Weekly Health for the week of December 5, 1999 - Steer Clear of the
Iceberg
The most common variety of lettuce-iceberg lettuce-is actually the
least nutritious. Iceberg lettuce contains relatively little fiber and
almost no nutrients. Reach for the dark-green lettuces and greens
instead. These contain more phytochemicals and antioxidants that help protect
the body from cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Dark-green leafy vegetables-such as spinach, kale, beet greens, mustard
greens, and chard-contain more nutrients and fewer calories than almost
any other foods. They are also great
sources of calcium, magnesium, folate, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and much
more.
SOURCE: InteliHealth, ©1999
Weekly Health for the week of December 12, 1999 - Dehydration
Coffee, cola, or tea? These drinks-as well as all alcoholic beverages-are
diuretics, which dehydrate, rather than hydrate, you. Dehydration reduces
physical and mental performance, and can cause sluggishness and fatigue.
Dehydration can even induce us to eat more than we should by making us
feel hungry, even though it's water, and not food, that we are craving.
For every alcoholic or caffeinated beverage you drink, be sure to compensate
by adding an extra glass of water to your diet.
SOURCE: Real Age Health Systems, ©1999
Weekly Health for the week of December 19, 1999 - Use the Good Crystal
According to experts at the National Lead Information Center, small
amounts of lead can, indeed, leach out of crystal into your food, but occasional
use probably is safe. The experts caution that leaded crystal is
not safe for storing food or for everyday use. But for the holidays,
you can set your table and relax.
SOURCE: Real Age Health Systems, ©1999
Weekly Health for the week of December 26, 1999 - Soothe That Itch
Is your skin itchy and dry during the winter? Hot water may be the
culprit.
Hot water may feel good on your skin, but it opens your pores and allows
your skin's natural moisture to escape, causing your skin to dry out. Water
closer to room temperature reduces this effect. If your skin is severely
dry, try a heavier moisturizer and apply it while your skin is still damp.
SOURCE: Real Age Health Systems, ©1999