Better "Junk Food" Snacks

I don't know that I would say that their suggestions are "good for you", but these are definitely better choices if looking for a junk food fix.  As with any foods, moderation is the key.  Enjoy!

Dr. Heller

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5 Junk Foods That Are Good for You

All junk foods have the reputation for being — well, junk — but some are actually good for you. Are there really junk foods you can eat without feeling guilty? Yes. Some foods that have been put under the "junk" label or "no-no's" for the health conscious deserve a second look. Keep reading as Newsmax Health searches out foods that you can enjoy tonight ... without guilt. 

• Beef jerky. Although beef jerky has gotten it's "bad" food label due to preservatives, it's actually loaded with protein. As an added bonus, it won't raise insulin levels, making it an ideal snack. And while it's true that some beef jerky is loaded with both preservatives and salt, you can find all-natural versions that have no preservatives and less salt. You can even find brands made with grass-fed beef (instead of grain), which will give you a bonus of heart-healthy omega-3 fats.

• Chocolate. Numerous studies have shown that dark chocolate (which contains at least 60 percent cocoa) is rich in antioxidants called flavonoids. German researchers found that eating only one square of dark chocolate a week lowered the risk of heart attack and stroke by 39 percent, and another study found that people who ate the equivalent of a small chocolate bar each week reduced their risk of dying following a stroke by 46 percent. Among other health benefits, chocolate has also been found to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, fight wrinkles, and boost mood. 

• Popcorn. Popcorn, which is actually a whole-grain product, is packed with antioxidants called polyphenols. A study at the University of Scranton found that popcorn — based on the average American diet — has more antioxidants than most people eat in a day. Just avoid popcorn loaded with butter and other oils and choose air-popped corn, which has only 30 calories a cup. "Popcorn may be the perfect snack food," said Joe Vinson, a chemist at the University of Scranton. “It’s the only snack that is 100 percent whole grain.” 

• Beer. An Italian analysis of 16 studies found that people who drank about a pint of beer daily reduced their risk of heart disease by 31 percent. Also, beer is high in silicone, which helps prevent bone loss and may even help rebuild bones in younger men and women. Researchers at Tufts University found that beer drinkers had a higher bone density than those who didn't drink. Warning: Don't tuck into a six-pack. Both studies found that people who overindulged increased their risk of both heart disease and bone loss. 

• Chips. Baked chips, whether potato or corn, don't have any added oil and are often made from whole grains, which are great for heart health. They also often contain added spices, which zap up the taste and are also great for your health. Baked potato chips are good sources of potassium and vitamin C, and corn chips contain phosphorus, manganese, vitamin B6, and vitamin E.

Newsmaxhealth.com  Monday, August 27, 2012 4:25 PM

Squash: for your health

Pumpkins and squash dishes are not just for family, holiday dinners anymore. 

New studies indicate that squash could be an important part of your healthy diet as reported in a UPI release.

“Squash includes both winter and summer varieties, some examples include, zucchini from the summer and butternut, buttercup, acorn, pumpkin and kabocha from winter,” Phil Lempert, a food industry analyst, trend watcher and creator of supermarketguru.com, said in a statement.

Although squash is mostly starchy carbohydrates, studies show it also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties.  Squash is classified as a fruit, but many consider it a vegetable for cooking/meal purposes.  

Squash contains vitamin C, potassium, fiber, manganese and folate, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins and copper.   Sqaush also contains carotenoids, including lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin, which give many squash its signature orange color and are good for eye health.

Even though it taste best in a pie with whipped topping or ice cream, for full health benefits you might consider baked squash, or sautéed or diced squash on a salad through the rest of the year.

For your better health,
Dr. Heller 



Image courtesy of nuchylee / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Beware of Soda Consumption

According to the National Soft Drink Association (NSDA), consumption of soft drinks is now over 600 12-ounce servings (12 oz.) per person per year. Since the late 1970`s the soft drink consumption in the United States has doubled for females and tripled for males. The group with highest consumption is males between the ages of 12 - 29; they average 1/2 gallon a day or 160 gallons a year.

 Doctors, nutritionists and health clinics urge us to take control of our soft drink consumption to improve our health. It is highly recommended that each of us drink 6-8 glasses of water each day to keep your body well hydrated. Proper hydration of internal organs enables them to function properly, removing waste and toxins from the body. Hydration of the skin keeps it with good elasticity and will help keep you looking younger longer. Water is the best way to quench your thirst and keeping your body healthy.

 The graphic below shows the numerous negative impacts of soft drinks on the body.  If you have difficulty reading the graphic simply hold down the "ctrl" key and tap the "+" key" to zoom in.

Gluten Free Living

It seems that every year I learn of more people with Celiac disease also know as gluten enteropathy or gluten intolerance.  If you have difficulty tolerating gluten, you may experience chronic diarrhea, bloating in your abdomen, consistent weight loss, pain in your bones or a feeling of weakness.

A gluten-free diet is essential for people with Celiac disease, whose small intestine becomes inflamed after eating gluten containing food. It is believed that one in 133 Americans have Celiac disease.   I personally feel that the rise in occurrence of this condition is due to the repeated assault of our body's systems.  The indiscriminate use of antibiotics, the presence of hormones and pesticides in our food supply, the exposure to genetically modified foodstuffs among others.

Your doctor may suggest a gluten-free diet if you demonstrate that you have intolerance to gluten, or if your immune system reacts when you eat foods containing gluten.  A gluten free diet is not without its challenges since the major culprit is wheat products.  Wheat flour is found in the vast majority of our foods.  Read packaging labels, it is a real eye opener.

So what can you do if your doctor has told you or you just suspect that maybe you might have gluten intolerance?  This brief article gives some simple, basic suggestions to Going Gluten Free.

Until later!

For your better health,

Dr. Heller