights rest.    
Posted by: SSG


Diabetes- Tips For Healthier Eating Before and After Events

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  1. Plan ahead. Have a general idea of what you will eat.
  2. Be proactive. Browse the Web for recipe makeovers and read diabetes magazines for modified recipes.
  3. Plan time fore exercise. Go out for a walk the day of a gathering or event.
  4. Avoid sitting or standing near the food at get-togethers or parties.
  5. Avoid fasting all day or skipping meals in order to save calories for a gathering.
  6. Never arrive hungry to an event. Take the edge off you hunger with a piece of fruit and low-fat cheese stick or a small handful of nuts.
  7. Eat only special foods. Stay away from common foods such as potato chips, crackers, fatty dips, bread, cheeses, etc., and other foods that are not carb or fat-smart.
  8. Wait about three hours after the meal before eating the dessert you brought.
  9. Avoid seconds. Eat slowly. Fill up on vegetables. 
  10.  Savor the music and the guests at the party rather than focusing on the food.
Posted by: SSG

Source: Diabetes & You magazine, Fall 2013

 

Supplements vs. Whole Foods

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Supplements can replace the vitamins and minerals in the body, but can’t replicate all the nutrients and benefits of whole foods such as fruits and vegetables, which lower risk of many diseases, including heart diseases, stroke, diabetes and cancer.
Some of the benefits of obtaining micro-nutrients from whole foods over dietary supplements are:
  • Whole foods come along with variety of other nutrients. Such as a citrus fruit which provides vitamin C plus other essential nutrients such as potassium, folate, calcium, and variety of phytochemicals. A vitamin C supplement lacks these other micronutrients.
  • Whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes, are a good source of dietary fibre. This is very important in prevention of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and it can also help manage constipation.
  • Fruits and vegetables have phytochemicals in them, which may help protect you against cancer, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

 

Who needs supplements?
If you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, such as iron deficiency, conditions such osteoporosis, then taking a supplement is required. Nutrition guidelines also recommend supplements or use of fortified foods in addition of eating a variety of different foods during pregnancy. Your health care provider should recommend this to you.

Posted by: SSG

Source:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/supplements/NU00198

Truths About Tea

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Flavonoids in both black and green tea prevent oxidation of LDL-cholesterol (or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), reduce blood clotting and improve widening of blood vessels in the heart. Studies that looked at the relationship of black tea intake and heart health reported decreased incidence of heart attack, lower cholesterol levels and significantly lower blood pressure.

Effect on Teeth:
Japanese researchers in 2010 reported at least one cup of green tea per day was associated with significantly decreased odds for tooth loss. There have been other studies that have suggested tea may lower the pH of the tooth surface, suppressing the growth of periodontal bacteria. A more likely reason for tea’s anti-cariogenic effect is its fluoride content. Tea usually is brewed with fluoridated water and the tea plant naturally accumulates fluoride from the soil.
Hydration:
The caffeine content of every tea is different depending on the kind of tea used and the way it is brewed. Typical levels for tea are less than half that of coffee, ranging from 20mg to 60mg per 8 ounces, compared to 50mg to 300mg in coffee. Studies found no negative effects on hydration with intakes of up to 400mg of caffeine per day (the amount in about seven cups of the strongest brewed tea).
Posted by: SSG
Source: http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6442474287&terms=green%20tea

History of Eating Disorders

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Do you think Karen Carpenter was the first real case of an eating disorder? The historical development of eating disorders takes us back centuries which is mind boggling.

Binge eating, consumption of large amounts of food in a relatively short period of time followed by purging (vomitting) is referred to as the binge-purge cycle which is an ancient behavior. Romans and Greeks engaged in this behavior only so they could eat more, it was not for the purpose of losing weight. In the Roman culture around 300 B.C. if you were wealthy enough you possibly would have a vomitorium behind your main residence. Following a large feast you might excuse yourself to the vomitorium to rid yourself of the food just consumed so you could continue feasting.

Cretans supposedly developed a drug that would allow them to eat as much as they wanted and not gain weight which made the Greeks around 300 B.C. very envious. Being thin was a high priority of the Greeks. The Greek philosopher Socrates was known to dance every morning to keep his weight down. Plato another Greek philospher was permitted to be plump because of his high intellect. CB

Eating for Eye Health

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Have dry eyes? Salmonhas omega-3 fatty acids that can help alleviate the problem. It also includes vitamin D, which helps protect against macular degeneration.
 
Strawberries contain plenty of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that can help lower your risk of cataracts.
Kale is a rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are related to vitamin A and beta carotene, and are believed to protect eye tissues from sunlight damage and reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
 
Sweet Potatoes are a good source of beta carotene, which may slow progress of macular degeneration. Your body converts beta carotene to vitamin A, a nutrient that helps prevent dry eyes and night blindness. Beta carotene and vitamin A also help fight off eye infections.
Posted by: SSG

Source:  http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6442476270

Sweet Lovers Substitutes

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Have a craving for sweets all the time? Here’s a few alternate choices for people with a huge sweet tooth:
Choose Fruit Spritzer instead of Soft Drinks: Have an addiction to soft drinks? Juices such as cranberry, orange, grapefruit, and apple are a good way to make spritzers. They are good sources of vitamins A and C. Mix 50 percent juice with 50 percent carbonated or soda water, and just add a few ice cubes!
Choose Dried Fruitinstead of Sweets: Raisins and prunes are not the only options for dried fruits. Try dried kiwis, pineapples, cherries, peaches, apricots, and mangoes. These tasty fruits will give you a healthy burst of energy, especially when you have a craving for candy!
Choose Frozen Yogurt instead of Ice Cream: Non-fat frozen yogurt almost tastes like the real thing, with less fat. Natural frozen yogurt shops are all over the place, and many supermarkets carry some in their freezer section. Yogurt toppings can be a great addition, choose healthy toppings such as, a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of granola, or top it off with strawberries and dark chocolate shavings for extra tastiness.
Posted by: SSG
 
Source: http://health.yahoo.net/articles/nutrition/substitutes-sweet-tooth

Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives

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Are you a vegan? If so, avoiding dairy can be extremely hard. People who are trying to avoid non-dairy drinks should look for other milk alternatives fortified with calcium, and Vitamins D and
 B12.
Here is a list of non-dairy milk alternatives:
Almond: lower in calories and sugar than other milk alternatives. It is high in Vitamin E and low in protein.
Soy: thicker than other non-dairy milk alternatives, it has the most protein of non-dairy milks and is good as a creamer in coffee.
Coconut: mad of coconut ‘meat” blended with water. It has a higher fat content than other non-dairy milk alternatives and contains some saturated fat. Coconut beverage in a carton is best for drinking, while the canned version is richer and food for making curries.
Oat: provides fiber and iron, but is low in protein. It contains phytochemicals, which may help prevent heart disease.
Hemp: made of soaked hemp seeds ground with water and contains omega-3 fats. This milk alternative is good in baked foods because it doesn’t have an obtrusive flavor.

 

Rice:cholesterol-free and good for people with nut or soy allergies, but it is also low in protein and high in carbohydrates when compared to other non-dairy milks. It is generally the thinnest non-dairy milk.
Posted by: SSG

Source: Food & Nutrition July/Aug 2013; Volume 2, Issue 4

3 Red White & Blue Recipes

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Red, White & Blue Potato Salad
Makes: 4 1/2 cups
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
2 pounds baby potatoes, a mix of white and blue (or purple)
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
3/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers, rinsed
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
Preparation:
1) Place potatoes in a large saucepan or Dutch oven and cover with lightly salted water.
2) Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Transfer to a cutting board. Let cool for 20 minutes.
3) Whisk lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Cut the potatoes in half, add to the bowl and toss to coat.
4) Just before serving, add peppers, scallions and mint to the salad and toss gently.
Nutrition
Per serving: 206 calories; 7 g fat ( 1 g sat , 5 g mono ); 0 mg cholesterol; 30 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 4 g protein; 3 g fiber; 441 mg sodium; 744 mg potassium.
Mini Berry Cream Pies
Makes: 15 mini pies
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1/4 cup whipping cream
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 cup nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt
15 frozen mini phyllo cups (1.9-ounce package)
15 fresh blueberries
15 fresh raspberries
Preparation:
Beat cream in a small bowl until soft peaks form. Add sugar; beat until stiff. Fold in yogurt. Divide the yogurt cream among phyllo cups, keeping the cups in their plastic tray. Top each with 1 blueberry and 1 raspberry. Serve immediately, or chill for up to 4 hours.
Nutrition
Per serving: 33 calories; 2 g fat ( 1 g sat , 0 g mono ); 5 mg cholesterol; 3 g carbohydrates; 1 g added sugars; 1 g protein; 0 g fiber; 11 mg sodium; 7 mg potassium.
Red, White & Blue Popsicles
Makes: About 10 (3-ounce) freezer pops
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups blueberries
1 cup raspberries
2 cups limeade
                                                         
Preparation
1) Divide blueberries and raspberries among freezer-pop molds. Pour limeade over the berries. Insert the sticks and freeze until completely firm, about 6 hours. Dip the molds briefly in hot water before unmolding.
Nutrition
Per pop: 45 calories; 0 g fat ( 0 g sat , 0 g mono ); 0 mg cholesterol; 12 g carbohydrates; 6 g added sugars; 0 g protein; 1 g fiber; 2 mg sodium; 41 mg potassium.
 
 
Posted by: SSG
 
 
 
 
Source: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/collections/healthy_4th_of_july_recipes