Caffeine Myths #1 of 9: Caffeine is addictive True or False?

More computer finds that I wanted to share.? Some of these I’ve heard all my life so now I know if they are True or False. Myth #1: Caffeine is addictive. False: Although caffeine is considered a mild stimulant, it’s not addictive, according to the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse . Unlike classic stimulants – think cocaine and amphetamines – there’s rarely a strong compulsion to use caffeine. But caffeine can be habit-forming. That’s why you may feel mild withdrawal symptoms if you skip your morning cup of joe or afternoon pick-me-up. Typical symptoms include headache, restlessness and irritability. Should you decide to give up caffeine, don’t go cold turkey; instead, slowly decrease your consumption over a week. Really though, why bother? Studies show moderate caffeine?intake actually enhances your mood and improves alertness. For adults, the American?Dietetic Association suggests no more than 200 mg to 300 mg a day, which equals two to three cups of coffee.

See the original post:
Caffeine Myths #1 of 9: Caffeine is addictive True or False?

Caffeine Myths #1 of 9: Caffeine is addictive True or False?

More computer finds that I wanted to share.? Some of these I’ve heard all my life so now I know if they are True or False. Myth #1: Caffeine is addictive. False: Although caffeine is considered a mild stimulant, it’s not addictive, according to the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse . Unlike classic stimulants – think cocaine

Original post:
Caffeine Myths #1 of 9: Caffeine is addictive True or False?

Caffeine Myths #1 of 9: Caffeine is addictive True or False?

More computer finds that I wanted to share.? Some of these I’ve heard all

Originally posted here:
Caffeine Myths #1 of 9: Caffeine is addictive True or False?

Cancer Fighting Foods

NEEDED TIPS FOR ALL OF US Garlic – Several large studies have found that those who eat more garlic are less likely to develop various kinds of cancer, especially in digestive organs such as the esophagus, stomach, and colon . Ingredients in the pungent bulbs may keep cancer-causing substances in your body from working, or they may keep cancer cells from multiplying. Experts don’t know how much you need to eat to prevent cancer, but a clove a day may be helpful. Berries – As a tasty treat, berries are hard to beat. But their juicy goodness also may make them one of the foods to fight cancer. Berries contain particularly powerful antioxidants , meaning they can halt a naturally occurring process in the body that creates free radicals that can damage your cells. Compounds in berries may also help keep cancers from growing or spreading. So, as part of your anti-cancer diet, pick up a handful of blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, or any other favorite berries today. Tomatoes – Some research has found that eating tomatoes may help protect men from prostate cancer . The juicy red orbs can help guard the DNA in your cells from damage that can lead to cancer. Tomatoes contain a particularly high concentration of an effective antioxidant called lycopene. Your body may absorb lycopene better from processed tomato foods such as sauce, which means that whole-wheat pasta with marinara sauce could be a delicious way to help lower your risk of this disease. Veggies – Cruciferous vegetables — the group containing broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower — may be particularly helpful in protecting you from cancer. Researchers have found that components in these veggies can protect you from the free radicals that can damage your cells’ DNA. They may also shield you from cancer-causing chemicals, help slow the growth of tumors, and encourage cancer cells to die. They’re a tasty and healthy addition to your anti-cancer diet. Teas – Tea contains antioxidants called catechins, which may help prevent cancer in a variety of ways, including keeping …

Read more:
Cancer Fighting Foods

Foods for Beautiful Skin

A friend sent this and I felt it was worth sharing. 5 Foods for Beautiful Skin By Brierley Wright, M.S., R.D., EatingWell.com My husband, Andy, lives in a perpetual summer, chasing warmer weather, making a living racing sailboats—so, understandably, he’s a sunscreen fanatic. And for good reason: more than a million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year, which by the way is the most common type of cancer . Andy’s sunscreen habits mean he’s protecting his skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays from the outside in. …

Continue reading here:
Foods for Beautiful Skin

Rice Tips

In some languages, the word for eat means to eat rice.? This is the most widely eaten grain in America and has been the culinary foundation for many of the world’s oldest cultures. It was first grown in the American Colonies in the late seventeenth century.? ? The two main classifications of rice is white and brown.? White is less nutritious, as much of the bran, fiber, nutrients and the rice germ has been removed.? White rice is quicker to prepare and has a rather bland flavor.? Brown rice has a nutty, rich flavor and requires longer cooking.? Brown rice retains most if its nutritional values , which includes a limited amount of protein, but the protein quality is excellent because of the high levels of amino acids .? Rice is loaded with carbohydrates and has nutrients such as B vitamins , iron, phosphorus and magnesium.? ? An easy way to enhance the flavor of rice is to cook it in an assortment of liquids such as stocks, juices and even wine.? Another easy flavor enhancer is to use different spices and herbs.? You can also add cup up fruits or vegetables such as carrots, celery, apples or pears as it cooks.? Or add flavor by adding nuts, dried fruits or chilies.

See the original post here:
Rice Tips

Start Your Herb Garden

Here are some great herbs to start your own Herb Garden with. Basil – Found in Italian cooking and spaghetti recipes , this herb works well with tomatoes and garlic.? Basis has a mild sweetness that enhances meats, fish, poultry and vegetables.? Basil is easy to grown and does well in heat and direct sunshine.? Try using its leaves in fresh garden salads and pasta dishes.? Some of the favorite varieties include compact bush, cinnamon, spicy globe as well as the common sweet basil. Chives – Has a mild onion flavor.? Chives are useful in many forms in the kitchen.? Besides using them as an enhancement to your pasta dishes, on top of baked potatoes or in salads, they can be used to spice up your recipes as a garnishment.? Chives add flavors to soups, stocks and broths.? They grow well in sunny locations, indoor pots and work well as a boarder plant in your garden. Cilantro – Also known as Chinese parsley or coriander, cilantro looks similar to parsley but with larger, flat leaves.? Cilantro’s distinctive, pungent aroma is a key ingredient in Mexican, Indian and Chinese cooking.? Cilantro is found in salsa, rice and with cooked chicken and fish. Dill – Most often dill is associated with pickles but the flavors work exceptionally well in salads and with fish.? Try using the feathery leaves to enhance tuna salad , salad dressings , cottage cheese or with yogurt for a vegetable dip.? Use it in a combination with yogurt and minced cucumber for a topping to fish. Fennel – Fennel is a tall and graceful plant known for its use as in fish dishes.? It resembles dill as both have feathery, light leaves grown on strong, tall stems.? Fennel can reach as height as 5 feet.? The flavor is a…

See original here:
Start Your Herb Garden

Pasta History & Tips – Quick Pasta

It is believed that the Chinese were eating noodles as early as 5000 B.C.? The exact origin of pasta is unknown, although Italians have been given much credit in developing the recipes we most enjoy today.? American history is much clearer regarding the introduction to pasta.? On a trip to Naples, Italy in the late 1700s, Thomas Jefferson was introduced to pasta and was the first to bring it back to the states. Cooking directions for boxed or dry pasta is the same for all varieties of pasta (vermicelli, spaghetti, fettuccine, etc.).? What varies is the cooking time.? Pasta should always be cooked “al-dente” which means “to the tooth” or firm.? Don’t overcook your pasta.? To cook 1 pound of dry pasta, bring 5 quarts of water with 2 Tbl. salt to a rolling boil.? Just before adding the pasta, add 2 Tbl. olive oil to the water.? Add pasta, stir immediately to separate each strand of pasta, return water to a boil.? Reduce heat to a light boil and cook according to package directions.? Thin pasta such as Angle Hair and Thin Spaghetti will require from 3-7 minutes.? Regular spaghetti from 6-8 minutes.? Thicker, heavier pastas like fettuccine about 9-11 minutes of cooking.??? Don’t “throw your pasta against the wall” to check for doneness. ?Only overcooked pasta will stick to the wall.? Check done by sampling.? As soon as your pasta has reached the desired doneness, drain it thoroughly in a colander.? If you plan to use right away, rinse your pasta in hot water.? If you are

Excerpt from:
Pasta History & Tips – Quick Pasta

Vegetarian Diets

There have been times that I’ve thought about going on a vegetarian diet but have had a few second thoughts as far as health.? Below is what the American Heart Association recommends and says about vegetarian diets. The American Heart Association recommends a diet that is low in saturated fats and trans fats, the types of fat that can raise blood cholesterol . Since cholesterol and saturated fats come primarily from animal foods, one way to adjust your diet for high cholesterol is to start a vegetarian diet. You don’t actually need any cholesterol in your diet, since your body can make all the cholesterol it needs. Studies show that a vegetarian diet can lower your risk for obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Is a Vegetarian Diet Safe and Nutritious? A well-rounded vegetarian diet can be healthy and nutritionally sound with some careful planning. Here are some tips to make sure you are getting enough essential nutrients: Protein. Although foods from animals are important sources of protein, you can get all the protein you need from a vegetarian diet. Soy has been shown to be as rich a source of protein as animal food. Good sources of plant protein include whole grains, vegetables, seeds, and nuts. Iron. Red meat is an important source of iron. A vegetarian diet may put you at higher risk for iron deficiency. Make sure to get enough dried beans, spinach, brewer’s yeast, and dried fruits in your diet. These are all good sources of iron. Vitamin B12. This vitamin only comes naturally from animal foods. Vitamin B12 is important in reducing the risk of heart disease , and vegetarians with low B12 may be at risk. You can make sure to get enough B12 by using fortified products like B12-fortified soy milk or cereal. You can also take a B12 supplement. Zinc. This mineral is important for growth and development. Grains, nuts, and legumes are good sources, but you might also consider a zinc supplement. Vitamin D. If you don’t include dairy in your vegetarian diet and you don’t spend much time outdoors, you also may want to supplement vitamin D.

Go here to read the rest:
Vegetarian Diets

Chef’s Choice Angle Select Knife Sharpener

Foodbuzz Daily Special This 3-stage electric knife sharpener is fast and easy to use. Works on smooth, serrated, Asian and sporting knives. The angle guides keep you within a perfect 15-20 degree angle, so there’s no guesswork. Stage 1 at a 15% angle for Asian knives and Stage 2 at 20% for American and European knives hones cutlery to hairsplitting sharpness with diamond coated disks. Revolutional Stage 3 stropping/polishing disk finishes the job with a flawless edge. Lubricant-free so it’s a joy to sharpen knives. 3 year limited warranty. Compact for easy storage.

Continue reading here:
Chef’s Choice Angle Select Knife Sharpener

Next Page »