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Chocolate and Coffee: The Dream Team

Mar 30

Posted by admin in food universe, health

As a follower of all health news, especially when it pertains to coffee, chocolate, and an assortment of other foods, I loved the latest report from the European Health Journal that says I’ve been right all along. Or that other studies have found their way into my heart and this latest one confirms the data. Simple findings; complex end results.

A half a bar of chocolate a week lowers blood pressure. That’s easy to understand; you’re less tressed about whether or not to have the treat. Have it and your blood pressure will thank you. Over 19,000 individuals were studied during an 8-year period. That in itself helps validate the data as so many studies involve far fewer people and cover a more limited time period. This translates into a reduced risk for strokes and heart attacks. Of course, the caveat is that too much chocolate produces negative results such as weight gain. The simple takeaway: The little bit of chocolate reduced heart attacks and strokes by 39%. That’s well worth the minimal chocolate addiction! Once again we have the flavanols to thank.

As for coffee, scientists believe they have found the ingredient that could help individuals who have difficulty digesting and enjoying a perfect cup of caffeine. This turns out to be a significant part of the population that voices stomach issues: 2 out of every 10 people. Several products are already marketed as helpful to this population, but this particular European study focused on the specifics that cause irritation. Interestingly enough they found that espresso, which most assume is stronger, produces fewer irritations and is easier to digest and tolerate. The darker the roast, the easier for the stomach to handle the beverage. Know it sounds backwards, but the research supports forward-thinking.

The perfect pair: The darker the better. Chocolate and espresso. Yes.lavazzabeans

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Healthy Changes: The Time is Now

Mar 25

Posted by admin in health, news

The American Heart Association released an interesting survey. They found that people are just not interested in giving up their favorite foods. No matter how much money was offered they (40%) wanted to have their pizza, cupcakes, and mac ‘n cheese. The AHA wants to help people find healthier food choices. They’ve set up an online nutrition site with tips on shopping for food and dining out. Wait there’s more, they’re setting up a Twitter site with giveaways for creative recipes that demonstrate smart food substitutions to improve the nutritional quality of a dish. For instance, a suggestion might be adding shredded carrots to meatloaf. I assume they mean start with a less fatty ground beef.37785-inter-full

With the newly passed health bill, the mystery of a calorie count will be removed form a guessing game. Calorie postings are part of the new program. Panera Bread announced sometime ago that it would be posting calories. In New York City, calorie posts have been required from businesses that had multiple locations (Starbucks, for one). Under the new law, any chain with at least 20 outlets will need to post. We can be certain that this type of in your-face information will have a positive outcome; at least it will make people think twice about some dishes that are the equivalent of a whole day’s calorie requirements!

The other food topic receiving increased attention is salt. More companies are taking a stand and reducing the sodium count of their products. The snacks owned by Pepsi (Frito-Lay, for example) will come under the reduced sodium count during the gradual reduction over the next five years. it would be grand if they considered reducing calorie counts in these same foods at the same time. Kraft (Oreos, for example) has a similar plan in the works. Both of these companies, both industry leaders, plan gradual changes so that consumers do not balk at the taste differences.

As a nation we are suffering from obesity and its many dangerous end results. At the same time, we cry out that regulation from any front is bad. This time our health as a nation depends on assistance from multiple sources if necessary.

We are out of control.

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Can a Brit Change America?

Mar 22

Posted by admin in First Lady Michelle Obama, health

foodrevIt’s intriguing to think of the concept: British chef Jamie Oliver (of “Naked Chef” fame) comes to America and takes a peek at our food ways. As he comments in the opening preview of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution,” Pizza for breakfast. I’ve never seen anything like this.” Mind you, he was in Huntington, WVA, a city the CDC  labeled  the Unhealthiest City in America, not a positive banner headline!

His goal is to create lifestyle changes that reverse the devastating health statistics surrounding early death and severe obesity.  Without giving too much away, let me say his welcome did not resemble a cuddly, warm, open-arm reception. He was laughed at, viewed as a threat, and generally undermined, if that’s possible to do to the the delightfully entertaining Oliver. The kitchen staff at the first elementary school scoffed at what they considered an intruder; after all they had been there for decades doing the same thing. When they showed him how they make mashed potatoes, with potato pearls, he struggled to hold his composure.

His goal is simple: Effect the lives of the community and bring about healthy changes. He’s working with families and introducing them to foods that are not processed, deep-fried, and come out of the freezer section. Challenges are in every corner, for the students who are asked to choose between a home-cooked chicken lunch v. a slice of pizza–you know who wins! The lunch ladies, as he calls them, can barely hide their resentment and disgust. They admit that they said he could try to set up his school guidelines as he has done in the UK, but they emit skepticism.

Enough of this first episode. Recognize that he is tackling the very issues First Lady Michelle Obama has so eloquently addressed. His goal is to have schools, administrations, families and in general, the US think about the food that goes into our bodies. In this blog we’ve talked plenty about nutrition and childhood obesity; let’s hope that Jamie’s Kitchen becomes a model for how we can change the nutritional guidelines of school lunch programs and help families learn how to shop for foods that are not laden with lines of ingredients.

As they say, check your local listings for upcoming episodes.

As an aside, maybe the biggest irony of the show was the commercial for a fast food restaurant that talks about giving you more for less. They obviously never received the Jamie Oliver memo!

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Child Nutrition: Good-for-you Foods

Mar 19

Posted by admin in First Lady Michelle Obama, food universe, health

Schools continue to get whacked for their slow-paced progress in updating the foods and quality of the lunchroom experience. With ever-increasing numbers of children going hungry and the overall increase in obesity, it is time for the USDA to take charge of this program and make the schools responsible for proper implementation.

Children should not be held hostage for being participants in a program they need. Nor should they be given less than standard fare. With First Lady Michelle Obama headlining issues about child nutrition, the campaign for healthy school meals has gained front-row prominence and now needs to be able to deliver success.

A Congressional committee, part of Senator Blanche Lincoln’s Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act, provides for the establishment of national nutrition standards consistent with the list of appropriate foods sold on school grounds. With a budget of $4.5 Billion for funding child nutrition standards, the USDA will be able to move forward in getting harmful products out of sight and improve the items in the school lunch line. The Act also provides for an expansion of after-school meals for at-risk children for a meal, not just a snack. For the first time it appears that the USDA will be able to impact the foods in line with nutritional standards and see that high fats and high sugars are items of a bygone period that should never have existed in the first place. It is shameful that regulations which govern what can be sold on school grounds have not been updated in 30 years!LetsMove-Small

With the cooperation of companies such as Coke, Mars, Nestle, and Pepsi, schools will be able to move children forward into healthier eating behaviors. Some of these companies have already taken steps to remove targeted items from school vending machines. It takes this type of cooperation from food companies and overall food industry players to impact the needed changes. Since over 2/3 of the states have limited or non-existent food nutrition standards, this type of Congressional action comes none too soon. With the expected passage of the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Bill, junk food will remain in the junk pile and not in the lunch line.

Out of sight; out of mind. We have wasted years and calories. The time has come.

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Enjoy Your Drinks

Mar 18

Posted by admin in beverages, health

gapacWith Spring just ready to pop onto our calendars, we stand ready with our straws to welcome the change in many of our beverages. We are at the beginning of iced tea and iced coffee season. Yes, I know some of us adhere to iced beverages regardless of the season, but for many Spring is the “official” opening day for iced beverages. You want the drink to stay at the right intensity and not quickly turn into a watery, negative experience; so use a good, sturdy cup and grab a straw. Here’s some exciting news that’s easy to enjoy.

It’s unofficial but McDonald’s seems to be moving toward a summer $1 beverage promotion. Some locations may consider opting in sooner, but that’s an on-the-go price that’s hard to ignore. Stay tuned.

You want some good news sooner than Summertime, how about next Tuesday? Score a double win: Starbucks will be offering free pastries (up until 10:30 A) on the 23rd with a beverage (a handcrafted one) purchase. You need the coupon, so print away. Before you panic about the bad news in the pastries, remember these are free of high fructose corn syrup and are without artificial trans fats. Sounds like you can treat yourself.

Dunkin’ Donut Mondays continue until the end of the month.

As a further incentive, there’s the health news that validates our love affair with coffee and tea:

–A European study further supports the power of multiple cups of coffee daily in reducing cholesterol numbers and lowering the risk of getting Type 2 diabetes.

–A new study out of Japan lends support to the health benefits in green tea. This time the beneficiary is improved dental health. The health benefits of green tea seem to inhibit a rise in periodontal problems.

So your choice. Hot or cold, these beverages line up with good deals.

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Food News Wrap Up

Mar 7

Posted by admin in food recalls, health, news

Not only has it been a crazy, busy week in the food world, some of the issues are still front burner items. The hydrolyzed vegetable protein recall for fear of Salmonella has not been resolved. More companies are submitting recall notices. Be vigilant. Pay attention.

Food labels: The FDA has had a busy week with the various recalls and its announcement that it will be spending more time scrutinizing those so-called healthy food labels. We often grab food with a banner notation indicating its healthy properties. The FDA wants proof that these claims are accurate and not just marketing strategies. They promise to get tough on misleading labels. Time to understand a label and not just give it a quick once-over: Watch for saturated fat and sugar.

In other health news:

–Chocolate: A Harvard study says enjoying a few pieces of dark chocolate daily may lessen the possibility of certain types of strokes.

–Potassium-rich foods: Also related to issues of preventing strokes, foods that are high in potassium (potatoes, bananas, avocados, and leafy greens, for example) helped lower the risk for stroke and coronary heart disease. Sounds like a reminder to eat fruits and vegetables.

–Metal cans and BPA: Several environmental and scientific groups have called for the immediate banning of metal cans for their various health risks. Tests indicate higher BPA levels than originally expected and fears of overall exposure has heightened attention to this issue.

–Dieting. An Israeli study found that weight-loss diets, whether Mediterranean, low-fat, or low-carb, help reverse atherosclerosis. The probable benefit of these diets comes from reduced blood pressure. Great news. The type of diet is not as critical as the fact that one diets!

–Lessen salt intake. Now that’s a shocker! A government study found that billions of health dollars could be saved if salt intake could be reduced by 10 %. They are trying to get the food industry to understand the overall implications and get them to hold back on salting up foods. When dining in we can get a tighter grip on the shaker.

–Milk allergies. A simple blood test may determine if young children are allergic to all milk products or if they can tolerate heated milk. Knowing the severity of the allergy would make it easier in determining the safest foods. The test is not yet available, but it is definitely one to watch.

As with most weeks, it is fun to end on a good news coffee note. Several studies presented at the recent American Heart Association conference found good news in the coffee department! Coffee drinkers had a lower risk of getting heart rhythm problems. Another study found no link between coffee intake and atherosclerosis. The third significant study found that women who consume multiple cups of coffee daily had a lower risk of getting type 2 diabetes!3can_fine_200x135

Healthy coffee or coffee health: Works for me.

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Eating Healthy

Mar 2

Posted by admin in health, lifestyle

Something happened on the roll-up to the month of March. Maybe it was the unusual weather extremes that plagued all parts of the country. Maybe it was the bad economic news and the long list of woes affecting the general population. Whatever the exact cause, one fact is clear: All the healthy eating kick-off promotions that are normally part of the January lifestyle alerts went nowhere. February was a long month of a blur, and now look where we are.

Whole Foods has decided to take its healthy message up a notch. Not that this is the first time this year they have focused their staff and customers on strategies to improve their healthy lifestyle, but this time the emphasis is on the Whole Body section of the store (and online) withe the emphasis on edfucating customers with lectures and podcasts to promote healthy energy. The philosophy focuses on an energy boost with good nutrition and smart shopping. BTW, whatever Whole Foods has done recently has positively improved their bottom line: They are a healthier company.

Fresh Direct is making it easier for NY shoppers who are already time-stressed to get on the health bandwagon. The online grocer with its commitment to farm-fresh foods just introduced a free app that’s compatible with the iPhone and the iPod touch to let customers create new orders or modify current ones. New customers will love this incentive as they’ll receive a 15% savings on their first two orders by signing up with the company and then using the app. That works.

Wegmans continues to expand its healthy eating selections under the category of “Food You Feel Good About.” Sub-categories include meals under 500 calories. There are various commonsense tips and strategies (that are worth reminding us) such as fill up half your plate with fruit and vegetables.principle3_Large

Spring’s official start is still 3 weeks away and swimsuit parading is months from then. Take advantage of the promotions, shop smart and join the health brigade. No matter the grocer or the chain, the emphasis is the same: We can all take advantage of strategies to improve our shopping experience and improve our overall health.

The advice is readily available and free. Now it’s up to us to follow it and eat healthy.

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Tea Party Leaves

Feb 24

Posted by admin in dining out, food universe, health

OK, got ya at the newly resurrected “tea party” language. That usage is of different importance; mine is of a true tea party with a beautiful spread of little sandwiches and sweets and a lovely floral cup and saucer presentation. Does not have to be that particular place setting, but the look is important, it lends dignity to the event. If you have never hosted a tea party, or even attended one, nothing is more trendy now: The good old fashioned food and beverage one.

In this stressed-out society with the economy still in neutral, we look for ways to entertain and dine out in fun, affordable ways. Sitting down to a tea event is one such way to take a break and breathe a sigh of reality relief. Check out your local, upper tier hotels, or one of the many tea stores that have literally popped up throughout the country for an elegant, fun afternoon.teafairmont

While you’re cupping and sipping, let’s add another health note to the mix. A lot has been written about green tea and its healthy antioxidants. Another study just demonstrated the power of this pour in staving off glaucoma. That’s a serious eye disease that seems to be lessened by drinking green tea.

A final tea caveat for today: Go for whole leaf teas when you purchase them. That’s the purest form of tea so any benefits one could derive would not be mitigated by a collection of chopped up tea that has lost its potency.

Enjoy the tea party.

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Food News to Use

Feb 7

Posted by admin in champagne, chocolate, health

After this interminable weekend of never-ending snow, there are still so many loose ends of information. Here are some thoughts to ponder and facts to know.

With the renewed scare and emphasis on BPA and the continual cry that plastic bottles harm our environment, there is some good news. Several bottled waters now use less plastic than they did even a few years ago. Dasani from Coke is testing a bottle made from more plant materials, and Aquafina (Pepsi) has dropped its plastic use by over 50% in the past 8 years. The same is true for the popular eco-shaped holder bottle from Nestle which has reduced its plastic content by 1/4 since it was originally launched in ‘07. Less is good.

If you’ve been wondering how healthy hot chocolate is as you’ve been consuming it with great relish during this especially cold winter, there’s good news. Nestle celebrates the Groundhog’s prediction of 6 continuing weeks of winter by introducing four new flavors of hot chocolate that have less sugar and are supplemented with nutrients. Hot chocolate drinks: No problem.darkcocoa

Fish oil again makes headlines with the newest study from Austria pointing out its potential in staving off schizophrenia in young people who already exhibit a degree of mental illness. Researchers believe that the fatty acids in fish oil help repair brain cells. This type of report hopefully will encourage other mental health researchers to examine the potential benefits from fish oil, a product that has made heart-healthy headlines for years!

Another hopeful glimmer of health news comes from a study of acai berries. The study shows that this berry, which has made major beverage inroads, will lessen some signs of aging and counteract many of the detrimental factors from high amounts of fats in our diets.

As we continue to search out more organic products, a disturbing report from the USDA found that fewer than 1 percent of all American farms are organic. An initial roadblock for many farmers is the necessary certification procedures, costs, and requirements of converting the land to certified organic. Hopefully, there is money in the Ag Dept budget to increase the number of farms to meet the growing interest as this small percentage manages to generate over $3 billion in sales. That certainly demonstrates support! Consumers feel confident with organic foods.

Good news for restaurants with the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday. Several market research studies found that restaurants will benefit from the double positive: The holiday falls on a Sunday and is part of a three-day weekend. Let me add another factor: Cabin Fever. The East Coast has been hit by multiple weekend snow storms that have shut down many restaurants and made major roads impassable. Let’s celebrate next weekend as a dining out event! Reservations now.

Besides restaurants coaxing you out for V-Day, there are no shortage of new chocolate products to sweeten the deal. Don’t forget a sparkler or go for a true Champagne. Plenty of choices. Grocers are actively pursuing those who prefer the quiet luxury of a special home-cooked meal. They can meet you halfway by their large selection of prepared foods to help you lessen your kitchen time.

Eat healthy; dine well.

Dig out.

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Heart Month and Wine

Feb 6

Posted by admin in President Obama, health, news

It’s truly appropriate in this month of love, V-Day time, to focus on our hearts and have heart-healthy discussions. The month has been designated as American Heart Month. Plenty of foods qualify as heart-healthy and exercise regimes are well focused on their benefits to the heart. It’s also a perfect time to talk about wine and its benefits and find the affordable, drinkable wines that please your palate.

Consider this: Wine prices continue to drop as more distributors have become knowledgeable about less expensive wines. Is the Cabernet rush over? Some would say it has been toned down considerably for its price escalation and our newly-found interest in the under $20 and under $10 bins. Have you seen the latest strategy: Plenty of 2nd label wines are appearing in our markets and are filling up consumer carts as they are averaging $7. Hard to beat a price like that for an everyday drinkable product! If you don’t believe me, study the crowds at Trader Joe’s filling their baskets with $4.99 bottles!fuerzamalbec

Yes, the California Cab has proven an expensive luxury for many while European and South American wines are having a front row seat at the wine bar.

Time to take care of your heart. Enjoy the requisite number of fruits and vegetables, eat the right proteins, choose fats carefully, and take out your favorite glass.

Wine works wonders to soothe the soul and keep the heart healthy.

Salud.

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