Friday, June 15, 2007

Healthy Choices

Took a trip to the Health Food store yesterday and picked up a few items to add to my diet. It’s amazing how much one can find out about diet and nutrition with only just a little bit of research.

Linseeds

Linseeds are a good source of fibre and omega 3 fatty acids. They have anti-cancer effects and may help manage menopausal symptoms. They can prevent and relieve constipation as well as soothe digestion. One tablespoon of linseeds will keep the bowel regular and meet your body’s Omega 3 fat requirements. Linseeds are high in calories and should be eaten sparingly.

Wheat Germ

Wheat germ, a health-food basic, is the embryo of the wheat kernel. It is one portion of the wheat kernel that is removed when it is processed into refined flour. It provides a bevy of minerals, including all-important iron and zinc.

Wheat germ makes a nutritious and often undetectable addition to a myriad of dishes, including breads, pancakes, waffles, cookies, cereals, and milk shakes. It’s a lower-fat alternative to granola that can be added to yogurt and cereals. When adding wheat germ to baked goods or quick breads, you can replace one half to one cup of the flour with it. Because wheat germ tends to absorb moisture, you may want to add one to two tablespoons of water for every one-quarter cup of wheat germ you add to a recipe.

As you work on your weight-loss plan to cut back on fatty meat dishes, remember that wheat germ can provide you with those vitamins and minerals you may be missing, as well as give you fiber to satisfy your appetite.