Tuesday, September 11

Eat More Veggies!

Eat More Veggies!!

Beet-and-Apple Soup
Simmer 6 peeled and cut-up medium beets, 1 onion, cut up, and 1 garlic clove in 4 cups unsweetened apple juice 25 minutes; puree in a blender. Add 3 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Swirl each serving with 1 Tablespoon sour cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Shredded Beets with Orange Zest
Peel and shred 6 medium beets in a food processor. Sauté in 1 Tablespoon butter with 1 grated garlic clove and 1 teaspoon grated orange zest, partially covered, 8 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh chives. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Lemon-Basil Beet Salad (pictured)
Peel and slice 6 medium cooked beets; fan on a serving platter. Top with 3 Tablespoon olive oil and 2 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Add 2 large fresh basil leaves, julienned, plus more for garnish, and 2 slices red onion, separated into rings. Add curls of Parmesan. Season to taste with salt and pepper. ...more

Air Fresheners: Something Rotten in the Air?

In recent years, sales of air fresheners—especially plug-in air fresheners—have soared. But while sales are up, so are complaints from people who are exposed to the scents at home, at work, in public places, and in the homes of family and friends.

Not-So-Pleasant Scents

Curiosity about anecdotal reports of negative responses to synthetic scents prompted University of Washington professor Anne Steinemann to conduct two epidemiological studies about air fresheners. Each time, she asked more than 1,000 people if they suffered from any adverse health effects, such as respiratory problems and headaches, after breathing in air fresheners.

The results were striking: In the first study, more than 17 percent of the general population and 29 percent of asthmatics said they experienced health problems following exposure to an air freshener. In the second study, reports of problems were 20 percent and 37 percent respectively. ...more

Thursday, September 6

8 Foods You Should Eat Every Day

It sometimes seems as if the internal politics of Baghdad are easier to sort through than the latest thinking on nutrition. So here's the simple answer: Just eat these eight foods--along with a little protein such as salmon, turkey, or lean steak--every day. And relax. Let our all-star panel of doctors, scientists, nutritionists, and chefs tell you why and show you how.
By Ben Hewitt, Best Life

1. Spinach

Sexual enhancement, Muscle growth, Heart healthy, Bone builder, Enhances eyesight

It may be green and leafy, but spinach is also the ultimate man food. This noted biceps builder is a rich source of plant-based omega-3s and folate, which help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. Bonus: Folate also increases blood flow to the penis. And spinach is packed with lutein, a compound that fights age-related macular degeneration. Aim for 1 cup fresh spinach or 1/2 cup cooked per day.

SUBSTITUTES: Kale, bok choy, romaine lettuce

FIT IT IN: Make your salads with spinach; add spinach to scrambled eggs; drape it over pizza; mix it with marinara sauce and then microwave for an instant dip.

PINCH HITTER: Sesame Stir-Braised Kale Heat 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger, and 1 tsp. sesame oil in a skillet. Add 2 Tbsp. water and 1 bunch kale (stemmed and chopped). Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Drain. Add 1 tsp. soy sauce and 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds. ...more