An apple a day keeps the doctor away … but if that apple is laced with pesticides and chemicals?
According to a new report published by the public health advocacy group, Environmental Working Group (EWG), apples are the # 1 produce to buy organic. They’re the most pesticide-contaminated produce out of the 53 fruits and vegetables sampled. [continue reading…]
Say goodbye to the Food Guide Pyramid, and say hello to “MyPlate.”
MyPlate is the government’s newest food icon, and dietitians and experts argue that it’s easier to understand than the “confusing” Food Guide Pyramid – which was originally introduced in 1992 and updated to “MyPyramid Food Guidance System” in 2005.
Critics of the Food Guide Pyramid have described it as confusing and difficult to understand. The original version, which is the more widely recognized pyramid, actually showed a hierarchy of the food groups, and was easier to understand. The updated 2005 version had vertical blocks, and a person stepping up steps (which was supposed to remind Americans to exercise).
Food Guide Pyramid, 1992
My Pyramid, 2005
If you’re looking for an immune system boost, get some vitamin C into your diet! Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin (which means that it dissolves in water. Leftover amounts leave your body as urine). Vitamin C is considered one of the safest and most effective nutrients to get into your daily life. Although it won’t cure your cold or flu alone, it may help protect you against serious complications.
Your body requires vitamin C for the healthy growth and repair of tissues in every part of your body. Vitamin C is needed to form blood vessels, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, and collagen (an essential protein that makes skin). Vitamin C is also important to heal wounds, and to repair and maintain healthy bones, teeth, and cartilage. Vitamin C also helps with iron absorption.
Since your body doesn’t make vitamin C on its own and it doesn’t store this nutrient, it’s up to you to get enough vitamin C into your diet. Getting enough vitamin C will keep you healthy and feeling good. You can either take a vitamin C supplement, or eat foods containing vitamin C – such as oranges and citrus fruits. [continue reading…]
Guest Post.
Reading food labels is a huge part of dieting. They provide all the information you need to know about a food, from the serving size to the ingredients. The problem is that many people ignore food labels and simply guess the contents of their food and make up their own serving sizes. This is a factor that contributes to obesity: ignorance with food labels. If you are looking to have a healthier diet, looking at food labels is the first step to take. [continue reading…]
