At a loyal reader’s request, I am taking a look at Lycopene in our food and if it can benefit a healthy lifestyle. Subscriber, Renee G said, “LYCOPENE: I would love to know what foods have it, how the body uses it, and if there is research showing effects on skin cancer rates.” What is Lycopene? (Lie-co-peen) – is a chemical compound that gives some vegetables and fruits, their vibrant color. Found in watermelons, pink grapefruits, apricots, guava, papaya, and red oranges; and particularly high amounts in tomatoes and tomato products. In North America, 85% of dietary lycopene comes from tomato products such as tomato juice or paste. One…
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7 Ideas to Reduce Food Waste
As a food enthusiasts, it breaks my heart to know food goes to waste. According to Feeding America, a non-profit organization aimed at ending hunger, an estimated 40% of food grown, processed and transported in the United States will never be consumed. More food reaches our landfills than plastic, paper or any other type of solid waste; and the food filling our landfills produce so much methane gas, it has 21 times the global warming potential than carbon dioxide. An estimated 70 billion pounds of food is wasted in the United States each year. Food Waste is an Epidemic What is food waste? Be leery of which statistics you…
- Beef, Container Gardening, Edible Gardening, Food For Better Health, Grill It!, Main Course, Recipes, Salads, Vegetables
End of Summer Salad
Although the calendar indicates it is the end of summer, Mother Nature in South Carolina is not paying attention. Yesterday it was 92º and today it will be the same, nevertheless, most farmers’ markets are closing down or will be in the next two weeks. This end of summer celebration, because I hate the hot weather, was perfect for dinner, after finishing up a hot summer day. Light, refreshing and colorful, if you are a vegetable fan, you will love this easy to prepare salad. Because the vinaigrette is so prominent in this recipe, using good, fresh ingredients is important and will make a difference. Keep in mind, the vinaigrette…
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Burlington, North Carolina Approves Produce Stands
As an avid supporter of sustainable living, I try to frequent my local Travelers Rest Farmer’s Market to buy locally grown vegetables and products made by other local residents. This not only helps the local community but also provides a healthier meal plan for my family. Burlington, North Carolina has realized these benefits and has agreed to amend their ordinance for residential produce markets. Under the previous ordinance, plants, fruits and vegetables could only be sold in a residential area if the crops were physically grown on the same property. Former City Manager Harold Owen says is just not realistic given the city’s population density. He knew changing the ordinance…
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Top 5: Fiber Options To Remedy Your Deficiency
The United States Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture designed the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines to help Americans eat a healthier diet and improve their overall eating habits. It offers key recommendations with specific nutritional targets and dietary limits. Americans’ social and economic cultures have resulted in unhealthy eating habits. The recommended daily intake of dietary fiber is 25 grams of fiber for women and 38 grams for men. Yet, most Americans consume less than half of the recommended daily fiber intake and have become one of our most significant dietary deficiencies. Over time, a deficiency in dietary fiber can increase the possibility of developing…
