Food and Nutrition Tips #21

21. Keep bacteria out of your food. Wash your hands before starting to prepare any meal.Between steps, wash all equipment that comes in contact with food—especially raw meats—including the cutting board and countertop. Don’t let cooked or refrigerated foods sit around at room temperature. Reheat foods to at least 165° F. to be sure that any harmful microorganisms are destroyed. Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator, in cold running water, or in a microwave oven.

Food and Nutrition Tips #20

20. If you have frequent headaches, look at what you eat. Foods and beverages may play a role in some headaches, especially migraines. Most of the suspects, such as chocolate, ripe cheeses, and freshly baked yeast products, contain a naturally occurring chemical called tyramine, which may constrict or dilate blood vessels in the brain

Food and Nutrition Tips #19

19. If you’re susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs), try cranberry juice. A study at Harvard showed that women who drank 10 ounces of cranberry juice cocktail daily significantly reduced infection rates over a six-month period. The researchers noted that cranberry juice should be used as an adjunct to medical treatment—not a substitute for it. If a UTI is serious enough to cause symptoms, it requires medical attention.

Food and Nutrition Tips #18

18. Read labels on muffins. A bran muffin may not even contain whole-wheat flour and may have excessive amounts of eggs, butter, and oil, as well as sugar, honey, and other sweeteners.Some have more than 20 grams of fat—as much as a Big Mac—and more than 500 calories.