Weekly Wellness
Issue 396
Featured Article
The Sugar Factor - Scientists recently discovered a specific sweet taste receptor unique to humans and even a gene for sweets.
Fitness Tip
Beta Cells Going Bad
A study in women says gaining weight can damage insulin-making cells, possibly setting the women up for diabetes. The University of Southern California study looked at beta cells, which produce insulin, in women. Type 2 diabetes occurs when cells that make insulin fail. Overweight people have higher risks. Researchers say weight gain reduced beta cell function in two ways. It worsened insulin resistance – when the body does not respond to insulin properly. And it led to changes in some hormones from fat cells that can be harmful to beta cells. Controlling body weight, especially body fat, is important in reducing diabetes risk. This can be achieved by diet and exercise.
The study, supported by the National Institutes of Health, was presented at a meeting of the American Diabetes Association.
Nutrition Tip
Macadamia Nuts: Heart Healthy
The decadent macadamia nut turns out to have heart-healthy benefits that make it worth nibbling on. Pennsylvania State university scientists found in a recent study that a daily snack of 1.5 ounces (that's a small handful) of macadamia nuts helped cut LDL, or bad cholesterol levels by an average of 12 points and triglycerides by an average of 32 points. Waist-watchers, beware: 1.5 ounces adds up to more than 300 calories. Their richness goes a long way,though. Mix them into trail mix, chop and toast before topping fish or chicken, or add to cookies and muffins.
Quip or Quote of the Week
Quip
Reduced-Calorie Milk: Relatively new, Calorie Countdown by H.P. Hood has about half the calories of its counterparts. Originally called "low-carb milk", it is essentially "reduced-sugar milk", with artificial sweeteners (sugar substitutes) added.
Quick Recipe
Apple Pie in a Glass
1 1/2 cups fat free or lowfat milk
3 tablespoons frozen apple juice concentrate
1/2 cup lowfat vanilla frozen yogurt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Mix ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Serve and enjoy.
Makes 2 servings, 6 ounces of milk per serving.
170 calories; 1.5 g total fat; 1 g saturated fat; 10 mg cholesterol; 8 g protein; 30 g carbohydrates; 0 g fiber; 130 mg sodium
Note: Nutrition figures based on using fat free milk.
Tidbit(s)
Where NOT to Eat
Diners in Florida, California, Minnesota, Ohio and New York may want to eat out less often. Those states are the worst offenders for restaurant food poisonings, according to the most recent data. (Florida and California have topped the list for three years running). E. coli and salmonella outbreaks in these states eateries sickened nearly 3,000 people and sent 65 to the hospital in 2006. The riskiest menu items? Seafood, salads, and virtually anything served buffet-style.
Food Facts
Love to enjoy cocktails during the holiday season? Skip syrupy mixes. Instead, let fruit juices flavor your cocktails. Your drinks will taste much better, and you'll get a dose of antioxidants, too.
Quinoa contains more protein than any other grain. Find quinoa in or near the health-food section of your grocery store.
Tasty Tidbit...
For a delicious spread, wrap an entire peeled head of garlic in aluminum foil and bake at 350-degrees for an hour. Slice off the top, squeeze the roasted garlic pulp out of the exposed cloves, drizzle with olive oil and mash with a fork. Try it on crusty bread.
More Cooking Tips and Quick Cooking Tips on the Web site!