Warm Spiced Sweet Potato Salad
Potato salad is a summertime classic, but not exactly what the doctor ordered for your joint health. Swap your mayonnaise-laden white potato salad for this colorful and healthful recipe, which features sweet potatoes, a lively citrus dressing, and vitamin-rich spinach. The sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene and vitamin C, which promote joint health, and even the seasonings have nutritional benefits. Ginger and turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties, while cinnamon helps control blood sugar. If you have leftovers, just heat in the microwave to warm the sweet potatoes and wilt the spinach for an appealing side dish.
Asparagus 5 Ways (Plus 2 Toppings)
As a delicious harbinger of spring, asparagus is one of the most celebrated of all vegetables. There is no need to get bored with asparagus because there are so many tasty ways to prepare it. Grilled or roasted, its addictive. It is also delicious simply boiled, microwaved or steamed, especially when dressed with one of our healthful toppings.
Warm Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Super Bowl parties are not known for healthy snack food, but lots of healthy foods, such as crudits and popcorn, make perfect Super Bowl fare. This easy dip is a winner for both taste and nutrition. The base of the creamy dip is artichokes, which provide fiber, vitamin C, folate and magnesium. Low-fat cottage cheese replaces much of the mayonnaise used in traditional recipes. Serve with Whole-Wheat Pita Crisps (see recipe below) or whole-grain crackers. Snack healthfully while cheering on your favorite team!
Macaroni & Cheese Makeover
In the chill of winter, comfort food is especially appealing. As an example of a meal makeover, here is an unconventional update of the comfort-food perennial favorite, macaroni and cheese. Instead of the usual cream sauce, this recipe uses an easy sauce made with frozen squash (an excellent source of beta carotene) and low-fat milk. Surprising? Yes, but it works! Whole grains boost fiber, while the delicious sweetness of caramelized onions complements the squash and cheese.
Q: More and more, I am reading that wheat really is not so healthy...
Answer : A Nicola McKeown, PhD, director of Tufts Nutritional Epidemiology Program, responds: There is a great deal of testimonial evidence on whats known in the vernacular as wheat belly, but there is a lack of scientific evidence to support the claims...
Q: Ive read that wild blueberries are good for you, but most of us...
Answer : Its true that USDA testing in 2004 found that wild blueberries had more antioxidant capacity than the same size serving of cultivated blueberries...
Q: I like fresh salmon, but its too expensive so I buy canned salmon....
Answer : Comparing canned salmon (liquids drained) with an equal quantity of cooked fresh salmon, each offers some nutritional advantages.
Q: Ive heard that California almonds are being irradiated. Does this mean that these...
Answer : Irradiation is one of the possible methods to satisfy a 2007 USDA requirement that raw almonds be pasteurized to prevent foodborne illness...
Q: Weve read that drinking a lot of fruit juice or eating a lot...
Answer : James Joseph, PhD, research physiologist at the Neuroscience Laboratory at Tufts Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging...
Q: Your March 2009 newsletter discusses obesity, as measured by Body Mass Index (BMI)....
Answer : The easiest way to calculate BMI, especially for the math-phobic, is to enter your height and weight into one of the many BMI calculators...