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Đang hiển thị bài đăng từ Tháng 8, 2015

What's lurking in YOUR salad? Experts warn prewashed spinach still contains 90% of its bacteria and can cause food poisoning

Health experts have warned against eating pre-washed spinach. They say commercial washing techniques fails to remove 90% of the bacteria. Small peaks and valleys in baby spinach leaves could be a key reason why there have been numerous bacterial outbreaks involving leafy green vegetables, they say. Greens are washed by commercial processes before they head to the grocery store.  But these methods, which can include water and bleach rinses or irradiation, are not completely effective, says Nichola Kinsinger of the University of California. She says scientists have estimated that 99 percent of food-borne illnesses from leafy greens can be traced back to disinfection issues.  'In a sense the leaf is protecting the bacteria and allowing it to spread,' said Nichola Kinsinger, a post-doctoral researcher working with Sharon Walker, a professor of chemical and environmental engineering.  'It was surprising to discover how the leaf surface formed micro-environments t...

Five muscle groups that are too often ignored at the gym

Having a training plan is crucial. A plan keeps you focused, allows you to track your progress and gives you objective data to understand why you are, or are not, reaching your goals. However developing a strength routine can be stressful, intimidating and confusing. Too often people’s default program is cardio followed by a few push-ups and crunches. Alternatively, those who spend time in the weight room prioritize exercises such as bench press and shoulder press. Any activity at all is commendable, but the above exercises primarily train the front of the body and can contribute to a rounded posture and back and shoulder injuries. So, whether you’re a gym newbie, or have been training for years, make sure your plan is balanced. The five muscle groups below are a critical part of any plan, but are typically overlooked. Don’t be typical; train smart. 1. The posterior chain. This is also known as the back of your body, running from the back of your head to the back of your ...

How to keep your diet and fitness goals on track through summer

Making healthy choices during the summer can be a challenge. I get it – it just feels “right” to indulge while relaxing at the cottage or sitting on a patio. But it is possible to enjoy your summer and maintain a healthy lifestyle; it just takes mindfulness and advance planning. First, analyze where you are most likely to veer off track. Do you stop exercising any time your routine changes? Are you a social eater, or do you snack when you are alone? Do you use unhealthy food as an instant energy boost when you are tired or bored on road trips? Tailor your game plan to your individual needs; prepare for your trigger situations in advance. If you indulge while traveling when you’re unprepared and tend to grab something (anything!) Don’t let yourself fall into the trap of “having to” buy unhealthy snacks. Research healthier restaurants en route, or, better yet, pack a cooler full of nutritious snacks. For longer road trips, locate in advance the grocery stores you will pass. Stop...

7 guilt-free, cool ways to treat yourself during the Summer

Need a cold snack on a hot day? These treats are perfect ways to cool off, without the extra calories. Strawberries with Orange-Ricotta Cream Prepare the orange-ricotta cream early in the day; it is best served very cold over ripe strawberries. You'll have a half cup of the cheese mixture left over. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. 76 calories   Watermelon-feta skewers Ingredients: 5 watermelon balls, 5 (one-half inch) feta cheese cubes, and 5 mint leaves on 5 skewers 46 calories   Cranberry slushy Ingredients: One-half cup cranberry juice cocktail and 1 tsp fresh lime juice blended with 1 cup ice cubes   70 calories   Chilled cucumber soup Ingredients: 1 cup peeled, chopped cucumber, one-half cup plain nonfat yogurt, 1 TBSP chopped fresh mint, and a pinch of salt, blended with 3 ice cubes 79 calories Double mint infused water Recipe for a 46 oz carafe: 10 hand-torn, fresh mint leaves + 2 bags of mint tea, preferabl...

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What's lurking in YOUR salad? Experts warn prewashed spinach still contains 90% of its bacteria and can cause food poisoning

Health experts have warned against eating pre-washed spinach. They say commercial washing techniques fails to remove 90% of the bacteria. Small peaks and valleys in baby spinach leaves could be a key reason why there have been numerous bacterial outbreaks involving leafy green vegetables, they say. Greens are washed by commercial processes before they head to the grocery store.  But these methods, which can include water and bleach rinses or irradiation, are not completely effective, says Nichola Kinsinger of the University of California. She says scientists have estimated that 99 percent of food-borne illnesses from leafy greens can be traced back to disinfection issues.  'In a sense the leaf is protecting the bacteria and allowing it to spread,' said Nichola Kinsinger, a post-doctoral researcher working with Sharon Walker, a professor of chemical and environmental engineering.  'It was surprising to discover how the leaf surface formed micro-environments t...

Sweet News: Dark Chocolate May Prevent Obesity And Diabetes

If you’re going to munch on chocolate, choose dark chocolate. It’s something that has gained popularity as growing research points out the various health benefits of eating dark chocolate in moderation. Antioxidants and flavonoids make it so good Studies have shown that dark chocolate, which is rich in flavanols — a type of healthy antioxidant — can improve your cardiovascular system. Chocolate is also filled with other types of antioxidants and flavonoids , the latter of which are found in various fruits and vegetables. Flavanols are the main type of flavonoid in cocoa, and have been shown to improve vascular health by lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow to the brain and heart, as well as boosting the clotting properties of blood platelets. Not all chocolate is created equal In fact, that strong bitter taste in really dark chocolate comes from flavanols. That’s why processed chocolate — which goes through plenty of steps to reduce that bitter taste — is sweete...

SOUPS THAT CAN HELP WEIGHT LOSS IMPROVING SATIETY & BOOSTING METABOLISM

Soup is often listed as one of the foods it’s a good idea to add to your diet if you want to lose weight. But with so many different varieties to choose from, ranging from thin consommés to rich, creamy soups – not to mention myriad slimming soups from cabbage to crazy – many of us are left wondering what the best soup for weight loss is. Soup and weight loss: the scientific evidence Increasingly, research has revealed that consuming soup improves satiety (the feeling of fullness at the end of a meal) so that we eat less and take in fewer calories which is great for weight loss. Eating soup appears to be far more effective – and a whole lot tastier – than drinking a glass of water with a meal to help fill us up, the latter of which is often a top diet tip. In a study from Pennsylvania State University, researchers asked women to eat chicken casserole, chicken casserole with a glass of water, or chicken casserole with the same amount of water added to make a sou...