The complex carbohydrates found in vegetables, grains, and fruits are good for you; the simple sugars found in sodas, candies, icings, and packaged treats can do harm, at least when eaten in excess. It’s as simple as that. Here’s why: Excess sugar depresses immunity. Studies have shown that downing 75 to 100 grams of a […]
The good news about the link between body chemistry and cravings is that there are other ways to stimulate the release of your well-being hormones and to keep them at steady levels. Here are some suggestions: 1. Exercise regularly. One of the healthiest ways to experience better living through better brain chemistry is to exercise […]
The seven secrets of soy are just a few of the reasons more Americans are trading their sirloin for soy foods. A nutrient-dense food. Few foods contain as much nutritional bang for the buck as this bountiful bean. Ounce for ounce, calorie for calorie, the soybean gets top-billing as a rich source of protein, unsaturated […]
Libraries of information exist about vitamins, but phytonutrients are newcomers to the health-food table. There is currently a sort of phyto information war going on. On the one side, pill- makers are trying to package and promote phytonutrient supplements as the new magic cure-all. On the other side, researchers are trying to determine scientifically just […]
Here’s our list of favorite nuts, ranked by their nutrient density. These varieties contain the most protein, fiber, B-vitamins, calcium, minerals, and vitamin E for the least amount of saturated fat: Almonds Filberts (hazelnuts) Peanuts Chestnuts Pistachios Walnuts Cashews Pecans Macadamias Almonds. Our “Top Nut” award goes to the almond. Here are the main nutrients […]
Praise for Peanut Butter! Could life go on without peanut butter? Yes, but not as pleasurably. Not only is peanut butter a nutrient-dense food, it is one that most children enjoy. Parents like its convenience. Two tablespoons of peanut butter, the usual amount for filling a peanut butter and jelly sandwich contains: • 8.5 grams […]
Peanut butter isn’t the only kind of nutbutter you can spread on your whole-wheat bread. Try some variety. • Almond butter is more nutrient-dense than peanut butter. It contains half the amount of saturated fat, less salt (usually), and eight times as much calcium. Peanut butter, however, contains twice as much protein and four times […]
Seeds have nutritional profiles similar to nuts, because, after all, nuts are seeds. One ounce of hulled sunflower seeds (one medium-size handful) offers: • 165 calories • 5.5 grams of protein • 14 grams of fat (90 percent saturated) • 3 grams of fiber • 2 milligrams of niacin (10 percent of the DV) • […]
Did you ever wonder why grains received top-billing (or would it be bottom-billing?) in the USDA’s food pyramid? Pure and simply, grains are great foods. Grains are also the world’s most plentiful food and enjoy first place in the diet of nearly every culture, except perhaps fish-loving Eskimos. What makes grains so good? Around two-thirds […]
In comparing bread ingredient labels, use the same judgment tip we mentioned in comparing yogurt labels: the shorter the ingredient list, the better the bread. The most nutritious bread may be made from only whole wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt, with possibly a touch of molasses and honey, or the addition of other “whole” […]
No matter how you slice it, whole wheat bread is more nutritious than white because whole wheat bread contains the following: nearly one-third more protein three to four times the amount of fiber four times more zinc more folic acid more iron more chromium (an important mineral which regulates sugar and fat metabolism, especially important […]
Next to wheat, oats are the most popular grain found in breads and cereal, such as granola and muesli. While oats are nutritionally similar to whole wheat, the oat kernel has not been taken apart like the unfortunate wheat, so oats are often nutritionally superior to some forms of wheat. If you see the word […]
