Weekly Wellness
Issue 227
Featured Article
What is Gout? - Gout is a painful condition that occurs when the bodily waste product uric acid is deposited as needle-like crystals in the joints and/or soft tissues...
Fitness Tip
Beer Belly Myth
Research now says you won't get a large tummy just from drinking beer. According to a study by researchers at University College London, beer has been falsely blamed for expanding waistlines. The study, done in the Czech Republic, which has the world's highest per capita beer consumption, analyzed the beer-drinking habits and weight of more than 2,000 men and women. Light to moderately heavy beer drinkers were no more overweight than non-beer drinkers. Because of beer's high carbohydrate content and calories, it was previously blamed for adding extra pounds and causing the dreaded beer belly. But, researchers warn, the study is not a license to consume beer carelessly. As with other indulgences, enjoy your brew in moderation.
Nutrition Tip
Nutrient-Rich Legumes
According to the Michigan Bean Commission, here is what beans have to offer nutritionally:
- A cholesterol-free, low-fat food by nature, beans are also high in fiber.
- Beans supply more calcium and iron per cup than 3 ounces of cooked meat. What's more, beans have fewer calories.
- Biting into a banana is a commonly known means of getting our potassium, but it is interesting to note that one-cup of cooked beans will actually give you more.
Herb of the Week
Yucca Root
Yucca Root, a Native American remedy, is used for irritation of all sorts, such as joint or skin discomfort. The main medicinal agents are saponins, which have a soapy consistency. Native Americans used yucca as a soap as it had a lathering effect. Yucca is also used as a blood cleanser.
Quick Recipe
Banana Peanut Butter Toast
Mix 1-tablespoon creamy peanut butter and 1-teaspoon honey in small bowl until well blended. Stir in 1/3 cup Post Grape-Nuts cereal. Spread peanut butter mixture evenly onto one toasted whole grain bread slice. Top with 1/4 medium banana, sliced.
Recipe makes one serving.
Nutritional Information: Calories: 340, Fat: 10g (sat 2g), Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 410mg, Carbohydrates: 59g, Fiber: 8g, Sugars: 20g, Protein: 11g
Tidbit(s)
Sensible Solution
Fat, fiber, vitamins, calories -- the nutrition label lists them all. But how do you know if a product truly is better for you and your family? The Sensible Solution flag tells you right up front. It will appear on over 600 Kraft products.
Food Fixes
When opening canned goods, open the end that has been sitting on the shelf. The ingredients come out more easily and that end is usually the cleaner of the two.
When cooking only one pizza, save energy by cooking it in your electric fry pan instead of lighting the oven. The results will be a perfectly done crust and soft gooey cheese.
Brush the bottom of a pie crust with an egg wash prior to baking to keep the fruit from making the crust soggy as it bakes. Sprinkle your top crust with sugar for a tasty, sugary crust.
To separate sticky marshmallows, place a spoonful of powdered sugar in the bag and shake it well. A few stubborn marshmallows might still need to be separated by hand, but this generally works great.