Laurel on Health Food

ScientificAmerican.com reports that a five-year Insulin Resistance Athersclerosis Study showed that people whose diets contain the most whole grains “had the thinnest carotid artery walls and showed the slowest progression in artery wall thickness.”  The findings suggest that whole grain consumption is a “wholesome and palatable opportunity” to reduce heart disease and atherosclerosis risk.
Wikipedia.org defines [...]

Self Magazine reports that a Harvard Medical School study shows eating whole-grain cereal a minimum of twice a week reduces the risk of heart failure by 22%. To choose a healthy and hearty cereal for breakfast, look for:

Whole-grains
4 grams of fiber or more
5 grams of sugar or less (per 100 calories)
0 grams of [...]

Publix’s Green Wise magazine writes why magnesium is such an important nutrient to maintain a healthy body. Besides keeping our bones strong, magnesium may help control blood pressure, relax bronchial passages (relieving asthma), and control blood glucose levels (influences insulin release).
Daily magnesium needs:

Adults: 310-420 mg
Children (age 3): 80 mg
Boys (14-18): 410 mg
Girls (14-18): 360 [...]

MSNBC reports that University of Maryland food chemists found a few ways to increase the antioxidant content of whole grain wheat pizza dough.  The chemists say that cooking the dough longer, at higher temperatures, and giving it sufficient time to rise, will increase the antioxidant punch in the dough.  Specificially, the antioxidant levels increased up [...]

Women’s Health Magazine came up with another wonderful list: the 19 best fitness foods for women. Wondering what to grab to eat before your next workout? Check out this list for some tasty options. (I’m sure they are great choices for men too).

Avocados - healthy fats to keep you strong and injury-free
Whole grain [...]