Friday, July 25, 2025

TIDBITS FROM THE COOKING CARDIOLOGIST

Following are some tidbits I got from the cooking cardiologist, Dr. Richard Collins, over the years.

  • When steaming vegetables, use distilled water. "You will be surprised how avoiding chlorine improves the taste of vegetables.
  • Use earthen bakeware with lids and just a trace of oil for roasting vegetables.
  • Sauté onions and/or mushrooms in small amounts of frozen apple juice to caramelize.
  • "Take fat-free cheese and put it in a saucer. Pour fat-free skim milk over the cheese. Let it sit for 30 seconds so it will hydrate. Then you put the cheese on any dish you want, and it will melt all over the place when you to cook it."

earthenware 

Thursday, July 24, 2025

EYE HYGIENE

You may think eye hygiene is a strange title because the eyes are basically self-cleaning. However, below are a few things to consider regarding care of your eyes.

  • Change your contacts daily. Yes, this also includes the extended use ones. No one should sleep in their contacts for extended periods such as overnight. Doing so could cause an infection.
  • Rinse your contacts in contact solution, not water. 
  • It is suggested you wear glasses on flights rather than contacts. This is especially true of long flights. The high pressure and recycled air are dehydrating. Drink water on long flights.
  • Never sleep with your makeup on. Failing to remove your makeup before bedtime could cause eye inflammation or a sty.
  • Don't share eye makeup.
Take good care of your eyes. You want them to last you for your lifetime!

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

MORE ON EYES AND AGING

 Have you ever considered your eye health, just like other body parts, need a well-rounded diet and yes, even exercise to maintain their healthy status? Notice the above sentence states a 'well-rounded' diet. According to Dr. Craig W. See, an ophthalmologist, no single food - and that includes carrots - are the perfect food for the eyes. The doctor does suggest eating, what he calls superfoods, daily. This list includes:

  • Eggs, they reinforce retina health as well as containing lutein and zeaxanthin which help protect against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in people over age 60.
  • Vitamin C foods help prevent cataracts. You already know most Vitamin C foods but consider strawberries and citrus fruits daily. Red bell peppers are one of the foods highest in vitamin-C.
  • Vitamin E foods that also help fight macular degeneration. Spinach and almonds are good choices.
  • Carrots are high in Vitamin A, a vitamin that supports eye health.
Our next post will give other suggestions to help maintain eye health.

 

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

EYES AND AGING

Most of us will need glasses at some point in our lives. Even those of us who have always had good eyesight, usually end up with glasses or contacts. I will never forget the first time I needed glasses. I live in the Dallas/Ft Worth area but was working in New York City. I noticed I was standing on one side of the hallway reading the bulletin board on the other side of the hallway. It came to my attention when everyone going down the hall was saying, "Excuse me" to me. I made an appointment with an optometrist in Texas for my next trip home. Imagine my surprise when he told me I needed bifocals. I had always thought of bifocals as glasses for old people who had worn glasses for years. Seeing my surprise, he said, "It's just your age. These things start happening at your age." I was forty!

According to Brandon Butler, an optometrist in NYC, genetics play a part in eyes just like other parts of our bodies. He says the more near - or far -sighted your parents are, the higher your chances of needing glasses but other factors come into play with age. As an example, he says Presbyopia occurs when the eyes' lenses lose the ability to change shape and focus up close. This condition affects around 90% of persons over 45. We all know cataracts occur as we age. Cataract symptoms usually start to appear in our sixties. The good news is that these conditions are easily treated. Tomorrow we will talk about ways we can keep our eyes healthy for many years.

Monday, July 21, 2025

CHOCOLATE FOR BLOOD PRESSURE?

According to Prevention magazine (Oct. '11)*, one of my favorite foods is good for lowering blood pressure.  Since that is a concern of mine, I was especially delighted with this news!  Are you ready for this?  Drumroll please...Dark chocolate (flavanols) make blood vessels more elastic thus lowering blood pressure. Yeah!  I love chocolate!  The bad news?  Okay, here it is....You can eat 1/2 ounce of at least 70% cocoa daily.  This leaves out milk chocolate, sugar-laden candy bars, etc.  But isn't it nice to know we can have a bit of chocolate daily and improve our blood pressure?

*This is an old publication, however, in 2025 dark chocolate is still said to be helpful in fighting high blood pressure.

 1 square is usually 1 ounce

Saturday, July 19, 2025

LEAFY GREENS AND TYPE 2 DIABETES

Based on 18 years of research of more than 71,000 women conducted by Tulane University and Harvard School of Public Health, for every serving of green leafy vegetables you add to your diet, you may slash your likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes by 9%.  Green leafy vegetables include spinach, chard, kale, etc.

Disclaimer: I have to say greens are some of my favorite foods and I did develop Type 2 diabetes at age 60. However, diabetes runs heavy in my family, I had it on both my maternal and paternal sides so maybe eating greens is why I didn't get it until age 60. I have been a diabetic for 15 years but have never had to take insulin, so I am not complaining.


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Friday, July 18, 2025

FRUIT-ON-THE-BOTTOM YOGURTS

If you are a yogurt eater, and there are many benefits in yogurt, beware of the fruit-on-the-bottom varieties.  Many people just grab their favorite yogurt and think they are doing themselves a big favor by 'eating yogurt.'  However, there are some unhealthy traps in yogurt, and this is one of them.  Are you aware that many of these fruit-on-the-bottom varieties contain more sugar in a single serving than does a candy bar?  Yes, that's right!  If you want fruit in your yogurt, add a few slices of healthy banana or stir in some blueberries to a regular low-fat yogurt.  (There is a lengthy article on this blog comparing the benefits of regular yogurt to Greek yogurt and which is best the best one for you.)


 For reference only. Not a brand endorsement.

Thursday, July 17, 2025

WEIGHT RELATED DEATHS

Being overweight does matter. I'm not talking fifteen or twenty pounds but being seriously overweight. Check out these numbers below.

We Americans should pay more attention to our diets, eat healthier, exercise, and take care of our health. The latest numbers show that over 280,000 to 350,000 Americans die annually of weight related diseases.  A public health study found that 1 in 5 deaths in America were weight related. That is so sad because in most cases, yes, there are exceptions to everything, we can have control over our weight.  Is it time to take your health and your weight into your own hands? You can start by making small changes and work your way up to the bigger ones.  But do something.  There are many suggestions on this blog of how to improve one's diet; check them out.  The life you save just might be your own!

Note: This is a repost from 2022.

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Wednesday, July 16, 2025

DO YOU DRINK ALCOHOL?

Do you drink alcohol? If you do, you need to read the rest of this post. There are many reasons to stop drinking alcohol or to cut back on the amount. Here are a few reasons you may not have considered or even known. Alcohol can cause inflammation in the body and inflammation is responsible for a lot of health problems. Alcohol is known to increase inflammation in the intestines, disrupting gut bacteria. Alcohol can change brain structure and function. It can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. Experts recommend no more than one alcoholic beverage per day for both men and women.

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FOOD IS THE BODY'S FUEL


Tuesday, July 15, 2025

ORANGES TO PREVENT HEART DISEASE?

HEART DISEASE IS THE #1 KILLER OF BOTH MEN AND WOMEN IN AMERICA!

One thing you can do for yourself as well as your family to help prevent heart disease is to add oranges to your diets.  If you have young children, it is important to serve them healthy meals from the very beginning!

We often think of oranges as a source of vitamin-C but they are so much more. They help to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart failure so why wouldn't you add them to your diet?  And while orange juice is good, eating the orange is healthier.  Check out the following information about the properties of oranges and their affect on the heart:
  • Soluble fiber pectin - acts like a giant sponge, sopping up cholesterol in food and blocking its absorption - just like a class of drugs known as bile acid sequestrants.
  • Potassium - helps to counterbalance the salt in your diet, helping to keep blood pressure under control.
  • Citrus pectin - helps neutralize a protein called galectin-3 that causes scarring of heart tissue, leading to congestive heart failure.
Peter Muntendam, MD, of BG medicine in Waltham, MA, says research has shown that 20% of Americans over the age of 50 have galectin-3.  A study in 2009 showed that a diet high in fruits and vegetables decreased the risk of heart failure by 37%!

You will notice that 2 of the 3 bullets above are about pectin.  Since pectin is found in the pulp and pith, if you buy orange juice you should buy it with pulp.  Even better, as mentioned earlier, eat the orange!

Thursday, July 10, 2025

GRAIN FED BEEF VS GRASS FED BEEF

Studies show that grass fed beef are higher in healthy unsaturated fat and lower in unhealthy saturated fats than beef from conventionally raised cows.  They usually have less antibiotics, etc, too since they aren't fed the additives in grain fed cows.

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Wednesday, July 9, 2025

EGG SHELLS AND FLOWERS

I have not tried this as I am not good with plants. This is an old Amish way of making flowers grow. If you have ever lived near the Amish, you know they grow beautiful flowers, so you might want to try this.

Soak eggshells in warm water then use to water the flower plants.

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Tuesday, July 8, 2025

FOOD WORKS LIKE DRUGS IN YOUR BODY

Would you believe putting food into your body is like taking drugs. The foods we eat act like drugs in the body so the question is this, are you eating good drugs or bad drugs?  The fact is every time you put food in your mouth you will experience pharmacological and biological reactions.  Therefore it is up to you to control the type of drugs you are eating!

Some of the good things food can do are to lower your cholesterol, your blood pressure, regulate your blood sugar, help you control pain, resist blood clots, etc.  Isn't that good news?  But there are two sides to every story so to speak.  You can take that same statement and turn it around to 'some of the bad things food can do are to raise your cholesterol, your blood pressure, your blood sugar.....'

There are numerous articles on this blog regarding the benefits and dangers of certain foods.  Start to take seriously the idea that everything you eat can and will affect your health.  You wouldn't take 'bad' drugs, why would you eat them?  Consider that thought before you put anything into your mouth.  If you do this for 1 week, you will no doubt be surprised at what you are doing to your body, therefore your health not only now but in the future!

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Monday, July 7, 2025

BUFFET EATING

Are you one of those people who always overeat at a buffet?  Research has shown that these little hints can help you control how much you eat. Unfortunately, in my opinion, covid closed many good buffets but they are still out there.

  • Look before you fill your plate.  You know the feeling of piling food on your plate then seeing something on the other side of the buffet that you just have to have?  Research has shown that 71% of people of normal weight check out the buffet before putting anything on their plates.  Then they only choose their favorite things thus putting less on their plates.  Only 33% of obese people check out the buffet first.
  • If you are at a buffet restaurant, sit in a booth, if possible, instead of at a table.  It is much more inconvenient to get out of a booth to refill your plate.  It is much easier if you are sitting at a table.
And remember to eat healthy foods and not load your plate with all the foods you wouldn't eat at home.

It is up to you to control what goes on your plate and therefore into your body.  Your health and ultimately your life depend on it! 
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Saturday, July 5, 2025

DIRTY SINKS

Tests have shown the sink is usually the dirtiest place in the kitchen even though it may look clean!  Never place food directly in the sink; use a colander to hold the fruits and veggies you wash.  Never take a chance on getting a food-borne illness.  It is my understanding they can make you very sick!

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Thursday, July 3, 2025

HOW MUCH SUGAR ARE YOU EATING DAILY?

Eating the typical American diet, means consuming approximately 35 teaspoons of added sugar per day!  How much is that?  Find out for yourself, you will no doubt be surprised.  Get a bowl and a measuring teaspoon (a teaspoon from your measuring spoons, not one from the silverware tray!) and count out 35 teaspoons of sugar into said bowl.  Then remember that is added sugar, not the natural sugar you are also consuming from the fruits, vegetables, milk, etc in your diet.  How to avoid this extra 132 pounds of sugar for every man, woman, and child?  Read labels!  And remember added sugars can be disguised with words like corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, glucose, honey, fructose, malt syrup, molasses, etc.  Cut back on the number of processed foods you eat and read the labels before you buy any food products.
 

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

A QUICK POST ABOUT INFLAMMATION

 There are many posts on this blog about inflammation, from what it is to treatments. I only bring this up again, number one because I haven't mentioned it in a while and number two because I saw a statement that got my attention. As you may know, I have several autoimmune diseases and have battled inflammation most of my life. I suggest you go to the side list of topics and click on inflammation, if you are interested in reading more about the subject. Here is the statement that caught my attention today as I was looking through some medical information. "More than half of all deaths are thought to be attributed to diseases related to inflammation." Wow!

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Tuesday, July 1, 2025

AVOID OVEREATING BY EATING RIGHT

Amber Massey a registered dietitian at a large hospital in Ft Worth, Texas says that people often see the words 'sugar-free' or 'fat-free' on processed foods that are deceptively high in calories.  To make matters worse, these foods are often maddeningly low in satisfaction.  And satisfaction can be crucial to a successful weight-loss or weight-maintaining diet.  She says, "Unfortunately, we have become a fat-sugar-phobic generation."  Often those fat-free, sugar-free foods pack as many calories as their regular counterparts.  To make those foods tasty enough for you to eat, they add something in somewhere.  Again, let me stress, read the labels!

Rachel Huber, a registered dietitian at the World-Famous Dallas-based Cooper Institute states, "Recognizing hunger and fullness can be hard for people.  Babies have that ability to stop eating when they're full.  Many overweight people have learned to override those signals."

If you don't feel satisfied after eating a meal that is not packed with nutrition, your brain will tell you to keep eating.  If you continue to eat low-nutrient food, your brain will keep nagging you.  You should eat foods that are water-rich, fiber-rich, and nutrient-rich if you don't want to feel hungry again sooner than you should.

To make it simple, let's put it this way.  Eat a banana, with a protein source such as a few nuts or some peanut butter and whole-grain crackers, instead of a banana muffin.  You will be giving yourself more nutrition and allowing yourself to feel full longer.  This will help eliminate your brain from telling you to eat again an hour or two after you had that muffin!  And don't blame overeating on your brain.  Your brain is only responding to what your body is telling it after you have eaten the wrong foods.

Which would make the better snack? The muffin or the banana and nuts?

Monday, June 30, 2025

ANOTHER GOOD REASON TO EAT BLUEBERRIES

Blueberries are healthy and should be somewhere in everyone's diet. There are several posts on this blog that mention benefits of blueberries. I found it interesting recently to discover that researchers at the University of Maine found that eating blueberries, fresh or frozen, on a regular basis, significantly speeds healing of cuts, burns, and other wounds. The reason, blueberries contain antioxidant compounds called phenols that promote the growth of new skin cells and blood vessels to fast-track healing.

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Saturday, June 28, 2025

YOGURT FOR ROSACEA FLARES

If you are one who deals with rosacea and those irritating flares, here is a tip for you. According to the Baylor College of Medicine adding yogurt to a daily smoothie can tame the red, inflamed skin that is a hallmark of rosacea. The scientists credit yogurt's probiotics with balancing the colony of bacteria in the gut (the microbiome), countering "bad" bugs that can trigger rosacea flares. How well does it work? How about this for proof, a National Rosacea Society survey found that 95% of respondents who make simple diet changes like this experienced fewer rashes. It would surely be worth a try. 

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Friday, June 27, 2025

FIBER NEEDS

No one seems to know exactly what makes fiber work so well in our bodies.  But all the experts seem to agree that the average American needs to eat two or three times the amount of fiber they are currently eating.  High fiber foods include fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and grains.  Be sure you are including these foods in your diet every day! 

You will increase your daily fiber intake by eating more whole fruit and less fruit juice, green vegetables instead of or with french fries, legumes daily which is not hard as they can be included in salads, soups, etc.  You do not have to eat a bowl of beans every day!  And change out the white bread in your home for whole-grain breads. If you need to make the change gently, start first with white whole wheat bread. It is whole grain that is made from white wheat instead of the bleached red wheat (wheat used in regular white bread). Also, change out all your pastas for whole-grain pastas.

You don't have to make a lot of big changes at once.  Make gradual changes and see how easy it is.

 

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

HEALTHIEST WAYS TO COOK EGGS

Most of us have been cooking eggs most of our lives and never knew there were best ways to cook eggs. So, here we go learning something new. Researchers at England's Newcastle University have come up with the following information. The best way to prepare eggs is over a lower flame which causes less of a vitamin loss. You see, eggs are a natural source of vitamin D and we want to protect as much of this vitamin as we can.  The researchers found that scrambled, microwaved, and poached eggs retain the most vitamin D. Now you know the best ways to cook your eggs.

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Monday, June 23, 2025

LUNG CANCER IS NOT JUST CAUSED BY SMOKING

If you or someone you know receives a lung cancer diagnosis, please know it may not be caused by smoking. Sometimes people think someone with lung cancer should have known better than to smoke cigarettes, etc., but that may not be the reason for the cancer. Yes, smoking may be the cause but there are several other causes to be considered. Lung cancer can be caused by exposure to radon gas, secondhand smoke and other chemicals. Unfortunately, some just have a higher risk for cancer due to heredity. A higher risk for cancer can be passed down from a family member. There are several articles on this blog about cancer causes, treatments, diet for someone with cancer, etc. If you or someone you know, has been diagnosed, type cancer in the search bar for other posts.

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Saturday, June 21, 2025

A COUPLE EASY WAYS TO LIGHTEN UP YOUR DIET

Note: This post was originally written in November of 2021 and basically referred to the new year when many would be concentrating on their weight. Now it is Summer and bathing suit weather, thus many of the same concerns.

It is that time when millions will be thinking about their diet. They will promise themselves they will eat healthier and that they will diet.  Almost everyone reading this has made a promise like that to themselves at some point in time.  And most of those promises didn't last through a month!  Forget the diet, my opinion on that subject is all over this blog.  But eating healthier is so easy, so good for your overall health, and will eliminate the need for dieting.  Over the next few days, I will touch on simple things you can do to lighten up your meals.  I don't believe in complicated, that is just not me.  So let's get started with one of my easy tips that can make a big difference and is sustainable over time.

Switch out all your current dairy products for low-fat ones.  That includes milk, sour cream, yogurt, evaporated milk, even ice cream products.  You will hardly notice the difference in taste and within a few weeks you won't notice it at all.  You do need fat in your diet but going low-fat on dairy will be okay. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables which are available in your gardens or the Farmers Markets. These are just a couple of easy ways to eat a healthier diet this summer. As always, follow your doctor's advice over mine. People with certain illnesses or health needs especially must follow their doctor's advice.



Friday, June 20, 2025

SESAME OIL AND BONE HEALTH

According to a report in Science  Reports  sesame oil can build bone strength due to its phytoestrogen compounds. Phytoestrogens contain compounds that mimic natural estrogen. Our natural estrogen drops as we age. Those tiny little sesame seeds are also healthy. It is important to do what we can to keep our bones healthy so you might want to use some sesame oil and seeds in your kitchen.

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Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Watercress, Who Knew!

Who would think something as small as watercress could be so important? According to an article in the year-end edition of the Saturday Evening Post 2023, watercress is a superfood. In a study published by the CDC, watercress is officially the healthiest vegetable in the world! Researchers at William Patterson University analyzed 57 fruits and vegetables and ranked them on a 100-point scale. The ranking is based on their nutrient density. Watercress was the only veggie to earn a perfect score. Watercress was followed by Chinese cabbage, Swiss Chard, beet greens and spinach. All those foods listed made it on the CDC's list of powerhouse foods. How many of these foods are in your daily diet? Maybe once a week, or how about once a month? I think most of us would need to add them. Thank God I love spinach, last on the list and I do like Chinese cabbage. The article went on to say watercress is incredibly versatile and can be added to salads, sandwiches, soups, smoothies and more. So, no excuses, start working this powerhouse veggie to your life, for your health's sake, of course.

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Sunday, June 15, 2025

HOW ALOE LOTION IS GOOD FOR THE SKIN

According to Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, the aloe plant is a humectant, which means it pulls water from the air deep into the skin to restore moisture levels. UV rays deplete skin of its natural hydrating oils which leaves the skin parched. Thus, the need to restore moisture to the skin. Aloe also has antioxidants to protect the skin's barrier. Also, it has vitamins, minerals and fatty acids which help strengthen nails. To use, buy a quality Aloe Vera skin lotion and apply to dry skin once a day after showering.

an example of a good aloe vera body lotion


Saturday, June 14, 2025

FOOD SHOPPING TIPS

 I realize some of you probably use a grocery delivery service, and that is fine for you. But for me, I want to choose my own groceries. The number one reason is that I read food labels religiously. The other reason is that I like to pick my own produce. Below are a number of reasons why I like to do my own shopping for food.

  • Start with a grocery list. During the week as you see things you need, add them to your list. When you get in the store, stick to your list unless there is a real bargain that you need or can use. Make your list our by department, ie dairy together, meats together, baking needs together, etc.
  • When you shop, think about your or your family members health. Don't buy things you know you or your family shouldn't have. Example, I am a diabetic. I need to skip the cookie aisle, etc. the bakery, etc. Don't tempt yourself.
  • Read the nutritional labels on foods! I cannot stress this enough. Use this information to help you be sure you are buying healthy, nutritional foods. Check fat, sodium, sugar and other things they may be helpful or harmful to your health. Scientists suggest that in general, omit items that have a lengthy ingredients list. A good rule of thumb is 5 or 6 items should be enough.
  • At the deli counter, buy low-sodium, low-fat meats and low-fat cheeses.
  • Be aware of what the packages say on the front. They are designed by marketers to pull you in. For instance, if says whole wheat or whole grains, that doesn't necessarily mean it's a whole-grain product. Look for the words, "whole grain" or "whole wheat".  If is says, "low carb" that doesn't mean it doesn't have sugar. And one that really irritates me is "sugar free". If it contains fruit or fruit juice, it is not sugar free. The fruit has a natural sugar. And natural sugar is better than granulated sugar, but it is not sugar free. Look for items labeled low sugar or better yet, no added sugar.
  • Here is a really important one. Never go to the grocery store or market hungry. You will buy way more than you intended.


Friday, June 13, 2025

WE AMERICANS NEED TO DO BETTER AT EATING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

 According to the latest numbers (from 2019), the percentage of adults in the United States meeting fruit and vegetable recommendations is low. Here's the numbers and they are not good. In 2019, 12.3% of surveyed adults met the guidelines for fruit and 10% for vegetables. 

The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise adults should have 1.5-2 cups equivalents of fruits and 2-3 cup equivalents of vegetables daily. It is important to eat a healthy diet to support the immune function and to prevent obesity.

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Thursday, June 12, 2025

MORE ON BLACKBERRIES

I realize that back in March we went through the list of the 15 best fruits and blackberries were number 10. Here is a little bit of advice on how to purchase and store these tasty berries. When purchasing blackberries, look for berries that are plump and shiny. They should be a deep purple in color. To store the berries, lay unwashed berries in an even layer on paper towel-lined container. May keep chilled for two weeks. Enjoy these tasty, healthy berries.

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Wednesday, June 11, 2025

A FEW IDEAS ABOUT USING BROCCOLI

 

I love broccoli. It is tasty and healthy! There are other articles on this blog about the health benefits of this vegetable which is full of vitamin K, among things. This post is about some quick, easy, and healthy ways to enjoy broccoli.

  • Cut broccoli crowns off the stems and save for another use. Peel the stems and cut into matchsticks. Turn the matchsticks into a tasty slaw.
  • Did you know the leaves are also edible? Sauté for a dish that resembles collard greens.
  • Steam small pieces of broccoli until just tender (2-3 minutes).  Place in greased muffin tins, beat some eggs and pour over the broccoli, add shredded cheese and around 12 minutes at 350-degrees.
  • Make a tasty dish or snack by tossing florets with some olive oil, garlic salt and pepper. Place in air fryer and cook 8 minutes at 325-degrees, shaking after 4 minutes. Sprinkle with some grated Parmesan.
  • Buy the darker heads. You can keep in the refrigerator for around two weeks.


Tuesday, June 10, 2025

ROSE OIL FOR BETTER SLEEP

According to an article in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine, researchers found that rose oil can help one drift off to sleep in ten minutes. They suggest placing a cotton ball with a few drops of rose oil on your nightstand before going to bed. The scientists say this works because the extract stimulates the parasypathetic nervous system to slow heart rate and prompt the release of calming brain waves, helping one to drift off into a deep sleep. This is good news as we are currently dealing with the longer days of summer here in the United States.


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Monday, June 9, 2025

ENJOY SOME CUCUMBERS TO SOOTHE MUSCLE STRAIN

According to Polish scientists eating a heaping cup of cucumber daily can soothe muscle strains.  These scientists said that cucumbers contain salicylic acid which soaks into immune cells, dialing down their release of pain triggering hormones called prostaglandins. Dealing with muscle strain? Try eating some cucumber instead of reaching for pain pills.

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Sunday, June 8, 2025

FIGHT FLUID BUILDUP WITH AVOCADOS

Studies have shown that eating avocados may help the body fight fluid buildup. Avocados are loaded with oleic acid which is a healing nutrient that encourages the liver to break down and release pain-triggering fluid before they can build up in tissues. Spanish investigators suggest eating one avocado daily to ease stiffness. Some easy ways to enjoy avocado are mashed on toast, in salads, and my favorite guacamole.

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Saturday, June 7, 2025

GO A LITTLE NUTTY EVERY DAY

If you have problems with joint swelling, aches and pains, try snacking on nuts.  Italian scientists have found that a handful of nuts daily can cut the risk of joint swelling and pain by half. Nuts are packed with nutrients such as selenium, magnesium, and vitamin E, all which are key to repairing and building joint cartilage. I was not surprised when I can across this data. I have walnuts, sometimes other nuts, several days a week with breakfast. And I usually bake with pecans. I find the days I skip the nuts; I do have more aches and pains. My body is like one big autoimmune factory. I have several autoimmune diseases which cause joint swelling.


Friday, June 6, 2025

TOMATOES TO TAME INFLAMMATION

According to scientists in the journal Molecules we are 60% less likely to battle aches if our diets are rich in lycopene. Lycopene is the pigment that gives tomatoes their cheery red hue. Lycopene blocks the release of inflammation-triggering enzymes (COX-2 and TMF alpha) inside tissues. Tomatoes when cooked have more lycopene than do fresh tomatoes. That can make pasta sauces and other tomato-based sauces good for us. So, enjoy some lycopene meals when the aches set in.

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Thursday, June 5, 2025

ANOTHER BENEFIT IN EATING DARK LEAFY GREENS

I know many get tired of hearing about dark leafy greens. Having said that, here I go again on benefits of eating dark leafy greens. According to an article, last year I believe, in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating dark leafy greens may reduce bowel cancer risk. Researchers say these greens are high in folate, which is crucial for the repair of damaged DNA and to optimize immunity. Both of those factors contribute to a reduced risk of cancer. The researchers suggest 400 mcg, of folate daily. Some foods to eat are spinach, broccoli, kale, etc. Below is a good group of foods to choose from.



Wednesday, June 4, 2025

A QUICK TRICK TO RID HICCUPS

As a diabetic, I don't usually recommend sugar. However, I know how annoying hiccups can be, so here is a trick you may want to try next time they are bugging you. Sprinkle a bit of sugar on the very back of your tongue. The sugar granules stimulate the vagus nerve in your throat, which is causing the hiccups. What a sweet way to solve the problem.

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Tuesday, June 3, 2025

SOME TIPS FOR FIGHTING COLDS AND FLU

The dreaded colds and flu can make us sick and miserable. Here are some foods that have been proven scientifically to be beneficial in fighting both colds and flu.

  • Chicken Soup is known to help clear clogged airways, and the broth is nourishing to the body.
  • Hot and Spicy Foods, such as garlic, onion, hot peppers and hot sauces, help break up congestion.
  • Garlic, mentioned above, seems to especially reduce cold and flu symptoms. Use garlic liberally when cooking.
  • Cirtus Fruits increase one's intake of vitamin C, a known fighter of colds and flu. Drink juice, add the fruit to salads or cottage cheese or simply eat the whole fruit. Potatoes, Green Peppers, Strawberries and Pineapple are also good sources of vitamin C and should be part of your cold and flu fighting arsenal.
  • Ginger, this spice is also known as a good cold and flu fighter. Add ginger to soups, stews, etc. You can also make yourself a cup of ginger tea as it is a good cold and flu fighter.
  • Fluids are important at all times but especially so when fighting colds and flu. It is very important to stay hydrated, especially when running a fever. But your choice of beverages can make a difference. It is best to cut back on coffee and sodas and to increase one's intake of water and pure fruit juices. Hot tea and hot water with lemon added are also good choices.
I'm sure this is an incomplete list, but it is a good starting point. During cold or flu season, use some of these tips to keep yourself healthy, If you do get a cold or flu, this list can be helpful in helping your misery and to recover faster.

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Saturday, May 31, 2025

HERBS TO ENERGIZE

 Need to be invigorated and refreshed? Try the following suggestions from your kitchen.

  • Try lemon, mint, rosemary or peppermint products.
  • Revive tired, achy feet with peppermint soaks, sprays or rubs.
  • Start your day with lemon or peppermint scented soaps.
  • Tie a bunch of fresh rosemary in a square of muslin and hang it from the showerhead. As hot water runs through it it will disperse the naturally invigorating scent.
  • After a hectic day, reenergize with a quick bath with citrus products containing lemon, lime or grapefruit oils.


Friday, May 30, 2025

COLORS MOSQUITOES DON'T LIKE

According to research in the journal Nature Communications, the colors you wear may determine whether or not mosquitoes will bite you. Sounds too good to be true, but definitely worth a try if mosquitoes always choose you. According to the research you should wear green, lavender or ivory to avoid being bitten. The article went on to say, "While mosquitoes are attracted to folks dressed in red, orange or black, they seem to have a blind spot when it comes to purple, green and white."

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Thursday, May 29, 2025

EASY WAY TO REPEL TICKS

If you plan to go hiking, etc. into tall grass or going into a wooded area, here's a quick and easy trick to try. Before going into such areas, mist your clothing with diluted cedar oil. Studies show the scent of cedar oil repels ticks. This works like DEET. However, you need to reapply every couple hours to be effective.

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Wednesday, May 28, 2025

SKIN FACTS

 Have you ever thought about how much your skin weighs? Would you be surprised to know the skin of an average adult weighs between six and nine pounds? Actually, skin makes up about 16% of a person's total body weight. If one's skin could be laid out it would cover about 22 square feet. Take care of your skin, it is an important part of your body.

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Tuesday, May 27, 2025

THE COLOR OF BROCCOLI

Broccoli is probably one of the best foods we can eat. Eating it fresh or just steamed allows you to the most of its vital nutrients. When shopping for fresh broccoli, you will notice the color can range from almost purple to yellowish. When buying broccoli, the darker the better. The broccoli that is almost purple in color is packing a whopping lode of beta carotene, the nutrient proven to cut the risk of cancer and heart disease. Remember to go for the darkest green and to forget the ones turning yellow. Those turning yellow have lost most of their nutritional value.

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