Grocery Store Refuses to Sell Cigarettes

Last night I had the pleasure of enjoying a cup of tea and meeting a gentleman from New York.  While the conversation drifted to all kinds of topics, something that he mentioned really caught my attention.  We were talking about grocery stores and he told me about Wegmans.  While it truly sounds like an amazing shopping experience the thing that caught my attention was that they do not sell cigarettes.  Back in January 2008 in a press release they announced that they would no longer be selling cigarettes.  CEO Danny Wegman explained that, “As a company, we respect a person’s right to smoke, but we also understand the destructive role smoking plays in health.”  So hats off to you Wegmans for your commitment to health.  Now just to convince you to expand down south! photo credit: m.a.r.c.

Artichokes for Health and Beauty

Artichokes are high on the list of foods that are packed full of antioxidants. In a recent study done by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, artichokes ranked number one as the vegetable with the most antioxidants. Artichokes reduce inflammation throughout the entire body because they contain an antioxidant known as rutin. The reduced inflammation makes you more beautiful by decreasing puffiness and skin redness, and well as reducing wrinkles. Artichokes contain lots of fiber, which helps the body rid itself of toxins. This can help your skin by fighting acne. Artichokes also contain antioxidants known as Cynarin and Silymarin that are especially good for your liver and may prevent liver disease. According to folklore, artichokes have long been reputed to cure liver ailments and liver cancer, as well as curing hangovers. Just one artichoke contains about 25% of your daily requirement for fiber. Artichokes are very low in calories, just remember to watch out for high calorie dips!

Artichoke Nutrition Facts:
• Calories: 60
• Fat: 0 grams
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 115 mg
• Total Carbs: 13 grams
• Fiber: 6 grams
• Sugars: 1 gram
• Protein: 4 grams
• Potassium: 170 mg
• Vitamin A: 4% DV
• Calcium: 6% DV
• Vitamin C: 20% DV
• Iron: 8% DV
(DV = Daily Value)
photo credit: fontplaydotcom

White Tea the Fountain of Youth?

A study from Kingston University in London has found that white tea could help you live a longer life. Antioxidants contained in white tea may help reduce your risk for skin aging, cancer and arthritis. White tea is uncured and unfermented. One study has found that white tea has more cancer-fighting properties than other more processed teas. Other studies show that white tea thins the blood and improves artery function, thereby reducing the risk of stroke. White tea also contains a specific type of antioxidant called Catechins. Catechins actually lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. This helps prevent hardening of the arteries. Researchers have also discovered that people who drink 2 or more cups of tea a day are 50% less likely to die after a heart attack. White tea has been found in some studies to increase bone density. White tea also contains antibacterial and antiviral properties, which improves your immune system function. This helps your body guard against the common cold and flu. It also kills the bacteria that cause tooth decay and plaque. A cup of tea a day could make a difference in your health! photo credit: KnitStorm

Garlic: Is Fresh, Bottled or Dried Healthier?

A study in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry reported that fresh garlic is much more beneficial for your heart than dried garlic. There is a chemical released when fresh garlic is cut, called hydrogen sulfide, which relaxes blood vessels. Another study in Japan compared garlic preserved in water, alcohol, vegetable oil and fresh garlic. They were measuring a compound known was allicin, which is garlic’s main active ingredient and what gives garlic its strong smell. They found that allicin dissipates quickly once garlic is cut. Scientists believe that allicin has antibacterial properties that may help prevent food poisoning and bacterial infections. Allicin may also help prevent blood clots and certain cancers. Even though allicin breaks down quickly, scientists believe that the compounds it breaks into may still be beneficial. So get out your garlic crusher and mince away!
photo credit: David Blackwell.

You Can Have Your Pasta and Eat It Too

For those who think they have to give up pasta so they can lose weight, there is good news! You can have your comfort food by simply choosing 100% whole wheat pasta. Whole wheat pasta usually has the same amount of calories as white pasta, but many more nutrients. Whole wheat pasta also contains large amounts of fiber, which is a weight loss bonus because it makes you feel full faster. Keep your portions in control by serving up your pasta in a cereal bowl instead of a large dinner plate. This makes it easier to stick to one cup portions. Serve it up with a fat-free marinara sauce for a healthy dinner.