Weekly Wellness
Issue 185
Featured Article
Fitness Tip
Excess Stomach Fat Linked to Liver Damage
You can protect your liver by losing excess stomach fat. Carrying excess fat around your midsection has been discovered to be a strong predictor of liver damage, states a new report in the journal of Hepatology. The results stemmed from a study in which doctors measured "abdominal height" (how tall your belly is while you are lying on your back). Belly height was more closely linked to the two key markers of liver function than was being overweight (based on the body-mass index, or BMI). Excess stomach fat, most common in men and post-menopausal women, have been linked to heart and lung disease and diabetes. What this amounts to is, your percentage of body fat is less important than where the fat is stored.
In routine physical exams, your doctor should be doing a liver enzyme test - be sure to talk to him or her about the results of this test. If your levels are high and you are not an alcoholic and do not have hepatitis, you may need more tests - and you may need to lose weight and keep it off. For help in reducing stomach fat, see Potbelly? Shrink it!. This article is geared toward men, but the general guidelines can be followed by women, as well.
Nutrition Tip
Nutrient of the Week
Cat's Claw Bark
Cat's Claw Bark is a general stamina-enhancing tonic from South America. It enhances immunity, increasing immunoglobin counts and helping protect the cells from damage. This valuable herb regulates normal blood pressure, balances cholesterol, relaxes blood vessel walls and opens up peripheral circulation making it helpful for the skin and joints. A relaxing herb, it balances the heart rate. It supports the health of the digestive tract lining and relieves symptoms of coughs, sneezing and congestion. Cat's claw benefits PMS, and its diuretic effect balances water in the body.
Quick Recipe
Cheerios Bars
3 tablespoons butter or margarine (do not use spread or tub products)
1 bag (10-1/2-ounces) miniature marshmallows (6 cups)
5 cups Cheerios cereal
Butter rectangular pan, 13 x 9 x 2-inches. Microwave butter and marshmallows in large microwavable bowl uncovered on high about two minutes, stirring after every minute, until smooth. Immediately stir in cereal until coated. Press in pan; cool Store loosely covered. For bars, cut into six rows by four rows. Use different flavored Cheerios for a different taste treat!
Tidbit(s)
Watermelon
Use your melon! Watermelon is a sweet and healthy way to cool off this summer. It is a terrific source of the antioxidant, lycopene and vitamins C, A, and B6. It also contains a lot of water -- a great way to keep hydrated in the hot sun! One cup of watermelon contains about 60 calories, zero fat, and counts as one fruit serving.
Food Fixes
To keep cookies fresh, place a slice of apple in the container where they are stored.
Molasses can be substituted for corn syrup in a pinch. However, it will change the flavor of your recipe.
To make self rising flour, mix 4-cups of flour, 2-teaspoons of salt, and 2-tablespoons of baking powder. Store in a tightly covered container.
To keep bugs out of flour type products; flour, cornmeal, etc., add a bay leaf to each canister. Works like magic.