==========================================

WHAT ARE LYCOPENES? -- Lycopenes are part of the family of pigments called carotenoids, which are natural compounds that create the colors of fruits and vegetables. For example, beta carotene is the orange pigment in carrots. Like essential amino acids, they are not made in the human body. Research shows that lycopenes are the most powerful antioxidant in the carotenoid family. Antioxidants, which include vitamin C and E, are important in protecting the body from free radicals which degrade many parts of the body.

WHAT IS IN A SERVING? -- Current guidelines suggest eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day, and for good reason. Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories, high in fiber and vitamins, and rich in health-promoting plant chemicals, such as the lycopene found in tomatoes, which may be protective against cancer and heart disease. It is helpful to know exactly what constitutes a serving. The following portions equal one serving size of fruit or vegetables:
- 1/2 cup raw chopped non-leafy vegetables (such as tomato, carrot, pepper, squash)
- 1 medium-sized fresh fruit (such as apple, banana, orange, or peach)
- 1/2 cup canned, frozen, or cooked fruit
- 3/4 cup fruit or vegetable juice
- 1/2 cup cooked vegetables
- 1 cup raw leafy vegetables (such as lettuce, spinach, cabbage)

FYI -- Vitamin D can help maintain normal insulin secretion and glucose tolerance.

SOME VITAMIN E BENEFITS -- Vitamin E serves to boost immunity in the elderly. Risk of Parkinson's goes down as Vitamin E consumption goes up. Vitamin E, 100 IU or more a day, reduced the progression of atherosclerosis in people who were not taking cholesterol-lowering drugs.

CHOLESTEROL REMINDER -- High cholesterol puts you at risk for coronary heart disease. A person with a cholesterol level of 240 or higher has twice the risk of having a heart attack than a person with a cholesterol reading of 200. You can reduce your cholesterol level by doing the following: Eat foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol; Lose weight; Exercise for at least 30 minutes, 3 times a week. In some cases, your doctor may have to prescribe medication to help reduce your cholesterol level.

A BETTER SUGAR SUBSTITUTE? -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Sucralose in 1998, making it the first sugar substitute to get the agency's blessing in more than a decade. Sold under the brand name Splenda, sucralose is made from sugar by substituting three chlorine molecules for three hydrogen-oxygen groups on the sugar molecule, a change that prevents sucralose from being metabolized by the human body. This means we cannot digest it and cannot derive any calories from it. A little bit of sucralose goes a long way; it is 600 times sweeter than sugar. Unlike other sugar substitutes, sucralose does not have an aftertaste, another reason why it is more appealing than the alternatives. Because it is made from sugar, it seems safe at this time. However, some sweeteners have looked good (and safe) when they were introduced, only to later prove detrimental to health. Most people use sugar substitutes either because they are diabetic or to avoid the calories in sugar (which are actually not that many). There really is no scientific evidence showing that anyone has lost weight as a result of using sucralose or any other sugar substitute. In fact, our national epidemic of obesity has continued unabated despite the introduction of an enormous number of beverages and foods sweetened with sugar substitutes over the past few decades.

HERBAL HELP FOR DRY SKIN -- Evening primrose oil, black currant oil, or borage, all of which contain essential fatty acids, are used for treating skin problems. These oils are good sources of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), which promotes healthy growth of skin, hair, and nails. Of the three oils, black currant oil in doses of 500 mg twice a day as the most economical remedy for dry skin conditions. You will not see immediate results from this treatment. It probably will take six to eight weeks for changes to appear. Evening primrose oil will not deliver overnight miracles either, but in time it should produce results. You can buy it in capsule form at the health food store. Follow the dosage directions on the package.

FYI -- If your child does not want to chew or cannot swallow evening primrose oil capsules, cut them open and rub them on their skin. This is especially effective on an area that has eczema.

CHEESE PLEASE -- If you cannot give up the cheese in your diet but worry about high cholesterol, try switching to a vegetable oil-based cheese. In a recent study, people who chose vegetable oil-based cheeses instead of their usual milk fat-based cheeses experienced a drop in their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels after four weeks of use. Vegetable oils contain unsaturated fats that have been shown to be helpful in lowering cholesterol.

THE LINE ON WINE -- "Can I count a glass of wine toward my nine daily servings of fruits and vegetables?" Boy, do we wish we could say yes! Unfortunately, wine lacks the vitamins, minerals, and fiber that earn fruit and veggies their reputations for fighting heart attack, stroke, and cancer. On the other hand, wine has antioxidants that may explain why a daily glass for women (one or two for men) appears to help fend off heart disease. We suggest you count a glass of wine as your "10th serving" of the day.

ICE OR HEAT ON AN INJURY -- Both heat and ice can help heal an injury by manipulating blood flow. Ice restricts blood flow, which reduces inflammation and pain. Heat increases circulation, which boosts the supply of oxygen to the site, accelerating the removal of waste products. The trick is knowing when to use each. After an injury apply ICE within the first 24 to 48 hours, apply for 20 minutes, then remove for 20 minutes. Repeat often. Try to apply ice within 20 minutes of sustaining an injury. Apply HEAT 24 hours after a minor injury (or 48 hours after an acute injury), apply for 20 minutes at a time.

OBESITY AND SMOKING TAKE YEARS OFF LIFE -- New research has found people who smoke and are obese tend to die 13 to 14 years earlier than their obese but non-smoking counterparts. However, the data analysis, from the Framingham Heart Study and involving 3,357 people, indicated adults who were non-smokers but obese lost six to seven years from their lives. If the non-smokers became overweight at 40 they lost three years of life compared to people of normal weight and smoking took off an additional four years for adults who also were overweight at 40.

==========================================

WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

==========================================

** Q & A #1:

Does vitamin D truly help keep my bones healthy?

According to a report in the "Journal of Internal Medicine," lower vitamin D levels are associated with reduced bone density. In Denmark, a study of 488 women showed that when higher levels of a metabolite of vitamin D were present, bone density was better in all areas of the body, including the hips and spine.

** Q & A #2:

Does it really make sense to supplement with digestive enzymes?

A recently published study examined the support of digestive function through supplementation with pancreatic enzymes. Those who supplemented with protease, lipase, and amylase enzymes from pancreas were shown to have a significant reduction in occasional bloating. Another 10 digestive system health factors, in addition to occasional bloating, were tracked and although the study group was not large enough to be statistically significant, improvements were noticed in all areas. See http://www.aomega.com/ahs/d6122b.htm for more information and details about a unique and effective two-phase digestive enzyme supplement called DIGESTIVE FORMULA.

** Q & A #3:

Since I do not eat meat, how can I be sure that I am getting enough iron?

Although it is wise to have your iron level checked periodically by a health care professional, you do not have to be overly concerned. This is because having too much iron in your system can result in excess damaging free radicals. As a vegetarian, however, you should include plenty of green leafy vegetables such as spinach in your diet. Nuts also contain iron. Because the iron in vegetables is of the "non-heme" type, more difficult to absorb, you should also get plenty of vitamin C, which may aid absorption.

** Q & A #4:

How many calories does kick-boxing really burn?

Kick-boxing has become popular the last couple of years, but its calorie burning punch may not be as powerful as some claim. While promoters maintain kick-boxing burns between 500 and 800 calories per hour, a new American Council on Exercise study reveals 350 to 450 is a more accurate range, equal to a 60 minute brisk walk. Of course, kick-boxing does allow you to work on your balance, reflexes, coordination, and flexibility. And if you enjoy it, 400 calories per hour is nothing to laugh at.

** Q & A #5:

What can I do to help me survive a heart attack if I am alone?

The American Association of Oriental Medicine advises taking as deep a breath as possible. Then cough as hard as possible. Then cough again and take another deep breath every two seconds until help arrives. This brings oxygen into the lungs and squeezes the heart to keep blood moving.

** Q & A #6:

Can taking more antioxidants when I am losing weight benefit me?

For most individuals, absolutely. Each day, we are exposed to billions of molecules of substances causing free radicals to form in our bodies. The body fights them with antioxidants from diet and from nutritional supplements. Additionally, a certain amount of toxins are shunted away by your body and stored in body fat. This is a protective mechanism your body uses, but when you begin to break down body fat with exercise or weight loss, some of the toxins are freed into your circulatory system, then acting as free radicals. So, it is a good idea to make extra sure you eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables and even supplement with reliable antioxidants during these periods.

** Q & A #7:

Can tomatoes help decrease my risk of getting prostate cancer?

Lycopene is a naturally occurring antioxidant and as such helps protect our cells against free radical damage which could otherwise lead to the development of numerous chronic diseases, including prostate and breast cancer. A number of studies have recently reported a decreased occurrence of prostate cancer among people who have a more lycopene-rich diet. Tomatoes and foods containing them have the highest percentage of lycopene - especially tomato paste. Other sources are pink grapefruit and watermelon.

==========================================

FEATURED ARTICLE