October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month Health Benefits of Pink Foods

The Power of Pink

Pink Grapefruits contain lycopene. Lycopene is a naturally occurring chemical that gives fruits and vegetables a red color. It is one of a number of pigments called carotenoids. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that may help protect cells from damage. Current research is exploring the role of lycopene in relation to preventing heart disease and cancer of the prostate, breast, lung, bladder, ovaries, colon, uterus, and pancreas.

 Pink Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, pink salmon is rich in calcium, protein, magnesium and potassium; and contains iron, niacin, selenium, and vitamins A, B-12, C and E. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation and help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be important for cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function.

Beets are a good source of fiber, potassium and folate. Researchers believe the red pigment (called betacyanin) in beets may protect against the development of cancerous cells and might play a role in reducing the inflammation associated with heart disease.

Raspberries contain high levels of ellagic acid, a polyphenol and antioxidant being studied as a food in the fight against cancer. Raspberries are also rich in anthocyanins, a flavonoid compound that gives them their red color. Anthocyanins may help protect the circulatory, cardiovascular and neurological systems. Raspberries are a rich source of vitamin C, manganese and dietary fiber; and is a low-glycemic index food.

Red Onions are a natural sources of quercetin. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin is being studied for treating conditions of high cholesterol, heart disease, circulation problems, diabetes, cataracts, peptic ulcers, inflammation, asthma, gout, chronic fatigue syndrome, preventing cancer, and for treating chronic infections of the prostate. Quercetin research is evaluating the effectiveness of increased endurance and improved athletic performance. Red onions also provide allicin, an organic sulfur compound responsible for the taste and smell of onions. Allicin may protect against inflammation, allergies, and bacteria; and may reduce the risk factors of certain types of cancers.

 Guavas are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, folic acid, potassium, and manganese. A guava contains about 4 times the amount of vitamin C as an orange. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which helps, protects cells from free radical damage. Currently there is insufficient evidence to rate the effectiveness of guava in the treatment of colic, diarrhea, diabetes, cough, cataracts, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer, and other conditions. More research is needed to evaluate the usefulness of guava for these conditions.

 Yogurt, Raspberry, Low Fat or Fat-Free Yogurt has been associated with a wide range of health benefits, due to its bacterial cultures and the many nutrients it contains. Yogurt is an excellent source of protein, calcium and potassium. Some research shows that yogurt with probiotic cultures may help improve the immune system; reduce yeast infections in women; help with digestion; and reduce colon and other cancer risks. Calcium has beneficial effects on bone mass and may help prevent osteoporosis. Many people who are lactose intolerant can enjoy yogurt. One serving of yogurt is one eight-ounce cup or serving.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
NBCAM Organizations Working Together

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References. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
American Cancer Society (ACS) www.cancer.org
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists www.acog.org
American College of Radiology (ACR) www.acr.org
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) www.asco.org
The American Medical Women's Association (AMWA) www.amwa-doc.org
CancerCare www.cancercare.org
National Medical Association (NMA), www.nmanet.org
The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) www.ons.org
Prevent Cancer Foundation www.preventcancer.org
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® www.komen.org
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) www.cms.gov
National Cancer Institute (NCI), www.cancer.gov

Think Pink - The Power of Pink Foods

The Power of Pink

Think Pink

Pink Grapefruits contain lycopene. Lycopene is a naturally occurring chemical that gives fruits and vegetables a red color. It is one of a number of pigments called carotenoids. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that may help protect cells from damage. Current research explores lycopene's role in preventing heart disease and cancer of the prostate, breast, lung, bladder, ovaries, colon, uterine, and pancreas.

Pink Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, it is rich in calcium, protein, magnesium, and potassium and contains iron, niacin, selenium, and vitamins A, B-12, C, and E. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation and help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be important for cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function.

Researchers believe the red pigment (called betacyanin) in beets may protect against the development of cancerous cells and might reduce the inflammation associated with heart disease.

Raspberries contain high levels of ellagic acid, a polyphenol and antioxidant being studied as a food in the fight against cancer. Raspberries are also rich in anthocyanins, a flavonoid compound that gives them their red color. Anthocyanins may help protect the circulatory, cardiovascular and neurological systems. Raspberries are a rich source of vitamin C, manganese and dietary fiber; and is a low-glycemic index food.

Red Onions are a natural sources of quercetin. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin is being studied for treating conditions of high cholesterol, heart disease, circulation problems, diabetes, cataracts, peptic ulcers, inflammation, asthma, gout, chronic fatigue syndrome, preventing cancer, and for treating chronic infections of the prostate. Quercetin research is evaluating the effectiveness of increased endurance and improved athletic performance. Red onions also provide allicin, an organic sulfur compound responsible for the taste and smell of onions. Allicin may protect against inflammation, allergies, and bacteria; and reduce the risk factors of certain types of cancers.

Guavas are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, folic acid, potassium, and manganese. Guava contains about 4 times as much vitamin C as an orange. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radical damage. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to rate the effectiveness of guava in the treatment of colic, diarrhea, diabetes, cough, cataracts, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer, and other conditions. More research is needed to evaluate the usefulness of guava for these conditions.

Yogurt, Raspberry, Low-Fat or Fat-Free Yogurt has been associated with a wide range of health benefits due to its bacterial cultures and the many nutrients it contains. Yogurt is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and potassium. Some research shows that yogurt with probiotic cultures may help improve the immune system; reduce yeast infections in women; help with digestion; and reduce colon and other cancer risks. Calcium has beneficial effects on bone mass and may help prevent osteoporosis. Many people who are lactose intolerant can enjoy yogurt. One serving of yogurt is one eight-ounce cup or serving.

October 10, National Angel Food Cake Day

Angel food cake first became known in the United States in the late 19th century. The name came from the airy lightness of the cake. Angel food cake is prepared using whipped egg whites and is usually baked in a tube pan.

Ingredients/Directions
Angel Food Cake, 1/12 of 9" cake, store-bought
1/4 cup each: Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, and Raspberries

Top with berries

Resources and References

1. Food Network, Classic Angel Food Cake

2. Wikipedia: Angel food cake. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License

Nutritional Analysis Services
Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus utilizing an extensive research database. A great service for the Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, Recipe Websites and Blogs. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutrition information.

For more information, visit Dietitians-Online Nutritional Analysis Services

contact:
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND
recipenews@gmail.com
954-294-6300

World Cerebral Palsy Day - Feeding Challenges

Meet my son, Jake.

Written by Tracy S. Williams, BS, Nutrition Educator. 

Learn more about Tracy at Tracy's Plate

World Cerebral Palsy Day

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a broad term used to describe a group of chronic “palsies”- disorders that impair movement due to damage of the developing brain. CP usually develops by age 2 or 3 and is a non-progressive brain disorder, meaning the brain damage does not continue to worsen throughout life. However, the symptoms damage often changes over time- sometimes getting better and sometimes getting worse. CP is one of the most common causes of childhood disability.

About 10,000 infants are diagnosed with CP and up to 1,500 preschoolers in the U.S. are recognized as having CP each year. The United Cerebral Palsy Association estimates that more than 764,000 Americans have CP. Congenital cerebral palsy caused by a brain injury during a baby’s development in the womb is responsible in about 70% of the children who have the condition. It is present at birth, although it may not be detected for months. An additional 20% have congenital cerebral palsy due to a brain injury during the birthing process. In most cases, the cause of congenital cerebral palsy is unknown, however, some possible causes are:

An infection during pregnancy may damage a fetus’s developing nervous system. They include rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus (a herpes-type virus), and toxoplasmosis (an infection caused by a parasite that can be carried in cat feces or inadequately cooked meat). Other undetected infections in pregnant women are being recognized as an important cause of developmental brain damage in the fetus.

· Severe jaundice in the infant. Jaundice is caused by excessive bilirubin in the blood. Normally, bilirubin is filtered out by the liver. Often, newborns’ livers need a few days to start doing this effectively, so it’s not uncommon for infants to have jaundice for a few days after birth. In most cases, light therapy clears up jaundice and there are no lasting health effects. In rare cases, severe cases of jaundice can damage brain cells.

· Rh incompatibility between mother and infant can be a cause of cerebral palsy. In this blood condition, the mother’s body produces antibodies that destroy the fetus’s blood cells. This leads to jaundice may cause brain damage in the newborn.

· The physical or metabolic trauma of birth can be a cause of cerebral palsy. This can produce brain damage in a fetus whose health has been threatened during development. Severe oxygen deprivation to the brain or significant trauma to the head during labor and delivery can be the cause of cerebral palsy.

Feeding Skills

Feeding skills have been cited as a contributing factor that can affect the life expectancy of those with CP. Managing these can positively affect the life span of an individual with cerebral palsy. When people with cerebral palsy have feeding and digestive challenges, a nutrition care program can be beneficial. Skilled registered dietitian nutritionists work with physicians to adjust diet, food intake and nutrition supplements to enhance overall health. Effective dietary therapy can be devised to meet the individual’s unique needs taking into account digestive challenges and the ability to properly chew, swallow and self-feed.

Nutrition practitioners can adjust textures and consistency of food by pureeing, chopping, and grinding foods for a smoother eating experience. Foods can be softened with broth, gravy, milk, or juices. Liquids can be thickened to improve swallowing. Self-feeding is a skill that significantly enhances the quality of life for someone with a disability, although caregivers, family or friends may still be needed. Speech therapists can teach patients, their friends, or caregivers about adaptive feeding tools that can accommodate different levels of ability. Appropriate techniques can include space between feedings, to allow for natural swallowing, or feeding smaller portions throughout the day. In the most severe cases, some people with cerebral palsy rely on a feeding tube for partial or total nutrition intake. It is important to adjust to allow sufficient time between bites and drinks for natural swallowing. Some meals should be scheduled around medication times to avoid stomach upset, curb appetites and address feelings of being tired.

If a person with cerebral palsy has trouble with asphyxiation, reflux, or pneumonia, he or she should avoid foods, such as nuts, seeds, and hard or stringy foods. Diets can be changed to provide more calories, better balance, compensate for deficiencies and enhance digestion. Vitamin, minerals, and food supplements may help with malabsorption or who tire when eating. High fiber choices can curb constipation while prune and apricot juices may provide natural laxative qualities. Some people with cerebral palsy need to control drooling and aspiration, in addition, use long-term anti-seizure medications can contribute to an increased risk of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and bacterial infections. Dietitians may advise substituting added sugars and carbonated drinks with fresh fruits and vegetables. Dentists will encourage proper dental hygiene like regular brushing, drinking fluorinated water and regular checkups

Many people fight stereotypes and those with disabilities are no exception. Barriers individuals with disabilities face begin with people’s attitudes that are often rooted in misinformation and misunderstandings of what it’s like to live with a disability. One misconception is that all people living with disabilities are brave and courageous, but people with disabilities just need to adapt to a currently different lifestyle. Sometimes wheelchairs are used as typical mobility devices rather than for people who are only ill or sickly. In past decades, segregating people with disabilities in separate schools and institutions reinforced the perception that people with disabilities could only interact with others who have disabilities. Any person who does not have a disability can offer assistance, but most people with disabilities prefer to take responsibility for their own care when physically possible both in the community, within all parts of society. It is okay for curious children to ask questions about disability. Discouraging curious children from asking questions teaches children that having a difference or disability is wrong or bad. Many people with a disability will not mind answering a child’s question. People with disabilities go to school, get married, have families, do laundry, grocery shop, laugh, cry, pay taxes, get angry, have prejudices, plan and dream about their future like everyone else. It is important to encourage participation from people with disabilities by providing accessible meeting and event sites. It is important for advocates to speak up when negative words or phrases are used for people with a variety of disabilities.

Cerebral palsy can affect someone who has it in a variety of ways. Some people with cerebral palsy can be impacted by having limited verbal ability, limited cognitive ability, all four limbs affected, or just their legs impacted. Some people use one cane or crutch, while others use a walker or two crutches. Some people use a manual wheelchair or motorized wheelchair. Some people may experience nutritional issues due to difficulties feeding themselves or digestive problems. You may have met one classmate, colleague, or friend with cerebral palsy, but that does not mean everyone is impacted in the same way by the same diagnosis. All people with disabilities deserve the same level of respect, and it is important to help those with disabilities advocate against social misconceptions.

Resources
1.  CP NOW nonprofit & CP Daily Living

2. United Cerebral Palsy
3. World Cerebral Palsy Day

October 6, National Noodle Day - Vegetarian Pad Thai

Noodles are a food made from doughs containing such foods as rice, wheat, potato, buckwheat, maize, legumes, and nuts. There are various shapes, from long, thin ribbons, strips, curly waves, pipes, tubes, and strings. Noodles are usually cooked in a mixture of boiling water and/or oil. Depending upon the type, noodles may be dried or refrigerated before cooking.

Vegetarian Pad Thai, premade 
(stir-fried rice noodle)

Nutritional Analysis

Resources and References
1. The Nibble: Noodles
2. Wikipedia: Noodle
3. EatingWell, Healthy Noodle Recipes

Nutritional Analysis Services
Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus, utilizing an extensive research database. A great service for the Media, Publishers, Writers, Chefs, Recipe Websites, and Blogs. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutrition information.

For more information, visit Dietitians-Online Nutritional Analysis Services.

Contact:
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND
recipenews@gmail.com
954-294-6300

October Wellness News

Current News, Resources, and Events in Nutrition, Food, Health, Environment, Safety, and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers, and Health Professionals. 

October Monthly Events

October Health, Nutrition, and Food Events
Monthly Events

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month National Disability Employment Awareness Month Dyslexia Awareness Month  Global Diversity Awareness Month Health Literacy Month Learning Disability Awareness Month National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month  National Chiropractic Health Month National Dental Hygiene Month National Depression Education & Awareness National Down Syndrome Awareness Month National Liver Awareness Month Domestic Violence Awareness Month National Crime Prevention Month   National Cyber Security Awareness Month National Physical Therapy Month   National Reading Group Month National Spina Bifida Awareness Month  National Work and Family Month German American Heritage Month Italian-American Heritage Month Polish American Heritage Month Talk About Prescriptions Month World Menopause Month National Photographer Appreciation Month Adopt a Shelter Dog Month Fair Trade Month Gourmet Adventures Month

UNICEF Tackling Hunger Month Halloween Safety Month National Farm to School Month Vegetarian Month National Apple Month Corn Month  National Bake and Decorate Month Caffeine Addiction Recovery Month National Caramel Month  National Chili Month National Cookbook Month National Cookie Month National Country Ham Month National Dessert Month National Pasta Month National Pickled Peppers Month National Pizza Month National Popcorn Poppin' Month National Pork Month  National Pretzel Month Sausage Month National Seafood Month National Spinach-Lovers Month Non-GMO Month Co-op Awareness Month Eat Better, Eat Together Month National Kitchen and Bath Month

Weekly Events

1-2 Yom Kippur
1-7 Universal Children's Week
1-7 National Walk Your Dog Week
3-10 No Salt Week:
5-11 Mental Illness Awareness Week
5-11 Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week
5-11 4-H Week
5-11 National Metric Week
5-11 Fire Prevention Week
6-12 Pet Obesity Week
6-13 Sukkot
11-14 FNCE, Nashville
12-18 National Chestnut Week 
12-18 National Food Bank Week
12-18 OCD Awareness Week
13-18 National School Lunch Week
13-18 World Rainforest Week
19-25 International Infection Prevention Week
19-25 National Chemistry Week
20-26 Food & Drug Interaction Education
20-24 National Health Education Week
20-26 Freedom of Speech Week

Daily Events

1          UN International Day of Older Persons, World Vegetarian Day, International Coffee Day, National Homemade Cookies Day, Vegan Baking Day,  Yom Kippur (sundown), National Pumpkin Seed Day, National Kale Day, Walk to School Day

2          UN International Day of Non-Violence, World Day for Farmed Animals,  National Fried Scallops Day, National Produce Misting Day

3          National Caramel Custard Day, World Smile Day

4          National Taco Day, World Animal Day, Vodka Day, World Child Health Day, National Banana Pudding Day, World Porridge Day

5          UN World Teachers Day, National Apple Betty Day, National Depression Screening Day, Country Inn Bed & Breakfast Day

6          Noodle Day, World Cerebral Palsy Day, National Plus Size Appreciation Day, National German-American Day, World Day of Bullying Prevention (First Monday), Sukkot

7          National Frappe Day, National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day, National Eat Fruit at Work Day  

8          National Perogy Day, National Fluffernutter Day, National Salmon Day, World Octopus Day, Bullying Prevention Day (2nd Wednesday), S.A.V.E. (Stop America's Violence Everywhere) 2nd Wednesday, National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day (2nd Wednesday)

9          World Post Day, National Moldy Cheese Day, International Beer and Pizza Day, National Depression Screening Day (Thursday of first full Week)

10        World Mental Health Day, National Angel Food Cake Day, World Homeless Day, National Cake Decorating Day, National Metric Day, World Egg Day

11        International Day of the Girl, National Sausage Pizza Day, Southern Food Heritage Day, National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, I Love Yarn Day (2nd Saturday)

12        National Gumbo Day, National Farmer’s Day, World Arthritis Day, Columbus Day

13        Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, National Yorkshire Pudding Day, Columbus Day observed; Indigenous Peoples' Day (2nd Monday)

14        National Dessert Day, Chocolate-Covered Insect Day, Native American Day, International Face Your Fears Day (2nd Tuesday); Simchat Torah

15        UN International Day of Rural Women, Global Hand Washing Day, National Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Day, National Mushroom Day, National Roast Pheasant Day, National Chicken Cacciatore Day, National Cheese Curd Day, National White Cane Safety Day  

16        World Food Day

17        UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, National Pasta Day, Mulligan Day, Mammography Day (Third Friday)  

18        World Menopause Day, National Chocolate Cupcake Day, Meatloaf Appreciation Day, National Mammography Day, Sweetest Day (3rd Saturday

19        National Seafood Bisque Day 

20        World Osteoporosis Day, National Brandied Fruit Day, International Chefs Day, National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day

21        National Apple Month, Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day, National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day

22        National Nut Day, National Color Day, National Tex-Mex Day

23        National Boston Cream Pie Day

24        United Nations Day, World Development Information Day, National Bologna Day, Food Day

25        National Greasy Foods Day, World Pasta Day, Sourest Day

26        National Mincemeat Pie Day, National Pumpkin Day, National Chicken Fried Steak Day, Mother-in-Law Day (Always 4th Sunday)

27        National Farm to School Month, National American Beer Day 

28        Wild Foods Day, National Chocolate Day

29        National Oatmeal Day, World Stroke Day

30        National Candy Corn Day, Haunted Refrigerator Night, Checklist Day

31        Halloween, National Magic Day, National UNICEF Day, Trick or Treat for UNICEF, Nevada 36th State, National Caramel Apple Day, Frankenstein Friday

	Months
	January	July
	February	August
	March	September
	April	October
	May	November
	June	December

 

National Potato Month - Rose, Gold, and Purple Potato Salad with Mustard Curry Vinaigrette

Potatoes are one of the vegetables in the nightshade (Solanaceae) family, which includes eggplant, tomatoes and bell peppers. It is a starchy, tuberous crop. Potatoes are the world's fourth-largest food crop, following maize, wheat, and rice.

Nutrition

One medium potato (5.3 oz) with the skin contains:
110 Calories; Vitamin C (45 % DV); 620 mg potassium; Vitamin B6 (10 % DV); No Fat; No Sodium; No Cholesterol; and Trace amounts of thiamine, riboflavin, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. Potatoes also contain a variety of phytonutrients that have antioxidant activity. Among these important health-promoting compounds are carotenoids and flavonoids.

About 20% of the potato’s nutrition is found in the skin.  Most of the vitamin C and potassium are found in the potato’s flesh, but the fiber is found in the skin.  That’s why it’s best to enjoy every part of the potato.

According to MyPlate, Potatoes are a vegetable.  It counts toward the total recommended servings of vegetables. One medium-sized potato (5.3 oz.) counts as 1 cup of starchy vegetables.

Recipe

Rose, Gold, and Purple Potato Salad

Ingredients

5 Small Round Potatoes: 
  1 Honey Gold 
  2 Enchanted Rose
  2 Purple Splendor
Dash Curry Powder
2 tsp Dijon Mustard
1 Tbsp Italian Dressing, fat-free

Directions
1. Roast potatoes and dice.
2. In a bowl combine curry, mustard, and Italian dressing. Mix.
3. Add potatoes to marinade and coat well.

Nutrition Information