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15 Facts About Brussels Sprouts
2007-12-14 23:44:00
Brussels sprouts are native to northern Europe. They are part of the Brassica family of vegetables, which also includes cabbage, broccoli, kale, and collard greens. They get their name from the fact that they were widely cultivated around Brussels, Belgium during the 16th century. They were introduced to England and France in the 19th century. According to a 2002 survey, Brussels sprouts are the most hated vegetable in Britain. French settlers in Louisiana introduced Brussels sprouts to America in the 1800s. Commercial production began in 1925 on the Louisiana delta. By 1939, Brussels sprouts were being produced in central California. Today, almost all U.S. production of Brussels sprouts happens in California. Other top Brussels sprouts producers include Canada, The Netherlands, England, and Germany. Like broccoli and some other members of the Brassica family, Brussels sprouts contain something called sinigrin, a glucosinate that may prevent colon cancer according t...
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25 Facts About Celery
2007-12-12 23:06:00
Celery is a member of the carrot family. King Tut's tomb contained a shroud adorned with garlands of wild celery, olive leaves, willow, lotus petals, and cornflowers. In The Iliad by Homer, the horses of Myrmidons graze on lotus and wild celery (selinon as the Greeks called it). In the Odyssey by Homer, meadows of violet and wild celery surround Calypso's cave. Hippocrates described celery as a nerve soother. As far back as ancient Rome, celery was considered an aphrodisiac. Today, scientists know that celery contains androsterone, a pheromone released by men's sweat glands that attracts females. A recipe uncovered in Pompeii for a celery dessert called for roasting chopped celery in an oven and serving it with honey and ground pepper. Aulus Cornelius Celsus, writing around 30 AD, wrote about the use of celery seeds to relieve pain. The first recorded mention of celery in France was in 1623. 18th century French courtesan Madame de Pompadour, mistress of Louis XV, a...
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Dairy-free Spinach Ricotta Filling Recipe (Vegan)
2007-12-11 23:08:00
A lot of recipes call for a filling or stuffing of spinach and ricotta. Here's a recipe for a dairy-free, vegan spinach ricotta filling that can be used in lasagna, stuffed pasta shells, manicotti, and more. 2 c. fresh spinach, torn into small pieces 1 clove garlic, minced 2 T. olive oil 2 c. vegan ricotta (click for recipe) 1 tsp salt or to taste dash black pepper Directions Saute garlic in olive oil over low heat for about one minute. Add spinach, salt, and pepper and stir until spinach is wilted. Add ricotta and mix everything together.
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Dark Chocolate Frosting Recipe (Dairy free and Vegan)
2007-12-09 21:11:00
Who says you need milk or butter for a great frosting? This frosting is creamy and works great on brownies, cupcakes, or cake. 3 oz. semi-sweet dairy-free dark chocolate chips 2 tsp Earth Balance vegan butter (or brand of your choice) 1/4 c. water 2 cups powdered sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract Directions Melt chocolate chips and vegan butter over low heat. Add water. Stir in sugar slowly while mixing until it reaches a smooth, buttery consistency. Add the vanilla and stir. Let cool a bit before using.
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Dairy-Free Cottage Cheese (Vegan)
2007-12-09 00:56:00
This dairy-free cottage cheese is great in salads, with fruit, on bread, or all by itself. 14 oz. box medium firm or firm tofu 1 clove garlic, finely chopped or 1 tsp garlic powder 3 T. olive oil 1 tsp salt (or to taste) Mash tofu. Add all other ingredients. Continue mashing until it has a cottage cheese texture. Place in refrigerator to chill. Yields 2 cups. Related Content Vegan Ricotta Cheese
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16 Facts About Eggplant (Aubergine)
2007-12-08 22:02:00
Eggplant is native to southern India and Sri Lanka. It is part of the nightshade (Solanacene) family, which also includes tomatoes, potatoes, and chili peppers. Like all other edible members of the nightshade family, the eggplant is a fruit. Tobacco is also a member of the nightshade family. Like tobacco, eggplant and other nightshade plants contain nicotine, though to a lesser extent than tobacco. Many people are sensitive or allergic to properties in eggplant and other nightshades. Eggplant and other members of the nightshade family may worsen the symptoms of arthritis. According to a 5th century Chinese scroll, fashionable Chinese women used to make a dye out of the skin of purple eggplants and polish their teeth with it until they were a shiny gray. An eggplant is almost 95% water. It is called "eggplant" in the United States, Canada, and Australia because the first eggplants in those countries were purely ornamental and featured egg-shaped white and yellow fruit. ...
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Dairy-Free Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe
2007-12-07 22:22:00
I recently made this dairy-free ricotta cheese and used it in a vegan lasagna. I also plan to use it in manicotti and stuffed jumbo shells. It could also be used as a base for dairy-free dips and spreads. 14 oz. box medium firm or firm tofu 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or 1 tsp garlic powder 1/4 c. olive oil 1 tsp basil 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp parsley 1 tsp salt (or to taste) dash of black pepper Mash tofu. Add all other ingredients. Continue mashing until it has a ricotta-like texture. If you want it super smooth, you could put the tofu in a blender or food processor before adding the other ingredients. Yields 2 cups. Related Content Cilantro Pesto Recipe
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20 Facts About Pineapples
2007-12-06 01:34:00
The pineapple is native to Brazil and Paraguay. The first written record of the word "pineapple" in English was in 1398 and it was used to refer to a pine cone. It comes from the Spanish word for pine cone, "piña." Christopher Columbus found pineapples on the Caribbean island of Guadalupe in 1493 and took them back to Spain. The Spanish used the word for pine cone ("piña") for them because they resembled pine cones. After Columbus introduced them to Spain, pineapples became popular among sailors as protection against scurvy. The first pineapple arrived in England in 1660. In 1694, the term "pine cone" was created to refer to pine cones instead of "pineapple" in order to allow pineapples the sole use of the word. The Spanish introduced the first pineapples to Hawaii. The state is now one of the top pineapple producers in the world, producing one third of the world's pineapple crop and 60 percent of the world's canned pineapple. "Hala kahiki" is the Hawaiian word for ...
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Some Ice Cubes Have More Bacteria than Toilet Water
2007-12-03 23:07:00
An analysis of ice cubes in 49 Chicago area restaurants has found that, in many cases, toilet water has less bacteria than ice cubes served to customers. The toilet water was cleaner than ice from 21 of the 49 restaurants. One in five samples contained high levels of bacteria. 11 of the restaurants had high levels of total coliform bacteria. Applebee's, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Starbucks, Outback Steakhouse, Burger King, and Asiago Express were among the Chicago establishments that contained high levels of bacteria. Experts say the findings aren't cause for alarm: "It's not like you'll see people dropping over dead or huge numbers getting sick because it's going to take just the right bacteria and the right person to make them ill," said Penn State University's Brian Swistock, co-author of the university's publication "Water Tests: What Do the Numbers Mean?" However, they do say that the bacteria found in ice could explain a lot of mystery stomach ailments people get af...
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50 Quotes About Chocolate
2007-11-24 22:23:00
"What you see before you, my friend, is the result of a lifetime of chocolate." - Katherine Hepburn "There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with chocolate." - Linda Grayson "All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." - Charles M. Schulz "Look, there's no metaphysics on earth like chocolates." - Fernando Pessoa "The superiority of chocolate, both for health and nourishment, will soon give it the same preference over tea and coffee in America which it has in Spain." - Thomas Jefferson "I never met a chocolate I didn't like." - Deanna Troi, Star Trek: The Next Generation "My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far today, I have finished 2 bags of M&M's and a chocolate cake. I feel better already." - Dave Barry "Caramels are only a fad. Chocolate is a permanent thing." - Milton Snavely Hershey "Chocolate is a perfect food, as wholesome as it is delicious, a beneficent res...
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A Few Tips for a Healthier Thanksgiving
2007-11-22 01:30:00
The day after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday because it marks the first day of the shopping season and the beginning of the period when retailers are "in the black." However, for many people the term "black Friday" might as well apply to how they feel the day after eating too much food. The average American consumes about 2,000 calories at Thanksgiving dinner. So how can we enjoy the holiday without expanding our waistlines? Here are a few tips: Walk for Half an Hour Find time during the day to take a walk. Ideally, this should be before the big meal so you can boost your metabolism for the rest of the day. It will also get you in a "fit" frame of mind and make you less apt to overeat. Hydrate Yourself From the time you wake up, drink plenty of water leading up to dinnertime. The water will prevent dehydration from any alcohol you drink and will make you feel fuller so you'll eat less. Use Smaller Plates Everyone loves to load up their plates with goodies on Thanksgi...
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20 Facts About Thanksgiving Food
2007-11-22 00:25:00
The first Thanksgiving in 1621 probably did not include turkey. Roasted goose and duck were most likely eaten. About 272 million turkeys were raised in the United States in 2007. About 45 million turkeys will be eaten this Thanksgiving. Minnesota, North Carolina, Arkansas, Virginia, Missouri, and California raise more turkeys than any other states. Michigan raises more organic turkeys than any other state. The state raised 56,729 organic turkeys in 2005. Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird. Tofurkey, the vegetarian turkey, was first sold in 1995. It is estimated that 270,000 Tofurkeys will be sold over the 2007 holiday season. Another name for cranberries is "bounce berries" because of the fact that they bounce. They bounce because they contain pockets of air. The first commercial canned cranberry sauce was put on the market by the Cape Cod Cranberry Company in 1912. 690 million pounds of cranberries will be produced in the United States in...
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15 Facts About Cranberries
2007-11-20 02:08:00
Another name for cranberries is "bounceberries" because they bounce when ripe. Some Native Americans called the cranberry ibimi which means "bitter berry." Other tribes called it sassamanash. Native Americans and Pilgrims used cranberries as a red dye. Wild cranberries were probably part of the first Thanksgiving in 1621. Today, cranberry sauce is an essential part of American and Canadian Thanksgiving celebrations. The first recorded use of the word "cranberries" appeared in 1647 in a letter written by missionary John Eliot. New England sailors ate cranberries, a good source of vitamin C, to fight off scurvy. The first commercial canned cranberry sauce was put on the market by the Cape Cod Cran berry Company in 1912. 690 million pounds of cranberries will be produced in the United States in 2007. Wisconsin in the nation's #1 cranberry producer and is expected to produce 390 pounds this year. Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington also produce millions of...
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16 Quotes About Thanksgiving
2007-11-19 21:00:00
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." - John Fitzgerald Kennedy "Stand up, on this Thanksgiving Day, stand upon your feet. Believe in man. Soberly and with clear eyes, believe in your own time and place. There is not, and there never has been a better time, or a better place to live in." - Phillips Brooks "I love Thanksgiving turkey. It's the only time in Los Angeles that you see natural breasts." - Arnold Schwarzenegger "Thanksgiving, man. Not a good day to be my pants." - Kevin James "Thanksgiving is so called because we are all so thankful that it only comes once a year." - P. J. O'Rourke "An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day." - Irv Kupcinet "My cooking is so bad my kids thought Thanksgiving was to commemorate Pearl Harbor." - Phyllis Diller "Here I am 5 o'clock in the morning stuffing bread crumbs up a dead bird's butt." - Roseanne Barr "It has b...
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L.A. Launches Voluntary Anti Trans Fat Program
2007-11-17 03:07:00
Los Angeles County has launched a voluntary program to encourage restaurants to stop using trans fats. Participating restaurants will be able to display a decal in their windows declaring their trans fat-free status. Restaurants must pay $204 to apply for the program. Health inspectors will then make unannounced visits to the restaurants to make sure they are in compliance. To be accepted the establishments must not use any hydrogenated oils, shortening, or margarine. Participating restaurants will also be listed on lapublichealth.org. This voluntary program strikes me as much better than a citywide ban on trans fats. Banning things only leads to a backlash. Doing it this way lets consumers decide which restaurants to frequent based on whether they use trans fats and restaurants have a good incentive to make the change.
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Three Diet Habits May Reduce Risk of Dementia
2007-11-14 00:21:00
The results of a four year French study of 8,000 people over the age of 65 in Bordeaux, Dijon, and Montpelier show that three dietary habits may lower a person's risk of dementia. Fish People who ate fish at least once per week had a 35 percent lower risk of dementia than those who didn't eat fish. People without the ApoE Alzheimer's gene who ate fish once per week reduced their risk of Alzheimer's disease by 40 percent. Fruits and Vegetables Those who included fruits and vegetables in their daily diets had a 30 percent lower risk of developing dementia. Fats Consumption of healthy fats that contained omega-3 fatty acids such as walnut oil, flaxseed oil and canola oil lowered the risk of dementia by 60 percent. Those whose diets contained more omega-6 fats (such as sunflower oil) than omega-3 fats doubled their risk of dementia. The study's author, Dr. Pascale Barberger-Gateau, said: "While we?ve identified dietary patterns associated with lowering a person?s risk of...
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20 Facts About Avocados
2007-11-13 00:39:00
Avocados are a fruit, not a vegetable. There are more than 500 avocado varieties. Avocados are native to Central and South America, where they have been cultivated for over 10,000 years. Another name for the avocado is the "alligator pear," so-called because of its alligator skin texture and pear shape. The Aztec word for avocado was ahuacatl, which means "testicle tree". Spanish explorers could not pronounce ahuacatl, so they called the avocado aguacate. This is the origin of the word guacamole. The origin of guacamole is the Aztec avocado sauce called ahuaca-hulli. Avocados were first introduced to the United States in 1871, when Judge R.B. Ord planted three trees in Santa Barbara, California. The Hass is the most common avocado in the United States and is the only avocado grown year round. Rudolph Hass, a postman, patented the Hass avocado tree in 1935. The first Hass avocado tree is still alive and producing fruit. Mexico is the world's top producer of avocados...
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20 Quotes About Garlic
2007-11-12 17:47:00
"What garlic is to food, insanity is to art." - Augustus Saint-Gaudens "Most dear actors, eat no onions nor garlic, for we are to utter sweet breath." - William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream "Garlic k maketh a man wynke, drynke, and stynke." - Thomas Nash "Tomatoes and oregano make it Italian; wine and tarragon make it French. Sour cream makes it Russian; lemon and cinnamon make it Greek. Soy sauce makes it Chinese; garlic makes it good." - Alice May Brock "Vulgarity is the garlic in the salad of life." - Cyril Connolly "Stop and smell the garlic! That's all you have to do." - William Shatner "There's no doubt that after you eat a lot of garlic, you just kind of feel like you are floating, you feel ultra-confident, you feel capable of going out and whipping your weight in wild cats." - Les Blank "Without garlic I simply would not care to live." - Louis Diat "There is no such thing as a little garlic." - Arthur Baer "Do not eat garlic or onions; for their smell w...
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10 Quotes About Tomatoes
2007-11-11 04:11:00
"A world without tomatoes is like a string quartet without violins." - Laurie Colwin "The federal government has sponsored research that has produced a tomato that is perfect in every respect, except that you can't eat it. We should make every effort to make sure this disease, often referred to as 'progress', doesn't spread." - Andy Rooney "It's difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato." - Lewis Grizzard "High-tech tomatoes. Mysterious milk. Supersquash. Are we supposed to eat this stuff? Or is it going to eat us?" - Annita Manning "A number of rare or newly experienced foods have been claimed to be aphrodisiacs. At one time this quality was even ascribed to the tomato. Reflect on that when you are next preparing the family salad." - Jane Grigson "Hunger makes you restless. You dream about food - not just any food, but perfect food, the best food, magical meals, famous and awe-inspiring, the one piece of meat, the exact taste of b...
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10 Quotes About Onions
2007-11-04 05:12:00
"Life is like an onion: you peel off layer after layer and then you find there is nothing in it." - James Gibbons Huneker "I understand the big food companies are developing a tearless onion. I think they can do it - after all, they've already given us tasteless bread." - Robert Orben "All we have to do is to peel the shrines like an onion, and we will be with the king himself." - Howard Carter "We don't need a melting pot in this country, folks. We need a salad bowl. In a salad bowl, you put in the different things. You want the vegetables - the lettuce, the cucumbers, the onions, the green peppers - to maintain their identity. You appreciate differences." - Jane Elliot "The reason that I developed the style of talking about the historical use of these ingredients is because after I've cut an onion 10 times, I can't tell you to cut an onion again." - Mario Batali "It's more interesting to talk about the whole lily family and say, did you know that lily bulbs are...
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25 Quotes About Apples
2007-11-02 05:12:00
"If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe." -- Carl Sagan "Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton was the one who asked why." -- Bernard M. Baruch "Why not upset the apple cart? If you don't the apples will rot anyway." -- Frank A. Clark "We are born believing. A man bears beliefs as a tree bears apples." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson "Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love." -- Song of Solomon 2:5 "Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed." -- Robert H. Schuller "Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." -- Martin Luther "Did perpetual happiness in the Garden of Eden maybe get so boring that eating the apple was justified?" -- Chuck Palahniuk "The sweeter the apple, the blacker the core. Scratch a lover and find a foe!" -- Dorothy Parker "When the apple is ripe it will fall." -- Irish proverb "Ever sinc...
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20 Facts About Apples
2007-11-02 00:59:00
The average person eats 65 apples per year. Apples float because 25% of their volume is air. The largest apple ever picked weighed three pounds, two ounces. One medium apple contains about 80 calories. The word apple comes from the Old English aeppel. The Celtic word for apple is abhall. Quercetin is found only in the apple skin. The skin also contains more antioxidants and fiber than the flesh. China produces more apples than any other country. Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and California are the top 5 apple-producing states in the U.S. In all, 36 states produce apples commercially. The apple is the official state fruit of Washington, New York, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. There are more than 7500 varieties of apples grown in the world. About 2500 varieties are grown in the United States. Red Delicious is the most popular and most-produced apple in the United States. Golden Delicious is the second most popular. The only apple native to North Ame...
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Double Yolked Eggs - Are Two Yolks Better Than One?
2007-10-25 21:56:00
My mom called last night to tell me she'd peeled a hard boiled egg and it had two yolks. (That's her egg in the picture below.) I've never seen a double yolk egg myself and I was curious how common it is so I decided to do a little research on the topic. I found an explanation of the double yolk phenomenon: Double Yolkers appear when ovulation occurs too rapidly, or when one yolk somehow gets "lost" and is joined by the next yolk. Double yolkers may be by a pullet whose productive cycle is not yet well synchronized. They're occasionally laid by a heavy-breed hen, often as an inherited trait. On that site you'll also find descriptions of other egg oddities. Who knew you could have no yolkers, double shelled eggs, eggs without shells, spoon shaped eggs, eggs with tails, wormy eggs, triple yolkers, and even a nine yolker? Yikes! About 1 in 1000 eggs has a double yolk so it isn't all that rare. In some countries, markets sell cartons of double yolked eggs. Throughou...
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10 Health Benefits of Apples
2007-10-25 10:55:00
We're told that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but what exactly are the health benefits of apples? Here are ten reasons to heed the advice of that old proverb. Bone Protection French researchers found that a flavanoid called phloridzin that is found only in apples may protect post-menopausal women from osteoporosis and may also increase bone density. Boron, another ingredient in apples, also strengthens bones. Asthma Help One recent study shows that children with asthma who drank apple juice on a daily basis suffered from less wheezing than children who drank apple juice only once per month. Another study showed that children born to women who eat a lot of apples during pregnancy have lower rates of asthma than children whose mothers ate few apples. Alzheimer's Prevention A study on mice at Cornell University found that the quercetin in apples may protect brain cells from the kind of free radical damage that may lead to Alzheimer's disease. Lower Cholesterol The p...
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10 Foods That Fight Prostate Cancer
2007-10-24 05:05:00
There is strong evidence that eating certain foods can significantly cut a man's risk of prostate cancer. Here's a list of ten powerful prostate protectors: Cruciferous Vegetables Eating three or more servings of cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, kale, mustard greens, and Brussels sprouts per week may reduce the risk of prostate cancer by almost half. Pomegranate Juice Research shows that pomegranate juice slows the growth of prostate cancer in mice. Turmeric Studies show that turmeric may prevent prostate cancer and slow its progress, especially when eaten with cauliflower. Flaxseeds Studies in mice indicate that flaxseeds may prevent and slow the spread of prostate cancer. Green Tea In several studies, green tea has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. Brazil Nuts Brazil nuts are one of the best natural sources of selenium, a mineral that is strongly preventative against prostate cancer. Experts say that taking an ...
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11 Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice
2007-10-20 04:00:00
Pomegranate juice has become popular in the past few years, but does it really live up to the hype? It looks like it. Several recent studies have shown significant potential health benefits from drinking pomegranate juice. Here are eleven: Fights Breast Cancer Studies in Israel show that pomegranate juice destroys breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. It may also prevent breast cancer cells from forming. Lung Cancer Prevention Studies in mice show that pomegranate juice may inhibit the development of lung cancer. Slows Prostate Cancer It slowed the growth of prostate cancer in mice. Keeps PSA Levels Stable In a study of 50 men who had undergone treatment for prostate cancer, 8 ounces of pomegranate juice per day kept PSA levels stable, reducing the need for further treatment such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy. Protects the Neonatal Brain Studies show that maternal consumption of pomegranate juice may protect the neonatal brain from damage after ...
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Creative Ways to Get Kids to Eat Their Veggies
2007-10-19 04:24:00
There's a lot of talk about stealth vegetables these days, the practice of sneaking vegetables into children's food without their knowledge. While there's nothing wrong with that method, especially for very finicky kids, there are some ways to get them to eat their veggies willingly. Not all kids are going to love all vegetables. Just like adults, they have different preferences and tastes. The key is not to force anything on them. Introduce as many different vegetables to them as possible in as many creative ways as you can and then let them decide. Here are a few ideas. If they still refuse to eat their veggies, you can always go back into stealth mode. Grow Your Own Create a small vegetable garden and have your kids help with the entire growing process. They'll learn a lot and instead of wincing at the strange vegetables on their plates, they'll have a sense of pride and accomplishment in having taken part in their creation. Shape Things Up Take a spiral slicer...
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8 Healthy, Creative Pumpkin Recipes
2007-10-16 20:45:00
Fall is the season for cooking with pumpkins, but all too often our favorite pumpkin recipes are laden with fat and calories. I've found eight recipes that are not only good for you but they're also creative. Many of them are great starting points for you to create your own healthy pumpkin recipes. Baked Pump kin This dish is a fantastic, healthy alternative to traditional pumpkin pie when sprinkled with pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. [recipe] Pumpkin Pear Waffles Low in calories and fat, these are a healthy way to start any morning. [recipe] Pumpkin Banana Muffins The perfect breakfast treat for a chilly fall morning, these muffins contain pumpkin, applesauce, banana, and whole wheat flour. [recipe] Pumpkin Soup Pumpkin soup is a comforting fall favorite, but many recipes call for unhealthy ingredients like milk and butter. This recipe is healthier, contains vegetables, and no dairy products. [recipe] Mexican Pumpkin Soup An unusual pumpkin soup, this vegan soup recipe...
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10 Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds
2007-10-15 03:55:00
This Halloween, don't forget to save those pumpkin seeds after you scoop them out. Pump kin seeds are not only delicious but also provide many health benefits. Here are ten: Prostate Protection They promote overall prostate health and alleviate the difficult urination associated with an enlarged prostate. Improved Bladder Function In some studies, pumpkin seed extracts improved bladder function in animals. Depression Treatment They contain L-tryptophan, a compound naturally effective against depression. Prevention of Osteoporosis Because they are high in zinc, pumpkin seeds are a natural protector against osteoporosis. Low intake of zinc is linked to higher rates of osteoporosis. Natural Anti-Inflammatory Pumpkin seeds effectively reduce inflammation without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs. Prevention of Kidney Stones They prevent calcium oxalate kidney stone formation, according to studies. Treatment of Parasites They are used in many cultures as a natural...
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Chocolate Cravings May Be All in Your Stomach
2007-10-13 03:25:00
A new study has found that chocoholics have different bacteria in their stomachs than people who do not crave chocolate. 22 men were studied, 11 who were "chocolate indifferent" and 11 who were "chocolate desiring." Researchers studied their blood and urine for byproducts and found that the plasma metabolic profiles of the two groups were different. For example, the chocolate indifferent men had higher LDL cholesterol levels while the chocolate desiring men had lower LDL cholesterol and higher albumin levels. Urine samples showed different intestinal flora in the two groups. All of this suggests that the body can be "imprinted" by the diet one eats and can adapt its metabolism accordingly. The trick for researchers is to learn how this works so they can learn how to adjust people's diets in order to manipulate their metabolisms. This particular kind of research is called "nutrimetabonomics," a technique that examines the ways in which one's diet affects one's metabo...
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