Two Kisses can reduce blood pressure 3 Jul 2007 4:22 PM (18 years ago)

This may not be a recipe but it addresses the health issue of high blood pressure.

Source: MSNBC

Here’s some good and bad news for chocoholics: Dark chocolate seems to lower blood pressure, but it requires an amount less than two Hershey’s Kisses to do it, a small study suggests.

The new research from Germany adds to mounting evidence linking dark chocolate with health benefits, but it’s the first to suggest that just a tiny amount may suffice.

Volunteers for the study ate just over 6 grams of dark chocolate daily for almost five months — one square from a German chocolate bar called Ritter Sport, equal to about 1½ Hershey’s Kisses. People who ate that amount ended up with lower blood pressure readings than those who ate white chocolate.

University of Cologne researcher Dr. Dirk Taubert, the study’s lead author, said the blood pressure reductions with dark chocolate were small but still substantial enough to potentially reduce cardiovascular disease risks, although study volunteers weren’t followed long enough to measure that effect.

Interesting results
The research involved just 44 people aged 56 through 73, but the results echo other small studies of cocoa-containing foods. Cocoa contains flavanols, plant-based compounds that also are credited with giving red wine its heart-healthy benefits.

One problem is chocolate bars containing cocoa tend to have lots of calories, so Taubert and his colleagues tested small amounts containing just 30 calories each.

The study appears in Wednesday’s Journal of the American Medical Association. It was funded by University Hospital in Cologne.

Interactive
The results are interesting but need to be duplicated in larger, more ethnically diverse populations, said Dr. Laura Svetkey, director of Duke University’s Hypertension Center.

She stressed that the study results should not be viewed as license to gorge on chocolate.

“I would be as happy as the next person if I got to eat more chocolate,” she said, but cautioned that weight gain from eating large amounts of dark chocolate would counteract any benefits on blood pressure.

Chemical changes
Study participants were otherwise healthy and mostly normal-weight German adults with mild high blood pressure or pre-hypertension, which includes readings between 120 over 80 and 139 over 89.

Average blood pressure at the start was about 147 over 86.

Every day for 18 weeks, the volunteers were instructed to eat one-square portions of a 16-square Ritter Sport bar, or a similar portion of white chocolate. White chocolate doesn’t contain cocoa.

Systolic blood pressure, the top number, fell an average of nearly three points and diastolic dropped almost two points in the dark chocolate group, compared with no change in blood pressure readings in the white chocolate group.

Tests suggested that steady exposure to dark chocolate prompted chemical changes that helped dilate blood vessels and regulate blood pressure, the researchers said.

Participants were told not to eat other cocoa-containing products and to continue regular eating habits and activity levels. They also kept food diaries so researchers could see if other foods might have influenced the results.

Grilling can make your meat toxic 2 Jul 2007 12:22 PM (18 years ago)

Grilling is recommended for people who are to avoid fats from cooked meat, fish and poultry by frying.

This news article point us a fact that grilling can also make food toxic and can cause cancer.

There are suggestions however on what to do to minimize the risks. Take note of the tips so the next time you grill the meat or fish, you know what to do.

Here's the news from MSNBC.

If you like to sear your steak to a crisp, you could be playing with fire.

For people who are watching their weight, grilling lean meats, poultry and fish can be a low-calorie, low-fat alternative to frying. Unfortunately, the same grill — whether gas or charcoal — that gives food its mouth-watering barbecue taste can also turn your burger into a toxic meal.

Cooking over high flames turns chemicals found naturally in muscle meats and fish into cancer-causing substances known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Both have been linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including colorectal, breast and prostate cancer.

HCAs develop through a series of reactions between the amino acids and other compounds in meat. High-temperature cooking — over 300 degrees Fahrenheit — and the length of time a food is heated trigger their formation. PAHs get into food when dripping meat juices cause the grilling surface or coals to flare up, engulfing the meat or fish in fragrant, but toxic, vapors.

So, what's a griller to do?

“Keep grilling,” says Dave Grotto, R.D., a Chicago-area barbecue buff and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. It’s a great way to cook foods in a low-fat manner.”

Although the link between grilled meats and cancer in humans is still being investigated, if you follow these six easy tips, you can significantly cut your risk:

* Marinate before grilling. It can reduce HCA formation in meat and fish by up to 99 percent, says Grotto. Herbs are helpful, too. Rosemary, garlic and sage may block the formation of both HCAs and PAHs in and on the food. Add the seasonings to light marinades or as ingredients to other dishes you serve with your grilled foods. A citrus or olive oil marinade can also counteract HCA buildup.

* Turn down the heat. High-temperature cooking, including frying, broiling and barbecuing, not only can turn your meat into shoe leather, it's fuel for the carcinogens. Allow coals to cool to embers before cooking. On a gas grill, move the rack up a notch to distance foods from the flames. “Placing a barrier between your foods and the grill, such as cooking foods in an aluminum pan on top of the grilling rack, works well, too,” says Grotto.
* Think small. Smaller cuts spend less time over the flame than big slabs of meat. Flip them frequently, too. Turning meat over every minute greatly reduces HCAs. Use tongs to turn foods. “Puncturing meats with a fork may cause juices to flow and drip on to the coals,” Grotto advises.
* Avoid overcooking foods. The longer you grill your meat, the more the carcinogens develop. Undercooking meat can be dangerous, too. To avoid the risk of harmful bacteria such as E. coli, be sure to grill meats to an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
* Pre-cook foods. Microwaving meats for a couple of minutes before placing them on the grill can cut the effects of HCAs about 90 percent. The microwave draws liquid out of the meat, which in turn reduces flare-ups on the grill.
* Partner grilled items with cancer fighters. Antioxidants and other phytonutrients in fruits (apples, grapes and berries), vegetables (broccoli, kale, cauliflower, onions) and even tea can stall or stop the chemicals' effects in the body.

diabetic recipes,chicken recipes,meat recipes,beef recipes,vegetables recipes,recipes,special diets,low sodium,calories

Creamed Potato Soup-No Salt 24 Nov 2006 8:52 AM (18 years ago)

Creamed Potato Soup

3 medium, potatoes
1 small onion, cut into small pieces
One clove garlic, minced
3 green onions, chopped
Two cans chicken broth (no salt added)
1 cup skim milk
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. white pepper
1/8 tsp. nutmeg

1. Peel potatoes and cut into two each.
2. Put the potatoes, onion, green onions, garlic in a saucepan.
3. Pour the broth and cover.
4. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
5. Process the potatoes mixture in a blender to produce a smooth puree.
6. Combine pureed mixture with skim milk, salt, pepper and nutmeg.
7. Stir until blended.
8. Serve hot or chilled.

Exchange 85 calories

diabetic recipes,chicken recipes,meat recipes,beef recipes,vegetables recipes,recipes,special diets,low sodium,calories

DIABETIC SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN 30 Sep 2006 3:06 PM (19 years ago)

Diabetic Sweet and Sour Chicken

I love sweet and sour recipe either for fish, meat or chicken.
Here's a diabetic sweet and sour chicken wings that you can enjoy.

4 lbs chicken wings
2 tbsp. margarine
1/2 cup chopped green or red pepper
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/3 cup chopped onion
2/3 cup lite catsup
3 tbsp. Vinegar
2 tbsp. low sodium soy sauce
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 cup pineapple chunks, drained

Melt margarine in a skillet in a low fire. Add onion. When onion turns a little brown, add the green pepper, carrots. Stir until it's half cooked. Then add pineapple juice, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar garlic powder and pepper. While stirring, add the catsup. Cook until it boils and add the pineapple chunks.

Put the chicken wings in a baking pan. Pour the sweet and sour sauce.
Cover with foil. Bake 45 minutes in preheated 400 degree oven. Remove the cover and bake for 30 minutes more.

If you do not want to bake, simply put the chicken in the casserole, pour the sauce and cook in slow fire until it is done.

This is also good for no cholesterol diet.

diabetic recipes

diabetic recipes,chicken recipes,meat recipes,beef recipes,vegetables recipes

DIABETIC POTATO SALAD 29 Sep 2006 2:53 PM (19 years ago)

DIABETIC POTATO SALAD

8 oz. cooked chicken,cut into bite sizes
2 (3 oz. each) boiled potatos, chopped
2 tbsp. FAT FREE mayonnaise
2 tsp. chopped pimeInto
1 tsp. dehydrated parsley flakes
3/4 tsp. nutmeg
3/4 tsp. sage
1/2 tsp. salt
pepper

Combine all ingredients in a mixed bowl. Chill.

Good for 2.

potato salad,
diabetic recipes,chicken recipes,meat recipes,beef recipes,vegetables recipes

DIET COLE SLAW 29 Sep 2006 2:36 PM (19 years ago)

Diet Cole Slaw

If you are fond of cole slaw but is afraid of the fats and carbs in the ingredients,
this one is for you.

Ingredients

1/2 medium head green cabbage
1/4 medium head purpose cabbage
1/3 cup chopped onions
1/3 cup chopped green peppers
1/2 cup diet mayonnaise
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. artificial sweetener
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. vinegar
1 tsp. lemon juice

Shred the cabbages. Chop and green peppers . Mix in a bowl with the other ingredients.

Keep in the refrigerator.

Diet ,diabetic recipes ,
diabetic recipes,chicken recipes,meat recipes,beef recipes,vegetables recipes

Asian Fusion Salad(Makes 8 servings) 26 Jul 2006 10:28 AM (19 years ago)

Asian Fusion Salad

Recipe for vegetarian

1 head red leaf lettuce
1 heaping cup snow peas
1 large cucumber
1 sweet red pepper
1-1/2 cup bean sprouts
2 carrots
8 ounces flavored baked tofu
(possible flavors: teriyaki, sesame, ginger, peanut, spicy Thai)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon Thai chili paste or other chili sauce
1/2 cup bottled salad dressing of your choice (possible flavors: sesame shitake, tahini lemon, cilantro lime dressing, etc.)

Wash and tear lettuce into bite-size pieces. Drain thoroughly and place in large salad bowl. Trim tips from snow peas and cut on a diagonal into 1-inch slices. Peel cucumber and julienne (cut into thin, narrow slices, 1- or 2-inches long). Cut red pepper in half, remove seeds, and pith. Then cut into thin slices and cut slices diagonally into thirds. Rinse and drain bean sprouts. Julienne carrots and blanch them by submerging them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Rinse with cold water and drain. Add snowpeas, cucumber, red pepper, bean sprouts, and carrots to the salad and make an indentation in the center of the salad.Cut tofu into quarter, slice, and then cut crosswise to make bite-sized pieces. Stir together vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili paste. Pour over tofu and toss. Add tofu mixture to the center of the salad just before serving.Serve with the salad dressing of your choice tossed in or on the side.

Recipe by Amy Lanou, Ph.D., PCRM's nutrition director for the Vegetarian Nutrition and Cooking Classes for Cancer Survivors.
Recipes
Penne with Fresh Spinach, Tomatoes, and Olives
(Serves 4)

diabetic recipes,chicken recipes,meat recipes,beef recipes,vegetables recipes

Garlic Chicken 9 Jul 2006 5:56 PM (19 years ago)

Garlic enhances health since it was found to:

1. lower cholesterol levels

2. help relieve rheumatism

3. Help cleanse blood, prevent clot and boost the immune system

4. Protect against heart disease and stroke

Here is a recipe with garlic.

Garlic Chicken

ingredients:

4 chicken breasts
1/2 cup all purpose flour
3 tbsps chopped rosemary
3 tbsp olive oil
30 peeled garlic cloves
1 cup dry white wine
3 cups chicken stock
1/2 light cream

Toss chicken pieces in the flour and rosemary.
Heat oil in a frying pn and saute tue chicken until golden. remove.

aute the garlic until golden. Add the wine, stock and chicken. Cover and simmer for 30 minn.

Remove chicken. Increase heat and reduce liquid by about two thirds. Transfer to blender, dd cream and puree. Pour over chicken and garnish with springs of fresh rosemary. Serve with steamed vegetables.

Per serving:
417 calories
Fat 20 g
Cholesterol 76 mg.
Sodium 1,013 mg
Protein 32 g,
Carbohydrates 20 g

diabetic recipes,chicken recipes,meat recipes,beef recipes,vegetables recipes

BROILED TILAPIA FILLETS FOR DIABETICS 12 May 2006 9:55 AM (19 years ago)

As my doctor has said,even diabetic, my meal should not be bland.
Here is a recipe for broiled fish.

INGREDIENTS

2 lbs. fish fillets
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup oyster sauce
1 tsp. salt
Dash of pepper

Combine pineapple juice, oyster sauce, salt and pepper. Place the fillets in a shallow dish in one layer. Pour the combined ingredients over fish. Let stand for one hour turning once after 30 minutes.

Spray a shallow broiler pan with PAM and put the fillets brushing the top with the
sauce. Broil about five minutes. Turn carefully and brush with sauce. Broil and baste for another 3 to 4 minutes or until the fish flakes.

diabetic recipes,chicken recipes,meat recipes,beef recipes,vegetables recipes

COLE SLAW FOR DIABETICS 30 Apr 2006 7:43 AM (19 years ago)

12 cups shredded cabbage
1 cup small marshmallows
2 20 oz. cans pineapple tidbits, drained

dressing:
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup substitute sugar or artificial sweetener
1 1/2 cup lite miracle whip

Mix in a blender, then pour and mix with the slaw. Mix with slaw.

one serving of 3/ cup is equivalent to 105 calories.
Exchange= one fruit

SPAGHETTI FOR DIABETICS 29 Apr 2006 5:06 PM (19 years ago)

1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1/3 cup tomato paste
1/2 small onion, chopped
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
2/3 cup water
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/2 cup tomatoes, fresh or canned
2 cups spaghetti

Cook spaghetti and drain.

Place the ground beef in a non-stick skillet with little water. Drain off the
fat as the meat turns brown. Put the chopped onion until it turns brown too.
Add tomatoes (fresh or canned)and little water. Simmer, adding water if needed.
Put the garlic and onion powders and pepper to taste.

Serve 1/2 cup cooked spaghetti with 1/2 cup sauce over .

4 servings.

Exchange: 1 bread, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat.

diabetic recipes,chicken recipes,meat recipes,beef recipes,vegetables recipes

TUNA AND EGG SANDWICH 28 Apr 2006 5:41 PM (19 years ago)

INGREDIENTS

one small can water-packed tuna
3 eggs, hard-boiled and diced
1 cup cheese, diced
two tbsp. sweet pickels, chopped
two tbsp. onion, minced
one half cup Less Fat mayonnaise

Mix all ingredients and serve on whole wheatbread.

diabetic recipes,chicken recipes,meat recipes,beef recipes,vegetables recipes

BEEF STEW FOR DIABETICS 27 Apr 2006 7:23 PM (19 years ago)

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 pcs beef bullion
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup flour
1 lb. lean stew meat
1/4 lb. mushrooms, sliced
2 med. potatoes, cut up
2 carrots, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 tbsp of corn oil

Cook the meat in one cup of water until it is tender. Brown the meat and sautee with onions and mushrooms. Add the potatoes, carrots and the beef bullion and the red wine vinegar. Cook until vegetables are tender. Add the 1/4 cup flour,
salt and pepper.

diabetic recipes,chicken recipes,meat recipes,beef recipes,vegetables recipes

Crispy Crusted Steak 20 Feb 2006 2:38 PM (19 years ago)

This recipe is for people with diabetes but can also be shared with the other non-
diabetic members of the family.

Crispy Crusted Steak
Serving Size: 1 steak 4 servings

Ingredients

1 can (2.8 ounce)French-fried onions coarsely crushed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
4 thinly sliced beef top round steaks
1 pound total
How to:
1. Place the broiler track 8 to 10inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler. Place the French-fried onions in a shallow dish.
2. In another shallow dish,combine the oil and the mustard. Dip the steaks into the oil mixture, then into the onions,coating completely with each.
3. Place the steaks on a rimmed baking sheet and broil for 3 to 4 minutes per side,
or until cooked through.
Calories: 313
Total Fat: 192
Cholesterol

58 mg.
Sodium:259 mg.
Carbohydrate : 9 g.
Protein : 20 g.
Source: AMA booklet on diabetic cooking

recipes,special diets,low sodium,calories

Food Scale Without the Scale 19 Feb 2006 2:27 PM (19 years ago)

I can't imagine an obsessive-compulsive-special diet freak person like me to bring a food scale wherever I want to check whether I am within my precribed food intake.

This is from a booklet I received from my doctor when I complained about the
impossibility of determining the correct measurements especially when I am dining
out.

Very practical and easy to remember.

1. ounces of meat = one deck of cards
2. 1 ounce of meat=matchbox
3. medium apple= golf ball
4. medium potato= computer mouse
5. medium onion = baseball
6. 1 cup fruit = one average orange
7. 1/2 cooked pasta= ice cream scoop
8. 1 ounce bread = CD case
9. 1cup broccoli=light bulb
10. 2 tablepoons butter=golf ball
11. ounce cheese= domino

It is also to use your regular drinking glass to measure milk or any drink
without using the measuring cup.Simply measure a cup of any liquid in a meausuring cup then pour into one drinking glass. Mark or memorize where the liquid comes
up to.

Next,subtitution.

recipes,special diets,low sodium,calories

Guiltless Skillet Pork Chops 18 Feb 2006 2:18 PM (19 years ago)

For my diabetic friends, here is a recipe that you can enjoy without being uilty.

Serving size (1 chop) Total 4 servings

Ingredients
4 pork loin chops ( 8 ounces each) well trimmed
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon butter
2 tablespoons butter
2 medium onions, cut into 6 wedges each
3 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks

Total calories 319
Total Fat 15 g
Cholesterol 109 mg
Sodium 294 mg
Carbohydrate 10 mg
Protein 34 g

Cooking instruction

1. Season both sides of the pork chops with cinnamon, salt and pepper.

2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Brown the
pork chps for 4 to 5 minutes per side.

3. Add the onions and carrots to the skillet.
Reduce the heat to low,cover and cook for 25 to 30 minutes or until
the vegetables are tender and the pork chops are cooked through.
4. Serve the vegetables with the pork chops.

Next, how to measure without the scale.

recipes,special diets,low sodium,calories

Low Sodium Diet-Scrambled Eggs on a Mountain 17 Feb 2006 10:31 AM (19 years ago)

Due to popular demand,(ahem) I am coming up with
more special diet recipes. This one is low
sodium.

According to ADA (American Diabetes Association)
our bodies require 220 mg sodium (salt) per day.But
average person normally takes in almost 5,000
mg per day. The ADA recommends that people
with diabetes should keep their daily sodium
to less than 3,000 mg and those with mild
or moderate hypertension stay under 2,400
mg per day.

But it does not necessarily mean that we
should cut sodium completely from our diets.
We need it as much as we need vitamins. The
word is moderation.

So here is a low sodium diet recipe.
Scrambled Eggs on a Mountain

2 tbsps vegetable oil or corn oil

2 eggs

pepper and herbs, (optional)

salt or salt substitute,(garlic salt)

Use eggs only-no cream, milk or water

Cooking instruction

1.Beat eggs several hours in advance preferably
the night before.

2.Keep in refrigerator until cooking time.

3.Briely beat up eggs again and season with
pepper, herbs and salt.

4.Heat the oil in a heavy frying pan, pour in
the eggs and just as the eggs begin to set,
slip one prong of a large fork underneath the
eggs across the pan.

5.Rotate the fork slowly to roll the egg
up on fork as it cooks and to let the
uncooked part move to the edge of the pan.

6.When most of the egg is cooked
raise the fork, pulling the center of
the eggs up unto a high mountain and letting
the rest of the uncooked eggs roll
against the side of the pan. Then slip
it off onto a warm serving platter.

recipes,special diets

American Fish Chowder 16 Feb 2006 10:23 AM (19 years ago)

This recipe is for those who want
to cut down on calories in order
to see their waistlines shrink by a
few inches and trim down the fat
in their bellies.

Courtesy of a friend who was
put into diet by his doctor.

Guaranteed results.

American Fish Chowder
1 teaspoon butter
1/4 cup finely diced onion
1/2 lb lean white fish
1 teaspoon minced parsley
1 buillion cube
3/4 cup skim milk
salt and pepper

Cooking instruction
1. Place butter in a small saucepan.
2. Add onion and let cook about one minute.
3. Cut fish in 1-inch cubes and add to onion.
3. Add 3/4 cup water, parsley and buillion cube.
4. Boil in 5 minutes .
5. Let simmer over low heat until fish is done.
6.Add milk and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Makes 2 eight-ounce serving with 210 calories or 105
calories per serving.

uploaded by cathcathcom

tags:
recipes,special diets

Chicken with Mushroom 15 Feb 2006 9:11 AM (19 years ago)

This one is recommended for candidates
for diabetes or are already diabetic.
Chicken With Mushroom
INGREDIENTS
chicken(broiler) 1/2 120 grams
onion 2 tsps
butter 1 tsp 5 g
mushrooms 4 pcs
salt few grains
pepper few grains
Calories 336
Legend:
C=Carbohydrates=0
P=Protein=28 g
F=Fats=20 g

Cooking instruction:
1. Melt the butter.
2. Put the chicken and onion in pan and fry
until golden brown.
3. Cover after adding the salt and pepper and
cook slowly until done.
4. Cook the mushrooms in boiling water.
5. Drain and add to the chicken while
it is still cooking.

uploaded by cathcath.com

Cathcath2005 2005

tags:

recipes,special diets

About the Author 31 Dec 2005 10:11 AM (19 years ago)

I am not a culinary expert, so I won't teach
you the art of cooking. I leave that to my favorite
blogger-chefs.I am not a gourmet so I am not
a good judge of fine food and wine. But I am
in the borderline of being diabetic and hypertension
and high cholesterol run in the family's royal
red blood.

Then I found out that I am not alone. Many of my
friends are in the same boat. Many are unaware
that we can still enjoy food minus calories without
having to eat bland diet.

Panic, panic, I cannot find food blogs
that address this segment of population,
the people who need special diet.

So I will share with you the food recipes
provided by my doctor as well as those recommended
by some friends.

recipes,special diets

DIABETIC MEAT RECIPES 29 Dec 2005 4:17 PM (19 years ago)

1. Beef Stew
2. Crispy-Crusted Steak for Diabetics

3. Guiltless Skillet Pork Chops

diabetic recipes,diet recipes,special recipes,low cholesterol recipes,meat recipes

SPECIAL SALAD RECIPES 28 Dec 2005 4:45 PM (19 years ago)

1. Special Diet Potato Salad

2. Diet Cole Slaw

3. Cole Slaw for Diabetics

4. Asian Fusion Salad

diabetic recipes,diet recipes,special recipes,low colesterol recipes,salad recipes

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