Heart Attack on a Plate - AOL Hot Searches

Heart Attack on a Plate - AOL Hot Searches

How could ANYONE eat this stuff? Wow. And I was feeling bad about a peanut butter and banana sandwich.



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New picnic tables in Allegany

The planters and bike racks are not done yet (supposedly Tuesday) but at least we now have picnic tables for our customers!

Here Ian is shown with them.

Come and enjoy! A great way to have lunch or fast dinner--call our deli(716-372-1402) and have your meal ready to pick up, then enjoy outside.

Calorie-Cutting Tricks from Web MD

Calorie-Cutting Tricks:

"Pump up the fiber. Eating plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes is a great way to feel satisfied on fewer calories. These foods are loaded with antioxidants and phytochemicals, both of which have been shown to lower your risk of cancer and heart disease."

No smoking: Historic vote could bring new limits - Yahoo! News

No smoking: Historic vote could bring new limits - Yahoo! News:

"The legislation, one of the most dramatic anti-smoking initiatives since the surgeon general's report, would give the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate the content, marketing and advertising of cigarettes and other tobacco products.

'This legislation represents the strongest action Congress has ever taken to reduce tobacco use, the leading preventable cause of death in the United States,' declared Matthew Myers, president of Campaign for Tobacco-free Kids.

The 79-17 Senate vote sent the measure back to the House, which in April passed a similar but not identical version. House acceptance of the Senate bill would send it directly to Obama, who said Thursday that final passage 'will make history by giving the scientists and medical experts at the FDA the power to take sensible steps.'"

One Million Acts of Green

One Million Acts of Green:

"Below is a list of all our Acts of Green divided up by category. For more information on any act of green, or to mark it as completed, just click the title of the act and you'll be taken to a page with more details. And remember, just because it isn't on our list doesn't mean you can't do it!"

The ratings are interesting. For instance, did you know?

Home Recycling is rated "Very High" whereas adding insulation to hot water pipes is only a "medium". Even more reason we should all be recycling!

Sort of a trashy video on how to cut down on food waste

From Ideal Bite | Video Bite: Trash Talk

Congratulations to John Reed

From the Olean Times Herald

John Reed, son of Scott and Mary Jo Reed of Allegany, is the class salutatorian with a grade average of 100.62.

Mr. Reed was a delegate of the 2008 America Legion New York Boys' State. He was also vice president of school chapter of National Honor Society, vice president of the Spanish Club, a trumpet player in the high school band and a member of Natural Helpers.

He played soccer and was twice named co-captain of the varsity team. He was also a member of the school's golf team from 2007-2009.

Mr. Reed works as a stock boy at Park and Shop Service Store, but he plans to attend [Genesseo] college and major in accounting to become a certified public accountant.

Fortified Foods | LIVESTRONG.COM

Livestrong (yeah the Lance Armstrong people) have a good article on food.

Fortified Foods | LIVESTRONG.COM: "

"The International Food Information Council Foundation did a survey of 1,000 adults and found that about 83 percent of them want to learn more about healthy food options beyond those discussed in the food pyramid. So you are not alone, in fact half of Americans are trying to incorporate the good omega 3 fatty acids in their diet and three quarters are passing up white bread in favor of whole and multi-grain options. Fortified foods may make some of these healthy foods more appealing to the American consumer, but they must know that choosing healthy whole food options is still the best option."

Which begs the question, why is it the food pyramid or whatever government guideline in vogue always seem so behind the times? And yet people still eat worse than even these guidelines.

Alcohol And Smoking Are Key Causes For Bowel Cancer

Alcohol And Smoking Are Key Causes For Bowel Cancer:

"A new global study has found that lifestyle risk factors such as alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking are important risk factors for bowel cancer. Researchers have shown that people who consume the largest quantities of alcohol (equivalent to > 7 drinks per week) have 60% greater risk of developing the cancer, compared with non-drinkers."

Parents' Influence On Children's Eating Habits Is Small, Study Finds

This one surprises me.

Parents' Influence On Children's Eating Habits Is Small, Study Finds:

"'Factors other than parental eating behaviors such as community and school, food environment, peer influence, television viewing, as well as individual factors such as self-image and self-esteem seem to play an important role in young people's dietary intake,' said May A. Beydoun, PhD, co-author of the study and a former postdoctoral research fellow at the Bloomberg School.

'Our findings have a number of important public health implications. In particular, the overall weak to moderate parent-child resemblance in food groups, nutrients and healthy eating index scores suggest that interventions targeting parents could have only a moderate effect on improving their children's diet."

Why such a surprise? Consider these other articles:

Fast Food As Family Meals Limits Healthy Food Intake, Increases Obesity Risk (Jan. 9, 2007) — Families whose meals frequently consist of fast food are more likely to have unhealthy eating habits, poor access to healthy foods at home and a higher risk for obesity, according to researchers at ... > read more

New Factor In Teen Obesity: Parents (Feb. 13, 2009) — Researchers have found that adolescents are more likely to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day if their parents do.

Eat to Live?

Have you read Eat to Live? I like the premise have decided to at least meet it half way.

While I am a vegetarian, I am positive that Fuhrman would argue I eat too much processed foods (breads mainly) and that my diet is far too fruit and nut based, but I am trying. Just do not have that kind of time to cook everything.

Getting more vegetables into diet is one of my June "things to do" so I will keep you posted. I will say I agree with Dr. Fuhrman's observation that things may get worse before better. After about 2 days I feel pretty "blah".

Diet May Reduce Risk Of Prostate Cancer

Good news from ScienceDaily...

Diet May Reduce Risk Of Prostate Cancer:

"A new review published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics assessed whether certain modifications in diet have a beneficial effect on the prevention of prostate cancer. Results suggest that a diet low in fat and red meat and high in fruits and vegetables is beneficial in preventing and treating prostate cancer."

Health Benefits of Spinach | Spinach Nutrition

With Spinach in our ad this week, thought you might be interested to know Popeye had it right!

From the CookingNook. Health Benefits of Spinach | Spinach Nutrition:

"Spinach nutrition is amazing. The calcium content in spinach and the other dark leafy greens mentioned above strengthens bones.

The A and C vitamins in spinach plus the fiber, folic acid, magnesium and other nutrients help control cancer, especially colon, lung and breast cancers. Folate also lowers the blood levels of something called homocysteine, a protein that damages arteries. So spinach also helps protect against heart disease.

The flavonoids in spinach help protect against age related memory loss."

New York State Ordered to Delay Deposits on Bottled Water - NYTimes.com

New York State Ordered to Delay Deposits on Bottled Water - NYTimes.com:

"Judge Griesa also struck down a provision that required water bottlers to affix a New York-specific universal product code to bottles sold in the state, and prohibited them from selling those bottles outside the state, finding that the requirement was an unconstitutional infringement on interstate commerce.

A coalition of companies that bottle and distribute water had sued to halt the new law, arguing that some of the requirements could not be reasonably met by the original June 1 deadline. Gov. David A. Paterson and the Legislature have been discussing proposals to modify the law, but have not yet come to any agreement."

I have some mixed emotions on this one. Yes it would hurt our sales as people could buy more easily in Pennsylvania. Yes it would be a pain to implement. And yes we should do it with or without the law. But the reality is we are not.

So remember, just because the bottle bill did not go into play (YET) does not mean you can not recycle them! (and for those of you who disagree, let me remind you of externalities. (these are unpriced costs which fall on society and even future generations). The largest reason why it is not economically justified is because the negative externalities are not priced.

Meet our employees

We are proud of our employees! All too often cashiers and stock people get no respect from the populace as a whole. So we are here to change that! We are beginning the first in a series of articles on our co-workers.

We will show you that the person behind the register really is smart, entertaining, and have big plans for the future!


We will start with Sarah Lehman. Sarah is a senior at Olean High School and a cashier and service desk manager at our Allegany Store.

From the Olean City School District Newsletter

"Sarah Lehman is receiving a NYS Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors. Her numerous advanced studies in high school included Arabic 101 and 102, Calculus I, Composition and Critical Thinking, Spanish 201 and 202 History 1530 and 1540 and Advanced English. A member of the National Honor Society, she has served as Interact Club Treasurer and Freshman Class Secretary.

She was also a member of DECA and played varsity tennis. She has received a Tuition Exchange Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarship. Sarah plans to attend Gettysburg College this fall where she will major in Political Science and Economics. "

Why you should be careful around trans fat

Ok, so it is probably a biased site since it is from a company that specializes in making sure you don't eat trans fat (SmartBalance), but so what? We all know trans fat is bad for us and hats off to a company that can make money doing the right thing!

The site it is very well done and addresses some of the issues we have spoken of in the past (ex. how Zero Grams of Trans fat definitely does not mean ZERO transfat).

The Truth About Trans Fat Labeling www.thetruthabouttransfat.com/

Why is trans fat so bad? From NPR:

"Trans fats consumed at high enough levels have the triple whammy effect of increasing bad cholesterol, lowering good cholesterol and raising triglycerides — all of which contribute to the risk of heart disease."

How bad is trans fat? The American Heart Association recommends you get less than 2% of calories from trans fat!

"For example, if you eat 2,000 total calories a day, your daily limits should be less than 2 grams (less than 20 of those calories) from trans fats."

Best advice, avoid trans fat. Avoid products with "partially hydrogenated" or "hydrogenated" oils in their ingredients.

Received the following email from SmartBalance

Good response! Remember a while ago (One month exactly) I commented on the new study that suggested Palm Oil was not good for you? I asked the people over at SmartBalance and they got immediately, but posting it has been on my back burner for a while.

Here is their well constructed following reply:

"We would like to respond to your question about why we use palm fruit oil as one of the ingredients in Smart Balance margarines. We are not marketing palm fruit oil per se, but a blend of natural oils which must include the best saturated fatty acid available to increase the HDL "good" cholesterol and improve the ratio of good to bad cholesterol (HDL/LDL).

Scientists from Brandeis University developed the science behind Smart Balance. It is based on the fact that polyunsaturated fatty acids found in oils such as corn, safflower, etc. reduce both HDL and LDL blood cholesterol (if they are not hydrogenated, of course) while saturates raise cholesterol, both HDL and LDL. After nine years of study, Brandeis found that a balanced blend of polyunsaturates and saturates, when used in the diet of animals and humans, actually raised HDL and improved the ratio of good to bad cholesterol. That is why they were awarded a patent by the U.S. Government, #5,578,334,k and CIP's. To work, the Smart Balance concept requires palmitic acid contained in palm fruit oil to join with polyunsaturates from soy or canola. (Emphasis added)

Coconut and palm kernel oils contain lauric and myristic acid in high levels which are more hypocholesterolemic than palmitic acid. Palm fruit oil is unlike these other vegetable sources of saturated fats because it is lower in saturated fatty acid content and contains low levels of myristic and lauric acids. Palm fruit oil should not be grouped with coconut and palm kernel oil.

Smart Balance spreads, which we are able to formulate with no trans fatty acids, are the only margarines or spreads to offer that benefit without use of hydrogenation or interesterification. By now, everyone knows the negative effects of trans fatty acids produced by hydrogenation. The ill effects of interesterification are just beginning to be discovered.

We urge you to try Smart Balance. Forget the bad press about palm oil. This is not just palm oil, it is a blend designed to improve the ratio of good to bad cholesterol when replacing other fats in the diet. The fact that palm fruit oil got a "bad rap" in error along with coconut and palm kernel is not the main point. The main and only point is that you can trust Smart Balance. We would not market it unless we believed in it.

Joan Dippolito

Consumer Relations"

Better Cardiorespiratory Fitness Related To Lower Risk Of Death, Cardiovascular Disease

Gee, not much of a surprise here.

Better Cardiorespiratory Fitness Related To Lower Risk Of Death, Cardiovascular Disease:

"Persons with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness have a lower risk of all-cause death and coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease compared to persons with lower levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, according to an analysis of previous studies."

Folic acid even more baby-protective than thought - Yahoo! News

Folic acid even more baby-protective than thought - Yahoo! News:

"Baby-protecting folic acid is getting renewed attention: Not only does it fight spina bifida and some related abnormalities, new research shows it also may prevent premature birth and heart defects.

Now pregnancy specialists are asking if it's time for the government to boost the amount being added to certain foods to help ensure mothers-to-be get enough. But for older adults, there may be a down side to the nutrient: Extra-high levels late in life just might pose a cancer risk."

Semen Quality May Depend Upon Antioxidants In Man's Diet

Add this to the anti-oxidant debate.

Semen Quality May Depend Upon Antioxidants In Man's Diet:

"Low antioxidant intake is associated with low reproductive capacity in semen. This is the finding of a new study carried out in two infertility centres in Spain (in Alicante and Murcia) and which has been published online in the journal Fertility and Sterility.

'Our previous research study, published in March, showed that men who eat large amounts of meat and full fat dairy products have lower seminal quality than those who eat more fruit, vegetables and reduced fat dairy products. In this study, we have found that people who consume more fruits and vegetables are ingesting more antioxidants, and this is the important point', Jaime Mendiola, lead author of the article and a researcher at the University of Murcia, tells SINC."

A history of tobacco regulation - Los Angeles Times

A history of tobacco regulation - Los Angeles Times:

"A history of tobacco regulation: Major events in the federal government's history with cigarette makers. May 30, 2009

Tobacco regulation
1964: The surgeon general issues a landmark report linking smoking to lung cancer.

1965: Warning labels are mandated on cigarette packs stating, 'Caution: Cigarette smoking may be hazardous to your health.'

1969: Cigarette advertising is banned on TV and radio......"

How Oxidative Stress May Help Prolong Life

How Oxidative Stress May Help Prolong Life:

"...study suggests why humans may actually be able to prolong the aging process by regularly exposing our bodies to minimal amounts of oxidants."....

This finding may explain recent studies suggesting that eating less may, in fact, raise ROS levels – and, in doing so, provide protection from acute doses of oxidants. This is counter to the hypothesis that caloric restriction extends lifespan in some species because it reduces ROS produced as a by-product of the energy regenerated by mitochondria.

'It may be that adaption to oxidative stress is the main factor responsible for the lifespan-expanding effects of caloric restriction,' said Ideker.

On my FinanceProfessorblog I have a category of papers called I^3. It stands for Important, Informative, and Interesting. This one would definitely fit! Really makes us think about what we know on many levels. READ THE ARTICLE!

Crossposted on RandomTopics2 and ParkandShop.

Cinnamon's benefits and risks

A while ago I saw an article on endurance athletes and using cinnamon (I can not find the exact article now). Before adding it to my smoothies I wanted to check it out some. The findings convinced me of the benefits and I learned too much of a good thing can be bad.

Figured I would share some of the evidence.

Life Enhancement:: Cinnamon Reduces Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels:

" The researchers measured the patients’ blood glucose and lipid levels (under fasting conditions) at the beginning of the study, and again at 20 days, 40 days (the end of the treatment), and 60 days (i.e., after a 20-day “washout” period following the cessation of treatment).

The results were dramatic: all three cinnamon doses had a strong impact on blood glucose levels—and on blood lipid levels as well, as we will see shortly. By contrast, the placebo had no significant effect on either measure. The glucose levels were reduced by 18–29% following 40 days of treatment. Whereas the highest dose (6 g/day) produced the most rapid response, the lowest dose (1 g/day) produced the most sustained response, i.e., a continued reduction in glucose levels even at the 60-day point; the reduction observed was 16"

And from a 2006 article from About.com.

"Richard A. Anderson, Ph.D., CNS, of the the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center (BHNRC), is one of the original researchers in the Pakistan study. The BHNRC is under the United States Department of Agricuture (USDA). From results of his continued study of the components of cinnamon and their effect on blood glucose and cholesterol, he states,

"We have also shown that the active components of cinnamon are found in the water-soluble portion of cinnamon and are not present in cinnamon oil, which is largely fat-soluble. In addition to ground cinnamon consumed directly, one can also make a cinnamon tea and let the solids settle to the bottom or use cinnamon sticks, which make for a nice clear tea. Cinnamon can also be added to orange juice, oatmeal, coffee before brewing, salads, meats etc. The active components are not destroyed by heat."

Based on these studies, it seems that cinnamon may lower blood glucose, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol in people with Type 2 diabetes. The fact that studies so far have involved a small amount of people and have not yet explored the long term benefits of cinnamon, would lead to the conclusion that there may not be enough evidence gathered yet, to support cinnamon as a major player against Type 2. But adding more cinnamon to already healthy lifestyle changes probably wouldn't hurt either."

From Science Daily (Aug 2008):

"Hargrove explained that when blood sugar levels are high, a process known as protein glycation occurs in which the sugar bonds with proteins to eventually form what are known as advanced glycation end products, also known as AGE compounds. The acronym is fitting because these compounds activate the immune system, resulting in the inflammation and tissue damage associated with aging and diabetes.

The researchers found a strong and direct correlation between the phenol content of common herbs and spices and their ability to inhibit the formation of AGE compounds. Spices such as cloves and cinnamon had phenol levels that were 30 percent and 18 percent of dry weight, respectively, while herbs such as oregano and sage were eight and six percent phenol by dry weight, respectively. For comparison, blueberries – which are widely touted for their antioxidant capabilities – contain roughly five percent phenol by dry weight."

and later in the same article:

"...researchers tested for the ability to block AGE compounds in a test tube, but animal studies conducted on the health benefits of spices lend support to their argument. Cinnamon and cinnamon extracts, for example, have been shown to lower blood sugar in mice. Interestingly, cinnamon lowers blood sugar by acting on several different levels, Hargrove said. It slows the emptying of the stomach to reduce sharp rises in blood sugar following meals and improves the effectiveness, or sensitivity, of insulin. It also enhances antioxidant defenses."

And from the International Journal of Exercise Conference Abstracts the finding that it may help reduce post workout inflammation.Conclusion:

"The experimental proprietary blend showed some positive anti-inflammatory effects as illustrated by a significantly (p<0.05) lower inflammatory response in IL1rα and IL 6 by 2hr post damage. It is concluded that fenugreek, cinnamon, and curcumin have potential anti-inflammatory properties and that they significantly reduced the onset of inflammation in response to muscle damage.

Not all is good however and there could be downsides of too much. From People's Pharmacy:

"Some cinnamon (Chinese or cassia cinnamon) is contaminated with a natural compound called coumarin. In excess, this can harm the liver of sensitive individuals. Coumarin may also interact with blood thinners like Coumadin (warfarin) to increase the risk of bleeding.

In the end I decided that I would use cinnamon in many of my smoothies, but I must confess at least a part of the reason is that it just tastes so good!

A good article from WebMD

A very good article, well worth reading!


Best Anti-Aging Foods:

"These six food groups hold the 'power' to help you lose weight and turn back the clock. Don't miss our easy seven-day meal plan and delicious anti-aging snacks!

...Piling your plate with fruits and vegetables is a no-brainer when it comes to weight loss — they're low in calories, high in nutrients, and filling — but the latest studies show that certain on....There's buzz about blueberries, for instance, for their memory-boosting potential. But berries of all hues are antioxidant-rich, reports Navindra P. Seeram, Ph.D., assistant professor at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy...."

and later

"Eating at least 1/4 cup every day led to a 60 percent lower risk of gum disease and a 50 percent lower risk of tooth loss in a Japanese study published in the Journal of Periodontology. The effect is thought to be linked to the probiotics in yogurt, but not in most other dairy."

and later:

"A 2008 review of these diet-friendly foods — which include whole wheat, oats, and brown rice, and the bread, cereal, and other edibles made from them — concluded that a meal plan loaded with whole grains helps you stay slim, thanks, in part, to fiber's role in appetite control. Their low rankings on the glycemic index (a system that rates the effect of different carbohydrates on blood sugar levels) may also play a role.

A raft of research has also shown that whole grains offer protection against diabetes, heart disease, stroke, colon cancer, high blood pressure, and gum disease."

Read the whole article! Definitely worth it!

Recipes for Health - Strawberry Smoothie - NYTimes.com

Recipes for Health - Strawberry Smoothie - NYTimes.com:

"This series offers recipes with an eye towards empowering you to cook healthy meals every day. Produce, seasonal and locally grown when possible, and a well-stocked pantry are the linchpins of a good diet, and accordingly, each week’s recipes will revolve around a particular type of produce or a pantry item. This is food that is vibrant and light, full of nutrients but by no means ascetic, fun to cook and a pleasure to eat"

SSRN-Environmental Factors that Unknowingly Increase a Consumer's Food Intake and Consumption Volume by Brian Wansink

More on what as a finance professor familiar with behavioral finance and behavioral economics would call behavioral eating. The short version is that people's caloric consumption and overall food choices are not always rational. Indeed that are influenced by things such as size of plate and other factors that never enter into a "classical" or "rational" or "econ" decision.

SSRN-Environmental Factors that Unknowingly Increase a Consumer's Food Intake and Consumption Volume by Brian Wansink:

"Package size, plate shape, lighting, socializing, and variety are only a few of the environmental factors that can influence the consumption volume of food far more than most people realize. Although such environmental factors appear unrelated, they generally influence consumption volume by inhibiting consumption monitoring and by suggesting alternative consumption norms. For researchers, this review shows that redirecting our focus to the 'whys' or the psychological mechanisms behind consumption will raise the profile and impact of our research."

BPA, Chemical Used To Make Plastics, Found To Leach From Polycarbonate Drinking Bottles Into Humans

This is not good news.

BPA, Chemical Used To Make Plastics, Found To Leach From Polycarbonate Drinking Bottles Into Humans:

"A new study from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) researchers found that participants who drank for a week from polycarbonate bottles -- the popular, hard-plastic drinking bottles and baby bottles -- showed a two-thirds increase in their urine of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA). Exposure to BPA, used in the manufacture of polycarbonate and other plastics, has been shown to interfere with reproductive development in animals and has been linked with cardiovascular disease and diabetes in humans."

and later

""We found that drinking cold liquids from polycarbonate bottles for just one week increased urinary BPA levels by more than two-thirds. If you heat those bottles, as is the case with baby bottles, we would expect the levels to be considerably higher. This would be of concern since infants may be particularly susceptible to BPA's endocrine-disrupting potential," said Karin B. Michels, associate professor of epidemiology at HSPH and Harvard Medical School and senior author of the study."

Cereal And Milk Is The New Sports Supplement

More from ScienceDaily:

Cereal And Milk Is The New Sports Supplement:

"A bowl of whole-grain cereal is as good as a sports drink for recovery after exercise. New research has shown that the readily available and relatively inexpensive breakfast food is as effective as popular, carbohydrate-based 'sports drinks.....

and later:

"Cereal and non-fat milk are a less expensive option than sports drinks. The milk provides a source of easily digestible and high quality protein, which can promote protein synthesis and training adaptations, making this an attractive recovery option for those who refuel at home".

The researchers concluded that, for amateur athletes and moderately physically active individuals who are trying to keep in shape, popping into the kitchen for a quick bowl of whole-grain cereal with a splash of skimmed milk may be a smarter move than investing in a high-priced sports drink.'"

Turmeric Extract Suppresses Fat Tissue Growth In Rodent Models

Turmeric Extract Suppresses Fat Tissue Growth In Rodent Models:

"Curcumin, the major polyphenol found in turmeric, appears to reduce weight gain in mice and suppress the growth of fat tissue in mice and cell models. Researchers at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University (USDA HNRCA) studied mice fed high fat diets supplemented with curcumin and cell cultures incubated with curcumin....

Meydani continued, "It is important to note, we don't know whether these results can be replicated in humans because, to our knowledge, no studies have been done."

Turmeric is known for providing flavor to curry. One of its components is curcumin, a type of phytochemical known as a polyphenol. Research findings suggest that phytochemicals, which are the chemicals found in plants, appear to help prevent disease. As the bioactive component of turmeric, curcumin is readily absorbed for use by the body."

For more see the Wikipedia page on Turmeric.

YouTube - Food for Thought: Behavioral Economics and What You Eat

YouTube - Food for Thought: Behavioral Economics and What You Eat:

Interesting stuff! Ties much of what I do in my financeprofessor job and with the stores. Rare that I can use the same video for both blogs! LOL Good stuff!

Tea and Health - Stash Tea Company

Stash Tea has a good page of scientific research related to teas. Definitely worth a look! (and a drink!)

Tea and Health - Stash Tea Company:

"There has been much research lately that explores the potential health benefits of drinking tea daily. Researchers are finding that all teas -- white, green, oolong and black teas from the Camellia sinensis plant -- may aid in achieving a long and healthy life.

Tea contains flavonoids, which are compounds that have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals, which can damage the body and contribute to chronic diseases. White and green teas (the least processed) contain the most antioxidant properties, followed by Oolong and then Black teas."

Vitamins Found to Curb Exercise Benefits - NYTimes.com

There have been so many negative vitamin studies of late. I have basically cut them out.

Vitamins Found to Curb Exercise Benefits - NYTimes.com:

"If you exercise to promote health, you shouldn’t take large amounts of antioxidants,” Dr. Ristow said. A second message of the study, he said, “is that antioxidants in general cause certain effects that inhibit otherwise positive effects of exercise, dieting and other interventions.” The findings appear in this week’s issue of The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences."

Osteoporosis and Diet: Recipes for Strong Bones

Osteoporosis and Diet: Recipes for Strong Bones:

"....you want a diet with a steady supply of bone-building nutrients. The delicious dishes that follow offer a bevy of calcium and vitamin D, which form the foundation of a diet for a sturdy skeleton, as well as other nutrients critical for bone health, including protein."

American Restaurants Serving Meals Packed With Salt | SmartAboutHealth.Net

Yet another reason to eat at home!

American Restaurants Serving Meals Packed With Salt | SmartAboutHealth.Net:

"It is the overall tendancy to eat foods that you would not normally make at home when going out to a restaurant, because many people feel that eating at a restaurant is a treat worth taking full advantage of.

In some cases eating a meal at a restaurant, can provide you with 4 times the daily recommended serving of sodium, depending of course on what you get."

White Tea: Solution To Obesity Epidemic?

White Tea: Solution To Obesity Epidemic?:

"Possible anti-obesity effects of white tea have been demonstrated in a series of experiments on human fat cells (adipocytes). Researchers have now shown that an extract of the herbal brew effectively inhibits the generation of new adipocytes and stimulates fat mobilization from mature fat cells.

Marc Winnefeld led a team of researchers from Beiersdorf AG, Germany, who studied the biological effects of an extract of white tea – the least processed version of the tea plant Camellia sinensis. He said, "....We've shown that white tea may be an ideal natural source of slimming substances"."

Thanks to StashTea for pointing this one out!

Local History

The Olean Times Herald is running a short series of articles on local history. Here is he first about Allegany

From the Olean Times Herald

"If a person walking in downtown Allegany today was suddenly thrown back to the same location 100 years ago, he or she would likely recognize the buildings, street and community.

The fact that Allegany buildings and storefronts have remained much the same as they were over a century ago has added charm to the town that was founded in April of 1831 after breaking off from the town of Great Valley."

As the late Paul Harvey would say, I am going to tell you a bit more than I know next. Look for a history of Allegany project coming up soon in conjunction with our store. Stay tuned!

Fiber and weight loss?

I did not know this:

Team Beachbody:

"...a recent study has shown that eating whole fruit could be the main dietary difference between obese and overweight individuals. At the University of Southern California, researchers showed that the main difference between 52 normal-weight adults and 52 overweight and obese adults was the amount of fiber in their diets, which mainly came from fruit.

In the study, the normal-weight group consumed an average of 33 percent more fiber and 43 percent more carbohydrates than their overweight counterparts. This suggests that fiber, much more than following a low-carb or low-fat diet, is the key for weight control."

While I could not find this study exactly, here are some other studies that tie fiber intake to weight.

Dietary Fats Trigger Long-term Memory Formation

Dietary Fats Trigger Long-term Memory Formation:

"Piomelli's previous studies identified how oleic acids from fats are transformed into a compound called oleoylethanolamide (OEA) in the upper region of the small intestine. OEA sends hunger-curbing messages to the brain to increase feelings of fullness. In elevated levels, OEA can reduce appetite, produce weight loss and lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Piomelli and McGaugh discovered that OEA also causes memory consolidation, the process by which superficial, short-term memories are transformed into meaningful, long-term ones."

Why is this the case is also fascinating:

"OEA is part of the molecular glue that makes memories stick," Piomelli said. "By helping mammals remember where and when they have eaten a fatty meal, OEA's memory-enhancing activity seems to have been an important evolutionary tool for early humans and other mammals.""

Interesting! Three fast takes: 1. I definitely agree that some fat in a meal makes you feel full faster. And 2. it might explain why many have pleasant memories of eating out. If more fat, you may remember it more. and 3. might eating some (good fat) improve memory for tests etc?

Tea Drinkers Reap Blood Pressure Benefits

A dated study but still good news none-the-less. Was spurred to look for this given an ongoing study trying to see if certain African teas can be used to combat type 2 diabetes.

Tea Drinkers Reap Blood Pressure Benefits:

"Those who drank at least a half-cup of moderate strength green or oolong tea per day for a year had a 46% lower risk of developing hypertension than those who didn't drink tea. Among those who drank more than two and a half cups of tea per day, the risk of high blood pressure was reduced by 65%."

(quote is from page 2)

INterestingly Hibiscus tea also seems to work according to a new study.
Tea time!

Cigarette Smoke May Rob Children Of Needed Antioxidants

I am totally and utterly baffled how anyone can still smoke with so much evidence that it kills, but if you must, please do not do it near your children!

Cigarette Smoke May Rob Children Of Needed Antioxidants:

"A University of Rochester Medical Center study looked at the levels of antioxidants versus the amount of smoke exposure in more than 2,000 6 and 18 years old in the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The study, which was presented at the Pediatric Academic Society Meeting in Baltimore, shows that secondhand smoke exposure is associated with lower levels of antioxidants in children."

The Island Where People Live Longer : NPR

The Island Where People Live Longer : NPR:

"'If they go to church, if they go to their friends' house — it always occasions a small walk. But that ends up burning much more calories than going to a gym for 20 minutes a day.'

'They also have a diet that's very interesting,' Buettner continues. 'It's very high in olive oil; it's very high in fruits and vegetables.' It's also very high in greens; about 150 kinds of veggies grow wild on the island....Icarians drink herbal teas every day, morning and night, Buettner says. This seems to be one of their secrets to longer living."

Palm Oil Not A Healthy Substitute For Trans Fats

We better keep reading the labels!

Palm Oil Not A Healthy Substitute For Trans Fats: (from ScienceDaily)

"Authors of an Agricultural Research Service (ARS)-supported study have addressed the question of whether palm oil, whose functional characteristics are similar to trans fats, would be a good substitute for partially hydrogenated fat....

The findings suggest that consuming either of the diets enriched with equivalent high amounts of palm oil or partially hydrogenated soybean oil would result in similar unfavorable levels of LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B (a protein, attached to fat particles, that carries bad cholesterol throughout the bloodstream). ....The results suggest that palm oil would not be a good substitute for trans fats by the food industry, the authors wrote.."

This is not a total surprise and some (for instance SmartBalance) are already labeling their products with "No Palm Kernel Oil" and address the issue of using any Paol Oil here.

NOTE Palm Oil and Palm Kernel Oil are two different things.

Cheap foods that are good for you!

From Team Beachbody:

"These days it seems as if we're all trying to stretch our dollars, either by necessity or because we're becoming savvier about saving more and spending less. If you've been looking for ways to stretch your grocery budget without resorting to filling up on cheap, empty calories, read on. It's a myth that the healthiest foods are the most expensive. With a list and a plan, it is possible, and surprisingly simple, to eat healthily without blowing your budget."

Good stuff. I am continually impressed with the nutritional side of BeachBody's web site.

The list:

1. Sweet Potatoes
2. Beans
3. Brown Rice
4. Eggs
5. Pasta
6. Frozen Vegetables

Bull makes surprise visit | Video | Reuters.com

Do you remember almost 5 years ago when we had a bear in our West State Street store? (if not see here or here). Well now a grocery store in Ireland has had a run a way bull wander in!

Bull makes surprise visit | Video | Reuters.com:

"A runaway bull is captured on CCTV paying a surprise visit to an Irish supermarket.

Hayley Platt reports."

Better safe than sorry

While this is an unusual post for a grocery store blog, I feel that it may be the best way to reach the local Olean-Allegany-Portville area, so...

What is disaster planning? Planning in advance to reduce the negative effects of a disaster. So this is not to say that swine flu will be a disaster. The same holds true for any disaster: a little thought in advance can save much trouble down the road.

Obviously we can never be fully prepared for everything, but it does make sense every now and then to stop and think if you are prepared. So using swine flu as the most recent excuse, here goes:


What disasters can hit locally? Obviously many things can happen from Earthquakes to Ice storms to chemical spills, but some that come to mind quickly:

• Fires (by far the most common)
• Floods (see 1972, 1942),
• Tornadoes--from 1950 to 1995 (the most recent data I can find, Cattaraugus county was hit with at least 13 tornadoes
• Ice Storms
  
• Pandemics
  

Are you prepared?

1. Install fire (and CO2) alarms and check the batteries!
2. Have a back-up water supply (especially if you rely on well water)
3. Never ever run generators inside. Nor should you have fires indoors or in unventilated areas (several died of this after the Buffalo Snow storm in October 2006).
4. Have a flashlight, radio, and batteries in a safe spot. Information is very valuable. Plan on not having power and no cell coverage.
   
5. Back-up and protect valuable files. Keep in waterproof/fireproof containers. Back up hard drives. Keep off site if possible.
   
6. Know what to in the event of a tornado: get to a safe place ASAP! Basements, doorways, bathtubs.
7. Be aware of what to do and think. DO not panic. Thinking (both before, during, and after a disaster) is probably the most important thing you can do to improve your odds.
   

Obviously with Swine flu on everyone's mind, the increased probability of a pandemic warrants extra attention.

First and most importantly, do not panic. The odds are very much in your favor. Most people have not come down with it even in the hard hits area of Mexico and the vast majority of people who do catch it, recover. That said, why not minimize the risks, so some advice from a variety of sources:

From the Cattaraugus County Health Dept:

"Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties’ Health Departments are working together to educate their county residents about swine flu. The New York State Department of Health has set up a 24 hour a day/ 7 days a week toll free hotline to answer questions from the public. This number is 1-800-808-1987. Public Health Directors Barb Hastings and Lori Ballengee agree the best advice the Cattaraugus County Health Department and the Allegany County Department of Health can give county residents is wash your hands, stay home if you are ill, and keep children home who are ill."

From the CDC's Swine flu and you:

"What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick."

and

"What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them."

The first one is seemingly common sense, but in the 1918 pandemic, it seems that healthy people were more adversely effected, so the success of that may be questioned purely from a flu perspective (obviously good for other reasons!).

Be prepared to stay home. While mandated quarantines have not been even discussed to my knowledge, history suggests that they are likely if the diseased spreads more than expected. Moreover, if you or your family are sick, don't venture out to spread the disease.

How to you prepare to stay at home? Have an emergency supply of things that you would need to be able to stay at home for a week to ten days if necessary. Look for long shelf lives and easy preparation/storage.

Need some suggestions?

• Cans of soup, peanut butter and jelly, canned vegetables, bottled water, tissues, toilet paper, hand santizers, oatmeal, pasta, tuna fish, mac and cheese, etc. (note you may not be living the high life, but you are only looking for things to be comfortable with)

If you are run a school or business: have plans to have your classes/employees work at home. Sure it is a pain, but it can be done.

For instance, at the Allegany Park and Shop we have a disaster pandemic plan that starts simple and gets more advanced if the problem escalates. A summary:

1. More frequent washing of all carts, surfaces, and doors to help prevent the spread of the flu virus.
2. Hand sanitizers at all registers for use after each customer.
   
3. Accepting phone and internet orders and then have a drive-up pick up (on the Maple avenue side) so that people would not need to come into contact with others.
   
4. Make home deliveries where food could be prepaid and left on porches.
5. Operate with a skeletal crew by cutting back on hours of operation and the number of product offerings: for instance water, vegetables, breads, etc.

Hopefully none of these will need to be used, but it is better to be prepared than to be caught by surprise and make costly mistakes.

For more see Ready.gov.

Breastfeeding 'protects mother'

BBC NEWS | Health | Breastfeeding 'protects mother':

"A US study found women who breastfed for more than a year were 10% less likely to develop the conditions than those who never breastfed.

Even breastfeeding for at least a month may cut the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

The research features in the journal Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

The study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting breastfeeding has health benefits for both mother and baby."

Kashi : Our food : Kashi U, Original

This is included partially in honor or Earth week, but more because it is simply that good! Possibly the best cereal on the market today. I think I have had three bowls already today.

From their website:

Kashi : Our food : Kashi U, Original: "

Representing the unity within your body, we created Kashi U™ cereal to promote the vitality of five body systems: Heart, Immunity, Bone, Digestion & Mind.

The tasty combination of toasted Seven Whole Grain flakes, tangy black currants, crunchy walnuts, and acai oat clusters is packed full of nutrition:

• Cardio Nourishment – 350mg ALA omega 3 from walnuts and 100% of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid
• Immunity Boost – 50% of your daily value for vitamins A, C and E as well as zinc and antioxidant super fruits black currant and acai
• Strengthen Support – More calcium & vitamin D than half a glass of milk* plus zinc to support bone health
• Thrive Inside – 7g of fiber and prebiotics to help the good bacteria grow
• Mental Sustenance – Over half of the daily recommended amount of whole grains

We believe that everything we do can make a difference and that every step counts. So the Kashi U box is printed with compostable, soy-based inks, is 100% recycled and contains 80% post-consumer recycled content, and is printed by a company that offsets its electricity use with clean wind power."

Blueberries May Help Reduce Belly Fat, Diabetes Risk

Blueberries May Help Reduce Belly Fat, Diabetes Risk:

"The new research, presented April 19 at the Experimental Biology convention in New Orleans, gives tantalizing clues to the potential of blueberries in reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. The effect is thought to be due to the high level of phytochemicals – naturally occurring antioxidants – that blueberries contain.

The study was performed in laboratory rats. While the animal findings suggest blueberries may be protective against two health conditions that affect millions of Americans, more research should be done."

Will have to add more to my next smoothie!

Fact or Fiction: Raw veggies are healthier than cooked ones: Scientific American

Have had this debate with several friends. While the evidence is somewhat mixed, it seems that cooking does enhance more than just the taste (and not just in carrots and tomatoes!)

Fact or Fiction: Raw veggies are healthier than cooked ones: Scientific American:

"A January 2008 report in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry said that boiling and steaming better preserves antioxidants, particularly carotenoid, in carrots, zucchini and broccoli, than frying, though boiling was deemed the best. The researchers studied the impact of the various cooking techniques on compounds such as carotenoids, ascorbic acid and polyphenols.

Deep fried foods are notorious sources of free radicals, caused by oil being continuously oxidized when it is heated at high temperatures. These radicals, which are highly reactive because they have at least one unpaired electron, can injure cells in the body. The antioxidants in the oil and the vegetables get used up during frying in stabilizing the cycle of oxidation."

Of course, this is not the only side of the issue as some suggest that boiling, or even cooking at all, is bad. But it seems that some cooking of some vegetables is actually food for you!

Vital Signs - Risks - Waist Size Strongly Tied to Heart Disease - NYTimes.com

Vital Signs - Risks - Waist Size Strongly Tied to Heart Disease - NYTimes.com:

"A large new study has provided added evidence that larger waist size alone, even in people of normal weight, significantly raises the risk for heart disease."

Free Bag at Park and Shop

" It's Earth Week!!

Free Bag!!*

It's Earth Week! We'll help you to be more environmentally friendly...

See ParkandShopOnline to see how you can get it for free!! THIS WEEK ONLY!!!

And for the week, we will take two cents off your order for every bag you reuse

Not All Diets Pass the Heart-Healthy Test

I doubt you will be surprised by any of this, but it is a scientific look at diets and what is good for the heart and what only claims to be (or at least cannot yet be shown to be good)


From WebMD:
Not All Diets Pass the Heart-Healthy Test:

"The final results showed only three specific dietary factors had strong evidence behind them as proven heart disease fighters:

* Vegetable-rich diet
* Eating nuts rich in monounsaturated fatty acids like walnuts and other nuts
* Following a Mediterranean-style diet high in vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, whole grains, cheese or yogurt, and fish

Of these, only a Mediterranean-style diet has been shown in randomized controlled studies to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Researchers also found strong evidence behind the negative effects of the following dietary factors on heart disease risk:

* Following a Western-style diet high in processed meats, red meat, butter, refined grains, and high-fat dairy products
* High-glycemic index foods
* Trans-fatty acids"

Maybe Vegetarians have high volatilty

From Science Daily:

Young Vegetarians May Have Healthier Diets But Could Be At Risk For Disordered Eating Behaviors:

"In a study published in the April 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, researchers observed that adolescent and young adult vegetarians may experience the health benefits associated with increased fruit and vegetable intake and young adults my experience the added benefit of decreased risk for overweight and obesity.

However, current vegetarians may be at increased risk for binge eating, while former vegetarians may be at increased risk for extreme unhealthful weight control behaviors."

To which I would suggest that the people (i.e. the vegetarians) studied, may be high volatility people in the sense they go to extremes. As such, they are more apt to become vegetarians but also more likely to have eating problems later on if they give up the vegetarianism.

Cross-posted at RandomTopics2 blog too. (I had intended it for the P&S blog (here) but messed up so might as well leave it there as well).

New Approach Discovered To Lowering Triglycerides

New Approach Discovered To Lowering Triglycerides:

"Studies done with laboratory rats suggest that supplementation of their diet with lipoic acid had a significant effect in lowering triglycerides, which along with cholesterol levels and blood pressure are one of the key risk factors in cardiovascular disease.....

The results were just published in the Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics.

"The extent of triglyceride reduction was really dramatic, we didn't expect it to be this profound," said Regis Moreau, an assistant professor with the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University."

Lipoic Acid is found in Kidney meats, Broccoli, and Spinach among other foods.

Caffeine Reduces Pain During Exercise, Study Shows

I would not have expected this. Although it does make sense and helps explain not only the habitual coffee many cyclists have pre-ride, but also the caffeine tablets I have seen some riders take mid way through a long hard ride (at least that is what they said the tablets were!) as well as the cans of coke that are ubiquitous in long stages of the Tour de France.

From Science Daily: Caffeine Reduces Pain During Exercise, Study Shows:

"Motl's latest published study on the effects of caffeine on pain during exercise appears in the April edition of the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.....

This study looks at the effects of caffeine on muscle pain during high-intensity exercise as a function of habitual caffeine use,' he said. 'No one has examined that before.

'What we saw is something we didn't expect: caffeine-naïve individuals and habitual users have the same amount of reduction in pain during exercise after caffeine (consumption).'"

The study is from the University of Illinois.

Fructose Metabolism By The Brain Increases Food Intake And Obesity, Review Suggests

Fructose Metabolism By The Brain Increases Food Intake And Obesity, Review Suggests:

"Two papers in the journal PNAS...showed that glucose and fructose act quite differently in the brain (hypothalamus) - glucose decreasing food intake and fructose increasing food intake....have inverse effects on food intake.

Lane commented: 'We feel that these findings may have particular relevance to the massive increase in the use of high fructose sweeteners (both high fructose corn syrup and table sugar) in virtually all sweetened foods, most notably soft drinks. The per capita consumption of these sweeteners in the USA is about 145 lbs/year and is probably much higher in teenagers/youth that have a high level of consumption of soft drinks. There is a large literature now that correlates, but does not prove that a culprit in the rise of teenage obesity may be fructose.'"

Childhood soy intake may reduce breast cancer risk | Health | Reuters

Childhood soy intake may reduce breast cancer risk | Health | Reuters:

"Women who regularly ate soy as children may have a lower risk of developing breast cancer, a study of Asian- American women suggests.

Researchers found that among nearly 1,600 Asian Americans with or without breast cancer, higher soy intake throughout life was associated with a lower risk of the disease. But the strongest protective effect was seen with childhood soy intake."

Allegany Delivery

Allegany Park and Shop Now Delivers!

Bad weather? Busy? Can't leave the kids? Working? We can save you time!

How to order?

• Phone 716-372-1410 or better yet email AlleganyParkandShop@yahoo.com Please be as exact as possible in placing orders; give product and size whenever possible. Include your phone number and the address you want the groceries delivered (can be home or work).

What can you buy?

• Grocery, Meat, Dairy, Deli, Produce, Bread, Fish Fries, Pizza, Subs, Salads

How do you pay for it?

• Before delivery, you will receive a call saying how much the bill is including the $5 delivery charge. You can either pay then by credit card, or have a check ready for us when we deliver. If you want to pay with cash, you must have exact change.

Currently this service is available two days a week.

• Tuesday Order by 10:00 AM Delivery is between 1pm and 3pm
• Friday Order by 1:00 PM Delivery is between 5pm and 8pm

See ParkandShoponline.com for more information and an easy-to-use shopping list that is organized by aisles to make the ordering even easier.

Service is available within 2 miles of the Allegany Park and Shop

Don’t Pass the Salt: Most Americans Get Double What They Should - Bloomberg.com

Don’t Pass the Salt: Most Americans Get Double What They Should - Bloomberg.com:

"Most Americans should cut their salt consumption in half, to less than a teaspoon a day, according to the first report clarifying dietary guidelines published in 2005.

About 69 percent of U.S. adults need to limit sodium to 1,500 milligrams daily because their age, race or medical condition puts them at risk of heart disease or stroke, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said today. Americans eat and drink 3,436 milligrams of sodium on average."

Turn Your Protein Shake Into A Super Shake | Precision Nutrition

Turn Your Protein Shake Into A Super Shake | Precision Nutrition:

"...let’s assume you’ve got your blender out and it’s powerful enough to do the job. Now you can follow the step by step guide below for creating nutritious and tasty Super Shakes.

Keep in mind, not all of the steps below are mandatory. If you don’t want any fruit, leave it out. If you are using almond milk and don’t want to add extra nuts, leave them out. (Of course, if you’re looking to control your calories, carbs, or fats, use smaller portion sizes or cut out certain ingredients.) You get the idea"

The site then goes on to list many different varieties of smoothies (or as my family calls them Squishies ala the Simpsons) and tips on making them.

Eating Too Much Red Meat May Shorten Life

ABC News: Eating Too Much Red Meat May Shorten Life:

"Diets high in red meat and in processed meat shorten life span not just from cancer and heart disease but from Alzheimer's, stomach ulcers and an array of other conditions as well, a U.S. National Cancer Institute study has found...."

In an article on the same topic from the BBC:

"Dr Barry Popkin of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, stressed there were health benefits to eating some red meat.

But he added: "The need is for a major reduction in total meat intake, an even larger reduction in processed meat and other highly processed and salted animal source food products and a reduction in total saturated fat."

Dr Mark Wahlqvist, a nutrition expert from Australia's Monash University, said eating small amounts of red meat - around 30g a day - provided a good source of key nutrients. "

Take away: Cut out processed meats as much as possible. Cut back on red meats.

Recycle Raccoon’s Easy Going Green

Recycle Raccoon’s Easy Going Green:

"For every ton of paper recycled:

* 17 trees are not cut down
* 7,000 gallons of water are not used
* 380 gallons of oil will not be used
* 3 cubic yards of landfill space will not be filled
* enough energy will be saved to heat your home for 6 months"

Strong Links Between Mothers' Diets And Health Of Their Children

Strong Links Between Mothers' Diets And Health Of Their Children:

"The report 'Early Nutrition and Lifelong Health,' published this month by the British Medical Association Board of Science, looks at the evidence that the diets of women of reproductive age, and those of their foetuses and young children, are significant factors in influencing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, brittle bone disease and even some forms of cancer and mental illness, later in those children's lives.

Lead author Professor Mark Hanson, director of the Centre for the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease at the University of Southampton, comments: 'Society and public health organisations need to pay much greater attention to these issues if the rising epidemic of these diseases is to be prevented. "

Scientists Discover Why A Low GI Meal Makes You Feel Full

Scientists Discover Why A Low GI Meal Makes You Feel Full:

"GI is a ranking assigned to carbohydrates according to their effect on the body’s blood sugar levels. A low GI meal takes longer to digest and releases sugar into the bloodstream more slowly than a high GI meal. High GI foods include white bread, croissants and cornflakes, whereas granary bread, milk and most fruit and vegetables are all classed as low GI foods.

A low GI diet is known to cause reduced appetite(1) but the mechanisms behind this have so far remained unknown"

Until now!

Researchers fed some a low GI meal and others a high GI meal and then measured the results:

"Blood samples were then taken every 30 minutes for 150 minutes, and levels of the gut hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and insulin measured. GLP-1 is a hormone produced by the gut that has been shown to cause a feeling of fullness and suppression of appetite(2). Volunteers who ate a low GI breakfast had 20% higher blood plasma levels of GLP-1...and 38% lower levels of insulin ...compared to those who had consumed a high GI breakfast."

Want more on the Glycemic index? Here are some blog articles going all the way back to 2004

Gee had forgotten how long I had been doing this :(.

A letter from a customer

A shortened version of a letter we recently received:

"We recently bought Shurfine stewed tomatoes....We opened a can and couldn't stop eating them!!!!"

and later:

"...made homemade soup and put the rest in the soup along with the juice. Delicious!

I remember my Grandma always told us 'girls' to get the Shurfine brand when we shopped for her. That was more than a day or 2 ago. (actually in the mid-'50's)

We always knew that Marty or Harry would help us as would any of the others in any of the stores."

[Marty was the long time store manager at our Front Street store and Harry Pike was our treasurer and accountant]

"Congratulations on keeping up the Mahar name and quality in the Service
Stores/Park'nShop. (it is always Service Store to me - old habits are
hard to break) lol"

Cherry Health and Cherry Nutrition

I am hooked. The Magic Bullet has me eating virtually every combination of fruit (mixed into smoothies) and some vegetables as well. While I do not have a favorite yet (have liked almost every kind), one of the best is using frozen cherries, almond milk (normal milk could be used), and chocolate Kids super food (instant chocolate could be used).

It tastes so good I was worried it was not nutritious, so I checked for the nutritional benefits of cherries and was pleasantly surprised! And while the claims seem a bit strong, I will say, the taste is VERY good!!

Cherry Health and Cherry Nutrition:

"Emerging evidence links cherries to many important health benefits – from helping to ease the pain of arthritis and gout, to reducing risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Cherries also contain melatonin, which has been found to help regulate the body’s natural sleep patterns, aid with jet lag, prevent memory loss and delay the aging process."

Mindless Eating -- Food Psychologist Explains The Mindless Way People Overeat

Mindless Eating -- Food Psychologist Explains The Mindless Way People Overeat:

"...the bigger the plate is, the more people serve, typically to the level of about 25 to 28 percent more,” Dr. Wansink said.

Six ounces of pasta on an eight-inch plate, looks normal. But that same serving on a bigger plate barely looks like an appetizer -- causing many people to dish out more. “The best way to mindlessly eat less is to get rid of your large plates, or get rid of your large serving bowls,” Dr. Wansink said.

Distracted television viewers also don’t pay attention to what’s in front of them. Studies show over 40 percent more food is eaten while watching TV.

“We often end up eating more because we simply eat to the pace of the program, or we eat until the program is over.” Dr. Wansink said."

Drink Green Tea For Healthy Teeth And Gums

Drink Green Tea For Healthy Teeth And Gums:

"...scientific studies are beginning to establish the potential health benefits of drinking green tea, especially in weight loss, heart health, and cancer prevention. A study recently published in the Journal of Periodontology, uncovered yet another benefit of green tea consumption. Researchers found that routine intake of green tea may also help promote healthy teeth and gums. The study analyzed the periodontal health of 940 men, and found that those who regularly drank green tea had superior periodontal health than subjects that consumed less green tea."

Chemistry Of Cooking -- A Biochemist Explains The Chemistry Of Cooking

Chemistry Of Cooking -- A Biochemist Explains The Chemistry Of Cooking:

"... put an apple in a paper bag with an unripe avocado, and ethylene gas will work for you overnight.

'We use this as a quick way to ripen,' Corriher said. Corriher says understanding a little chemistry can help any cook."

Regular Family Meals Result In Better Eating Habits For Adolescents

Regular Family Meals Result In Better Eating Habits For Adolescents:

"Good eating habits can result when families eat together. In the March/April 2009 issue of the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, researchers from the School of Public Health, University of Minnesota report on one of the first studies to examine the long-term benefits of regular family meals for diet quality during the transition from early to middle adolescence. In general, the study found adolescents who participated in regular family meals reported more healthful diets and meal patterns compared to adolescents without regular family meals."

Consuming A Little Less Salt Could Mean Fewer Deaths

Consuming A Little Less Salt Could Mean Fewer Deaths:

"A very modest decrease in the amount of salt — hardly detectable in the taste of food — can have dramatic health benefits for the U.S.,” said Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, Ph.D., M.D., M.A.S., lead author of the study and an assistant professor of Medicine and of Epidemiology at the University of California, San Francisco. “It was a surprise to see the magnitude of the impact on the population, given the very small reductions in salt that we were modeling.

A 3-gram–a-day reduction in salt intake (about 1200 mg of sodium) would result in 6 percent fewer cases of new heart disease, 8 percent fewer heart attacks, and 3 percent fewer deaths. Even larger health benefits are projected for African Americans, who are more likely to have high blood pressure and whose blood pressure may be more sensitive to salt.”"

From ScienceDaily.com

Recipes for Health - Black Beans - Nutrition From South of the Border - NYTimes.com

Some good news for black bean fans!

Recipes for Health - Black Beans - Nutrition From South of the Border - NYTimes.com:

"Beans are nature’s health food. They have an exceptionally high fiber content, and they’re a fine source of protein, as well as calcium, iron, folic acid and potassium. Black beans stand out because in that shiny black coating, there are at least eight different flavonoids, which are antioxidants. Called anthocyanins, they’re found in red grapes and red wine, red cabbage and other dark red fruits and vegetables. Black beans also contain small amounts of omega-3 fats, three times as much as other legumes provide."

Pocket-Book Friendly Meals

When I think inexpensive meals, I first think split pea soup. In the crockpot, it couldn't be easier to make, keeps well, and hits the spot. Mmmm... I think it might have to be on the menu at my house this weekend. But then I see this article in the New York Times:

Eight Dishes for Lean Times ...

"The following recipes for affordable, nutritious dishes are designed for busy health- and wallet-conscious cooks. They are based on recipes published in “Jane Brody’s Good Food Book” and “Jane Brody’s Good Food Gourmet.” Here’s to your health, if not wealth."

Black Bean Burritos sound really good ... and Turkey Cabbage Soup ... and Baked Apples. Mmm... it's good to try new recipes! Do you have favorite creation of your own? We're looking for some that are nutritious and easy to make for our recipe section. Do you have one to share? Send your recipe to jenmahar@parkandshoponline.com ... selected recipes will be posted on our website!

Finding Coupons Online Has Increased to Stretch Grocery Budgets - WSJ.com

From the Wall Street Journal:

Finding Coupons Online Has Increased to Stretch Grocery Budgets - WSJ.com:

"Last month, Kroger Co. said it would go national with its free text-messaging coupon program, a service provided by Cellfire Inc.

Dan Keefe, who works for a technology firm in Cincinnati, signed up for Cellfire last fall. Now every Sunday, Mr. Keefe, 46 years old, checks his BlackBerry for deals, such as the 50-cent discount on a package of Kroger-brand cheddar cheese he recently received. Clicking on a link in the text message tells Kroger's computer system to add the discount when Mr. Keefe's loyalty card is scanned at check-out."

You can do the same. We use Twitter for this. Sign up for twitter, then "follow" us (click on follow), be sure to turn your device (your cell phone/blackberry etc) on (under settings) and stay tuned :)

Active Transportation keeps you thin

Findings: Walking or biking is a good means to keep you thin.

While the study was done on school age males, I would wager that the same conclusion would be true had it been done on walking to shop, church, or anywhere else.

Obesity - Active Transportation to School Over 2 Years in Relation to Weight Status and Physical Activity:

"Boys who actively commuted to school had lower BMI (p<0.01)>Discussion: Walking and cycling to school may contribute to preventing excessive weight gain, or leaner children may walk or cycle to school."

Take away: Exercise is valuable and even small amounts is probably worthwhile. Make the resolution to walk and bike more. You will be glad you did.

Tweet tweet--do you twitter?

Want an occasional coupon sent to your phone? Or want to know about in-store specials? Good deals? Recalls? You can now with our new account on Twitter. Sign up, its free, easy, and fun! (FEF!)

http://twitter.com/ParkandShop

Study: Proximity to fast-food restaurants linked to stroke risk - CNN.com

Obviously this is not conclusive, but assuming those near fast-food restaurants are more apt to eat at the fast food restaurants, well...you decide

Study: Proximity to fast-food restaurants linked to stroke risk - CNN.com:

"A person's risk of stroke is associated with the number of fast-food restaurants near their residence, according to a study presented Thursday at a stroke conference in San Diego, California....."The association suggested that the risk of stroke in a neighborhood increased by 1 percent for every fast-food restaurant," the authors wrote in a poster presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference."

Secondhand Smoke Bad for Brain?

Secondhand Smoke Bad for Brain?:

"People who are exposed to secondhand smoke may be more likely than their peers to have cognitive impairment, a new study shows.

The study, published in the advance online edition of BMJ (formerly called the British Medical Journal), doesn't prove that secondhand smoke exposure causes cognitive impairment. But it does show that cognitive impairment was more common among nonsmokers and former smokers with high levels of cotinine, a nicotine-related chemical, in their saliva samples."

(I was nice and deleted what I had originally put here...Short version, Please Don't Smoke!)

New Factor In Teen Obesity: Parents

New Factor In Teen Obesity: Parents:

"The new research is a reminder, however, that 'good dietary habits start at home,' according to center research scientist Susan H. Babey, a co-author of the policy brief. 'If parents are eating poorly, chances are their kids are too.'"

Additional Evidence That Potato Chips Should Be Eaten Only In Moderation

Additional Evidence That Potato Chips Should Be Eaten Only In Moderation:

"A new study published in the March 2009 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition by Marek Naruszewicz and colleagues from Poland suggests that acrylamide from foods may increase the risk of heart disease. Acrylamide has been linked previously to nervous system disorders and possibly to cancer."

Mediterranean Diet Aids the Aging Brain: Study

Mediterranean Diet Aids the Aging Brain: Study:

"Mediterranean diet: The eating regimen, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and olive oil, may help the brain stay sharp into old age, a new study suggests.

Following the healthful diet reduced the risk of getting mild cognitive impairment -- marked by forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating. And it also cut the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease if cognitive impairment was already present, said study lead author Dr. Nikolaos Scarmeas, an assistant professor of neurology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City."

and later in the article

"You see what is called a dose response. The more stringently you follow the Mediterranean diet, the better the outcome," noted Dr. Gary Kennedy, director of geriatric psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City."

The Six Healthiest Staple Foods in Middle Eastern Cuisine

I really like Hummus and have it often, so I figured I better check to see if it is any good for me. Lo and behold, it is!

The Six Healthiest Staple Foods in Middle Eastern Cuisine:

"Chickpeas, with their subtle nutty flavor and buttery texture, are used as a main ingredient in hummus, a rich garlicky dip that's growing in popularity here in the United States....Chickpeas are also popular in soups, stews and side dishes.

Health Benefits: Chickpeas contain healthy nutrients including protein, manganese, folate, tryptophan, copper, phosphorus and iron. Plus, they're an excellent source of fiber, which is known to help lower cholesterol, fight heart disease and stabilize blood sugar levels"

Healthier Pizza -- Food Chemists Slice Up Healthier Pizza

Healthier Pizza -- Food Chemists Slice Up Healthier Pizza:

"Food chemists have shown that making a pizza crust with whole wheat flour and cooking it longer releases more antioxidants. These chronic disease-fighting compounds increased by 82 percent when baked at a higher temperature, by 60 percent when baked twice as long and doubled when the dough was left to rise an extra day."

Plums Poised To Give Blueberries Run For The Money

Plums Poised To Give Blueberries Run For The Money:

"“...blueberries have some stiff competition,” said Dr. Luis Cisneros, AgriLife Research food scientist.'Stone fruits are super fruits with plums as emerging stars.'

Far from fruit snobbery, the plum is being ushered in after Cisneros and Dr. David Byrne, AgriLife Research plant breeder, judged more than 100 varieties of plums, peaches and nectarines and found them to match or exceed the much-touted blueberries in antioxidants and phytonutrients associated with disease prevention."

BBC NEWS | Health | Alzheimer's 'is brain diabetes'

How exciting. Who knows watching diet may lessen Alzaheimer risks? wow.

BBC NEWS | Health | Alzheimer's 'is brain diabetes':

"His colleague, Professor Sergio Ferreira, from Rio de Janeiro, said: 'Recognising that Alzheimer's disease is a type of brain diabetes points the way to novel discoveries that may finally result in disease-modifying treatments for this devastating disease.'

A spokesman for the Alzheimer's Research Trust said that the study shed light on how insulin interacted with toxic proteins linked to the disease.

'People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. It is well known that insulin affects how the brain works, and this research adds more evidence to the possibility that Alzheimer's could be a type of brain diabetes."

17 Best Foods for Dieters

While the list is vastly different than what I would have come up with, this is from WebMD.
17 Best Foods for Dieters:

"Dieting can be downright difficult, especially if your diet includes foods you don't particularly enjoy. After all, how much cabbage soup can a person stand? The good news is that there are thousands of diet foods that are healthy, taste great, and can help you stick to your weight loss plan."

CNN.com - Career - Barry Sears: Edible success - January 19, 2001

Here is an interesting interview with Barry Sears of the Zone Diet.


CNN.com - Career - Barry Sears: Edible success - January 19, 2001:

"'What I set out to do was to try to find the Rosetta Stone of food -- the right balance of protein, carbohydrate and fat -- to allow you to keep your insulin in an appropriate 'therapeutic zone' from meal to meal.".......even though we were developing a program for cardiovascular patients and diabetics, we did much of the testing in world-class athletes. In fact, the athletes I've personally worked with in the last three Olympics have won 23 gold medals.

"Between those two extremes -- the cardiovascular patient and the world-class athlete -- lies everyone else."....

It just happens that one of the side effects of lowering insulin is the loss of excess body fat."

BY no means is this an endorsement, but I have read some of his books and there is a great deal I like about them.

Huge Burden Of Diabetes Shown By New Survey

Get tested. It is hard to believe that that many have the disease and do not know it.

Huge Burden Of Diabetes Shown By New Survey:

"In the United States, nearly 13 percent of adults age 20 and older have diabetes, but 40 percent of them have not been diagnosed, according to epidemiologists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),....

"We're facing a diabetes epidemic that shows no signs of abating, judging from the number of individuals with pre-diabetes," said lead author Catherine Cowie, Ph.D., of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), a part of the NIH. "For years, diabetes prevalence estimates have been based mainly on data that included a fasting glucose test but not an OGTT. The 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, or NHANES, is the first national survey in 15 years to include the OGTT. The addition of the OGTT gives us greater confidence that we're seeing the true burden of diabetes and pre-diabetes in a representative sample of the U.S. population.""