雞蛋 and 膽固醇

多倫多明報

雞蛋能不能減肥我沒興趣，我想知道的是雞蛋真的可以降低膽固醇嗎？

英國《Fabulous》雜誌最新一期刊登了一所大學的研究：每天吃兩個雞蛋有減肥的功效。營養專家說，因為雞蛋帶來的飽感會更持久，而且不需要擔心膽固醇，與當前流行的觀點不同，新的研究發現雞蛋可降低體內膽固醇，雞蛋還富含維他命B和硒，可以有效補充能量和延緩衰老。

雞蛋有益的五個原因：

1。一個雞蛋只有80卡路里的熱量。

2。雞蛋是少有的幾種自然含維他命D的食品之一，可以幫助提昇記憶力。

3。雞蛋可以解酒，蛋黃富含半胱氨酸，可分解酒精在體內引起的毒素。

4。雞蛋可以保護眼睛免受紫外線傷害。

5。雞蛋含有免疫賴氨酸。

雞蛋減肥食譜

1。一杯鮮榨果汁、一片全麥麵包，加兩個炒雞蛋及一片煙薰鮭魚。

2。一片香腸、兩片煙肉、一個西紅柿，加上兩個蘑菇一起烤，外加兩荷包蛋和一片全麥麵包。

3。兩個煮雞蛋，100克沙丁魚（罐頭），一把菠菜，一個西紅柿，熟四季豆，點上橄欖油、香醋，混合成沙律。

4。將一些櫻桃西紅柿切成兩半，灑上橄欖油和香醋，放進烤箱烤，再吃一片烘好的鱈魚片和兩隻荷包蛋，以及蔬菜。

Coffee May Cut Risk of Prostate Cancer

WebMD Health News

I don't drink coffee often, but this is good news for coffee drinkers. 

Drinking coffee regularly may help lower the risk of advanced prostate cancer, a study shows.

The study, presented this week at a conference of the American Association for Cancer Research in Houston, shows men who drank the most coffee were nearly 60% less likely to develop advanced prostate cancer than non-coffee drinkers.

Researchers say it's too early to start recommending that men start drinking coffee to help prevent prostate cancer, but the results are encouraging.

"Very few lifestyle factors have been consistently associated with prostate cancer risk, especially with risk of aggressive disease, so it would be very exciting if this association is confirmed in other studies," says researcher Kathryn M. Wilson, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow at the Channing Laboratory, Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health, in a news release. "Our results do suggest there is no reason to stop drinking coffee out of any concern about prostate cancer."

Researchers say it's the first study of its kind to look prospectively at both the overall risk of prostate cancer and the risk of localized vs. advanced prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate.

In the study, researchers analyzed information from the Health Professionals' Follow-Up Study, which included data on the coffee-drinking habits of nearly 50,000 men from 1986 to 2006. During that time period, 4,975 of the men developed prostate cancer.

The results showed men who drank the most coffee (six or more cups per day) had a 59% lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer (fatal or advanced disease) compared to non-coffee drinkers.

But researchers say it's not just the caffeine that's responsible for the prostate cancer prevention benefits. The study showed men who drank decaffeinated coffee also had a similar reduction in aggressive prostate cancer risk.

Researchers say coffee also contains many other potentially beneficial compounds such as antioxidants and minerals that may play a role in preventing prostate cancer and more research is needed to confirm these results.

"Coffee has effects on insulin and glucose metabolism as well as sex hormone levels, all of which play a role in prostate cancer," says Wilson.

15 Super Foods That Strengthen Immunity

Article from WebMD
Have been eating these foods regularly except for the berries and mushrooms. Hmmm… must get wifey to include these 2 foods from now on.

Elderberry

An old folk remedy, extract from these dark berries appears to block flu viruses in test tube studies. And a few small studies done in people show it may help you recover more quickly from flu. But scientists caution that further study is needed. The fruit itself is rich in antioxidants and may also have the ability to fight inflammation.

Button Mushrooms

Don't dismiss the lowly mushroom as nutrient poor: It has the mineral selenium and antioxidants. Low levels of selenium have been linked to increased risk of developing more severe flu. And the B vitamins riboflavin and niacin, found in these mushrooms, play a role in a healthy immune system. Animal studies have also shown mushrooms to have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-tumor effects.

Acai Berry

Hawked as a "super food" along with produce like blueberries, the little acai berry's dark color signals that it is high in antioxidants called anthocyanins. While the acai is not scientifically linked to specific disease- or illness-fighting ability, antioxidants may help your body fight aging and disease. Acai berries can be found most often in juice or smoothie form, or dried and mixed with granola.

Oysters (yummy..)

Aphrodisiac? Immune boosters? Maybe both, thanks to the mineral zinc that's found in oysters. Low zinc levels have been associated with male infertility. And zinc appears to have some antiviral effect, although researchers can't explain why. However, they do know it is important to several immune system tasks including healing wounds.

Watermelon

Hydrating and refreshing, ripe watermelon also has plenty of a powerful antioxidant, glutathione. Known to help strengthen the immune system so it can fight infection, glutathione is found in the red pulpy flesh near the rind.

Cabbage

This is another source of immune-strengthening glutathione. And cabbage is easy and inexpensive to find during the winter months when it's in season. Try adding cabbages of any variety (white, red, Chinese) to soups and stews to sneak in extra antioxidants and boost your meal's nutritional value.

Almonds

A handful of almonds may shore up your immune system from the effects of stress. A recommended 1/4 cup serving carries nearly 50% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin E, which helps boost the immune system. And they have riboflavin and niacin, B vitamins that may help you bounce back from the effects of stress.

Grapefruit

Grapefruits have a good amount of vitamin C. But science has yet to prove that you can easily get enough vitamin C through foods alone, without supplementation, to help treat cold and flu. However, grapefruit is packed with flavonoids -- natural chemical compounds that have been found to increase immune system activation. Dislike grapefruits? Try oranges or tangerines.

Wheat Germ

Wheat germ is the part of a wheat seed that feeds a baby wheat plant, so it is full of nutrients. It has zinc, antioxidants, and B vitamins among other vital vitamins and minerals. Wheat germ also offers a good mix of fiber, protein, and some good fat. Substitute wheat germ for part of the regular flour called for in baked goods and other recipes.

Low-Fat Yogurt

A daily cup may reduce your chances of getting a cold. Look for labels listing "live and active cultures." Some researchers believe they may stimulate your immune system to fight disease. Also look for vitamin D. Recent studies have found a link between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of cold and flu.

Garlic

Garlic offers several antioxidants that battle immune system invaders. Among garlic's targets are H. pylori, the bacteria associated with some ulcers and stomach cancer. Cooking tip: Peel, chop and let sit 15 to 20 minutes before cooking to activate immune-boosting enzymes. 

Spinach

Known as a "super food," spinach is nutrient-rich. It has folate, which helps your body produce new cells and repair DNA. And it boasts fiber, antioxidants, such as vitamin C, and more. Eat spinach raw or lightly cooked to get the most benefit.

Tea

Green or black? Both are loaded with disease-fighting polyphenols and flavonoids. These antioxidants seek out cell-damaging free radicals and destroy them. Caffeinated and decaf work equally well.

Sweet Potato (my favorite)

Like carrots, sweet potatoes have the antioxidant beta-carotene, which mops up damaging free radicals. Sweet potatoes also boast vitamin A, which is linked to slowing the aging process and may reduce the risk of some cancers.

Broccoli

Easy to find at the grocery store and incorporate into meals, broccoli is an immune-boosting basic. One study reported a chemical in broccoli helped stimulate the immune systems of mice. Plus, it's full of nutrients that protect your body from damage. It has vitamins A, vitamin C, and glutathione. Add some low-fat cheese to round out a side dish with immune-enhancing B vitamins and vitamin D.