 First-Person Stories
July 27, 2009
Organic is the buzzword, isn't it? The word is ubiquitous wherever we turn as the public becomes more health conscious. I am glad we are concerned with pesticide contamination and demand other options when it comes to foods we consume. However, it's true that all things organic tend to be more expensive than the non-organic types. But there are some fruits and vegetables we don't have to buy organic for these contain least amount of pesticide. Good to know in this tough economic time when many of us are counting pennies but don't wish to sacrifice healthier choices. They are as follows:
- Asparagus
- Kiwi
- Avocados
- Mangos
- Bananas
- Onions
- Broccoli
- Papaya
- Cauliflower
- Pineapples
- Corn (sweet, frozen)
- Peas (sweet, frozen)
Source: Andrew Weil, M.D.
July 20, 2009
Sure, we are going through tough economy but we need to escape from it all sometimes, don't we? Many opt to travel within US but there are others going overseas, taking advantage of good deals on travel fares. Which is fine but there are concerns about unfamiliar foods and possibility of being allergic to them. There is a website called selectwisely.com that helps travelers who have food allergies and other health concerns so they can really enjoy the trip.
What's hot: If you are a traveler who has a food allergy, you can order a translation card that lets restaurant servers and store clerks -- really, anyone who has a hand in serving you food -- know that there's an issue. The site offers cards in more than 25 languages. Its example of what it calls a "strongly worded" card shows variations of "I have a life-threatening allergy to shrimp" in the foreign language (Thai, in the example) and English with a visual aid on one side of the card. If you are allergic to nuts, that specific card will list a variety of nuts. There are also emergency cards for those who cannot eat gluten, who have diabetes or asthma, are lactose intolerant or are vegetarian. Prices for the cards vary from $6.50 to $9.50 (plus shipping), and you get two identical cards sent within one to three business days.
What's not: The helpful "Travelers Tips" page cautions travelers about which countries use potentially problematic foods in the preparations of certain foods. In Spain, for instance, ground almonds sometimes are used to replace flour in cakes; in China, peanuts might be used in dim sum and hot mustard greens. It would be better if this section were expanded with a global map so travelers could more easily find their destination and scope out any potential dilemmas.
Source: Los Angeles Times
July 13, 2009
Did you know that swearing can help you handle your pain better? Dr. Richard Stephens and his team at Keele University in the United Kingdom just published a study that says swearing actually has a pain-lessening effect.
I must say I felt better when I used four-letter words when I felt angry at someone or something. I think these cuss words do seem to acknowledge how strongly one feels and that allows space for one to vent and release the emotion.
Read about this interesting article here and see for yourself. As my seven year old son used to say, "Really?, What the beeeeep!!" :)
July 6, 2009
NUTS!: Why eat them? Good for you and won't make you go nuts.
ALMONDS: My favorite - especially when covered in dark chocolate! Top nut source of vitamin E, to protect the heart, slow aging, and bolster immunity.
WALNUTS: Top nut in heart-healthy, brain-boosting omega-3 oils. The omega-3 oils in walnuts could help calm and moisten dry, irritated skin. Walnuts also contain a unique form of vitamin E thought to suppress prostate and lung cancer cell division.
PECANS: Top nut in antioxidants. This means they can help neutralize the free radicals that can accelerate aging and cause DNA damage. Pecans may also lower cholesterol.
PEANUTS: Though not strictly a nut (they are in fact a legume), peanuts contain more protein than tree nuts. They also contain the potent antioxidant resveratrol -- famously found in red wine.
PISTACHIOS: Top nut in potassium, needed to maintain healthy blood pressure. Also top nut in phytosterols (plant compounds that inhibit cholesterol absorption).
CASHEWS: Top nut in zinc, a mineral needed to support vision and immunity.
PINE NUTS: Top nut in manganese, essential for bone health and wound healing.
BRAZIL NUTS: Top nut in selenium, a mineral needed for proper thyroid and immune health. Selenium may also protect against cancers of the prostate, liver and lungs. Don't eat more than four a month.
MACADAMIA NUTS: Often shunned because they have more saturated fat than other nuts. However, researchers have found that a handful of macadamia nuts a day reduced total cholesterol by about 9%.
-source: David H. Murdock, Chairman and owner of Dole Food Company. His Dole Nutrition Institute is dedicated to nutrition education.
*Make sure you are not allergic to nuts.
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