Showing posts with label Calcium. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Calcium. Show all posts

Saturday, December 28, 2024

EASY WAYS TO ADD CALCIUM TO YOUR DIET

If you need more calcium in your diet, here are some easy ways to add it. Check out the list below:

  • Substitute fat-free skim milk for the water called for in recipes.
  • Substitute fat-free skim milk instead of water for boiling potatoes for mashing.
  • Add 2 tablespoons milk for each egg when making scrambled eggs. Whisk for a fluffy finished product.
  • Add fat-free skim milk to a cup of coffee.
That is a small list, and I am sure you can find more ways to add calcium.

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Thursday, August 15, 2024

GOOD FOODS TO BOOST IMMUNITY

I think we all know Vitamin C is important to our immunity. Most of us have probably been told since childhood to drink orange juice, etc to fight colds and various other maladies. It is true that Vitamin C plays an important role in immunity but there are others we should consider, too. Researchers in the journal Food Science & Nutrition, found that folic acid, potassium and calcium are also important immunity boosters. Their findings found that citrus fruits, papayas, and kiwis strengthen immune cell response and antiviral activity.  They found that amino acid-rich milk and yogurt enhance the function of virus-fighting white blood cells and T cells. This could be good information to remember when we get into cold and flu season, although we should probably consider this in our everyday diet.

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Wednesday, July 24, 2024

ALMONDS FOR CALCIUM

Milk isn't the only place to get calcium in your diet. There are many other ways including leafy greens, etc. But how about some tasty almonds? Just 1/4 cup of almonds gives you 94 mg of calcium. They also offer fiber and healthy fats. Enjoy a few almonds every day.

Monday, February 26, 2024

CALCIUM GOALS

According to most medical professionals, it is best (as stated in previous posts) to get your calcium from foods rather than supplements. So what is the bottom line? It is recommended you get 1,000 mg of calcium a day if you are under age 50 and 1,200 mg a day if you are over age 50. So be sure you are keeping plenty of calcium-rich foods in your diet!  The picture below shows a variety of calcium-rich foods and gives the amounts of calcium in each. Take time to check it out.

Click on picture to enlarge for easier reading.

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS VS CALCIUM FROM FOOD

It is best to get your calcium from food rather than from supplements according to Stephen Honig, M.D. According to Dr Honig, "In general, calcium supplements are not well absorbed - getting it from food is much more effective." Because the body can take in only about 250 mg at a time, try to spread out your intake over the course of the day. A strawberry banana smoothie made with almond milk is a good way to start your day.


Monday, February 5, 2024

SPINACH FOR YOUR BONES

As many of you know I have osteoporosis, so I am paying lots of attention right now to anything concerning the bones. Thankfully, spinach is one of my favorite foods and I plan on adding a lot more of it to my diet. Here are some 'good for your bones' facts about spinach:

  • 1/2 cup of spinach supplies you with 122 mg of calcium
  • Spinach provides the body with bone-building magnesium
  • Spinach provides the body with bone-building vitamin K
Protect your bones! If spinach is not currently a part of your diet, make a point to start including it often, at least weekly. You can sauté spinach, eat in in a salad, drop some into soup, use it on a sandwich, etc. There are many tasty ways to work spinach into your diet.

 

Friday, November 10, 2023

CALCIUM TO KEEP WEIGHT OFF?

When asked what she recommends for keeping weight off and staying at a healthy weight, Dr. Sharon Phelan, professor, department of ob/gyn at the School of Medicine Health Science Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, said the following: "I milk it. I have a 12-ounce skim latte every day. I also snack on low-fat cheese sticks and treat myself to frozen yogurt at night-it's cool and calcium-packed, which is key for muscle function and bone health."

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Saturday, October 21, 2023

ARE CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS FOR YOU?

Let me start by saying I am not a medical professional! However, I have spent many hours studying health journals, etc to improve my own health after being diagnosed with many various illnesses.  I only post factual information here that is gleaned from the above mentioned research, if I post something that is only my opinion it will be stated as such.  Having said all that, I am going to post something that you may find controversial.


It is recommended in most cases that one has 1,000 mg of calcium a day or 1,200 mg if you are over 50. Here are some tips to help you get that calcium without taking a supplement.
  • The body can't absorb large amounts of calcium at once.  That means your calcium consumption is best spread throughout the day in smaller increments rather than a large dose tablet at once.
  • Aim for one calcium-rich food per meal/snack - ideas include 1 cup skim milk in the morning, 1/2 cup almonds as a snack, a handful of almonds and a cheese stick for a snack, low-fat yogurt with lunch, 1 cup broccoli at dinner, a glass of milk rather than coffee with dessert.  These are just ideas, base your consumption on your own tastes and circumstances.
  • When buying juices and bread, opt for the calcium-fortified products. Read the nutritional panel to get the amount of calcium per serving.  As you know, I always encourage you to read the nutritional panel on all food products.
Some calcium rich foods



 

Saturday, September 16, 2023

SESAME SEEDS

Seeds and nuts are healthy foods that should be eaten on a regular basis by most of us (there are always some people allergic to certain foods).  To get more sesame seeds in your diet, add them to stir-fries, and to coatings for fish, chicken, etc.  They are also good tossed into salads, veggies, and cooked brown rice. They can also be used as a crunchy ingredient in casserole toppings, etc.

Sesame seeds are high in magnesium, copper, and calcium!
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Saturday, August 26, 2023

GET ACQUAINTED WITH QUINOA

If quinoa (keen wah) is not a part of your diet, it probably should be.  Many are confused about what quinoa is and its benefits.  Here are some facts:

Click on the image for easier reading.

The high level of magnesium is known to reduce headaches and regulate blood sugar, additional benefits not listed above.

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

CONSIDER BROCCOLI AS A PHARMACEUTICAL

Don't like broccoli?  Scientists and researchers tell us that broccoli is one of the most amazing pharmaceuticals in nature.  Consider the following:

If broccoli were a pharmaceutical the label would read as follows: High concentrations of beta-carotene (a suspected lung cancer antagonist!); contains carotenoids (general anticancer agents); quercetin (antioxidvitoles (anticancer and detoxification compounds); vitamin C (powerful antioxidant); folate (anticancer agent); chromium (antidiabetic and anti-heart-disease medication); readily absorbable calcium (helps prevent osteoporosis, suspected anticancer and high blood pressure medication); calcium pectate fiber (lowers blood cholesterol). Broccoli is also a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables, closely tied to lower rates of cancer, notably colon cancer.  Side effects? None known.

If your doctor told you he/she had a pill that could do all that you would probably tell him/her to write you a prescription.  Instead, you can just make sure you are including this tasty vegetable in your diet!

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

EAT TO PROTECT YOUR BONES FROM OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is sometimes referred to as "the silent disease" because many times it is only discovered after a person suffers a broken bone.  It is estimated 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million are at risk for this devastating disease. There are foods you can eat that will help to protect your bones from this disease but don't wait until you are diagnosed with osteoporosis to start eating these foods.  Make them a regular part of your diet today!

  • low-fat dairy products
  • dark leafy greens
  • salmon
  • oats
  • tofu
I'm sure there are more but this is a good starting point.

In addition, walk and do other weight-bearing exercises.  This will help to prevent falls and fractures.

If you are concerned about your vitamin D and calcium levels ask your doctor to test them the next time you have blood tests.

Your doctor can also do a bone density test if you are at risk.

Did you know the following may be signs of early osteoporosis?

  • loss in height
  • decreased strength in your hand grip
  • weak and brittle fingernails
  • cramps, muscle aches, bone pain

Monday, March 20, 2023

DATE SUGAR

Another post on sugar for all you bakers out there or those reading ingredient list on nutritional labels (You are aren't you?).


Date sugar is a sugar made by grinding dates.
  • 1 cup = 480 calories (240 less than granulated sugar)
  • Since date sugar is made from ground dates it has all the same nutrition as dates, including potassium and calcium.
  • Date sugar is similar in antioxidants as molasses which was listed here a couple days ago.
  • Some of the best uses for date sugar are banana bread and bar cookies.
  • When substituting for granulated or brown sugar in recipes, use 3/4 cup date sugar for each cup of sugar called for.
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Thursday, March 9, 2023

MILK IN COFFEE

If you have osteoporosis or need more calcium, consider adding milk to your morning coffee. Research has shown that those with osteoporosis should have milk in their coffee. Researchers state that just 1 teaspoon of milk per cup will offset the calcium loss. Note this is milk, not non-dairy creamers.

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Thursday, December 29, 2022

BENEFITS OF BROCCOLI

Your mother was right; eat your vegetables.  That is especially true for green vegetables.  While all the green vegetables are good for you, broccoli is one you should eat regularly whether you like it or not!  Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C.  It is a good source of vitamin A and folate.  It is a significant source of protein, calcium, iron, and other minerals.  Broccoli is also rich in bioflavonoids and other plant chemicals that protect against cancer.  In fact, while other cruciferous vegetables are protective, broccoli seems to have more cancer-fighting compounds than the others.  Some of these compounds block the action of hormones that stimulate tumors; others work by inhibiting tumor growth or by boosting the action of protective enzymes.  The bioflavonoids and other antioxidants found in broccoli are substances that protect against mutation and damage from unstable molecules.

Other benefits of broccoli are that it is high in fiber and low in calories!

If you don't like broccoli, think of it as a natural protector for your body and learn to eat it for your health's sake.

Saturday, December 17, 2022

WHAT DOES THE LABEL ON YOUR BREAD MEAN?

Do you get confused when you go to the bread aisle?  Here is a little breakdown on what the "title" on your bread means.

  • White Bread - This bread is made from refined white flour with nutrients such as iron, calcium, and several of the B vitamins restored.
  • Wheat Bread - Usually made from refined white flour, although it may contain varying amounts of whole-wheat flour, bran, and other ingredients.
  • Whole-Wheat Bread - Mostly made from whole-grain wheat flour.  But unless the label says, "100% Whole Wheat," such bread may still contain some refined white flour.
  • High Fiber Bread - Usually made from white wheat flour with the addition of other grains.
Personally, I only buy bread that is labeled 100% Whole Wheat or 100% Whole Grain to be sure I am getting the needed whole grains and fiber.

Thursday, December 1, 2022

FLAVORED YOGURT

Beware when eating flavored yogurts.  Many flavored yogurts do not deserve yogurts healthy reputation.  Be sure to read the nutritional label.  The  following is copied from the nutrition label on a popular brand of flavored yogurt:

  • Potassium - 220 mg That is less than half the potassium you would get in a small banana.
  • Protein - 5 g (By switching to plain Greek yogurt you can more than double the amount.)
  • Calcium - 15% of daily recommended allowance (A good dose of this bone boosting mineral.)
  • vitamin D - 15% of daily recommended allowance (A good dose of this cancer-fighting vitamin.)
  • Faux or Pureered Fruit - not a significant amount of vitamin C
  • Sugar - (4 oz container) Contains sugar equal to 7 packets of sugar
To keep your flavored yogurt on the "healthy" list, buy unflavored yogurt and add your own fresh fruit.

Note: The following picture is not the brand analyzed in this post.  This picture is for reference only!

Sunday, November 27, 2022

BENEFITS OF COLORFUL FRUITS AND VEGETABLES PART II

Yesterday's post was about some of the benefits of eating colorful fruits and vegetables.  Today we will continue by discussing orange and green fruits and vegetables.  Remember these lists are partial but give you the idea of how color in your diet is beneficial.

  • Orange - Carrots are one of the best foods for heart health.  Scientists have found that people who eat at least one serving of carrots a day are 60% less likely to have a heart attack!  Remember if you are diabetic, cooked carrots are higher in sugar than raw carrots.
  • Sweet Potatoes are excellent sources of vitamin A.  One baked sweet potato provides 262% of your RDA of vitamin A.  One of the benefits of vitamin A is to keep your skin looking young by forming new cells.
  • Cantaloupe gives your immune system a big boost.  One cup of cantaloupe has 113% of the RDA of vitamin C.  Vitamin C fuels infection-attacking while blood cells.
  • Green - Broccoli is known for its' healthy benefits.  But did you know that compounds in broccoli reduce redness and inflammation from UV rays by 37%?
  • Limes cancer-fighting properties remain in the bloodstream up to 24 hours after consumption!
  • Spinach is packed with vitamin K.  One cup of spinach has 1,000% of the RDA for vitamin K.  Vitamin K is a nutrient that bonds calcium to bones and slows cell breakdown.
If you aren't including color in your diet on a daily basis, you are missing some vital vitamins and minerals!
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Wednesday, November 23, 2022

EAT YOUR VEGGIES RAW OR COOKED?

One of the questions that often comes up is whether or not one should eat their vegetables cooked or raw to receive the most nutritional value.  Below is a list of the most often questioned vegetables and information to help you decide.  Personally I say have them both ways throughout the week, you will see why below.

  • Tomatoes: You receive health benefits from tomatoes no matter how you eat them.  They are one of the vegetables, however, that should be eaten cooked on a regular basis.  When tomatoes are cooked (think sauces) they give one a higher dose of their cancer-fighting lycopene.
  • Zucchini: Along with other squashes, zucchini gives one more beta-carotene (a building block for vitamin A) when cooked.
  • Spinach: Spinach is somewhat unique in that it has more vitamin C and folate when left raw.  It has more calcium and zinc when cooked.
  • Bell Peppers: More vitamin B when consumed raw.
  • Garlic: Garlic's health-protecting antimicrobial is lowered by cooking.
In a well-rounded diet, it is important to eat vegetables everyday both cooked and uncooked.
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