Sherri's Helpful Hints

FOODS AND HEALTH

Cranberries

There's a good reason why cranberry juice is recommended for urinary tract infections. In 1998, researchers at Rutgers found that cranberry juice prevents E. coli bacteria from sticking to the cells of the urinary tract, so it flushes out of the body in the urine. (Note: If you think you have such an infection, be sure to seek medical attention. Do not self-treat.)

Cranberries also contain a potent vasodilator which opens up bronchial tubes, and is a good source of Vitamin C to help enhance immunity and aid in calcium absorption.

Tomatoes
In November, 1998, a press release from the Heinz Institute of Nutritional Sciences touted the benefits of lycopene, a dietary carotenoid found in high concentrations in processed tomato products, including ketchup and canned tomato products.

Lycopene is an antioxidant which purportedly fights the free radicals that can interfere with normal cell growth and activity. These free radicals can potentially lead to cancer, heart disease and premature aging.

Tomatoes are also high in vitamin C (concentrated the most in the juice sacs surrounding the seeds) and contain goodly amounts of potassium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin A and vitamin B.

As a source of fiber, one medium tomato will equal one slice of whole wheat bread with a penalty of only 35 calories.

Although green tomatoes are wonderful when cooked or pickled, they should be avoided in large amounts when raw.


Asparagus
Ancient Chinese herbalists have used asparagus root to treat many maladies from arthritis to infertility. The root contains compounds called steroidal glycosides, which may have anti-inflammatory properties.

One-half cup of cooked asparagus contains significant amounts of folic acid, vitamin C, potassium and beta-carotene. Folic acid helps prevent birth defects, cervical cancer, colon and rectal cancer and heart disease. Vitamin C protects against cancer and heart disease and also helps boost the immune system. Potassium helps regulate the electrolyte balance within cells, and helps maintain normal heart function and blood pressure.

Asparagus is a natural diuretic, and a heart-healthy food, containing no fat, cholesterol or sodium.

In 1991, an Italian researcher reported a compound found in asparagus had shown some antiviral activity in test tube studies.


Yukon Gold Potatoes

The more intense yellow color of the flesh, the higher the vitamin A levels, which promotes good vision, healthy skin, and improved immune system. The peel stores goodly amounts of potassium, helping to reduce risk of stroke, as well as vitamin A. So scrub them gently and leave on the peels when cooking.

Potatoes also contain glutathione, an antioxidant that may help protect against cancer.


Sweet Potatoes and Yams

Sweet potatoes are relatively low in calories and have no fat. They are rich in beta-carotene , having five times the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin A in one sweet potato, as well as loaded with potassium. These nutrients help to protect against heart attack and stroke. The potassium helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body cells, as well as normal heart function and blood pressure.

Wild Mexican "yams" which are related to the sweet potato, seem to have anti-weight-gain, anti-cancer, and anti-aging properties, according to Dr. Earl Mindell.

True yams do not contain as much Vitamin A and C as sweet potatoes.