February 2, 2003- Crust Is a Must
If you're having a sandwich for lunch today, be sure to eat the crusts.

A study has revealed that the crusts of bread are full of antioxidants, especially the crusts of brown bread, such as whole wheat or pumpernickel. They appear to be rich in a cancer-fighting compound called pronyl-lysine, an antioxidant that is created during the baking process.

Eating a diverse diet that is low in calories and high in nutrients can help reduce your chances of cardiovascular diseases.
SOURCE: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, ©2003

February 9, 2003- Add Some Flex
Adding a little fish oil to your diet may help keep your arteries flexible.

Soft, elastic arteries can help ward off cardiovascular troubles. In a study, people who took a daily fish oil supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acids had significantly softer arteries after seven weeks of therapy. To safely increase your intake of omega-3s, add oily fish such as salmon or herring to your diet at least once per week.

Fish oil supplements may be best for people with heart disease risk factors, such as high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease.
SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, ©2003

February 16, 2003- That's Grape News
If you don't drink alcoholic beverages but want some of the highly touted health benefits of wine, pour yourself a glass of grape juice instead.

Research has revealed that, like wine, grape juice is full of health-protective flavonoids. In a study in which people drank Concord grape juice every day for two weeks, the study participants' blood levels of antioxidants increased. Also, the stability of their LDL cholesterol improved, making it less likely to oxidize and stick to artery walls.

Eating a diverse diet that is low in calories and high in nutrients can increase your cardiovascular health.
SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, ©2003

February 23, 2003- That's Grape News
If you have an achy knee, a glucosamine supplement may help.

In a small study involving people who regularly experienced knee pain from previous cartilage injury or osteoarthritis, those who took a daily glucosamine supplement for 12 weeks appeared to have less knee pain at the end of the study. Ask your healthcare provider if glucosamine supplements are right for you for degenerative joints and discs.

The study was performed with the subjects taking 2,000 mg per day.  It is believed beneficial results may be obtained from osteoarthritis by taking 1,000 - 1,500 mg each day.
SOURCE: British Journal of Sports Medicine, ©2003