KTK-Nutrition

Now that the leaves are turning and summer crops are gone, purchase some healthy fall produce.    Some farmers’ markets are still open and if not, head to your local supermarket.   Here are some healthy choices for fall produce: (Adapted from:   9 Fall Produce Picks to Add to Your Plate ) Pumpkins – not just for carving but for eating.    Pumpkins are loaded with vitamin A, full of fiber, basically fat free, offers lots of potassium.   Make some pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins.   Pumpkin pie does have some added sugar but also offers a lot of healthy nutrients. Sweet Potatoes – so many people avoid potatoes because they think they are fattening.   It is the add-ons like sour cream, that add the calories.   Sweet potatoes are low in fat but loaded with nutrients including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.    When eating out, choose the baked sweet potato over the baked white potato for a nutrition boost.   E...

Have you been to a Farmer’s Market yet this spring?   A little early in some parts of the country but we are enjoying fresh asparagus and fresh strawberries.   So many fresh fruits will be available soon.   Choosing fruits of different colors is important to good health.   Why?   Because each color has unique health benefits.   Fruits are good sources of vitamins A and C and of fiber but also antioxidants.   Different color fruits provide different antioxidants.   Not only are vitamins and minerals good for your health but so are antioxidants.   They help prevent cancer, heart disease, and improve eye health, help your bones, and fruits like blueberries have been shown to improve memory.     The article, Berry Good Health , discusses the many benefits of eating fruit, especially berries.   For good health, vary the fruit, vary the color.   Aim for at least 5 fruits and vegetables a day.   Enjoy fruit, fresh, froz...

Some interesting nutrition topics in the news this week.   Coffee Drinker?   Well good news for your health.   I love coffee and couldn’t start my day without it.   A large study has reported drinking coffee actually reduces your risk of dying from heart disease and other diseases.   Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health studied both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee in over 200,000 men and women.   For non-smokers the reduced risk is impressive.   Just one-three cups of coffee a day reduces risk of dying by 8%, 3-5 cups reduced it by 15%.   But less returns on coffee consumption for over 5 cups a day.    Interesting, these findings were also true for those drinking decaf coffee.   Cranberries – what is Thanksgiving without the traditional cranberries?   Have any leftovers?   Enjoy as cranberries are great for your health.   Eating fruits and vegetables is more than getting vitamins and minerals. ...