Weekly Wellness
Issue 182
Featured Article
Fitness Tip
Knock Down Cholesterol
It's not just about diet -- physical activity makes a huge difference, too. Exercise improves your blood cholesterol profile by lowering your levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and, more important, boosting your levels of HDL (protective) cholesterol. It also reduces your overall risk of dying prematurely and helps you control your weight; significantly reduces your risk of dying from coronary artery disease or a heart attack; helps your heart pump more blood with each contraction; reduces your risk of developing high blood pressure and helps lower existing high blood pressure; and improves blood circulation throughout your body.
Nutrition Tip
Walk and Chew Gum
To keep the burn away, try walking and chewing gum after a meal.
Chewing gum for up to an hour after a meal may help soothe heartburn, according to research. Walking after a meal also appears to be beneficial with certain kinds of indigestion. The next time you're having trouble digesting a meal, try doing both. Just avoid peppermint gum; mint may exacerbate heartburn symptoms.
Nutrient of the Week
Black Cohosh Root
Black Cohosh Root is from a tall perennial herb that grows abundantly in eastern North America. The blackish, cylindrical root of this plant gives this herb its name. Black cohosh has become famous in recent years as a treatment for menopause. It seems to produce an estrogen-like effect that reduces symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Many herbalists use black cohosh for PMS symptoms as well. According to many reports it reduces all major symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, fluid retention, and breast pain for many women.
Quick Recipe
Make your own Tofu Cream Cheese
Combine in blender: 12-oz. tofu; 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon dill, 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds, 2 tablespoons water and the juice of 3 small limes. Serve on bread or baked potatoes.
Tidbit(s)
Depression Self-Assessment
This self-assessment can show if you may have depression. Answering these 20 questions may be an important step on the path toward effective treatment. (Sorry, no longer online.)
Food Fixes
Remember that when you melt chocolate in the microwave oven, the chocolate will become soft, but not lose its shape until touched. When using the plastic bag technique, use your fingers to knead until smooth.
Use powdered sugar instead of flour when rolling out cookies, they will be crisper and tastier.
When you purchase your eggs, write the date of purchase on the carton. Do the same with your jarred and canned goods when you open them. This will help you determine how long the item has been exposed.
When making muffins, mix your ingredients in a juice pitcher so you can pour the mixture easily into each muffin tin. Result? Save time, and fewer drips.