Caloric Restriction Extends Life in Monkeys, Study Finds - US News and World Report

The evidence continues to build. The best exercise may be to push yourself away from the table while still hungry.


Caloric Restriction Extends Life in Monkeys, Study Finds - US News and World Report:

"A 20-year study found that Rhesus monkeys fed a nutritious, low-calorie diet have fewer age-related diseases than counterparts on a normal diet, researchers report July 10 in Science. Also, MRIs reveal less shrinking with age in areas important for decision-making and controlling movement in the brains of calorie-restricted animals, report Ricki Colman and Richard Weindruch, both of the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and colleagues.

These results show that calorie restriction helps preserve primates’ bodies and brains, says Luigi Fontana, of Washington University in St. Louis and the Italian National Health Service in Rome. Calorie restriction has already been shown to extend the lifespan of mice and dogs, as well as yeast, fruit flies and worms."

Ten simple things that can be done to combat obesity

As grocers we see the obesity problem every day as people walk by the produce and instead pick up potato chips. When they pass on the vegetable soups and get chicken wings. It saddens us. It really does.

So here is out unasked for Top Ten simple things we can do to combat obesity.

1. Eat more vegetables. Probably the most important thing. Eat more vegetables. Eat more vegetables, Eat more vegetables. You probably can not eat too many: Salads, Broccoli, Peas, Cucumbers, mushrooms, tofu, spinach, tomatoes (yeah I know a fruit, who cares), cabbage, the list goes on and on. Make sure they make up the bulk of your shopping list.
2. Eat more fruit. So many choices and all are so good. In most cases more calories than vegetables, but still much better than that fatty desert that has been tempting you. (hint: buy a Magic Bullet. Make smoothies instead of empty calories from pop, make fruit sorbets instead of fatty ice creams).
   
3. Exercise every day. We are not talking about becoming an Olympic athlete. But get out and do something. Walk, run, swim, lift, bike, take a hike, fly a kite, but get out and do something. And make sure your children do too! Not only does it burn calories, it also takes you away from the all too easy food sources. (Hint: walk instead of driving to the store--not only that, walking will limit how much you buy!)
   
4. Cut back on "eating out". Study after study shows that fast food restaurants are tied to greater levels of obesity. Try to eat the vast majority of your dinners at home. And set an example for your children (lots of fruits and vegetables, less meat, very very little fats and empty calories).
   
5. Eat as a family whenever possible. You will eat less and eat better than if you "just catch something" at a local restaurant/fast food place.
6. Try to eat the least processed food you can: fresh produce is best, frozen is good, canned fruits and vegetables are not bad, but after that so much gets added you have to watch what you eat.
   
7. Use smaller plates and chew sugarless gum. Yeah I know they are silly, but they are both really easy and fast steps that do seem to help.
8. Get so-called "good fats" via nuts and/or fish.
   
9. Eat more oatmeal. Not only is it a great way to get soluble fiber, but it is also is an easy fast way to get nuts and fruit into your diet. Added benefit: keeps you full for a long time (see next one).
   
10. Increase fiber. Beans and other legumes add fiber which keeps you full, and are generally quite low in calories. They also are a good source of protein. (Hint get a crock pot, and make your own beans. No salt and no added sugar.)
    

There you have it. Our top ten ways to combat obesity. Simple, easy, and cheap. No books or special diets needed.

Obesity in the US

We all know that obesity is a problem. In the US it is now estimated that about a third of all people are obese and even if the rate of growth has slowed, it is still amazingly sad.

How much it has grown is staggering. Click through on this map from the CDC to see how many more are obese now than were back in 1985.



We are doing it to ourselves.


One step to check (yeah bad pun) this trend locally is that schools will be tracking the problem. Which is good if something is done about it, but if not, then just wasted time and money.

From the Olean Times Herald: Fat Checking Now Required.

"By mandate from New York State’s Department of Education, members of the district’s Health Office will be collecting the body mass index of the student body.

“Obesity is a problem, but at the same time, we take on more and more responsibility for it,” district Superintendent Dr. Colleen Taggerty said. “We educate on obesity, but we also educate on eating disorders, there is a dichotomy.”

“Obesity is certainly a societal issue that we need to tackle together,” Portville Superintendent Timothy Simon said. “Like many similar issues, public schools have been asked to intervene on behalf of children to address this problem"

Face The Fats

Face The Fats:

"It's time to meet the Fats - some are bad and some are better.
According to a consumer survey conducted for the American Heart Association, fewer than half of Americans know that the 'better' fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) can help reduce their risk of heart disease"

Mice Run Faster On High-grade Oil

Mice Run Faster On High-grade Oil:

"...research, to be presented on the 29th of June 2009 at the Society for Experimental Biology Annual Meeting, has shown that mice fed for two weeks on a diet high in sunflower oil, which contains n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, ran on average 0.19m/s faster than mice fed a diet rich in linseed oil, which is high in n-3 fatty acids.

This means that, over a 2 second sprint, a mouse fed on a high n-6 fatty acid diet would have a 0.4m advantage. This represents a 6.3% improvement which equals that achieved in the 100m world records over more than 75 years"

cross-posted on ParkandShop, RandomTopics2 and OleanCyclingClub

New Evidence That Vinegar May Be Natural Fat-fighter

Is it the salad or the dressing? Might want to hedge your bets ask for vinaigrette dressing! A win-win!

New Evidence That Vinegar May Be Natural Fat-fighter:(from Science Daily)

"Tomoo Kondo and colleagues note in the new study that vinegar has also been used as a folk medicine since ancient times. People have used it for a range of ills. Modern scientific research suggests that acetic acid, the main component of vinegar, may help control blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and fat accumulation.

Their new study showed that laboratory mice fed a high-fat diet and given acetic acid developed significantly less body fat (up to 10 percent less) than other mice.

Importantly, the new research adds evidence to the belief that acetic acid fights fat by turning on genes for fatty acid oxidation enzymes. The genes churn out proteins involved in breaking down fats, thus suppressing body fat accumulation in the body."

Healthy Begins Here: 8 Great Family-Friendly Foods that Help Fight Cancer

From WebMD. By Sheryl Crow.

Healthy Begins Here: 8 Great Family-Friendly Foods that Help Fight Cancer:

"I learned how to eat 'defensively.' I had never understood before how vital food was for protecting the body from sickness and disease. In fact, according to the National Cancer Institute, serious diseases that are linked to what we eat are the culprits in three out of four American deaths each year. And, recent research estimates that 35% of cancer deaths could be prevented through improved nutrition.

We truly are what we eat and what we put in our bodies matters to our long-term health."

She goes on to list 8 foods (or more realistically 8 categories of food) that might help you fight (or prevent?) cancer.

BBC NEWS | Health | Vegetarians 'avoid more cancers'

Yes lower rates of some cancers, but not across the board.

BBC NEWS | Health | Vegetarians 'avoid more cancers':

"researchers said they found marked differences between meat-eaters and vegetarians in the propensity to cancers of the lymph and the blood, with vegetarians just over half as likely to develop these forms of the disease.

In the case of multiple myeloma, a relatively rare cancer of the bone marrow, vegetarians were 75% less likely to develop the disease than meat-eaters....The reduction was less notable for fish-eaters with these cancers. The reasons, researchers said, were unclear, but potential mechanisms could include viruses and mutation-causing compounds in meat - or alternatively that vegetables confer special protection."

BUT

"...reduction for vegetarians was not found with cancers of the bowel, one of the most common forms of the disease. The vegetarians in the group in fact had a slightly higher rate of cancers of the colon and the rectum, although not significantly so. But the relative risk for fish-eaters and vegetarians of cervical cancer was twice that of meat-eaters."

Panel Recommends Ban on 2 Popular Painkillers - NYTimes.com

If you take acetaminophen, you better read this:

Panel Recommends Ban on 2 Popular Painkillers - NYTimes.com:

"...the committee voted 24 to 13 to recommend that the F.D.A. reduce the highest allowed dose of acetaminophen in over-the-counter pills like Tylenol to 325 milligrams, from 500. And members voted 21 to 16 to reduce the maximum daily dosage to less than 4,000 milligrams."

Why A Low-Calorie Diet Extends Lifespans: Critical Enzyme Pair Identified

Exciting finding. COuld open many doors.

Why A Low-Calorie Diet Extends Lifespans: Critical Enzyme Pair Identified:

"Identifying the receptor may allow researchers to design drugs that mimic the signal and could lead to new treatments for age-related diseases. This could enable us to reap the health benefits of calorie restriction without adhering to extreme diets in which the satisfying feel of a full stomach is strictly off limits"

Follow-up on our time study

I have gotten some comments on our time study we released on Saturday. So I did some checking on line and lest you think our study was biased and poorly done (hey I want you to be skeptical), check out the following old article from the Wall St. Journal.

It turns out our estimate of it taking over three times as long to shop at Wal Mart as at Park and Shop fits their findings pretty well:

Wal-Mart Sales Decline Is Worst in 28 Years - WSJ.com:

"The average Wal-Mart customer spends 21 minutes in the store per visit, but that customer finds only seven of the 10 items on his or her list, according to Chief Marketing Officer Stephen Quinn. ..

It isn't working for Julia Russ, though. The 42-year-old federal contract administrator in Grand Prairie, Texas, visited a Wal-Mart in her city four times last month for groceries, pet supplies, toiletries and paper goods. But she often finds the store crowded and hectic. 'The wait at checkout is getting longer all the time,' Ms. Russ said. 'I may lose patience and pay the difference for my time' to go elsewhere."

Oh and by the way, Stephen Quinn is the marketing officer for Wal-Mart. It is he who is saying 30% of time what you are looking for at Wal Mart is not there.

Time is Money!

We are all rushed. Time is your most valuable resource. Time is Money. We all know it. We have all heard the all true cliches. But sometime we forget.

How does this come up? Recently we conducted a study of how long it takes to shop our stores vs other stores in the area. The findings? Customers can get in and out of our stores MUCH faster than at our competition.

Consider the following:

Average time of shopping trip

Park and Shops
6 min 45 sec

Wal-Mart (Olean)
23 min 14 Sec

Tops (Olean)
19 min 40 Sec

Based on a study done by April-May 2009 N=25 or more for each store. Each was done at similar time of day for comparison purposes.


And remember this does not count the driving time nor the time walking to and from the car across large parking lots. So if that were included we'd be even faster!

Now I know what you are thinking. You are probably thinking something like:

"I can get in and out of the Park and Shops faster than that. They have short lines, I don't need to walk a mile through their parking lots, and everything is right there so I don't need to wade through tons of things I don't want to get what I do want." How can it take so long?"

So how was it so high? It turns out that 2 of the customers (remember we had this done and did not do it ourselves so they checked every customer) happened also to work for us and they spent a longer time in the store since they were talking to their co-workers. They each were in the store for well over fifteen minutes each. Throw them out at the average is closer to six minutes!

So the next time you find yourself thinking if only I had a little more time to spend with my family, or to watch your child's sporting event, or to garden, sleep, or anything else you want to do, remember that we can give you more time!

Dietary Fat Linked To Pancreatic Cancer

More reason to eat your veggies and watch your meat and dairy consumption.

Dietary Fat Linked To Pancreatic Cancer:

"High intake of dietary fats from red meat and dairy products was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, according to a new study published online June 26 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

This study was undertaken because research relating fat intake to pancreatic cancer was inconclusive...."

Longer Life Linked To Specific Foods In Mediterranean Diet

An important look inside the so-called Mediterranean Diet.

The key take-away? Seems like it is the vegetable consumption driving the large benefits found in previous studies!

Longer Life Linked To Specific Foods In Mediterranean Diet:

"Some food groups in the Mediterranean diet are more important than others in promoting health and longer life according to new research published on the British Medical Journal website."

and later:

"The authors maintain that when high intake of vegetables, low intake of meat or moderate alcohol intake were excluded from the rating system, the benefits of following a Mediterranean diet were substantially reduced. They also note that there are clear benefits in combining several of the key components, for example high consumption of vegetables and olive oil.

Professor Trichopoulou, lead author of the study, concludes that the main reasons why the Mediterranean diet can lead to living longer are moderate consumption of ethanol (mostly in the form of wine during meals, as traditionally done in the Mediterranean countries), low consumption of meat and meat products, and high consumption of vegetables, fruits and nuts, olive oil and legumes.

"

H-E-B beats Wal-Mart in court on claim of big savings | Business | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Mmm...HEB is one of the best grocery stores I have ever seen. They are mainly in Texas. This is from teh Houston Chronicle.

H-E-B beats Wal-Mart in court on claim of big savings | Business | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle:

"Wal-Mart Stores has pulled a national advertisement that says consumers can save $700 a year shopping at its stores after H-E-B challenged the ad and filed its objections with an industry group.

The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus recommended that Wal-Mart stop making the claim."

and later:

"H-E-B also challenged a separate ad in which Wal-Mart claimed it had “unbeatable prices,”....The group recommended that Wal-Mart make the terms of how it matches prices more clear."

Eat well, live longer!

HealthDay:

"If you eat a healthy diet, you're likely to live longer.

It might be trite advice, but a new study offers proof that it can make a difference in your longevity.

Those with the best diets reduced their risk of death by up to 25 percent over a 10-year follow-up, said study author Ashima Kant, a professor of nutrition at Queens College of the City University of New York....The study is published in the July issue of The Journal of Nutrition."

and later in the same article:

"Good dietary habits may also help delay the progression of hardening of the arteries, according to a separate study published in the July issue of the The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers from Tufts University and Wake Forest University evaluated the effect of a good diet on the progression of coronary artery disease in 224 postmenopausal women who had the disease when they enrolled in the Estrogen Replacement and Atherosclerosis Study. The better the diet, the slower the progression of disease, they found.

"Both studies are finding similar things," said Penny Kris-Etherton, a distinguished professor of nutrition at Penn State University, who wrote an editorial to accompany the atherosclerosis study.

"We're getting more and more evidence that diet [when poor] can play a key role in chronic disease development, progression and all-cause mortality," she said."

GoodGuide | Issues | High Fructose Corn Syrup

Have you checked out GoodGuide? It is "Good Stuff!" Definitely recommended!

For instance, take the following article on High Fructose Corn Syrup:

GoodGuide | Issues | High Fructose Corn Syrup:

"High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a liquid sweetener made from corn starch. It is an ingredient commonly found in snack foods, breakfast cereals, salad dressings, sweetened beverages and the tomato sauce on your pasta dinner. HFCS is controversial, however there is research and evidence that suggest diets high in fructose may cause metabolic changes that lead to increased triglyceride levels and elevated uric acid levels.

.....Over time, this can contribute to weight gain, and excess weight is associated with heart disease and diabetes.

HFCS accounts for 10% of all calories in the overall U.S. diet, according to the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, and closer to 20% in specific segments of the population including children."

Local History Article from the OTH

The Olean Times Herald has an interesting piece on Hinsdale. BE sure to check it out

"In the mid-1800s, Hinsdale was bigger than Olean,” Mrs. Dutton said.

According to the 1850 census, Hinsdale had a population of 1,302, a total of 403 more people than Olean.....The 1860 census indicated Hinsdale had a population of 1,708 people, a town still on the rise, Mrs. Dutton said."

and later:

"DUTCH HILL WAR: In June 1844, the only agrarian war to be fought in the history of Cattaraugus County was waged within the borders of Hinsdale, Mrs. Dutton said.

Agents of Holland Land Co. were looking to evict Jacob and George Learns, brothers who lived in Hinsdale, for defaulting on land payments, an undated news article from the time reported.

“The sheriff (George W. White) and six deputies began to remove the brothers’ belongings,” Mrs. Dutton said.

The seven men were surrounded by a mob of 150 farmers, some dressed as Indians, the article reads. The sheriff and his men retreated and Mr. White was beaten by the mob."

Cross-posted on ParkandShop.Blogspot.com and RandomTopics2.blogspot.com

6 Essential Flat-Belly Foods on Yahoo! Health

6 Essential Flat-Belly Foods on Yahoo! Health:

"Penn State researchers found that dieters who ate whole-grains lost twice as much belly fat as those who stuck to white-flour products—even though they'd consumed the same number of calories."

BTW here is the Penn State study. (I THINK)

Nutrition facts, calories in food, labels, nutritional information and analysis – NutritionData.com

If you are what you eat, shouldn't you know what you are eating? Check out NutritionData.com Very useful site, even if it is not the easiest to use.

For thousands of products it tells you the nutritional breakdown plus Glycemic Index rating and more.

Nutrition facts, calories in food, labels, nutritional information and analysis – NutritionData.com:

"On Nutrition Data, you'll find detailed nutrition information, plus unique analysis tools that tell you more about how foods affect your health and make it easier to choose healthy foods."

Recall: FDA: Some Zicam Cold Remedies May Affect Sense of Smell

FDA: Some Zicam Cold Remedies May Affect Sense of Smell:

"The FDA's warning only applies to the following Zicam products:

* Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
* Zicam Cold Remedy Gel Swabs
* Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size

'Consumers should stop using these products immediately and should discard or return them,' Deborah Autor, director of the FDA's Office of Compliance, said at a news conference. Autor notes that Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size is no longer on the market, but consumers shouldn't use the product if they still have it at home.

Zicam's maker -- Matrixx Initiatives, Inc. -- has voluntarily withdrawn Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs and Zicam Cold Remedy Gel from the market, telling consumers to discard any of the affected products or request a refund by calling 877-942-2626 or visiting Zicam's web site"

Gout, the Ailment of Kings, Now Afflicts the Middle Class - NYTimes.com

More reason to watch what (and how much) you eat!

Gout, the Ailment of Kings, Now Afflicts the Middle Class - NYTimes.com: "

"Often called the “disease of kings” because of its association with the rich foods and copious alcohol once available only to aristocrats, gout is staging a middle-class comeback as American society grows older and heavier."

and later"

"Gout is caused by the buildup of a chemical called uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is formed by the breakdown of purines, which are components of DNA, RNA and some other important molecules in the body.

Some types of meat and fish, as well as beer, are particularly rich in purines and can raise the risk of gout. There is also evidence that sugary soft drinks raise the risk.

When uric acid levels get too high, the chemical can form needlelike crystals that accumulate in joints."

Don't cut your carrots too soon

mmm...moral? "Don't cut your carrots until they are cooked."

BBC NEWS | Health | Cancer boost from whole carrots:

"...anti-cancer properties of carrots are more potent if the vegetable is not cut up before cooking, research shows.

Scientists found 'boiled before cut' carrots contained 25% more of the anti-cancer compound falcarinol than those chopped up first."

Why?

"Lead researcher Dr Kirsten Brandt, from Newcastle University's School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, said: "Chopping up your carrots increases the surface area so more of the nutrients leach out into the water while they are cooked.

"By keeping them whole and chopping them up afterwards you are locking in nutrients and the taste, so the carrot is better for you all round.""

Alcohol’s Good for You? Some Scientists Doubt It - NYTimes.com

I have wondered about this a great deal. Glad to see it finally get some press:

Alcohol’s Good for You? Some Scientists Doubt It - NYTimes.com:

"...some scientists, the question will not go away. No study, these critics say, has ever proved a causal relationship between moderate drinking and lower risk of death — only that the two often go together. It may be that moderate drinking is just something healthy people tend to do, not something that makes people healthy.

“The moderate drinkers tend to do everything right — they exercise, they don’t smoke, they eat right and they drink moderately,” said Kaye Middleton Fillmore, a retired sociologist from the University of California, San Francisco, who has criticized the research. “It’s very hard to disentangle all of that, and that’s a real problem.”"

fightbac.org: Partnership for Food Safety Education (PFSE) - Fight Bac! Safe Food Handling and Food Safety Information

Good advice!
fightbac.org: Partnership for Food Safety Education (PFSE) - Fight Bac! Safe Food Handling and Food Safety Information:

"Grillmasters: Do you have the right tools?

Keep your friends and family safe this grilling season by making sure food is cooked to a high enough internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illness.

You cannot determine if food is fully cooked just by looking at it. The only way to make sure food has reached a safe minimum internal temperature is to use a food thermometer.

Refer to the Heat it Up Chart for safe minimum internal temperatures"

Foods That Lower Cholesterol - Best Veggies, Meats, Fruits, and More

From WebMD: Foods That Lower Cholesterol - Best Veggies, Meats, Fruits, and More:

"Heart-healthy foods are essential to a heart-healthy diet.

If you want to eat a heart-healthy diet but are not sure what foods you should buy, check out this heart-healthy kitchen essentials guide. From fruits and vegetables to whole grain goodness, learn what foods to keep on hand."

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.



Watch CBS Videos Online

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!!*

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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.