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Category Archives: Weekly Health Links
Food trends through the years: A mixed bag for heart health?
by Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School Remember when packaged foods emblazoned with the words “fat free” seemed to be everywhere? Then came labels boasting “zero grams of trans fat.” “Sugar free” and “low sodium” claims soon joined the chorus. These days, gluten-free foods are all the rage. For the most part, food industry trends have echoed the nutritional mantras of the time and were designed to improve our health — especially cardiovascular health. But just how successful have these efforts been? “It’s a mixed picture, but over… Read More →
Weighing in on Sugar Substitutes
by Berkeley Wellness Artificial sweeteners—used in countless “sugar-free” products, from sodas, fruit drinks, and candies to baked goods, yogurt, jams, and ice cream—are often thought of as weight-loss aids since they have few or no calories. And more people than ever, overweight or lean, are consuming them in “diet” foods and beverages—about 40 percent of adults and 25 percent of children in the U.S., which is a large increase from about 20 years ago, according to a study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics…. Read More →
Pumpkin Apple Cake
by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Ingredients 1 package (18.25 ounces) white cake mix 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2/3 cup apple juice 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla Nonstick cooking spray and flour Instructions 1Preheat oven to 350ºF. 2Combine cake mix, pumpkin, cinnamon, apple juice, eggs, and vanilla in large mixing bowl. 3Beat at low speed for 30 seconds. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. 4Pour into a 12 cup bundt pan or a 9″x 13” cake pan that has been sprayed with… Read More →
Is Olive Oil Really That Special?
by Berkeley Wellness In the past 25 years, olive oil has taken on the status of a health food, initially among those trying to improve their cholesterol levels and protect their heart, but then also among people who were just generally health-conscious. Yes, olive oil, like all plant oils, is 100 percent fat—but supposedly a “good fat.” A large part of its attraction has been due to accumulating research about the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, of which olive oil is a key element. Smart marketing has… Read More →
Flavors of Fall Zipped up in a Bag: Pumpkin Pudding
Flavors of Fall Zipped up in a Bag: Pumpkin Pudding @SpendEatSmart http://bit.ly/2fy3fk6 #recipe #kids Written by Jill Weber, Human Sciences Specialist-Nutrition and Wellness When my girls were young we often made Pumpkin Pudding for a fall dinner dessert. Pudding is inexpensive and also light and not overly filling. The Pumpkin Pudding recipe includes a full can of pumpkin, so you are also getting the added fiber and Vitamin A pumpkin is known for. With the pumpkin pie spice seasoning added, it tastes like pumpkin pie! For a fun… Read More →
Changing Your Habits for Better Health
Are you thinking about being more active? Have you been trying to cut back on less healthy foods? Are you starting to eat better and move more but having a hard time sticking with these changes? Old habits die hard. Changing your habits is a process that involves several stages. Sometimes it takes a while before changes become new habits. And, you may face roadblocks along the way. Adopting new, healthier habits may protect you from serious health problems like obesity and diabetes. New habits, like healthy eating… Read More →
Faux Fiber Versus the Real Thing
If you’re not keen on foods that are naturally high in fiber—such as oatmeal, lentils, broccoli and peas—you may be tempted to choose fiber-fortified foods as a way to get your roughage. Manufacturers are putting isolated (“functional”) fibers in foods such as yogurt, ice cream, sugary cereals, energy bars, even juices and water, in order to make “high-fiber” claims. Dietary fiber, found in plant foods, promotes good bowel function and lowers blood sugar and cholesterol, among other benefits. The general recommendation is to get 14 grams of fiber… Read More →
Don’t Let the Screens Take Over: 8 Tips for Families
Last week was Screen-Free Week, and I’m going to guess that most families did not have a screen-free week. Screens have become so embedded in daily life that it’s hard to imagine turning them off for a whole week. Besides the fact that many, if not most, children use them for homework, they are also how we get work done, get questions answered, communicate, shop, and relax. For many families, they are also how they calm children down and keep them occupied. How do you go a day… Read More →
If You Want Better Sleep…
A new study concludes that people who get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week sleep significantly better and feel more alert throughout the day. Read the full article here Source: The National Sleep Foundation
Staying Away from Fad Diets
With all the focus on weight in our society, it isn’t surprising that millions of people fall prey to fad diets and bogus weight-loss products. Conflicting claims, testimonials and hype by so-called “experts” can confuse even the most informed consumers. The bottom line is simple: If a diet or product sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There are no foods or pills that magically burn fat. No super foods will alter your genetic code. No products will miraculously melt fat while you watch TV or… Read More →