ANTIOXIDANTS IN EGGS

Did you know there are antioxidants in eggs? Studies have shown that two egg yolks, that's right - yolks, have approximately the same antioxidant power as an apple.  In fact, eggs are a rich source of various antioxidants, including carotenoids, vitamin E, and polyphenols. If you only eat egg whites, you are missing a big part of the egg's antioxidant benefits. The yolk is particularly rich in antioxidants, with the majority of the egg's carotenoid and vitamin E content found in this part of the egg. The yolk's high fat content also makes it an efficient vehicle for delivering these fat-soluble antioxidants to the body. Go ahead, eat an egg and know you are doing something good for your body.

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A BENEFIT OF PINEBERRIES

You may be asking yourself, "What are pineberries?".  Pineberries are a hybrid, coming from two types of strawberries. Pineberries look like strawberries, but they are white with red seeds. While they look like strawberries, they taste more like pineapple. Some say they also get a hint of pear in the taste, according to nutritionist Libby Mills, RDN. They are known to reduce harmful inflammation, as they contain phenolic acids and flavonoids, including gallic acid, quercetin and kaempferol.

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HOW MUCH SALT IS IN A LOW SODIUM DIET?

If your doctor suggest you eat a low sodium diet, do you know how much salt you can have? It is amazing how much salt is in the average American diet, yet we eat it without even thinking about it. A low sodium diet limits salt to 1,500 to 2,000 milligrams (mg) a day. You may wonder what that means.  l,500 to 2,000 mg of salt is less than 1 teaspoon of salt a day! Most people have trouble adjusting to so little salt but rest assured salt preference is a learned or acquired taste. It can take 6 weeks or more of cutting back on salt for your taste buds to adjust. However, once you accomplish this many salty foods you once enjoyed will be too salty for you. If your doctor puts you on a low sodium diet, it will be to your benefit to follow his/her advice.

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RELIEVE COLD SYMPTOMS

An easy and tasty way to quell cold symptoms starts with a lemon and honey. Sounds like a pretty easy way to soothe sore throats, quell coughing fits, ease congestion and getting one on the road to recovery. Combine 1 tablespoon of raw honey with the juice of a lemon and take it twice a day. Wondering how that will help? Raw honey is a natural cough suppressant, and it also inhibits invading germs. Fresh lemon calms irritated pain nerves, relaxes airways and breaks up mucus to improve breathing.

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HOW TO PRESERVE THE FLAVOR OF COOKING WINE

 If you use cooking wines, you might be interested in this tidbit. You can preserve the flavor of the wine after it has been opened by adding 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to the bottle before refrigerating. The oil will create a protective barrier on top of the wine, warding off any oxidation and helping preserve the wine's flavor.

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MORE HEALTH BENEFITS OF GRAPEFRUIT

I love grapefruit, even though I can't enjoy them like I used to, as they counteract one of my medications.

There are several posts on this blog about grapefruit, if you are interested in knowing more. We know they contain 100% of our daily need of vitamin C which boosts our immune systems and helps fight off those nasty colds. But how about this? Did you know grapefruit can help sharpen focus because it is rich in beta-carotene, which promotes eye health and protects against inflammation?

Gut problems? Did you know grapefruit is a good source of fiber which helps you feel full longer? It also stimulates healthy gut bacteria.

Is it time for you to enjoy some grapefruit?

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STRAWBERRIES AND VITAMIN C

Did you know that just a half cup of strawberries provides 40% of the daily requirement of vitamin C?  Vitamin C helps our bodies in many ways a few of which are: boosting the immune system, helps to maintain strong bones, strong teeth and cartilage.  What a tasty way to provide your body with an essential need.  Now that is good medicine!

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ALCOHOL, DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Alcohol, even in small amounts, destroys brain cells.  While a healthy person can withstand this brain cell loss while drinking moderately, an Alzheimer's - or any patient with dementia - patients must not drink alcohol even in small amounts.  Not only will drinking alcohol cause a more rapid progression of the disease, but it can also interact with the antidepressants and other medications the patient is probably taking.  Do yourself and your relatives or friends who suffer from dementia and/or Alzheimer's a favor by keeping them away from all alcohol.

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REASONS TO EAT CANTALOUPE

Studies at Kansas State University showed that a carcinogen in cigarette smoke depletes Vitamin A, which may lead to emphysema and lung inflammation.  Not only is cantaloupe a rich source of vitamin A which can help make up for this deficiency for anyone exposed to second-hand smoke, it is also an anti-inflammatory.  The American Cancer Society also suggests eating melons to protect against colorectal cancer and other cancers.  The best part?  Cantaloupe tastes great.

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DON'T OBSESS OVER YOUR DIET!

"Obsessing over being healthy can make you less likely to stick with good habits.  It can leave a busy person so defeated that you adopt a 'screw it all' mentality" -  Susan Love M.D.  Don't obsess.  Just do the best you can with whatever circumstance you find yourself in.  Even 'fast food' restaurants offer side salads (and they give you the dressing on the side so you can determine how much, if any, to use!), often baked potatoes, apple dippers or other fruits, etc.  Try to make sure you eat a fruit or vegetable at every meal and don't obsess about every meal!!