By SHEAH RARBACK
tosrarback@hotmail.com
Q: I keep seeing pomegranate juice in the supermarket. Is it better than other juices?
The pomegranate might be a new fruit for some but it was prominent in ancient Egyptian mythology and carried on desert caravans as a thirst quencher. The deep bluish-purple color of pomegranate juice is the first clue that this is a powerful potion. Pomegranate juice is one of the richest sources of a group of strong antioxidants called polyphenols. Simply put, antioxidants slow or prevent the cell damage that occurs with oxidation.
There is published research demonstrating pomegranate juice's ability to reduce arterial plaque and lower blood pressure. These two factors can reduce the risk of heart disease. An 8-ounce serving of this powerful juice has 140 calories. It can be used in marinades or glazes, and the seeds from the fruit can be sprinkled over salads and desserts. Other good sources of polyphenol antioxidants are red wine, grapes, blueberries, cranberries and green tea.
Q: Do I have to take magnesium with my calcium supplement?
A: Calcium is not the only mineral involved in building strong bones. Magnesium helps make parathyroid hormone, a regulator of bone building. Studies have shown magnesium might slow bone breakdown. As with all minerals, magnesium has many body functions and is part of more than 300 body enzymes. It helps signal muscles to relax and contract. The best food sources for magnesium are dark green vegetables, peanut butter, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. If you are not eating enough of these foods, you can take a calcium supplement with magnesium. Look for a supplement that has 2 parts calcium to 1 part magnesium (600 mg. of calcium and 300 mg. of magnesium).
Sheah Rarback is a University of Miami registered dietitian.
http://www.miami.com
tosrarback@hotmail.com
Q: I keep seeing pomegranate juice in the supermarket. Is it better than other juices?
The pomegranate might be a new fruit for some but it was prominent in ancient Egyptian mythology and carried on desert caravans as a thirst quencher. The deep bluish-purple color of pomegranate juice is the first clue that this is a powerful potion. Pomegranate juice is one of the richest sources of a group of strong antioxidants called polyphenols. Simply put, antioxidants slow or prevent the cell damage that occurs with oxidation.
There is published research demonstrating pomegranate juice's ability to reduce arterial plaque and lower blood pressure. These two factors can reduce the risk of heart disease. An 8-ounce serving of this powerful juice has 140 calories. It can be used in marinades or glazes, and the seeds from the fruit can be sprinkled over salads and desserts. Other good sources of polyphenol antioxidants are red wine, grapes, blueberries, cranberries and green tea.
Q: Do I have to take magnesium with my calcium supplement?
A: Calcium is not the only mineral involved in building strong bones. Magnesium helps make parathyroid hormone, a regulator of bone building. Studies have shown magnesium might slow bone breakdown. As with all minerals, magnesium has many body functions and is part of more than 300 body enzymes. It helps signal muscles to relax and contract. The best food sources for magnesium are dark green vegetables, peanut butter, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. If you are not eating enough of these foods, you can take a calcium supplement with magnesium. Look for a supplement that has 2 parts calcium to 1 part magnesium (600 mg. of calcium and 300 mg. of magnesium).
Sheah Rarback is a University of Miami registered dietitian.
http://www.miami.com
jagger - am Mittwoch, 1. Dezember 2004, 16:14 - Rubrik: News Pomegranate
