Friday, November 20, 2009

Spinach May Help Reduce Stress

Farmer ScottSpinach is low in calories, yet high in vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Spinach contains magnesium that helps reduce the effects of stress on the body by keeping your blood pressure from spiking, says Beth Reardon, R.D., director of integrative nutrition at Duke Integrative Medicine in North Carolina. By eating 3 cups of spinach, you consume 40 percent of your body’s daily magnesium needs.
1 cup of raw spinach contains:
• 7 calories
• 0 grams fat
• 0 grams cholesterol
• 24 mg sodium
• 1 gram fiber
• 1 gram protein
• 56% daily value of Vitamin A
• 14% daily value of Vitamin C
• 5% daily value of Iron
• 3% daily value of Calcium
• It also contains Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Phosphorus, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.
Creative Commons License photo credit: Clearly Ambiguous

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Healthy Kitchen: Vinegar

07-05-18A recent study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry found that vinegar may help to keep your body from storing extra fat by breaking it down before it can settle onto your hips or stomach. Vinegar has been used for is medicinal and health properties since ancient times. The most adamant supporters of vinegar claim that it can be beneficial for almost any malady. However, many of these claims have not been proven. There are still benefits that can be obtained through eating vinegar.

• Vinegar is high in acetic acid which helps the body absorb minerals. It may be especially beneficial for women who suffer from osteoporosis because it helps to absorb calcium. Many women cannot obtain calcium through dairy products because of lactose intolerance. Calcium may also be obtained through dark leafy greens, but these greens sometimes contain compounds that inhibit calcium absorption. Fortunately, a splash of vinegar on greens can help the body to absorb calcium.

• Vinegar may help people with type 2 diabetes. It seems to inactivate some of the enzymes that turn food into sugar. This gives the body more time to assimilate the sugar and helps prevent the blood sugar spike that can be so dangerous. A study found that those who had vinegar before their meals had a higher insulin sensitivity, which means their body was better able to utilize the sugar they consumed. This is important because elevated blood sugar levels can lead to other problems such as heart disease.

• Vinegar can be used to replace unhealthy fats and salt. Saturated fats can cause such problems as elevated cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, which in turn, can lead to stoke and heart attack. Vinegar also adds lots of flavor, but hardly any calories! It only has 25 calories in half a cup!

• Vinegar can also be used to remove harmful pesticides from fruits and vegetables. Just mix 10 percent vinegar and 90 percent water and soak your produce in it for a few minutes. Then rinse your produce thoroughly and eat! (Don’t do this on tender produce such as berries—they absorb the vinegar through their porous skin.)

• Vinegar can enhance natural flavors. Use on sweet things such as strawberries to bring out the natural sweetness without using sugar. Use vinegar on veggies instead of salt. Make a salad dressing out of vinegar and olive oil. Use rice vinegar and soy sauce for an Asian flavor.
Creative Commons License photo credit: paulshannon

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Mock Egg Salad Sandwiches

I 'm starting to crack1 pound tofu, firm
1/2 small onion, chopped (optional)
4 tablespoons mayonnaise or vegennaise
2 tablespoons pickle relish (optional)
1 teaspoon mustard
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/8 teaspoon paprika
12 slices bread

Drain and crumble tofu. In a large bowl combine tofu and onion if using. Mix well. Add mayonnaise, pickle relish if using, mustard, curry powder, turmeric and cumin. Mix well. Season with salt and paprika. Top the bread of your choice with the Mock Egg Salad.
Creative Commons License photo credit: 1Happysnapper

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Eat to Lose Weight

Brekkie De LiteSome people skip breakfast in an effort to lose weight, but this practice is more likely to cause a weight gain. Eating breakfast actually reduces your overall calorie intake. Studies have shown that thinner adults, adolescents and children are more likely to eat breakfast than their overweight counterparts. Skipping breakfast makes weight control more difficult because it makes snacking harder to resist and skippers typically eat larger meals during the rest of the day to compensate for their hunger. Some studies have shown that people who eat fewer, larger meals tend to accumulate more body fat. Eating breakfast also improves your performance during the day. Sometimes teens, especially girls, will skip breakfasts to lose weight. It is important for parents to educate their children on the importance of eating breakfast and its role in maintaining good health and preventing obesity. It’s also very important for children to eat breakfast instead of sleeping in. Studies show that kids who skip breakfast are tardy and absent from school more than kids who eat breakfast. If you still don’t have time to make breakfast for your kids, consider enrolling them in a school breakfast program. Remember—eating breakfast is important no matter what your age!
Creative Commons License photo credit: lepiaf.geo

Monday, November 16, 2009

Does Natural Mean Healthy?

Poison Ivy 037When you go to the supermarket and see something labeled “natural”, you assume it must be healthy, right? The truth is, the words food manufacturers put on their labels may not mean what you think they mean. Here’s a list of some of these words and their definitions.

• Natural: means no artificial ingredients have been added (regulated only for meat and poultry.)

• Organic: means no pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, growth hormones or antibiotics were used.

• No hormones administered: an unverified certification that the cow was not given hormones during its lifetime.

• No antibiotic administered: an unverified certification that the meat or poultry has not been given antibiotics.

• Cage free: means the chickens weren’t in cages, but they can be packed into a windowless indoor space. It has no impact on nutrition.

• Free-range: an unregulated term that means the chicken has access to the outdoors for more than half its life. They can still live in very crowded conditions with limited outdoor space.

• Grass-fed: means that the cow ate grass at some point during its life. Look for “100% grass-fed.”

• Pastured or pasture-raised: unregulated term that means the animal has roamed a pasture throughout its lifetime.
Creative Commons Licensephotocredit:cygnus921

Friday, November 13, 2009

Attention Carbo-phobes!

bruce springsteen:secret gardenMany people have bought into the Atkins Diet mindset—thinking that carbs are bad for you. Well, good news! You can dig into a bowl of pasta without guilt! New data from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois suggests that a substance called glutamic acid found in grains may be good for your heart. They found that people who consumed more of this amino acid had lower blood pressure. Other foods also contain this particular amino acid, but to a much lesser degree. A cup of macaroni has five times more glutamic acid than broccoli. Pasta also contains more calories, so to get the most nutrition for the calories, eat whole grains. Look for whole wheat pasta, brown rice, and whole grain breads. Whole grains also contain significant amounts of fiber and B vitamins, which are also good for your heart and your digestion. Whole grains keep your energy levels more stable than refined carbs.
Creative Commons License photo credit: visualpanic

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Good Karma for a Yoga Mat

photo remix: Yoga woman on exercise ball - flickr_enthusiast_rocks_Nilmarie_Yoga-001If you have a used yoga mat you need to get rid of, don’t trash it -- recycle it! The Bolder Mat Company in Colorado will refurbish it and donate to a yoga-inspired charity. The mat will be used to teach at-risk populations about the benefits of yoga. Not only will you make someone else’s life better, you will receive a $5 coupon for a new yoga mat or accessory from The Bolder Mat Company. The process is simple:
1. Pack your mat including your personal information so they can send you a coupon.
2. Ship your mat to The Bolder Mat Company.
3. Donate and receive your coupon!
There is no limit to how many mats you can donate. Yoga studios can contact them to receive a bulk discount if they are recycling more than five mats.
www.theboldermatcompany.com
Creative Commons License photo credit:adria.richards

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The Spice of Life: Cinnamon

The superfluous, a very necessary thing• Just a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon sprinkled on your food can help prevent an insulin spike. This spike normally occurs after a meal and signals the body to store fat instead of burning it. It could help in your battle of the bulge!
• Because cinnamon helps regulate insulin, it may also be beneficial for diabetics.
• Studies have also shown that eating half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day may lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
• Cinnamon has been found in some studies to reduce the proliferation of cancer cells in both leukemia and lymphoma.
• Cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on blood.
• A study done at Copenhagen University found that arthritis patients who consumed cinnamon mixed with honey daily had significantly reduced pain after a month.
• It inhibits bacteria growth in food and drinks.
• The smell of cinnamon may boost cognitive function and memory.
• Cinnamon is a good source of fiber, manganese, iron and calcium.
Creative Commons License photo credit: Lady AnnDerground

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

One of the Cheapest Ways to Help Your Heart

ch ch ch ch ch chYet another study has linked gum disease to heart disease. The same inflammation that comes with gum disease affects your blood and your heart. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with gum disease are twice as likely to have heart disease. In fact, one study found that oral problems such as cavities, missing teeth, and gum disease were as a good a predictor of heart disease as cholesterol. Scientists aren’t sure exactly how gum disease is linked with heart disease, but they do know that bacteria can enter your blood stream through your gums. This same bacteria has been found clumped in artery plaques. It may be that the bacteria adhere to artery plaques, or it may be that the body’s natural defenses to the bacteria form the plaque. Either way, you can do something about it, and the treatment is cheap! Flossing and brushing your teeth is the best way to fend off gum disease. If you keep your mouth clean, it’s very hard for gum disease to get started. If you have a history of heart disease, its best to take an antibiotic when you get dental procedures done, including cleanings.
Creative Commons License photo credit: jho

Apples a Healthy Appetite Suppressants

Apple Planet

A question that I seem to get often is "are there any safe appetite suppressants?"  And usually there is an advertisement that they have read or some bizarre herbal remedy that is supposed to cure all their weight issues with by taking a pill.

However, while I do not suggest any of those products or herbal remedies; (in fact I would suggest that you will benefit your body more if you run in the opposite direction) but there is one natural appetite suppressant that occurs naturally in apples.  Apples have a lot of phytochemicals that benefit the body and they just happen to help suppress the appetite a bit.  In college I had an interesting discovery.   I could buy a large Fugi Apple(my favorite) and a orange from the grocery store and if I ate the orange first I could then finish off the apple or at least be close to it. However, if i ate the apple first I would feel full enough that I wouldn't feel hungry enough to want to peel the orange.

Now granted I would pick out the largest Fugi apple I could find because they were my favorite.  But I would find it would hold me over if I didn't have time to go and get lunch till much later in the day.  Later one of my wellness professors talked about the benefits of doing an "apple fast" to reset the metabolism for a day.  While I don't think I'll be signing up for an apple fast anytime soon I think the old saying has more benefits than we give it credit.  An apple a day keeps the doctor away.  While it may not keep the doctor away you my find that it has a positive impact on the waist line over time.
Creative Commons License photo credit: leoncillo sabino

Monday, November 9, 2009

Dr Oz Helps a Man Change His Lifestyle and Save His Life

Amazing changes can be made when lifestyle changes are made.  Rocco a meat loving cowboy makes drastic changes for drastic results!

Symptom Searching

Fast HandsAre you one of those people who looks up symptoms online to try and diagnose your health problem? Some doctors worry about their patients partaking in this practice. Over 70% of young women search the web at the first symptom. However, as long as you’re not obsessing about it to the point of becoming a hypochondriac, it may be beneficial. If you have spent some time researching, you are more equipped to have a conversation with your doctor and to ask the questions you need answers to. You can actually help your doctor make a diagnosis if you are well-prepared. Make sure you look for your health information at a reliable site. Here are several sites that are good resources.
WebMD.com
mayoclinic.com
cdc.gov (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Creative Commons License photocredit:laffy4k

Berry Healthy Smoothie

Berry Smoothie
Berry Healthy Smoothie

1 1/2 C Frozen Strawberries

1 1/2 C Frozen Blueberries

2 Ripe Bananas

1 C frozen Spinach (a handful or two of fresh will work too)

2 C Almond Milk (this you may want to adjust so you can control the thickness)

I absolutely love this combination.  The fruit flavors cover up the greens and the ripe bananas sweeten it up just enough.  I tend to blend mine so it is pretty thick and eat it almost like ice cream.   This recipe makes a good bit so I would encourage you to share with a friend.  Creative Commons License photo credit: Azure Begonia

Friday, November 6, 2009

Give Your Home a Healthy Makeover

Sustainable KitchenCockroaches—Be sure to keep your kitchen clean with no crumbs for cockroaches to feast on. Keep food sealed and put away. Seal all the entry points around pipes and doors with caulk. If need be, call an exterminator.
Mold in your vacuum cleaner—Spray your vacuum’s bristles every 3 months with white distilled vinegar. This keeps mold out of the fibers. Buy a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

Pollen on your pet—Shampoo you pet weekly. If your pet goes outside wipe them down with a wet cloth before they come back inside.
Dust mites—Wash your cushion covers and slip covers weekly on the hottest cycle you can use with them. Wash or dry clean your curtains every few months. This should help with cutting down on the amount of dust mites in your home.

Cleaning—Use some of the many newly available “green” non-toxic cleaners available at any store. Whenever you use chemicals in your home be sure to open the windows so the area is properly ventilated.

Detectors—Make sure that you not only have smoke detectors in your home, but also carbon monoxide detectors as well. Carbon monoxide is odorless, so you won’t be able to tell if it is present. Remember to check the batteries every 3 months!
Creative Commons License photo credit: Jeremy Levine Design

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Veggie Day

Cherry Tomatoes
A recent United Nations report by their top climate scientist, Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, concluded that people should eat less meat to combat global warming. It is estimated that meat production accounts for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions. To put this in perspective, transportation accounts for about 13% of emissions. Changing what you eat could have an impact on climate change. Dr. Pachauri said, "But if we're honest, less meat is also good for the health, and would also at the same time reduce emissions of greenhouse gases." In response to this report, the Belgian city of Ghent has instituted a weekly meatless day, making it the first city in the world to go vegetarian for environmental reasons. Civil servants and elected officials are going meatless every Thursday in the hope that Ghent can reduce its environmental footprint. Schools are also going to have their own veggie day in September. As a bonus, veggie day tackles obesity as well. The city of Ghent is printing 90,000 “veggie street maps” for locating vegetarian eateries around the city.

Creative Commons License photocredit:srqpix

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Walnuts May Keep Cancer at Bay

Caramelized Walnuts
A study done by Marshall University School of Medicine found that eating walnuts every day may help curb breast cancer. The study done on mice found that those that ate walnuts had fewer and smaller tumors than those who didn’t. Walnuts contain antioxidants and significantly higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids than other nuts. They also contain phytosterols, which bind to estrogen receptors and inhibit the growth of breast cancer tumors. The study suggests eating two handfuls of walnuts a day to receive benefits. More research needs to be done with human subjects, but the results are promising. Scientists estimate that eating walnuts every day may push off the development of tumors by up to nine years. Walnuts may also help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and improving blood vessel elasticity. They also reduce C-Reactive Protein, which is an independent marker and predictor of heart disease.

Creative Commons License photocredit:FotoosVanRobin

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

How Often Should You Change Your Sheets?

simple black and whiteThe best rule of thumb is to change your sheets weekly. Every time you sleep you shed dead skin cells, hair and bodily fluids. This can cause bad odors, stickiness and a fertile breeding ground for bed bugs, fleas, dust mites and other parasites. Dust mites can cause allergies, so it’s best to keep your sheets clean. If you have severe allergies, it may be advisable to change your sheets even more than once a week. Wash your sheets in hot water to make sure that all the dead skin cells and dust mites are gone. Some people use their bed to eat in. Crumbs left in the bed may attract ants and cockroaches. If you spill food in your bed, change your sheets. People who have night sweats or wet the bed, should have their sheets changed daily. Children who are teething should also have their sheets changed daily to prevent the dried saliva from causing skin irritation. If you are sick, the sheets should be changed twice a week and the pillowcase daily. Blankets and comforters should be washed every few weeks, as well.
Creative Commons License photo credit: chadawg24

Monday, November 2, 2009

Don’t Share Ear buds

It's like he's missing an ear
You remember your mom telling you not to share hats or hairbrushes because you might catch something? Well, here’s something else to add to the Do-Not-Share list—ear buds. The Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences reports that infection-causing bacteria was found on 92 percent of earphones that belonged to people who shared them with others. Sixty-four percent of headphones that belonged to people who rarely or never shared their headphones had the bacteria. A study done at India’s Manipal University found that 93 percent of ear swabs of people who shared ear buds had harmful bacteria, compared to only 8 percent for those who never shared ear buds. To reduce your risk of having a harmful bacteria colony in your ears, clean your ear buds every month with alcohol-free cleaner.

Creative Commons License photo credit: Unhindered by Talent

Monday, October 19, 2009

BPA May Cause Irregular Heartbeat

cavalcade of cancer
The FDA made a controversial conclusion that BPA (bisphenol A) is not a health risk, but there is new evidence that it may not be good for you. BPA is found in some plastic food containers. A study from the University of Cincinnati found that it causes irregular heartbeats in female rodents. It seems that when BPA is combined with estrogen it may harm the human heart. Female estrogen receptors are responsible for this effect on the heart muscle cells. These cellular changes caused the improperly controlled beating of the female heart. These effects are female specific. While this study is controversial, the FDA is reviewing its previous conclusions. In the meantime, store and heat your food in ceramic or glass instead of plastic. photocredit:Creative Commons Licensereegmo

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Cheese Sauce Recipe that wont raise your cholesterol!

Cheese sauce, great for Mac "n "Cheese



1/2 onion chopped

1 small potato peeled and chopped

1 carrot, chopped

1/2 red, yellow or orange sweet pepper chopped

1 large garlic cloves or garlic powder

1/2 cup raw cashews (these you may need to get from a health food store, because most places roast them)

1/2 tspn Dijon mustard

3 Tbsp Earth Balance (butter substitute)

1/2 tspn salt



Add 8oz whole grain macaroni for mac n" cheese



Directions

1.) Place chopped veggies, except garlic, in a sauce pan and add water to cover. Cover the pan and boil until the veggies are tender

2.) Place garlic, cashews, lemon juice, mustard, earth balance, salt and 1/2 cup of veggie broth(from the cooked veggies) in a food processor or high power blender. Blend until creamy, add more broth if necessary.

3.) Add softened veggies, with out any more broth, to the food processor or blender, and process until smooth.

4.) Serve.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Comparison of P.F. Chang’s Desserts

PFChang HorseThe Great Wall of ChocolateTM
• Calories per serving: 1,440
• Fat: 61g
• Saturated fat: 20g
• Sodium: 1,120mg
• Carbs: 231g
• Protein: 10g
Banana Spring Rolls
• Calories per serving: 992
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated fat: 23g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Carbs: 145g
• Protein: 15g
New York-Style Cheesecake
• Calories per serving: 870
• Fat: 56g
• Saturated fat: 35g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Carbs: 70g
• Protein: 16g

Flourless Chocolate Dome
• Calories per serving: 440
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated fat: 8g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Carbs: 52g
• Protein: 7g

Mini Desserts
The small size of these desserts makes them a much healthier choice. The lowest calorie choice is the mini apple pie.
• Calories per serving: 127-268
• Fat: 4-17g
• Saturated fat: 1-9g
• Sodium: 30-184mg
• Carbs: 17-44g
• Protein: 1-4g
Creative Commons License photo credit: gsloan

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Alcohol and Depression

Bevvies?Alcohol is connected to depression in two ways—either a person drinks too much and as a result feels depressed or a person drinks to relieve anxiety and depression. Either way, alcohol affects the chemistry in the brain, which increases the risk for depression. Hangovers create a vicious cycle of waking up feeling sick, anxious, jittery and guilty. Life can become depressing because of the problems alcohol creates—relationship difficulties with family and friends, problems at work, memory issues and sexual problems. For many depressed drinkers, cutting out alcohol consumption can drastically improve their mood. Most start to feel better within a few weeks of cutting out alcohol. The best idea is stop drinking first to see whether that is what is causing the depression. Friends and family may find it easier to get along with a sober person. If after four weeks of not drinking, the depression has not lifted, a General Practitioner may suggest cognitive therapy or prescribe medication. Some of the symptoms of alcoholism include using alcohol as a way to cope with anxiety, anger, frustration, depression or a lack of self-confidence; relationships are negatively affected; feelings of guilt, depression or self-loathing; large amounts of time spent drinking; drinking early in the day and hiding the amount being consumed from friends and family. If this sounds like you or someone you love, you can contact your local Alcoholics Anonymous for help.
Creative Commons License photo credit:PTRA

Friday, September 11, 2009

Coffee Alternatives

Rhode Island Cinnamon LatteMost people drink coffee for the morning pick-me-up, but if you are wanting to cut down on your jitters or just your caffeine intake, you have choices.
• Herbal coffees are an option, such as Teeccino. It contains no caffeine, but it may provide a natural alertness. Its main ingredient is chicory root. People who are trying to give up coffee for health reasons often turn to Teeccino. It tastes a lot like coffee, but a little sweet and smoky. It contains heart-healthy potassium and inulin that helps aid digestion. Teeccino is safe for even kids to drink and comes in a variety of flavors.
• Yerba Mate is made of South American holly tree leaves. You can find it in brands such as Guayaki, which a very environmentally friendly company that is focused on restoring the rain forests. Guayaki has less than half the caffeine of coffee. Its flavor is very herbal. It has high levels of antioxidants and heart-healthy potassium.
• Morning Matcha is made of green-tea leaves ground into powder. It also contains about half the amount of caffeine of coffee. It tastes similar to steeped green tea, but has more of a kick. It has about three times the antioxidants of bagged tea, giving you extra protection from heart disease and cancer. It is pricey, though. One jar, which contains 15-20 servings, costs $33.
Creative Commons License photo credit: Chris Owens

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Bumming a Cigarette Bums out Your Heart

Self DestructionIf you think you’re beating the bad effects of cigarettes because you don’t smoke regularly, but still bum one now and then on a night out—you’re kidding yourself! Every puff you take increases your potential for arterial damage. A University of Georgia study found that sporadic smokers who smoked two cigarettes after two days of not smoking were 36 percent less responsive to blood flow changes than nonsmokers. After four cigarettes the arterial response was even worse. Impaired arterial response is the first step to heart disease. Cigarette smokers also have more build up of fatty deposits in their arteries. In fact, the Surgeon General has declared smoking “the leading preventable cause of disease and deaths in the United States.” Secondhand smoke will cause these same effects, so try to avoid it if possible. Smoking also decreases you HDL (good) cholesterol. And don’t forget—it’s bad for your lungs, too!

Creative Commons License photo credit: vramak

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

BK Menu & Nutrition

Having It Your WayAre you ever curious about what is actually in the fast food you’re eating? I decided to check out Burger King’s nutrition facts to see how their sandwiches compared. Here’s the low-down.

BK Veggie Burger
• 420 calories
• 16 grams of fat
• 2.5 grams of saturated fat

Whopper
• 670 calories
• 40 grams of fat
• 11 grams of saturated fat

Tendercrisp Chicken Sandwich
• 800 calories
• 46 grams of fat
• 8 grams of saturated fat

The coolest part of the website is their interactive nutrition facts. You can look up any menu item and add or subtract sandwich toppings and see how the nutrition facts change. For example, if you subtract the mayo from the BK Veggie Burger and add mustard you cut out 80 calories, 8 grams of fat and 1.5 grams of saturated fat. Check out the website.
Creative Commons License photo credit: tiltti

Monday, September 7, 2009

Feet Risk, All in the Name of Fashion.

hard work
Creative Commons License photo credit: valeyoshinoA recent poll found that nearly 4 out of 10 women buy shoes knowing they do not fit.  Also the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists found 37% would wear uncomfortable shoes as long as they were fashionable.  And 17% percent of men admitted to buying shoes in the wrong size.  Not all foot problems can be prevented but, a large majority of problems do result from incorrect or poor footwear.  Next time you are tempted to buy that hot little pair of heals that really doesn't fit (but its so cute); think about corns or ingrowing nails and then see how cute you think it is.  Is it really worth it?

Friday, September 4, 2009

Coffee: Pros and Cons

9 coffe favoritesPros
• Coffee’s antioxidants may reduce cell damage linked to Parkinson’s disease and reduce inflammation that leads to Alzheimer’s.
• Coffee has antibacterial and anti-adhesive qualities, so it may keep bacteria from causing cavities and it could cut your risk of oral cancer in half.
• Premenopausal women who drank 4 or more cups of Java a day had a 38 percent lower risk for breast cancer.
• Two or more cups of coffee a day may reduce the risk of gallstones.
• Two to five cups a day may reduce your risk for skin cancer by up to 17 percent.
• Three to four cups a day reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by 30 percent.

Cons
• Espresso may raise LDL “bad” cholesterol.
• More than 500 mg of caffeine can worsen anxiety by increasing stress hormones and raise blood pressure, a Duke University study found.
• Polyphenols in coffee can block your body’s absorption of iron and calcium.
• Additives such as cream and sugar add lots of empty calories.
• If consumed habitually, it may cause your adrenal glands to be exhausted.
• It contains carcinogens.
• It has been associated with low birth weight, birth defects, miscarriages, premature birth, inability to conceive, and sluggish sperm.
• It irritates the lining of the stomach and can cause digestive disorders.

Just how much caffeine is in your drink?
• 1 cup decaf coffee or tea: 2 mg or more
• 1 cup hot cocoa: 9 mg
• 1 cup green tea: 20 mg
• 12-oz. can Diet Coke: 47 mg
• 1 cup black tea: 47 mg
• 1-oz. shot espresso: 64 mg
• 8.4-oz. can Red Bull: 80 mg
• 1 cup home brewed coffee: 95 mg
• 14-oz. Dunkin’ Donuts hot coffee: 178 mg
• Grande Starbucks Pike Place Roast: 330-500 mg
Creative Commons License photo credit: visualpanic