Kañiwa – The New Super Grain

Just when you finally figured out how to pronounce “quinoa,” there is a new super grain on the market.  Kañiwa (pronounced ka-nyi-wa), like quinoa, is a species of goosefoot (Chenopodium) grown primarily for its edible seeds.  It is grown in Peru and is not yet widely available in the United States.

Unlike quinoa, kañiwa does not contain bitter tasting saponins and so does not need to be rinsed thoroughly before cooking.  It is smaller than quinoa but is cooked using the same methjod of 2 parts liquid to 1 part grain.  Naturally gluten-free, kañiwa is a healthy grain for a gluten-free diet.  Kañiwa is also a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids in correct proportion, which makes it an excellent choice for a vegetarian diet.  Kañiwa also has significant levels of calcium, zinc, and iron.

Where to find it?

Kañiwa is currently sold at Whole Foods Market, Amazon, and other online retailers.

Beyond Bell Peppers

This year I have been especially excited about peppers – and not just ordinary bell peppers.  Anaheim, Banana, Chipotle, Jalapeno, Pablano, and Serrano peppers have been making an appearance in my kitchen.

Bell peppers and chili peppers are both in the Capsicum Annuum family.  The varying degree of heat in peppers is due to the presence of capsaicin, concentrated most in the inner membranes and seeds.  Not only does each species vary in the level of heat, individual fruits from the same bush can vary greatly in their capsaicin content. 

The level of heat in each type of pepper is measured by a system called Scoville Heat Units.  This scale was developed in 1912 and refers to the number of times dissolved chili extracts can be diluted with sugar water before capsaicin can no longer be tasted.  See the Scoville chart to select the level of heat you want in your recipe.  Note that sweet bell peppers have no heat with a score of 0 while habanero peppers are close to the top at 100,000-350,000.  There are many delicious varieties of peppers with mild heat that can be used in everyday recipes.

Why include peppers in your diet?

What all of the peppers have in common is their great nutritional profile.  Peppers are especially rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and carotenoids.  Red peppers contain a greater amount of these nutrients than the green peppers.  Peppers are low in calories while providing fiber to help fill you up.

How to prepare peppers

Peppers are used for flavor as well as heat.  Sweet bell peppers are delicious raw, roasted, grilled, or sautéed.  They add beautiful color and flavor to salads, soups, and stir-fry recipes. 

Interested in getting a little more adventurous?  Peppers with a little more heat are a great addition to whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, kasha, or polenta.  Sauté chopped white onion and a minced chili pepper in oil before adding the grain to the pain.  Add heated water or stock and cook as directed.  Chili peppers are also essential for salsa, pico de gallo, enchilada sauce, chili, gumbo, and huevos rancheros.

To reduce the heat in your recipe, remove the seeds and membranes from the inside of the chili before using it.  Be sure to use a spoon to scrape the seeds out and then wash your hands thoroughly to avoid irritation of your skin (or eye if you accidentally touch it!)

Chili peppers can be roasted the same way as bell peppers to add flavor.  Roast peppers in the flame of a gas burner or in the oven until charred, place in a paper bag or covered bowl for 10 minutes, and then remove the outer skin.

A delicious recipe I recently tried was roasted, stuffed anaheim peppers.  Roast the peppers as described above and then make a slit lengthwise to remove the membranes and seeds.  While the peppers are resting, cook polenta using orange juice in place of water.  When it is done, mix in fresh corn kernels, chopped cilantro, and salt/pepper to taste.  Stuff the peppers with the polenta mixture and then bake for 20 minutes in a 350 degree oven.  Serve them on a spicy tomato sauce or black beans with cumin.  They are fantastic!  The sweetness of the corn and orange complements the heat and smokiness from the roasted pepper.

Want to learn more about peppers?  One of the most authoritative writers is Dave Dewitt, who has written many books and articles including Peppers of the World: An Identification Guide.  

The next time you are in the grocery store or at a farmers market, be sure to pick up some chili peppers to spice up your recipes.

Oats for a Happy Heart

Oats recently came up in a conversation about grains that contain gluten.  The confusion is a result of manufacturers marketing their “gluten free” oats.  Do oats contain gluten?

Gluten is a composite of two proteins, gliadin and glutenin, found in wheat and related species including barley and rye.  Oats do not contain these proteins.  Instead, oats contain a legume-like protein called avenin.  The general consensus is that oats are safe for those with celiac disease because avenin does not trigger the same reaction as gliadin and glutenin.  The problem with oats is that they are frequently grown and/or processed near wheat, barley, and rye, resulting in cross-contamination.  If you are on a gluten free diet, it is best to look for oats that are certified gluten free to be sure.

Heart Health

Oats are highly promoted as a heart healthy food as a result of their fiber content and their unique phytonutrients, avenanthramides.  Studies have shown that avenanthramides protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, which could have a positive effect on the accumulation of plaque in arteries. 

Oats contain a specific type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan.  For over 40 years, studies have shown that eating just 3 grams of oat fiber per day lowers cholesterol (an amount found in 1 cup of oatmeal.)   

Oats are also a good source of minerals manganese and selenium, protein, and carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin.

Varieties

Oats are available as instant oatmeal, quick-cooking oats, old fashioned oats, steel cut oats, and oat groats (Scottish oats or Irish oatmeal).  What’s the difference?

Oat groats – unflattened oat kernels.

Steel cut oats – oat groats sliced by steel blades; they have a dense, chewy texture.

Old fashioned oats – oat groats that are steamed, rolled, and flattened.

Quick-cooking oats – oats groats that are steamed, rolled, cut very fine, and then flattened.

Instant oatmeal – oats are partially cooked and then rolled very thin; most of the bran is removed in processing.

Oat groats and steel cut oats contain most of the bran portion of the grain.  Oats are also available as oat bran, the outer layer of the kernel, and oat flour used in baked goods.

How to Store and Prepare

Oats are available in prepackaged containers and in bulk bins.  If you purchase prepackaged oatmeal, avoid those with added sugar, salt and other additives.  Instead, cook plain oats and add your own condiments such as cinnamon, nuts and dried fruit.  Store oats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place and buy small quantities at a time to maintain freshness.

Oats are prepared by simmering in water, and the amount of water and cooking time will vary with the variety (instant oatmeal will cook in a minute or so compared to up to 30 minutes for steel cut oats.)  If you have never tried steel cut oats, they are worth the effort.

Perfect Steel-Cut Oats
Serves 2-4, depending on how hungry you are!
3 cups water
1 cup steel-cut oats
pinch of salt


Bring the water to a boil and stir in the oats and salt. Let the water and oats come back to a boil then reduce to medium-low heat. Let the oats simmer with the lid slightly ajar, stirring frequently until cooked through - 20 minutes for chewy oats or 30 minutes for softer oats. Stir in extras like milk, sweeteners, nuts, and fruit off the heat in individual bowls. Leftovers keep for one week.

Black Beans - Fiber, Folate, and Phytonutrients

Did you know that black beans aren’t actually black?  The color is very dark purple from the concentration of anthocyanins, phytonutrients in the flavonoid class that are powerful antioxidants.  These are the same phytonutrients found in red, blue, and purple foods: blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, grapes, eggplant and acai berries.

Black beans, also called turtle beans, are also rich in molybdenum, folate, fiber, tryptophan, protein and iron.  One cup of black beans provides 15 grams of dietary fiber and 15 grams of protein.  For most people, this is ½ of the daily value of fiber and just under one-third of daily protein requirements.

Black beans are available dried or canned.  Canned beans cost more than dried beans but can save you a lot of preparation time.  If you choose canned beans, look for organic beans that do not contain additives or extra salt, and rinse them well before using them.  Select dried beans that are whole and free from cracks and discoloration.  Dried beans will keep for 12 months in an airtight container kept in a cool, dark, dry place. 

To cook black beans from scratch, soak them in water for 8 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.  Remove any beans that float and discard.  Drain the beans and add fresh water before cooking.  I recommend adding fresh garlic and a 1-inch piece of kombu (a dried sea vegetable) to the cooking water to flavor the beans and add minerals.  There is also some evidence that adding kombu will improve the digestibility of the beans.  Do not add salt to the cooking water, as this will result in tough, mealy beans.  Always season beans with salt after cooking.  Bring beans to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer and cook for 1 hour or until tender.  Drain the beans and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Black beans are creamy, delicious, and very versatile.  For breakfast, try huevos rancheros or create a breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, avocado, and salsa.  Black beans can be added to salads, soups, chili, or even pasta to add texture and fiber. 

One of my favorite recipes for black beans is Black Bean Hummus.  Place the following ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.  Add additional lemon juice or water to adjust the consistency.

1 clove garlic

1 15 oz can black beans, drained, or 2 cups of cooked black beans

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 ½ tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)

¾ teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

¼ teaspoon paprika

Appreciate Your Green Beans!

Recently I was compiling a list of the best food sources for vitamins and minerals, and I was surprised to see green beans pop up on several lists.  Could that water logged salty thing I ate from a can as a child be a super food?

Yes!  Green beans are a super food, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say that the high sodium canned versions are nearly as good as fresh or frozen.

Green beans are versatile, widely available and nutrient rich.  They are an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin C, manganese, and a very good source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium, folate, tryptophan, and iron.  If you are not a big fan of leafy greens, 1 cup of green beans provides 25% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin K and 10% of folate.  They also contain phytonutrients beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin which provide anti-inflammatory properties.  Go green beans!

Over 130 varieties of snap bean are known. Pod color can be green, golden, purple, red, or streaked.  Shapes range from thin "fillet" types to wide "romano" types and more common types in between. French Haricots verts (green beans) are bred for flavorful pods.  The most popular variety is the green snap bean.

Fresh green beans are far superior to frozen or canned.  Choose beans that are smooth, firm, vibrant green, and snap when bent.  Avoid discolored, wrinkled, or mushy beans.  Do not wash them and store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.  Properly stored, they will be fresh for up to 7 days.  Many people trim off both ends before eating them, but it is fine to trim off only the top stem end.

Green beans can be eaten raw, steamed or roasted.  Avoid boiling them as water soluble nutrients will leach in to the water.  Green beans are best “al dente” and are done after steaming for just 4-5 minutes.  Once steamed, add them to salads, eat as a side dish tossed with lemon and olive oil, or marinate them with legumes for a colorful summer salad.

One of my favorite recipes for green beans is to toss steamed green beans with a little butter, mustard, and fresh dill.  Another great recipe is to roast them with Asian flavors. 

For green bean recipes that will make your mouth water, see the Eating Well website at http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/collections/healthy_green_bean_recipes.

The next time one of your neighbors, friends, or coworkers is trying to give away their garden’s abundance of green beans, enjoy them knowing that you are in the presence of a super food!

Watermelon IS a Superfruit

Just before the July 4^th weekend, I stopped by the grocery store to pick up my favorite summer foods.  In front of the store there must have been a truck load of watermelons!!  Obviously store management expected a huge run on watermelon for the weekend.

Is watermelon one of your summer staples?  If not, stock up on this super fruit!

Watermelon is not often recognized as a super fruit and takes a back seat to other highly promoted fruits such as blueberries, pomegranate, and acai berries.  But watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C and the phytonutrient lycopene.  Lycopene is a red pigment that gives watermelon and tomatoes their color, and it is thought to act as a powerful antioxidant. 

Studies have shown that a cup and a half of watermelon contains about 9 to 13 milligrams of lycopene. Based on studies reported by the USDA, on average watermelon has about 40 percent more lycopene than raw tomatoes!

Watermelon is available year round but summer is the best time for maximum flavor and lowest cost.  When selecting a watermelon, look for a yellow or cream-yellow “ground spot,” the place the melon rested on the ground.  If this spot is green or white, it is probably not ripe.  Note that this rule does not work for seedless watermelons as they often do not have this marking.  A ripe watermelon will also produce a dull thud vs. a hollow sound when you thump it.

Watermelon can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.  Sliced melon should be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator. 

The best way to eat watermelon is fresh, either sliced or juiced.  To create a cooling watermelon drink, blend chunks of fresh watermelon with fresh mint and strain into a glass.  It can also be frozen in ice cube trays and then blended for a frozen dessert.

Is it OK to eat the seeds?  Yes, the seeds are edible and contain some minerals.  In some cultures the seeds are used for medicinal purposes.

Enjoy watermelon frequently and be sure to add it to your list of super fruits!

Larabar - A Random Act of Yumminess

With summer finally arriving, many of you likely have some great travel plans in your future.  The biggest challenge I have with traveling is how to eat healthy food on the road.  While I love eating out and frequently find great menu choices, I often find that I crave fresh fruit and unprocessed food within the first few days of the trip.  Mostly, I want something simple and healthy for breakfast or a snack. 

Today’s feature – Larabar - is not a single ingredient food, but it is amazingly close for many of the flavors.  I’d seen Larabars on the shelf among what seems to be hundreds of other bars.  Recently I needed a quick snack and ate the ‘Peanut Butter & Jelly’ flavor.  Wow!  The bar was moist and tasted very much like the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches I enjoyed so much as a kid.  I took a look at the label and I was amazed:  dates, peanuts, unsweetened cherries and salt.  Only 4 ingredients!

Since that time, Larabars have become a staple when I am traveling – along with fresh fruit and nuts that travel well. 

Have you ever tried a Larabar?  The primary ingredients of the bars include dried fruit and nuts, so if you are already a trail mix junkie you will love them. 

At the Larabar website (http://www.larabar.com/), you will find information about the founder, Lara Merriken, history of the company, and nutritional information about each of the flavors they’ve created.  There are 19 Larabar flavors and 4 “Jocalat” flavors, featuring organic unsweetened chocolate. 

Besides the great taste, the bars are rich in protein, fiber, healthy unsaturated fat, and have no added sugars.  As a result, you will have lasting energy with no blood sugar swings from too much sugar.   The ingredients provide a boost of vitamins and minerals.

I am in no way connected to Larabars.  I just love their products and their vision:  Pure, Simple, Delicious.

Enjoy the energy!

Refreshing Lemons

Recently a family member sent me one of those mass forwarded emails “Lemons and Cancer,” claiming that … “lemon (citrus) is a miraculous product to kill cancer cells.  It is 10,000 times strong than chemotherapy.  Why don’t we know about that? Because there are laboratories interested in making a synthetic version that will bring them huge profits.” 

Is this really true?  I couldn't let this one go without a reply and sent her information that I'd learned in a course about bioactive compounds (also called phytochemicals).

Bioactive compounds are substances in foods that have a health benefit but they are not classified as a vitamin or mineral.  There are several categories of bioactive compounds, and lemons (and limes, oranges, and grapefruit) contain those in the terpene category, specifically “limonene.”  There are others, but this one has been most often studied for its cancer protective benefits.

Most of the studies to determine health benefits have been in animals, not humans.  The animal studies have consistently shown that limonene can protect against skin, breast, lung, stomach, color and kidney cancers.  Limonene has been shown to interfere with the formation and growth of tumors.  

Most people consume about 50 mg/day of limonene from food (based on a study in Arizona). The studies typically used a much higher amount (500 mg or more) – much more than people actually eat.  While there a health benefit associated with eating fresh lemon, lime, orange or grapefruit every day, it would not be likely that you could eat enough citrus fruit for it to be medically relevant (i.e. for cancer treatment).  Lemons are rich in vitamin C and other bioactive compounds including carotenoids and flavonoids. 

It is best to eat fresh citrus vs. juice in cartons.  Studies have shown that the limonene content was lower in juices packaged in plastic or cartons.  The peels are especially rich in limonene so use the zest too!  Use lemon zest and fresh juice on vegetables, fish, avocado, or rice.  Squeeze fresh lemon juice in your water for a refreshing summer drink. 

My advice:  eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including lemons, every day – the studies have shown that people who eat a higher number of daily servings have a lower risk of cancer and many other chronic diseases.  The nutrients in whole foods have a synergistic effect, so they are always a better choice than isolated nutrients.

Kohlrabi - What is that?

Earlier this Spring I stopped at a local natural foods store to select from the organic plant starts for my garden.  Among the usual spring vegetables I found kohlrabi.  At the time, I couldn’t even remember what it looked like let alone how to eat it.  I decided to try them and put the small tender plants in the ground.  Next I went home to find out what it was!

Kohlrabi’s origin in nature is the same as the more familiar cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. All are bred from the wild cabbage plant.  The name is German in origin and kohlrabi is also known as a German turnip.  “Kohl” means cabbage and “Rabi” means turnip. 

Kohlrabi has an unusual appearance that distinguishes it from other members of the cabbage family. Instead of a head of closely packed leaves, there is a globular swelling of the stem just above the ground. The leaves are similar to those of a turnip.  Both the bulb and leaves can be eaten cooked or raw, and the bulb has a similar taste and texture to broccoli stems.

There are several varieties commonly available, including White Vienna, Purple Vienna, Grand Duke, Gigante (also known as "Superschmelz"), Purple Danube, and White Danube.

Is it even better than broccoli?  I compared the nutritional value of kohlrabi to broccoli stems (100 g each, which is just less than 1 cup of raw kohlrabi or 1 broccoli stalk) and what I discovered is that they are very similar and both are nutrition superstars.

Both are very low in calories (<30 kcal) and rich in fiber, potassium, and provide more than the daily recommended amount of vitamin C!  While broccoli stalks contain slightly more folate, vitamin A, and manganese than kohlrabi, the nutrient balance completeness score using the Nutrition Data website was practically identical. 

How to eat it? The kohlrabi bulb is woody on the outside and should be peeled before eating or cooking it.  Enjoy kohlrabi sliced thin and eaten raw like a radish, roasted with olive oil, or steamed and added to soups, stir fry or even pasta dishes. 

This week I had the opportunity to use the first produce ready from my garden – kohlrabi!  I found a great recipe for Asian Kohlrabi slaw and served it with an Asian marinated grilled chicken breast. 

Now that you know what it is, don’t pass it by the next time you are in the grocery store!

Boost Your Immunity with Pepitas! (Pumpkin Seeds)

Pumpkin seeds are chewy, nutty and subtly sweet.  They are a good source of minerals (manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper and zinc), protein and vitamin K.  Zinc and protein are important nutrients for a strong immune system.

Pumpkin seeds are readily available year-round and most often sold in the green variety known as pepitas.  They are sold in bulk or prepackaged in most grocery stores.  It is best to buy them raw and then pan roast them yourself.  To roast them, heat a skillet on medium heat and place the dry seeds in the pan.  Stir continuously to ensure even roasting, and the seeds are done when they have puffed up and are slightly browned.  Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to six months.

Pumpkin seeds are a great addition to salads, grain dishes, on yogurt, sautéed vegetables, or added to trail mix.  Or, substitute pumpkin seeds for pine nuts in pesto recipes. 

Remember to chew pumpkin seeds thoroughly to optimize the nutritional benefits.  Don’t wait for Halloween to enjoy the benefits of pumpkin seeds!

The Incredible Edible Egg

In January 2011 the American Egg Board launched a new marketing campaign to promote eggs as a power breakfast for kids:  “When it comes to your kids, you'll do whatever it takes to help them succeed.”

Eggs definitely make it on my list of great foods to eat.  The protein in eggs is the highest quality protein found in any food and it is used as the standard to which other protein-rich foods are compared.  Eggs provide the highest quality protein found in any food because they provide all of the essential amino acids our bodies need in a near-perfect pattern. While many people think the egg white has all the protein, the yolk actually provides nearly half of it.  One egg provides 6 grams of protein, or 12% of the Recommended Daily Value.

Eggs are also a great source of riboflavin, vitamin B12 and minerals, particularly choline and selenium.  The nutrients are primarily in the yolk, so be sure to enjoy the whole egg and not just the white.  Many brands of eggs are also marketed as high in omega-3 fatty which are produced by hens fed a diet rich in flaxseed.   

Concerned about cholesterol?  People who have been avoiding eggs because of their high cholesterol content may be cheered to learn that eggs have lost cholesterol over the past decade. Instead of 215 mg per large egg, there are now 185 mg of cholesterol based on the Agricultural Research Service analysis on eggs collected from a dozen locations around the country.

The Egg Nutrition Center, a group linked to the industry, speculates that changes in chickens' diets might account for the drop. The analysis also showed that eggs contain more vitamin D than they did a decade ago, about 41 International Units per egg. That is still far less vitamin D than a person needs. Considering this new analysis, plus previous research demonstrating that eating eggs does not raise cholesterol for most people, people don't need to feel guilty about enjoying this nutritious breakfast food.

How do you know if the eggs are fresh?

In addition to the freshness date on the end of the carton, there is a 3-digit number indicating the date the eggs were laid that corresponds with the day of the year.  For example, 010 would be for January 10 and 364 would be for December 30. 

A very fresh egg will have a thick, firm white directly around the yolk.  The yolk color does not indicate freshness; it only reflects what the hens have eaten in the diet.  Store your eggs in the refrigerator to preserve freshness.

Almonds - the King of Nuts

Did you know that nuts, including almonds, have received a qualified health claim form the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a result of their health benefits?  Eating 1.5 ounces of nuts per day has been shown to provide special health benefits including promoting heart health, a healthy weight, and a healthy digestive system. 

Almonds are rich in vitamin E and minerals such as manganese, magnesium, copper and phosphorus.  Although ¼ cup contains about 18 grams of fat, the majority is heart healthy monounsaturated fat which has been associated with lower levels of LDL cholesterol.  The key is to replace other foods containing saturated fat with almonds.  For example, instead of eating an ounce of cheddar cheese for a snack or on your salad, try almonds instead. 

How to select almonds

It is best to choose raw almonds since “dry roasted” may be cooked at high temperatures that damage their natural oils.  If you prefer the roasted taste of almonds, it is quick and easy to dry roast them yourself.  Simply roast them on a baking sheet in a 200 degree oven for about 15 minutes.  Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to protect them from rancidity. 

Almonds are easy to incorporate into your snacks and meals.  Put chopped almonds on your cereal, mixed in your yogurt, or on rice or salads.  Carry a mixture of almonds and dried fruit with you for a quick snack.  You can also find almond butter near peanut butter in the store or buy it freshly ground at your nearest natural health food store.  Almond butter is great on toast, fresh apple slices, or celery sticks.

Quinoa - A Grain or Not a Grain?

Although we call it a grain, quinoa (pronounced “keen-wa”) is a species of goosefoot, a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds.  It has been gaining popularity in the United States as a whole grain as well as in breads, pastas and ground as flour. 

Why is quinoa becoming so popular?  It is not only nutritious, it is quick to prepare and delicious.  Quinoa is a rich source of minerals (manganese, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus) and unlike many other grains it contains all 9 essential amino acids.  One cup of quinoa provides approximately 6 grams of protein, about the same as one whole egg.  It is a great alternative to other grains and it is gluten-free.

Quinoa is available in many grocery stores either prepackaged or in the bulk bins near the rice.  You may find white, red or black quinoa, although the most popular type is the white quinoa.  There are also orange, pink and purple varieties!  If you are going to keep your quinoa for more than a month, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and replace it after six months.

The most important thing you need to know about quinoa is that you need to rinse it before cooking.  Quinoa seeds are coated with compounds called saponins which taste bitter.  The first time I prepared quinoa I did not rinse it, and after one bite I could not imagine how anyone liked it and I threw it away.  If only I’d known!  Place the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer or in cheese cloth and rinse well under cool water.  You will notice that saponins form a soapy resin that lathers when they come in contact with water. 

Quinoa cooks quickly and the method is just as easy as cooking rice.  Using a 2 to 1 ratio of liquid to quinoa, heat the liquid (water or stock) to boiling, add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.  After 15 minutes, tip the pan to see if any liquid remains in the bottom.  The quinoa is done when all of the liquid has been absorbed.  The cooked germ looks like a tiny curl and should have a slight bite to it.  Fluff it with a fork and serve, or use it in any recipe as a substitute for couscous or rice.

My favorite preparation is using chicken stock for the liquid with fresh garlic.  After it is cooked, toss the room temperature quinoa with chopped parsley, basil, tomato and kalamata olives.  Season with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper and you have a great side dish for fish or chicken.  Or, add garbanzo beans for a quick main dish.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away?

Yes!  I’m not sure when this saying originated, but the wisdom holds true today after much research about the health benefits of apples.

When I first learned about bioactive compounds (or phytochemicals) in foods, the apple was one of the first foods examined.  What I learned convinced me that eating an apple every day is beneficial for my health.

First the basics:  apples are low in calories and a good source of fiber and vitamin C.   What most people don’t know is that apples contain a variety of phytochemicals, including quercitin, catechins, phloridzin and chlorogenic acid, all of which are strong antioxidants.  The phytochemical composition varies greatly between different varieties. 

A 2004 Review “Apple phytochemicals and their health benefits” in Nutrition Journal stated that the top 5 apple varieties with the highest phytochemical content are Fuji, Red Delicious, Gala, Liberty and Northern Spy.  The phytochemicals are found primarily in the peel vs. the flesh.  The total antioxidant activity of one serving of apple is equivalent to about 1500 mg of vitamin C; however the actual amount of vitamin C in the serving of apple is only about 5.7 mg.  Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, but it represents less than 0.4% of the total antioxidant activity in an apple.  Nearly all of the antioxidant activity comes from the other compounds!

What would you choose – a vitamin C supplement or an apple?  I choose the apple!

Apple season is in the fall but they are available year-round.  Storage does not impact the phytochemical content but processing does (juicing, cooking or drying) so it is best to choose a fresh apple over other forms.  If possible, choose organic apples or wash well before eating as apples are typically treated with pesticides.

Apples are a convenient, delicious snack.  And, an apple a day will keep the doctor away!

Green Tea Party

The health benefits of green tea have been extensively researched.  The health benefits include protection against coronary artery disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and periodontal disease.  It has also been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes.

Why is green tea so beneficial?  It contains a high concentration of beneficial phytonutrients called catechins and their derivatives.  The most abundant is epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG for short.  The antioxidant power has been found to be even better than that of vitamin C.  Catechins are antibacterial so they support a strong immune system.

How much should you drink for the health benefits?

Most of the research was based on about three cups per day.  There are many green tea products on the market in loose leaf and tea bags.   If you are going to add green tea to your diet, I recommend learning about brewing green tea from loose leaf.  Loose leaf is typically fresher and higher quality.  A good introduction can be found in the video, Brewing Green Tea About Brewing Green Tea.

There have not been any tests relating to the content of catechins in different brands of green tea.  I think it is likely that fresh tea from any reputable vendor should have a respectable amount of catechins, although it will vary. Tea that has been allowed to go stale will certainly be lower in catechins.  Green tea is readily available in tea shops, health food stores, nutrition supplement stores, and most grocery chains.

Green tea does contain caffeine, about 25 mg compared to 145 mg in an average cup of coffee.   There are several health conditions and medications with contraindications for caffeinated beverages, so be sure to check with your doctor before including it in your diet.

Bananas - Portable and Packed with Potassium

Bananas are loved by almost everyone from toddlers to endurance athletes.  The sweet taste and creamy texture make them the most popular fruit in the United States.   Most people know that bananas are a rich source of potassium, but did you know that one banana provides approximately 1/3 of the daily value of vitamin B6 and 10 mg of vitamin C?  They are also a good source of fiber, manganese and carotenoids (pre-cursers of vitamin A such a beta-carotene.)

The nutrients in bananas promote heart health, stomach health, proper elimination and optimal antioxidant status.  Vitamin B6 is important in keeping levels of homocysteine in balance, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.  The daily recommended intake of potassium is 4700 mg for adults, and one banana provides between 450-500 mg.  Other great sources of potassium are baked potatoes with the skin, dried plums, acorn squash, lima beans and spinach.  Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables will ensure that you meet the requirement for potassium.  A number of studies indicate that groups with relatively high dietary potassium intakes have lower blood pressures than comparable groups with relatively low potassium intakes.

Bananas are widely available and store well at room temperature.   If your bunch ripens faster than you can eat them, store them in the refrigerator to slow the ripening process.  The peels will turn black but the flesh will not be affected.  Another option is to slice them and freeze them to enjoy in smoothies.

Enjoy bananas as a snack; add sliced bananas to cereal, oatmeal, fruit salad, yogurt or frozen yogurt.  While banana bread and muffins are also delicious, temperatures used in baking destroy essential nutrients and enzymes.  A banana a day may keep the doctor away!