Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Top 10 Anti-Cancer Food

I received this in my email in November 2005.  It's about 6yrs now.  That means had been using my email add about that year. Loyalty.  I also want to share this to all my blog readers. This might help especially nowadays that we are in a world of instant food.  People are busy with work and not much to cook the right food that are healthy. I don't say ALL but most of us, right? NO? Any reactions? Just leave a comment :)

Source: Consumerline by Ching M. Alano
The Phil. Star, 10.04.2005
 

Cancer.  The mere mention of the word makes us shrink in fear. It's like a death sentence. It's the leading cause of death in the United States, overtaking heart disease. But take heart, recent statistics show a decline in the incidence of both diseases. Now, that's heartening news! And the American Cancer Society reports that half of all these cancer deaths can be prevented by adopting a healthier lifestyle (assuming you already lead a healthy one). Now, that's doubly heartening news! Opting for a healthier (and heartier) lifestyle means you should stop smoking, lose weight, exercise, and eat more antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, according to a recent article published in Healthy Options lifestyle newsdigest.

For starters, let's get to know more about the top 10 anti-cancer foods.
Take this list (and please take them often):

1) Tomatoes.
You probably know that tomatoes are oozing with lycopene, which helps ward off the free radicals associated with lung and digestive cancers as well as prostate, ovarian and lung cancers. Lycopene is also found in watermelon and pink grapefruit.

2)
Broccoli sprouts. For a veggie that's so small you can hold it with one hand, this one's got a fistful of antioxidant benefits that last for days. In the same family of cruciferous vegetables are broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage. Their sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol protect against prostate, bladder, colon, pancreatic, gastric, breast, and other hormone-related cancers. Indeed, it's the ultimate baby vegetable, baby!

3) Berries.
Blueberries, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, cranberries, and grapes are all berry-rich in anthocyanins that help repair and protect DNA.

4) Soybeans.
They're soy-good for your health as they've got isoflavones (like genistein) that prevent – and treat – prostate cancer. Soybeans may also reduce breast cancer risk. Soy is truly beanificial to our health!

5) Tea.
Tea – make that green and black – is steeped in powerful compounds that, according to countless studies, may lower the risk of several types of cancer. Care for tea?

6) Pumpkin.
This Halloween symbol – and Cinderella's chariot – has magical powers indeed. But not too many know that this superfood is a super-rich source of beta-carotene and alpha-carotene, two carotenoids that work hard to fight lung and ovarian cancers. Also rich in carotenoids are carrots, yams, squash, melons, and sweet red peppers.

7) Spinach.
Aye, aye, Popeye was right – spinach's a-okay. Its active antioxidant – lutein – may even help KO cancers of the liver, ovaries, colon, and prostate. Lutein is also found in kale and other leafy greens.

8) Garlic.
The allium family, to which garlic belongs, works to boost the body's antioxidant defense systems to protect against stomach, esophageal, and breast cancers. Meet the other members of the family: scallions and onions. Truly, in onion, there is strength.

9) Pineapple.
This pine cone-like fruit with its coveted sweet pulp contains an anti-inflammatory enzyme – bromelain – that may inhibit the growth of malignant lung and breast cancer cells.

10) Apple.
Yes, there's a mouthful of wisdom in the saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Studies show that quercetin – a flavonoid abundant in apples – prevents the growth of prostate cancer cells. The phytochemicals in the skin of an apple inhibits the reproduction of colon cancer cells. According to the National Cancer Institute, eating an apple a day may reduce the risk of lung cancer by as much as 50 percent. Excuse me while I bite into my apple.
A cupful of warning
If you're an instant noodle lover, please read this quickly before you chow down your next bowlful or cupful: Make sure you break for at least three days after eating instant noodles before you eat your next packet because the wax coating the noodles takes at least two days for the body to clear. The wax prevents the noodles from sticking together. One story has it that one steward, after eating instant noodles almost every meal, had cancer and eventually died of it. Which is why some even refer to instant noodles as "cancer noodles."
 

Friday, September 2, 2011

Delicious Dishes Include Almonds

Quinoa Pilaf with Almonds and Apricots

(Family Features) Outdoor entertaining typically means backyard barbecues, but to Food Network star and registered dietitian Ellie Krieger it also means using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create delicious, wholesome meals that also include almonds.
"Anyone can learn to cook and feel their best by getting to know what's available at their local markets, then adding a little creativity and a handful of almonds," says Krieger. "It's easy to incorporate almonds in all their forms into delicious, seasonal dishes that are sure to please party-goers."
Almonds aren't just perfect for party menus, but are tasty in a variety of dishes and snacks, making every bite memorable. For example, mixing toasted sliced or slivered almonds with whole grains, dried fruit and fresh herbs creates a simple yet sophisticated side dish with a nutty flavor and unmistakable crunch.

It Doesn't Have to Feel Routine

Incorporating versatile almonds into everyday meals is easy:
  • Mix toasted slivered almonds with whole grains such as quinoa, rice or couscous.
  • Crushed almonds make a crunchy, delicious coating on baked fish, chicken and other meats.
  • Enjoy in a breakfast yogurt parfait with fresh fruit.
  • Use almond milk when whipping up your favorite shake or smoothie.
  • Toss chopped almonds into your favorite brownie or cookie batter.
  • Carry whole natural almonds in your car, purse or gym bag for snacking.
Developed for Almond Board of California, this flavorful pilaf is a delicious accompaniment to grilled or roasted meat and poultry, and adaptable to any season. The recipe works well with any kind of whole grain, from brown rice to bulgur. The toasted almonds enhance the grain's nuttiness and lend a satisfying crunch.
Raisins or chopped figs work well as a substitute for the apricots. Watch a video of Ellie preparing this flavorful dish, along with other delicious recipes, at the Almond Board's You Tube channel, or at www.AlmondBoard.com.

Quinoa Pilaf with Almonds and Apricots


Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup quinoa
  • 1 1/3 cup water
  • 1/3 cup slivered almonds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, plus more to taste
Preparation
  1. If quinoa is not pre-rinsed, place in fine mesh strainer and rinse under tap. Put quinoa and water in medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, then cover and cook until liquid is absorbed and grain is tender, 12-15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, toast slivered almonds in dry skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, 5-7 minutes. Transfer almonds to small dish.
  3. Heat oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and they begin to brown, about 6 minutes. Stir in allspice and cook 30 seconds more.
  4. When quinoa is done fluff with a fork and transfer to large serving bowl. Stir in almonds, onion mixture, apricots, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Serves
Yields 4 servings; Serving size: 3/4 cup
Calories:263gTotal Fat:11.40g
Cholesterol:0mgProtein:8.08g
Carbohydrates:34.60gSodium:159.90mg

SOURCE:
Almond Board of California

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Hurry Up and...Eat Right?



Giving Turkey a Whirl

(Family Features) With everything on your "To Do" list this fall, it may seem as though there's not enough time to eat right or stay fit. But, eating right and living a healthy lifestyle actually enable you to cross all those items off your "To Do" list!
      
The good news is that a few small changes to your diet and activity level can have a huge impact on your ability to tackle a busy day. The Laughing Cow has enlisted the advice of four experts in the fields of nutrition, food and fitness to share their advice on how to stay fit, happy and healthy this fall, no matter how busy you become.
 
Easy steps to a fit fall
"If your office or school is close enough to your home, try walking or biking to work or school once or twice a week to keep your metabolism up," said Patricia Bannan, registered dietitian and author of "Eat Right When Time Is Tight."

As for getting motivated to exercise routinely, Sarah Dussault, certified personal trainer and founder of SarahFit.com, advises, "It's easy to stay motivated when you have a finish line in sight. Sign up for a 5K for workout inspiration and to reaffirm your commitment to a healthier you. The scheduled race will increase your ambition when it comes to lacing up your sneakers before or after a long day."

Snacking to success
Fall is a hectic time for most families and that can mean grabbing food on the go.  Making good snack choices can give you the boost you need to get through a hectic day.
"Portion-controlled snacks are perfect for satisfying a craving, and keeping hunger levels steady when reducing overall calorie intake," said Dussault.
Bannan shared her top tip for being snack savvy, "Keep a stash of The Laughing Cow Light Cheese Wedges on hand for a quick and healthy snack when hunger hits. Feel free to pair them with pretzel sticks or crackers from the school or office vending machines."
Veronica Noon, healthy living blogger behind GreenLiteBites, RonisWeigh and BlogToLose, added, "My latest fun snacking tip: Put 2 tablespoons of unpopped popcorn kernels in the bottom of a small brown lunch bag. Fold the top close and pop in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. VoilĂ  - your very own 100-calorie pack."

Keep it up!
"You make thousands of choices each day. Living a healthy lifestyle means making the best decisions possible 90 percent of the time. You are the only one who will determine the amount of activity you get, the nutritious food you'll enjoy, the attitude you present, and the overall healthy lifestyle you'll commit to," said Sarah Kay Hoffman, blogger and self-proclaimed digitally addicted country girl with a foodie-fitness flare.

Get more tips and find tasty, satisfying recipes at www.thelaughingcow.com. In the meantime, brighten up your usual packed lunch with this delicious sandwich recipe.

Giving Turkey a Whirl


Ingredients
  • 2 whole wedges The Laughing Cow Light Swiss Original Cheese
  • 1 whole 10-inch flour or flavored tortilla wrap
  • 1 teaspoon honey mustard
  • 2 slices smoked turkey
  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or arugula
  • 1/2 whole apple or pear, sliced thin
Preparation
  1. Spread wedges over tortilla wrap, covering evenly. Top with honey mustard, smoked turkey, lettuce and apple or pear. Roll up tightly, tucking in ends of tortilla. If necessary, secure with toothpick.
Serves
Serves 2




SOURCE:
The Laughing Cow