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Healthy Ezine of the Week: Issue 158

Featured Article

Margarine Madness!

Fitness Tip

Prevent Osteoporosis with Strength Training
Research has proven that strength-training exercise is an excellent form of exercise for preventing osteoporosis. Weight-bearing or strength-training activities increase the flow of bone-hardening calcium into the skeleton. Studies have found the spinal bones of weight lifters to be approximately 15 percent denser than the bones of runners or people who do not exercise. While runners had denser thighbones than inactive people, the weight lifters thighbones were even denser than the runners; by an additional 11 percent. Osteoporosis afflicts both men and women.

Nutrition Tip

Cola's and Healthy Bones Do Not Mix Well
Studies indicate drinking caffeinated, carbonated beverages may increase your risk of suffering a bone fracture. The findings come at a time when per capita consumption of carbonated beverages is rising. The problem is compounded because many already have an inadequate daily intake of calcium, researchers say in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The study of those who drank two to seven 12-ounce cans of carbonated beverages a day, mostly colas, indicated the main cause of calcium loss from carbonated beverages was their lack of the nutrients needed for bone health, the study authors said. Carbonated beverages displace milk in the diet, eliminating a major source of bone-building calcium. Source: United Press International.

Nutrient of the Week

Methionine (Essential Amino Acid)
Is a principle supplier of sulfur which prevents disorders of the hair, skin and nails; helps lower cholesterol levels by increasing the liver's production of lecithin; reduces liver fat and protects the kidneys; a natural chelating agent for heavy metals; regulates the formation of ammonia and creates ammonia-free urine which reduces bladder irritation; influences hair follicles and promotes hair growth.

Quick Recipe

Day Off Dill Corn and Pea Salad
Cut corn kernels from two ears of fresh corn; cook in boiling water for four minutes; add one cup fresh pea pods and one red bell pepper, cut in strips; cook for two minutes more. Drain and toss with two teaspoons butter, two teaspoons chopped fresh dill. Salt and pepper to taste.

Tidbit(s)

Strive for Five
The Quaker Oatmeal Strive for Five program is an easy-to-use, five step family nutrition program developed by Quaker Oatmeal in collaboration with the American Dietetic Association. The program is organized in weekly calendars that offer simple daily tips and interactive tools based on the leading recommendations of childhood overweight research and ADA member dietetic experts.

Food Fixes

Use lifesavers candy to hold candles in place on your next birthday cake! Kids love 'em!

Use a paper muffin cup to cover your hand when greasing a pan. It's the perfect size and shape to cover a few fingers and will keep them grease-free.

To easily remove honey from a measuring spoon, first coat the spoon with nonstick cooking spray.

Use a pastry blender to cut ground beef into small pieces after browning.

This 'n That

Free recipes for many dietary needs!

Fitness and Freebies Sister Site, focuses strictly on nutrition! Lots of great food information! BellyBytes.com