Fat American Pose A Threat to National Security

Increasing rates of obesity among young Americans could undermine the future of the US military, with potential recruits increasingly too fat to serve. "Obesity rates threaten the overall health of America and the future strength of our military," generals John Shalikashvili and Hugh Shelton, both former chairs of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, wrote in a commentary.

Obesity disqualified more potential recruits for military service than any other medical factor, so the two generals urged Congress to adopt legislation that would ensure better nutrition in schools, offering children more vegetables, fruits and whole grains while cutting back on foods with high sugar, sodium and fat content.

"We consider this problem so serious from a national security perspective that we have joined more than 130 other retired generals, admirals and senior military in a non-profit group called "Mission: Readiness."

The US military faces a problem with troops already serving who are overweight, with some soldiers losing out on promotions because of their failure to meet fitness standards. The two retired generals endorsed a plan by President Barack Obama's administration to increase funding by one billion dollars a year over ten years for child nutrition programs. Investing in nutrition made sense as the country was already spending 75 billion dollars a year on medical costs associated with obesity, they said. .

"We must act, as we did after World War II, to ensure that our children can one day defend our country, if need be.

Phytonutrients = Super Nutrients!

Of course the words rutin, hydroxytryrosol and limonene are not in the vocabulary of an everyday American, but heart disease, cancer and low immune system, those we do know. Well those hard to pronounce words are linked to have beneficial effects on preventing heart disease, heightening immune system response and even preventing certain cancers.
What foods contain these compounds? Many fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds that you can find in your neighborhood grocery store. They're called phytonutrients (or polyphenols). Polyphenols can be broken down into many subcategories. Here are some of our favorites in a language everyone can understand:

1. Naringenin. Found in grapefruit, oranges, and other citrus fruits, naringenin has been found to block damage to the DNA in cells, regulate blood sugar levels, and block glucose production by the liver. An orange a day keeps the doctor away?

2. Hydroxytrysol. A polyphenol found in olive oil and red and white wine, hydroxytrysol has been shown to improve blood lipids and reduces damage to tissue caused by cigarette smoke. Studies have shown that consumption of extra-virgin olive oil helps to lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). Hydroxytrysol may also protect against breast cancer. I think a glass of wine and some pasta (with extra-virgin olive oil of course) sounds about healthy!

3. Cyanidin. Cyanidin can prevent cancerous skin growth and long tumors and may also prevent cellular damage caused by cerebral, cardiac and liver ischemia (a condition where the blood flow is restricted from part of the body, meaning oxygen restriction as well!). Cyanidin may also help protect against colon and oral cancer. This compound can be found in blackberries, cherries, blueberries, cranberries and raspberries as well as plums, grapes and red onions. If you can't find something yummy to make out of one of those, well..

4. Betaine. Maybe you're looking for away to keep your best furry friend healthy too? Well this compound is found in many animal foods as well as food we eat! Look for animal foods with betain in the ingrediants. For you're palate, look for grains, beets, and spinach as well as red meats. Betaine is essential for many bodily functions such as cell reproduction and the breakdown of fats. Lowering high blood pressure has also been linked to betaine. Some food for thought and your pooch!

You may be wondering the best way to get your phytonutrient intake. Follow these simple steps and bingo!

1. Buy fruits and veggies with deep blue, red, and purple colors.
2. Eat those fruits and veggies in a variety of ways (raw, cooked, and fresh).
3. Use E.V.O.O (extra-virgin olive oil) in food prep as much as possible.
4. Add flax and sesame seed to yogurt, breakfast cereals, and salads.
5. Consider quality and quantity when choosing your fruits and vegetables (a handful of blueberries instead of a cup of applesauce).

Happy phytonutrient hunting!

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Jicama. What is it?

Jicama is a vegetable which originated from Central America and Mexico. It was known as the Mexican Turnip or yam bean. This vegetable is actually a member of the bean family even though it looks like a turnip.

Jicama is a great source of Vitamin C and contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In some cases it has been known to reduce bleeding and bruising of the skin and may lessen the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

When purchasing this vegetable make sure you look for heavy, dense roots and smooth skin; avoid any that are shriveled bruised or blemished.

To store jicama, place it unpeeled in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for no longer than two weeks.

When using jicama, remove skin with a peeler then you can cut it into strips, dice it, or slice it depending on your recipe. Jicama can be served raw with sushi or salsa or as crudites, seasoned with lemon juice or even chili powder. Because it keeps its crispness when heated, jicama can be used in stir-fries. Avoid eating any of the leaves or seeds since they will contain a mild toxin.

One of my clients absolutely loves eating jicama, I've read it every time he's come in with his food journal!

You should try it, it's YUMMY!!

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Fit Foods for Fall - Part 4

10 FIT FOODS FOR FALL - Part 4

This is an exciting continuation of the last email that was sent out. This fall be sure to buy local and organic foods. This not only saves money, protects the planet, but also pleases your palate. Here are the last two foods that are reaching their seasonal peaks and would be a wonderful addition to any diet plan.

9. Raspberries. Although extremely healthy, raspberries are one of the priciest berries you can find so buying them in season is a smart idea. Flavonoids called anthocyanins make up much of the raspberry and are thought to help prevent fungal and yeast infections as well as aid with irritable bowl syndrome. Not to mention, a study done in the Netherlands showed that raspberries have 10 times as many antioxidants as tomatoes. Like pears and apples, they contain pectin which plays an important part of digestive health and lowering cholesterol. Raspberries taste wonderful in salads, deserts, or just as some quick and delicious snacks!

10. Tomatoes. Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to prevent heart disease and even cancer, has been found in tomatoes. They're also a great way to get your Vitamin C. Tomatoes are delicious raw but they are also fantastic cooked and good news, they don't lose a lot of nutritional value when cooked. So if you can't stomach a raw tomato put them in stews, sauces and even ketchup (if it's high fructose corn syrup free and low in sodium). Don't be afraid to try the different types of tomatoes as they are all antioxidant rich. Exotic colors such as yellows, greens, purples, browns and reds make a very colorful, flavorful and healthy salad!


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