Weekly Wellness
Issue 341
Featured Article
Fresh Fruit Fall Desserts Fall fruit desserts are low in calories and fat and are very refreshing, especially after a large or heavy meal. A nice addition to fruit is fresh mint.
Fitness Tip
Gum for Heartburn
Heartburn happens when stomach acids splash back into the esophagus and burn it. Treatment often includes antacids that reduce the amount of acid. But British researchers recently confirmed U.S. studies showing that chewing gum after a meal helps fight heartburn. Chewing gum increases saliva, which helps wash the acid back down to the stomach, the researchers say. The type of gum doesn't matter, but the latest research used sugar-free. If you try it, chew for at least 30 minutes after eating.
Nutrition Tip
Corn Syrup Gets Unfair Rap
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has unfairly found itself with a bad reputation.
For years, nutrition activists have campaigned against the corn-based sweetener, claiming that its beet-derived cousin, table sugar, was supposedly healthier because it was “natural.” But many experts disagree.
And now the American Medical Association (AMA) has adopted the all-sugars-are-created-equal position. After examining related research, the medical organization announced yesterday that table sugar and HFCS function identically with regard to weight gain and weight loss.
Quip or Quote of the Week
Quip:
In 1866, William Oberton applied for the first popcorn popper patent. His popper had a circular basket with a handle; it was shaken over a fire.
Quick Recipe
Bountiful Bagel Breakfast
Spread 1 tablespoon part-skim ricotta cheese, or reduced-fat cream cheese if preferred, over one-half of a small cinnamon-raisin bagel. Sprinkle with a little more cinnamon if desired and top with fresh apple slices.
Tidbit(s)
Retire Your Toothbrush.
Change your toothbrush at least once a month, or right after a cold, flu or other illness. Germs that can live on a damp toothbrush for days; when you're sick, a damp toothbrush may reinfect you. Use two toothbrushes alternately to give each one a chance to completely dry out. "Brushing your teeth is a traumatic injury," says Dr. Charles J. Palenik, a microbiologist at the Indiana University School of Dentistry. "You are going into areas of your mouth where you can have bleeding, and you could be reintroducing organisms back into your system."
Food Fixes
To chill leftover soup or stew, partially fill a clean sink or large bowl with ice water and place the pot into it. Be careful that the ice water is not too high, so it does not overflow into the soup. Stir occasionally until cool. Transfer to the refrigerator and cover.
To peel tomatoes and peaches quickly and easily: Drop them in boiling water for 20 seconds, then into a bowl of ice water. The skins will slip right off. You can make this even easier by making a small X cut into the bottom of the fruit; the skin around the cut will pull away from the fruit in the water.
Tasty Tip: Stir low-fat or fat-free granola into a bowl of low-fat or fat-free yogurt. Top with sliced apples or berries.
More Cooking Tips and Quick Cooking Tips on the Web site!