To Your Health

WASHINGTON (Reuters) — An apple a day really does keep the doctor away,
thanks to strong antioxidants that fight cell damage, U.S. researchers reported Tuesday.

Rat brain cells exposed to the antioxidant — in this case quercetin — resisted damage
 much better than those not treated, the team at Cornell University in New York found.

Antioxidants are compounds that counteract the damage done by chemicals known as
free radicals — generated by sunlight, chemical reactions and the stress of day-to-day living.

The researchers say their study adds strength to the theory that the risk of developing
Alzheimer’s and similar brain diseases might be reduced by eating plenty of fresh fruits
and vegetables.

Writing in the December 1 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the
Cornell team said they soaked rat brain cells in either quercetin or vitamin C — another
 potent antioxidant.

The cells were then exposed to hydrogen peroxide to mimic the type of oxidative cell damage
that is believed to occur with Alzheimer’s disease.

Brain cells that were treated with quercetin had significantly less damage than the cells treated
with vitamin C and cells that were not treated with antioxidants.

"On the basis of serving size, fresh apples have some of the highest levels of quercetin when
compared to other fruits and vegetables and may be among the best food choices for fighting 
Alzheimer’s," C.Y. Lee,  a professor and chairman of the Department of Food Science & Technology
 at Cornell University, who  led the study, said in a statement.

"People should eat more apples, especially fresh ones," he added.

Lee said the skins of apples contain the highest levels of quercetin so juice is not necessarily
the best source.

In general, red apples tend to have more of the antioxidant than green or yellow ones, he said.
Other foods high in quercetin include onions, blueberries and cranberries.
———————————————————————————————-
Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/11/17/health.apples.reut/index.html 
————————————————————————————————
Copyright 2004 Reuters. All rights reserved.
 
 
 

October is Organic Harvest month, so now is a perfect time to explore
organic foods.

What makes a food organic?

Organic food is produced without dangerous pesticides, added growth
hormones or antibiotics. Foods that are certified organic carry the USDA
Organic seal.

Is organic food better for you?

Preliminary studies show that organic fruits and vegetables may have higher
 levels of antioxidants, but there is no proof yet that organic food is more
nutritious.

When you look at what isn’t in organic food you can really see why it’s better.

By eating organic foods you minimize your intake of pesticides and other
potentially  dangerous additives. Plus, organic food is produced in a way
that is healthier for the  environment and for farm animals.

Is organic food expensive?

Organic food often costs more, but the prices are coming down as it gets
more popular. And organic food is more convenient than ever- available at
 your regular supermarket. 

When you buy organic you are getting a premium food and an extra level
of assurance, which makes it is an excellent value. If cost is a big issue, you
don’t need to go completely organic, just choose the three or four items you
and your family eat most and try getting  organic varieties of those.

Getting Fit

Food and drink are usually the center attraction at social events, but you may be
surprised  how exciting it is to bring some activity to the table at your next gathering.

Instead of the usual dinner out, get the gang together to go bowling, roller skating
or dancing. You can also get everyone outdoors for a group bike ride, doubles
 tennis, or even organize  a softball or touch football game. These activities are sure
to get you laughing, bring you  closer  together, and help keep you fit.

Feeling Good

For an easy stress-buster you can do at your desk, try this stretch.  Sit in a chair and
slowly hang forward, letting your arms dangle loose.  Hold for five full deep breaths.
This “rag-doll” stretch helps release  tension from the spine, neck and shoulders, and i
ncreases blood flow  to the brain.

Until next time, take care.

And remember…it’s all about balance. 
 
Ellie Krieger, a registered dietitian and founder of In Balance,  has been a personal
nutrition counselor for more than 10 years. 
Visit Ellie’s website at http://www.EllieKrieger.com

The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to
investigate the latest outbreak, which is thought to be linked to produce
contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.

Reports of illness peaked in late September; health officials believe the
 outbreak is now over.

To reduce the risk of foodborne illness from fresh produce, the FDA recommends:
Excerpt read full article at:  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15533458/

1. WHEN buying fresh produce, avoid items that are bruised or damaged.

2. BAG fresh fruits and vegetables separately from meat, poultry and seafood at the store.

3. STORING  in a clean refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler.

4. WARNING – All precut or peeled produce should be refrigerated within two (2) hours

5.  The FDA said "Pre-washed, bagged produce can be used without further washing, but it’s OK
to wash it again  before eating." (To Your Health Recommends that you WASH ALL FRESH FRUITS
AND VEGETABLE BEFORE USE).

6. ALWAYS wash hands with soap and water before and after handling fresh produce.

7. USE different utensils for fruit and vegetables and for raw meat, poultry or seafood.
 
8. WASH cutting boards, counter tops, dishes and utensils with hot water and soap after preparing
raw meat, poultry and seafood if they’re to be used to prepare produce eaten raw.

9. CUTTING boards and counter tops can be cleaned periodically with a solution of one teaspoon of
 chlorine bleach to one quart of water.

10. PLASTIC cutting boards can be washed in the dishwasher.

READ FULL ARTICLE:  URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15533458/
© 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.