Nutrition

Long, lean stalks of celery look just like bones—and they’re good for them, too. Celery is a great source of silicon, which is part of the molecular structure that gives bones their strength. Bones are 23 percent sodium, and so is celery. Celery also has blood pressure reducing properties. It contains active phthalides, which relax the muscles of the arteries that regulate blood pressure so the vessels dilate, causing blood pressure to drop. Since it’s low in calories and high in fiber, it’s good to include celery in your diet. I cook with the outer stalks and keep the small, tender, centers in a baggie in the fridge for snacking.

Here’s why I always keep hard boiled eggs in the fridge:

1) easy to make

2) there’s always something to eat

3) a great source of protein

4) lutein for your eyes and choline for the brain

5) an egg a day does not raise cholesterol

6) portable snack

7) only 70 calories

8) egg salad is only minutes away!

Did you know that adding 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the water makes hard boiled eggs easier to peel? I tried it and it works. Here’s how I make mine: Cover cold eggs with cold water in a saucepan without crowding the eggs too much. Add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Bring to a full boil. Cover and remove from heat. Let stand 17 minutes, depending on the size of your eggs. Rinse under cold water for a minute or better still, place eggs into ice water for about 2 minutes. They’re perfect every time with no green ring. – Jenny Jones

For the latest research on eggs from Prevention Magazine, click here.

For my video on how to boil eggs, click here.

When I first saw this on Pinterest, I was skeptical but it works. Boy, does it work! All you do it cut the white fuzzy ends off of your green onions and put them in a glass of water, placed in a sunny window (keep the green parts for eating).  The onions will grow almost immediately and can be harvested almost indefinitely. Just cut off what you need and it grows back!. There are lots of internet articles about it but this is the first I’ve heard and had to share. – Jenny Jones

Here’s what my onions looked like 10 days ago…

and here they are today…

Eating onions can help prevent blood clots, improve memory, and boost your immune system.

Let me know if you try it. 🙂

We already know that avocados are an excellent source of monounsaturated heart-healthy fats. But the lightbulb shape of an avocado looks like a uterus, and it supports reproductive health as well. Avocados are a good source of folic acid, which has been found to reduce the risk for cervical dysplasia, which is a precancerous condition.

The similarity between round citrus fruits––like lemons and grapefruit––and breasts may be more than coincidental. Grapefruit contains substances called limonoids, which have been shown to inhibit the development of cancer in lab animals and in human breast cells. For anyone concerned about eating grapefruit,  limonoids are found in all citrus fruits, which have many known health benefits so some citrus should be part of any healthy diet.

I saw my first really good, crisp pickling cucumbers at the market this weekend so I bought some and rushed home to make my 3-hour refrigerator pickles. It only takes about five minutes to put this easy recipe together and they really are ready in 3 hours! Crisp, tangy, and super easy. If you want fast dill pickles,  click here for my recipe. – Jenny Jones

Slice open a tomato and you’ll notice the red veggie has multiple chambers that resemble the structure of a heart. Studies have found that because of the lycopene in tomatoes, there is a reduced risk for heart disease in men and women who eat them.  If you mix them with a little fat, like olive oil or avocado, it will boost your body’s lycopene absorption nearly tenfold. Cooked tomato is a good choice because it is usually cooked with a little oil.

The folds and wrinkles of a walnut bring to mind another human organ: the brain. The shape of the nut even approximates the body part, looking like it has left and right hemispheres. And it’s no surprise walnuts are nicknamed “brain food.”  They have a very high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which help support brain function. So when you feel like a nut… have one.

Here’s my “Power Salad.” I just made up that name because I just made up this recipe. I did it because I wanted something really healthy to snack on today and didn’t have anything on hand. It’s an easy recipe. I steamed 2 cups each of broccoli and cauliflower (cancer defenders!) and poured over a lemon vinaigrette. But I wasn’t done yet. Then I added some drained cannellini beans (calcium for bones & fiber), some diced red pepper (tons of vitamin C), and onion (natural anti-inflammatory) and bam! It’s good! And healthy beyond words!