AGING AND INFLAMMATION

My own dad used to say, "Getting old is not for sissies."  He was not wrong, but I often say, "He died too young to know." After all he died at 66. Since I am basically 13 years past that, I am realizing the value of his words. Having said that, Dr. David Brownstein, M.D. says the aging process is not kind to the immune system. By midlife, the bone marrow produces fewer immune-enhancing stem cells. In addition, the thymus gland shrinks, reducing T-cells. Worn out immune cells accumulate, leading to inflammation. Inflammation is a frequent topic on this blog, as it is and has been for years, a major problem for me. And, know, you don't have to be old to be affected by inflammation. I have dealt with it most of my life. If you click on inflammation in the labels to the right, you will find many bits of information on what inflammation is, how it affects the body and how to deal with it.

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HOT COFFEE OR TEA VS MRSA

It is estimated that 2.5 million Americans carry MRSA, an often deadly, antibiotic resistant strain of bacteria, in their nasal passages without showing symptoms.  People who drink hot coffee or hot tea are 50% more resistant to the disease. 

This study was published in the Annals of Family Medicine a few years ago..

Note:  The benefits were found only when drinking hot tea and coffee.  Drinking the beverages iced did not improve one's chances of resisting the disease.

 

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HOMEMADE GRANOLA MAKING TIP

Do you like to make your own granola (which is a good idea, by the way)? We are sharing a tip to help you make some granola clusters. Beat an egg white until foamy then stir in the oats, nuts, fruits, etc before baking. The protein in the egg white will bind the oats so you will get pieces of granola, your own homemade granola clusters.

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A SURPRISING NATURAL RX FOR BETTER WELL-BEING

A study out of North Carolina State University a couple of years ago, found that bird-watching lead to less psychological distress and thus, enhanced well-being. When bird-watching was compared to nature walks, the bird-watching for 30 minutes led to the most significand improvement in stress and happiness. This might be worth trying the next time you feel stressed and set out to relax.

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DO YOU EVER WONDER WHICH NUT/SEED BUTTER IS THE BEST?

Do you ever wonder if you are buying the right 'butter' for your family? The answer is that they are all good but in different ways. And of course, we are discounting allergies here. You already know what to avoid if there are allergies in your family. Following is some information to help you with your decision making.

• Peanut butter is best for muscle-building protein.
• Almond butter is highest in fiber for digestion. Highest in potassium for muscles and in vitamin E for skin.
• Cashew butter contains iron for blook health and copper for energy.
• Sunflower seed butter has the most magnesium for muscles, zinc for immunity and selenium for the brain.
• Tahini, which is sesame seed butter, is rich in calcium for bones and onega-3s for heart health.

Many experts suggest rotating these in your pantry, so you get a mix into your diet.

 

COULD HOW YOU EAT CURB OVEREATING?

Do you sit down and eat quietly or are you distracted? A study in the Journey of Personality and Social Psychology found a drop in snacking among people who ate lunch without distractions, compared to those who watched videos or played games on their phones or computers. Research also shows those who eat meals distraction-free, eat less at subsequent meals.

Not a good idea, but how many of us do eat.

LIMEQUATS (LIME + KUMQUAT)

Limequats have been around since 1909 when they were hybridized in Florida. They are high in potassium which is known to help lower blood pressure. Investigators at UCLA assert that potassium calms the entire nervous system to prevent blood-pressure surges when life gets hectic. Limequats also contain vitamin A and vitamin C, calcium and fiber. All are heart-protecting nutrients.

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SUBBING MUSHROOMS FOR BEEF

Research from John Hopkins University showed adults who ate a mushroom-based version of beef dishes such as lasagna and chili felt just as full as when they ate the same dishes with beef.  Not only were they just as full they ate around 420 fewer calories and 30 less grams of fat.  It might be a good idea to replace beef in dishes such as the above along with casseroles, etc with mushrooms once or twice a week.  Mushrooms are a good protein source.

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MAKE YOUR OWN MEAT TENDERIZER

Here is a different way to try tenderizing a tough cut of meat such as skirt or flank steak.

Coat steaks with olive oil, rub on a mix of 1/4 cup of dry coffee grounds, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of black pepper. Allow to sit for 30 minutes, then cook. Coffee grounds' tannic acid helps break down tough muscle fibers. This is just one of many uses for coffee grounds.

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POTASSIUM & STROKE RISK

Eating plenty (at least your daily requirement) of potassium rich food may cut your risk of having a stroke by 21% and lower your risk of heart disease, according to recent studies.  This is a general statistic for the overall population, not specific just to those at a higher risk of stroke.  Having taken care of my mother after she suffered a massive stroke, let me assure you that it is well worth loading up on these tasty potassium-rich foods to cut your stroke chances by any percent!  A few of the potassium rich foods are, bananas, spinach, potatoes, sweet potatoes, poultry, cantaloupe, kidney beans, tomatoes, raisins, mushrooms, etc.  Now I know there are some of those foods you like!  If not, you have a real problem with your diet and should set out to change it immediately!

Potassium also helps to blunt the effects of sodium making it important in reducing high blood pressure.

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