ARE EGGS CONSIDERED A HEALTHY FOOD?

Even though eggs have sometimes gotten a bad rap, they are among the healthiest, most nutritious foods on the earth. Following are a couple facts you may not know about eggs.

• One egg has 6 grams of protein with all 9 of the essential amino acids. The amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and the body cannot make them by itself.  Note that the egg white holds around half that protein while only holding a small amount of fat and cholesterol.
• Eggs are nutrient dense foods, meaning they contain more vitamins, minerals and amino acids, per calorie than most other foods. When you eat an egg, you get high quality protein, phosphorus, selenium, choline, vitamin B12 and multiple antioxidants.

So, enjoy your eggs. Of course, we know to eat all things in moderation. It's probably not a good idea to eat six fried eggs every morning like my grandpa did. He did die pretty healthy in his nineties, though.

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POSTURE DURING SLEEP AFFECTS JOINT PAIN DURING THE DAY

According to the Arthritis Foundation, how you sleep at night can affect joint pain during the day. To ease joint pain during the day, they suggest sleeping on your back at night. Are you a side sleeper? Try placing a pillow between your knees to relieve pressure and keep your hips aligned.

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SPRINKLE YOUR HEARTY MEAL WITH BLACK PEPPER

You may be surprised to know that according to an article in the journal Molecules, sprinkling black pepper onto a heavy meal helps block the absorption of artery-clogging cholesterol. In addition, it can reduce blood stickiness so dangerous clots are less likely to form. I guess it's a good thing I love black pepper.

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SOYBEANS AND SOY PRODUCTS

The soybean was called "the miracle bean" by the ancient Chinese.  And indeed it seems they knew what they were talking about.  Soy products, which come from the soybean, are quite popular in our grocery stores and restaurants today and they are known for their health benefits.  A popular form of soybeans widely available today is edamame.

The soybean is the highest of all beans in an anticancer compound known as 'protease inhibitors'.  These compounds have been shown in studies to retard cancer, lower blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar.

Today it is easy to include soy beans and other soy products in your diet.  They can be used in everything from salad toppings to snacks, side dishes to entrees, and even in our beverages and desserts.  Are you including soy products in your diet?

 

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EASY WAY TO LIGHTEN UP YOUR DIET

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. As always, follow your doctor's advice over mine. People with certain illnesses or health needs especially must follow their doctor's advice.

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CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SKIN?

If you are a fan of chicken soup, you may want to eat up! One study found that eating chicken soup may be good for skin elasticity and to decrease facial pigmentation. It is claimed that chicken soup promotes healthy skin because it is rich in collagen and hyaluronic acid. So, if you love chicken soup, enjoy. It may keep your skin beautiful. My take is that more research is needed, but a good bowl of chicken soup is tasty either way.

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CAN PUNGENT FOODS HELP WITH BRONCHITIS?

This is a repost from 2022 

I am not saying this is a cure or that it works 100% of the time.  However, if you have a problem with chronic bronchitis or emphysema it is certainly worth a try.  Some doctors recommend that patients with these pulmonary problems eat pungent foods such as onion, garlic, and hot peppers at least 3 times a week to help keep their airway passages clear.  The benefit most likely comes from the capsaicin in the foods.  I recently lost my husband due to COPD which includes chronic bronchitis so I ask you, "Why not eat something that just might be helpful?"

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ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIES RELATE TO FOOD ALLERGIES

If you suffer from some environmental allergies, you may also suffer from certain food allergies.  In most cases the food allergies are not severe and may only cause some itching, etc.  In a few cases they could be severe.  (Not talking about regular food allergies here, just ones related to environmental allergies.)

According to an article in Consumer Reports on Health Volume 23 Issue 12 if you suffer from any of the following environmental allergies you could possibly notice some allergy to the corresponding foods listed.

• GRASSES:  celery, melons, oranges, peaches, tomatoes
• RAGWEED:  bananas, cucumbers, melons, sunflower seeds, zucchini
• BIRCH:  almonds, carrots, celery, cherries, hazelnuts, kiwis, peaches, pears, plums

The food allergy symptoms will usually show themselves as itching in the mouth, nose, etc or other minor problems.  If you have the above environmental allergies and notice these food allergy symptoms, before you think you are sick or coming down with something, think back to whether you ate the above foods when your environmental allergy was more exposed.

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BRIGHT LIGHTS AND SPINACH

Ever notice how bright the lights are in the grocery store?  They do more than make it easy to see.  When you go to the produce department, pick up the spinach that is in the front.  Often we dig to the back of the produce thinking the best or freshest might be there.  Well guess what?  Spinach that has been exposed to more of the light has greater amounts of vitamin C than those buried in the back of the bin.  This information came from a report in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

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FEED YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Studies have shown that people whose diets are low in the following vitamins - A, C, D, Bs (includes folic acid) and the minerals iron, zinc, and selenium tend to have fewer and less active types of the important white blood cells that defend against invading microorganisms.  To keep yourself healthy, eat a well-balanced diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables, whole-grains, and low-fat dairy.  You should also eat a moderate amount of fish, lean meat, nuts, and healthy vegetable oils such as olive, canola, coconut, etc. 

Don't get sick because you aren't eating right!

This information is from the Consumer Reports on Health Vol. 23, Issue #12, December 2011

IS THE FLU (OR SOMETHING WORSE) LURKING IN YOUR KITCHEN?

Now that flu season is upon us, here is something you may not have thought off when it comes to flu prevention.  Studies have shown that around 30% of all kitchen sponges tested positive for the flu virus!  Just imagine what else may be lurking there!  If you use a kitchen sponge, be sure to disinfect it daily!  I have one I use on my stove, etc. I run it through my dishwasher every time I run it.  I prefer to use heavy-duty paper towels or dish cloths.  One use with the paper towel then it goes into the trash! Dish clothes go into the washer with hot water and a small amount of bleach. Don't let yourself or your family get sick over something as simple as a dirty sponge.

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FISH AND CORONARY HEART DISEASE

 While poultry gets so much attention for those looking to eat healthy, did you know fish is the real health star? That's right, and not just fish but fatty fish. We tend to shrink back when the word fatty is used but research links the consumption of fatty fish, ie salmon, mackerel, etc, with a reduced risk of death from coronary heart disease. You may want to up your consumption of fatty fish for heart health.

PS, I feel like a hypocrite for even posting this. I do not eat fish, or poultry for that matter, and yes, my heart would no doubt be happier if I did. This is a 'don't do as I do, do as I say' post.

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CLAIMS ON EGG CARTONS

When you shop for eggs, you may wonder about some of the claims on the cartons.  Eggs like every other product on the market are victims of advertising.  To help you cut through some of the claims, remember this:

• Omega-3 eggs.  This means the hens that laid the eggs ate a diet that contains flaxseeds.  Therefore, the eggs may be higher in these heart-healthy fatty acids.
• Vegetarian-fed.  This does not change the nutritional value of the eggs.  This may, however, be important to true vegetarians.
• Hormone-free.  There is no hormone products approved for egg production so all eggs should be hormone-free.  This is just an advertising trick.
• Cage-Free or Range.  This indicates the hens may have more humane treatment than those crowded in cages or commercial "coops".  The industry is so poorly regulated that this claim may not mean much.

If you prefer eggs with one of these titles, more power to you.  This is not to play down these titles but to simply let one know what they really mean.

GINGER FOR MOTION SICKNESS

Did you know that taking powdered-ginger capsules right before traveling can help with motion sickness? Studies have shown that taking the capsules right before travel can both delay the onset of nausea and help you to recover more quickly. One study showed that people who were spun in a motorized chair but took up to 2,000 mg of ginger 20 minutes before went twice as long before getting sick than did those who took drugs. If you have a problem with motion sickness, give ginger capsules a try.

Note: This picture is not an endorsement of this particular brand.

REFRIGERATING EGGS

Eggs should be refrigerated as soon as you get them home.  Eggs will lose more of their nutritional qualities in 1 day at room temperature than they will in 7 days in the refrigerator.

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PRODUCE FOR FIBROMYALGIA PAIN

I have lived with chronic pain most of my life.  I have several auto-immune diseases that cause this pain.  This started when I was in high school and has stayed with me all these years.  I have a prescription for pain medication that I do take occasionally but have found a lot of pain can be controlled by other measures.  Some types of exercise, ibuprofen, analgesic rubs, massage, etc all work well.  Another thing is diet.  While there is little scientific proof that diet can control pain, I believe it can.  I would suggest to anyone dealing with pain, especially fibromyalgia sufferers of which I am one, that they eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible.  Personally, I do not care much for meat so that is an easy one for me.  If you are a carnivore, start to gradually replace a little of the meat you eat on a daily basis with some fruit and vegetables.  I am not talking about eating a steak that weighs a few ounces less and adding a few more French fries.  I am talking about real fruits and veggies!  Eat them raw when possible and cooking lightly by steaming or cooking just until tender.

Did you know that oxidative stress which is a cell-damaging process that takes place in the body- is usually higher in the bodies of people with fibromyalgia (a disease whose major indicator is pain) therefore it is thought to be a major contributor in the development of the illness.  Fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants therefore doesn't it seem like a good idea to increase the fruits and vegetables in your diet if you suffer from fibromyalgia?  Give it a try and see what results you get.  And remember, food does not work like drugs.  You cannot expect results the same day you make a dietary change.  It can take weeks, even months, but it can be worth it to feel better!

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THANKFULNESS FOR YOUR HEALTH

    Do you give thanks before meals? Do you practice thankfulness in your everyday life? If you answered yes to one or both of those questions, good for you. According to HARVARD HEALTH PUBLISHING, "Giving thanks could make you happier and healthier. Research suggests that people who express gratitude are more optimistic, have better relationships and exercise more."

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AVOCADOS FOR THE EYES

Avocados have the highest quantity of the carotenoid lutein of any fruit. Lutein protects against macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness, and cataracts. If you aren't currently including avocados in your diet, it would be a good idea to do so.