POMEGRANATE JUICE to help reduce high blood pressure and protect the heart has been written about quite a bit recently. Research has been ongoing with various studies making reports of positive results.
Experimental studies have shown that Pomegranate juice helps to keep fatty deposits from collecting on artery walls; the juice reduced artery disease by at least 30 percent; it is a great source of potassium, vitamin C and high in antioxidants. It increases nitric oxide production, which helps blood vessels to relax.
It is recommended that 8 ounces of the juice be drunk daily. Bottles of the juice are available at natural foods stores and specialty stores, but be sure to read the label that nothing but water has been added. No sweeteners or artificial ingredients including color.
USE BY DATE is very important. Be sure to pay close attention to this date and use the product by the listed date or freeze it for use at a future date. Fresh chilled items are particularly important as they have the shortest shelf life be it dairy, soy or cut poultry or meats. Most stores place the older dates in front and the fresher dates in the back. Read carefully. Once refrigerated, make a habit to check the dates every few days for food safety.
LABEL READING
must be done before purchasing anything. Read the ingredients list first to be sure the product does not contain anything hydrogenated, even partially, as this is called trans fats and can cause free radicals that in turn are potentially cancer causing. Avoid high fructose corn syrups that have been reported to be a big cause of obesity of all ages; salt; artificial additives and colors and most definitely chemicals. Items listed at the beginning of the ingredients list indicate that the product contains the greatest amount of that item and gradually goes down to the least amount in a product. Be sure fat, salt and sweet are not at the beginning of the ingredients list. Check for calories, fat, carbohydrates (sweet) and sodium. All of these are very important no matter what you are purchasing whether it is a boxed, canned, or baked item. A teaspoon of salt is 2300 milligrams. It is best to keep your total daily intake of sodium well below the 2300 milligrams. Read how much is a serving and calculate that times how many servings you have of a particular product. Fat free does not mean calorie free and calories are what counts in losing or maintaining weight.
THE HEALTHY COOK™
cookbook details all of the above. Watch this site for more updates on health information for healthy cooking.
THERE ARE NO EXPERTS AS EVERY EXPERT AGREES TO DISAGREE
There is a lot of controversy by nutritionists, dieticians, doctors and other “experts” about which products are the best to eat; which way to cook them or to leave them raw; type of cookware; microwave oven use, and a myriad of other information that leaves the consumer confused. It is most important to read and search out information to determine for yourself what is best for you and your family. The HEALTHY COOK has done a lot of research, and what you read on this site and in my cookbook is what I have determined works well for better health for most people. While we all need nutrients, there are many people who are allergic to certain foods, have diseases that preclude their eating certain foods and must be very aware of these problems. As we age, our tastes can change and sometimes we can no longer tolerate many foods. Being AWARE is your best defense as there is a price to be paid for not taking care of your health.
Disclaimer:
None of the above information is intended to diagnose or treat any health concerns.
Consult your health care practitioner for any specific problem you may have.
