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|  DNI IN THE NEWS
"It Ain't Your Father's 5-a-Day," Ad Age says
Citing a "glamorous spin" and "decidedly sexier approach" to promoting nutrition, the April 11 issue of Advertising Age ran a full-page article -- "Dole: Eating all your vegetables is sexy" -- in which it highlighted the Dole Nutrition Institute's brochures, "lush looking" Fresh Choices magazine, Web site, videos, phytochemical research, and of course, the Dole Nutrition News!
Writer Stephanie Thompson explores whether such initiatives will ultimately translate into increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. We hope so! After all, while the DNI strives to "feed the world with knowledge," we won't have achieved the goal of helping people live longer, healthier lives unless they change their eating behavior.
So why take a vampish approach to veggies? Because it's fun! And also because, like it or not, many folks care less about the ultimate length of their life than what it feels like to live it to the fullest right now. One of the most successful public health campaigns in U.S. history was mounted by the California Department of Health Services, which chose to appeal -- not to mortality fears -- but to women's vanity (by featuring the ravages of smoking on a beautiful woman's face) and men's virility (by featuring a "Marlboro Man" with a limp cigarette).
If a desire to look great and feel vital encourages people to eat the fruits and vegetables that will help prevent disease and lengthen life, we won't judge -- we'll cheer!
NEW! NATURAL BEAUTY BROCHURE
What to Eat for Glowing Skin, Glossy Hair
Beauty as easy as "A, C & E"? Download #6 in our Health & Wellness series to find out which foods contain these powerful antioxidants that help encourage skin cell turnover and collagen formation. Learn how to dose your diet naturally to strengthen nails and thicken hair.
Fresh pineapple not only provides an excellent source of vitamin C -- which along with the other antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables, helps neutralize free radicals -- the pineapple rinds can be used to help smooth rough elbows, knees and heels. Our Lanai Pineapple Body Scrub shows you how.
To learn more, check out our Beauty Foods video on "Dole TV," as well as the "Dole Spa" section of our Web site.
DITCH THE DOGS
Processed Meat Increases Pancreatic Cancer Risk
This baseball season, from Dodger Dogs to Fenway Franks, ballparks across the U.S. proudly feature the staple of stadium food -- hot dogs. Of course you know hot dogs aren't exactly the healthiest choice around -- but they may actually be unhealthier than you think. Research from the University of Hawaii and USC recently revealed a link between diets high in processed meats and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. The data suggest carcinogenic substances related to processed meat preparation may be behind the cancer link, not just the saturated fat content of such products.
A diet rich in pork and red meat increased pancreatic cancer risk by about 50%, the study found, with the consumers who ate the most processed meats 67% more likely to develop the cancer than those with the lowest intake of these foods.
Unless you've brought your own healthy snacks, you'll find yourself at the mercy of concession stands. To forego the franks in favor of healthier fare, check out the suggestions below for our green-light grub.
Peanuts -- Root, root, root for this healthy snack filled with protein, fiber and heart-healthy fat.
Grilled chicken sandwich -- Better than a burger, especially with mustard instead of mayo.
Sub sandwich -- Packed with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and olive oil dressing, it's a filling alternative to a burger or hot dog (just skip the cold cut variety and instead choose turkey or chicken).
Salad or fruit cup -- Serves up a healthy side instead of fries.
One easy way to spot a healthy snack is to skip over the meat and instead grab a vegetarian option. Many ballparks offer staples like a veggie burger or dog, but some mix it up with portabella mushroom sandwiches, grilled veggie wraps or bean burritos.
WORK IT? GOOD!
Employed Women are Healthier
Next time you're fuming about the boss and pining for a simpler life, take heart in statistics that suggest working women may be healthier than their stay-at-home peers. In a recent survey of more than 35,000 people, a University of Pennsylvania sociologist found not only are more women working more than ever before, but "having it all" may be good for your health.
Lead researcher Jason Schnittker credits part of the health advantage to working women's paychecks and health care benefits. But in addition to tangible benefits, Schnittker suggests that the workplace may provide women with a sense of community and control over their lives.
Up to a point, apparently. Mothers juggling work and toddlers don't enjoy the same health advantage. But women's health improves again after their kids reach their sixth birthdays (dad's health is not affected either way).
RIDING HIGH
Bike to Boost Mood, Beat Obesity
With my local Malibu gas station earning the dubious national distinction of being the first to break the $3 per gallon barrier, May's National Bike Month and Bike-to-Work Week (May 16 to 20) never looked like a better idea!
If gas prices and warmer weather (plus cute biking togs) aren't enough inspiration, how about a lower weight and higher spirits?
A study of 11,000 people in Atlanta found that time spent in your car significantly increases your risk of obesity -- an increased 6% risk for each hour spent driving. While getting where you're going on your own steam may take more time, you'll burn approximately 500 calories an hour if you bike it, and about 300 calories an hour if you walk.
Bike riding also boosts your body's natural levels of anandamide -- a compound that produces effects similar to the psychoactive chemicals found in marijuana -- contributing to the feelings of euphoria many long-distance runners and bikers describe. Researchers speculate that you need at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise to trigger the release of these compounds and the associated sense of well being.
Of course, in addition to biking's many physical and psychological benefits, few workouts do more to tone your "rear view," letting you lift your self confidence while firming glutes and thighs.
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|  THE NEW FOOD PYRAMID
More Fruit, Veggies & Exercise
On April 19, the federal government released the new graphic food guidance system to replace the old Food Pyramid. Called "MyPyramid," the system reflects advice from the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, just announced in January. These guidelines emphasize greater consumption of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and whole grains -- foods that are naturally high in nutrients and low in calories.
The most striking change to the pyramid is the exercise component, illustrated by a person climbing up steps alongside the new pyramid shape. While oils were previously relegated to the "Use Sparingly" tip of the old pyramid, they're now highlighted in their own category, with advice to consume most of your fat from vegetable oils, fish and nuts. Also, instead of the familiar horizontal divisions of food groups, there are now new colorful, shaft-like rays spanning the pyramid.
MyPyramid's interactive Web site at www.mypyramid.gov provides guidance for each pyramid component, such as:
Physical Activity: "Be physically active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week."
Vegetables: "Eat more dark green veggies."
Fruits: "Choose fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruit."
Oils: "Make most of your fat sources from fish, nuts and vegetable oils."
Grains: "Look for 'whole' before the grain name on the list of ingredients."
Milk: "Go low-fat or fat-free."
Meat & Beans: "Vary your choices -- with more fish, beans, peas, nuts and seeds."
GESUNDHEIT!
Anti-Allergy Eating
Love is in the air -- along with allergens like pollen and dust mites that can make allergy sufferers feel like crawling back inside to hibernate. May marks National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month -- and while the typical approach to allergies includes medication and environmental modification, what you eat can also greatly impact how you feel this season.
Gut check: eat high-fiber foods and yogurt
University of Michigan Medical School researchers have found that maintaining a healthy balance of gut microflora in the gastrointestinal tract may help you avoid allergies or asthma. Make sure to include plenty of high-fiber foods such as berries, oranges, green peas, apples, whole grains, nuts and seeds in your diet to maintain the proper gastrointestinal equilibrium.
Yogurt is another allergy-fighting food. A study of 120 adults conducted by researchers from the University of California, Davis found that eating just six ounces of yogurt a day (a typical serving is eight ounces) considerably reduced the number of days the participants had hay fever attacks, especially from grass pollens. Study participants also had fewer symptoms of hay fever and allergies.
Try an an-tea-histamine
According to Japanese researchers, the green tea compound methylated epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), may be anti-allergenic. "Green tea appears to be a promising source for effective anti-allergenic agents," said Hirofumi Tachibana, the study's chief investigator and an associate professor of chemistry at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan. "If you have allergies, you should consider drinking it."
Go fish
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, such as salmon, may protect against the overproduction of certain antibodies that can trigger allergies. Omega-3's also have anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce the severity of allergy symptoms. Other potential benefits to omega-3 intake: may help alleviate arthritis, depression and promote heart, brain and skin health. In addition to fish, walnuts and flaxseed are good sources of omega-3.
Bottom line: This allergy season, include healthy foods in your defense against discomfiting symptoms by adding high fiber fruits and veggies, yogurt and fish to your diet.
THE OTHER MIRACLE BERRY
Strawberry Benefits Heart, Brain
What comes to mind first when you think of brain food? If you've been eating your blueberries, it's, well, blueberries. But research from Tufts may convince you to make room for strawberries as an up-and-coming brain booster.
Strawberry-supplemented diets were found to slow and even reverse age-related brain decline in rats. Cornell University researchers also found that a strawberry phytochemical, quercetin, may prevent Alzheimer's by protecting brain cells from oxidation.
Studies have shown that strawberries may protect against heart disease and cancer. Their SuperFoods status comes from a powerful nutrient lineup: vitamin C, manganese and folate (for lower levels of homocysteine, which is linked to heart disease), fiber and phytochemicals such as ellagic acid, anthocyanins and quercetin -- all for just 45 calories in an eight strawberry serving.
May is National Strawberry Month, but fresh or frozen strawberries are available year-round -- a good thing since they're consumed by 94% of Americans. For a new way to eat this popular berry, see this issue's SuperFoods Recipe.
"C IS FOR CHILDHOOD OBESITY..."
Cookie Monster Gets a Makeover
Sesame Street gets a standing ovation for recognizing that "C is for Cookie" sounds a bit off-key in the era of childhood obesity. Cookie Monster is getting a diet makeover. Instead of scarfing down platefuls of chocolate chip fat bombs, the shaggy blue Muppet now learns that "A Cookie is a Sometimes Food," per the song that accompanies his new diet plan.
Cookie's rep, Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, explained that the character is being taught moderation. The show will now promote "anytime foods" such as fruits and vegetables, along with a sprinkling of "sometimes foods" such as sugary snacks. This goes hand-in-hand with Sesame Street's current efforts to promote proper nutrition on the show, along with new characters such as talking carrots and eggplants.
Those who grew up (if not fat) with the show may balk at the change, but we applaud Sesame Street's efforts to encourage healthy eating and exercise. Millions of kids worldwide watch the show, giving producers an opportunity to do something to help curb the current obesity epidemic.
For his part, Cookie is taking the changes in stride. At the close of "A Cookie is a Sometimes Food," he asks hopefully, "Is sometimes now?"
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|  "AMERICA'S DOCTOR" DISHES WITH DNI
Interview with Dr. Andrew Weil
Dr. Andrew Weil is a best-selling author with more than 4 million copies of his books in print, including Spontaneous Healing, 8 Weeks to Optimum Health, Eating Well for Optimum Health and The Healthy Kitchen. Hailed as "America's Doctor" by Larry King, Dr. Weil provides valuable information and insight on how to integrate conventional and complementary medicine practices in one's life to optimize the body's natural healing mechanisms.
Dr. Weil has researched healing practices from around the world, earning him an international reputation as an expert on alternative medicine, mind-body interactions and medical botany.
Dr. Weil shared some of his insights with us in a recent interview.
DNI: Are there such things as "bad" foods?
AW: Yes there are, and we cheat ourselves out of good health if we don't learn to identify and avoid them. Refined and processed foods, foods containing trans fats are examples: chips, white flour products like donuts, cupcakes, cookies, fast food french fries, etc. These "foods" have harmful properties.
DNI: What is your opinion on low-carb diets?
AW: It's important for people to understand that an optimum diet includes a balance of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Carbohydrates are not bad foods. Fats are not bad foods. There are good and bad carbohydrate foods, good and bad fats, and better and worse protein choices.
I'm not a proponent of ultra-low-carb diets, so I would suggest a diet that allows you to eat fresh fruits, a wider range of vegetables, and whole grains while balancing proteins and fat. This is a more realistic way to lose weight in the long-run since you're likely to get tired of low-carb living sooner or later and regain whatever weight you've lost. Despite the popularity of these diets, in the long run, the best way to achieve and maintain weight is to eat less and exercise more. Eat the right amounts of the right kinds of foods, and re-learn what it means to be more physically active.
DNI: What is your opinion on the recent studies demonstrating the negative effects of certain supplements, such as the study published in the March 16, 2005, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association indicating an increased risk of heart failure among patients who took vitamin E supplements?
AW: I wouldn't let this new vitamin E study upset consumers. First of all, it really doesn't tell us anything new. The one new finding -- an increased risk of heart failure among patients who took vitamin E -- just isn't as significant as some journalists would have us believe. The first thing you should know about the study is that all the participants, whose average age was 66, already had some form of heart disease or diabetes and were taking a number of drugs. Vitamin E may not be a worthwhile treatment to add to other drugs for those who already have heart disease, but that doesn't mean that healthy people should stop taking it. We know that vitamin E is an antioxidant, capable of combating the oxidative stress that contributes to heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
DNI: In your opinion, are there any supplements that are unsafe or that consumption should be limited in consumption?
AW: No one should take iron supplements or supplemental vitamin A (Retinol) except on a doctor's orders (Beta-Carotene is OK). Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign announced in August 2004 study results of research suggesting that the highly purified soy foods and soy supplements marketed in the United States may promote the growth of some pre-existing breast cancers. Until further research answers the question of safety with long-term use, I recommend that you avoid isolated soy supplements entirely. However, I still recommend one to two servings a day of whole soy foods.
DNI: Do you think people should get their nutrients from food or supplements?
AW: It is important for consumers to know that dietary supplements are not substitutes for the whole foods that contain them. However, they may be useful as insurance against gaps in the diet and as natural therapeutic agents to help prevent or treat specific diseases. I think it is critical for pharmacists, physicians and other health professionals to be educated about their appropriate uses, benefits and dangers in order to keep consumers informed.
DNI: What is your favorite fruit? What is your favorite vegetable?
AW: I love them all -- especially berries, broccoli, kale.
DNI: Vanity is a great motivator, are there foods that promote healthy hair, nails, etc.?
AW: The substance that best promotes healthy growth of hair and nails is GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), which is very hard to come by in the diet. The best sources are evening primrose oil, black currant oil and borage oil, taken in capsules as dietary supplements. Products differ in the amount of GLA they supply and in cost. I usually recommend taking 500 milligrams of black currant oil twice a day, as it's the most economical form. Don't expect overnight results. Maximum improvement occurs after six to eight weeks of use. You may also find that increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating more salmon, mackerel, sardines or walnuts or taking fish-oil capsules can help.
DNI: Are there any foods that promote sexual health?
AW: There are several herbs that people can take in order to promote sexual health. Two that I recommend are chasteberry and cordyceps. Chasteberry, which is generally marketed under the name Vitex, is an herb that may normalize sex hormones in women. It can help to eliminate the many symptoms of menopause, including vaginal dryness. It comes in capsules, teas and dry or liquid extracts at health food stores. Men might consider Asian Ginseng, a root that can help overcome general weakness and fatigue and increase physical stamina, including sexual vigor and longevity. You can get it at the health food store in the form of standardized extracts.
DNI: What is Integrative Medicine?
AW: Integrative Medicine emphasizes the body's natural healing power. It takes account of the whole person (body, mind, and spirit) -- including all aspects of lifestyle -- and makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative.
DNI: What is the biggest advantage of integrative medicine over conventional Western medicine?
AW: Integrative medicine saves money, is more satisfying to both patients and practitioners, is less likely to cause harm, and produces outcomes as good as or better than those of conventional medicines.
DNI: What is the biggest disadvantage?
AW: There is a short supply of trained practitioners.
DNI: What is the most exciting new development in nutrition?
AW: The understanding of differences in carbohydrate foods based on their glycemic load. Also, the emphasis on the importance of omega-3 fatty acids for optimum health.
DNI: What is the future of nutrition?
AW: I believe that the food industry should demonstrate leadership in improving the eating habits of Americans. This can be done in numerous ways. For example, a new generation of fast food restaurants is emerging with healthy offerings; snack and convenience foods have to be modified to conform to current nutritional guidelines; and portions have to be downsized. This has been started in some of the larger fast food chains and I want to see it continue. I also think that the food industry should work to develop strong programs in nutrition education for physicians and other professionals, including pharmacists, who should be reliable experts on the benefits and dangers of dietary supplements. We must also work to educate consumers about nutrition and healthy eating and get this information into K-12 curricula for our children.
DNI: Thank you.
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Springtime Spinach Salad
Prep: 15 min.
Makes: 6 side-dish servings
8 oz. fresh asparagus spears or 1 package (10 oz.) frozen asparagus tips
1/4 cup water
1 package (6 oz.) DOLE Baby Spinach or Spinach and Leaf Salad Blends
1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup red onion, julienne-sliced
2/3 cup feta or blue cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup bottled raspberry vinaigrette or red wine and vinegar dressing
Break off woody ends of asparagus (1" to 1 1/2" of bottom) and discard. Cut remaining asparagus spears into 1" lengths. Place in a microwaveable dish with shallow layer of water. Microwave on High power for 3 minutes. Immediately rinse asparagus under cold water for 1 minute; drain well.
Place salad blend, drained asparagus, strawberries, onion and cheese in a large bowl.
Toss ingredients well with salad dressing; serve immediately.
Per Serving: 104 calories, 4 g fat (2 g sat.), 15 mg cholesterol, 495 mg sodium, 15 g carbohydrate (4 g dietary fiber, 11 g sugars), 5 g protein, 39% Vit A, 65% Vit C, 12% calcium, 14% iron, 9% potassium, 19% folate.
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Strawberry Shortcake Bath
Recipe from Natural Beauty from the Garden courtesy of Janice Cox.
"This is a rich, fruit-scented bath that is perfect for dry, delicate skin. It makes the bathwater a creamy shade of pink and contains two natural emollients -- fresh cream and castor oil. Castor oil has been used for years as a health tonic. It comes from the seeds of the castor plant. This oil is used in many bath products because it easily disperses through the bathwater, rather than floating on top as other oils do. The heat from the warm water helps the oil penetrate and moisturize dry skin."
Ingredients:
1/2 cup fresh strawberries (you may use frozen)
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups water
1 tablespoon cold-pressed castor oil*
Directions:
Place all of the ingredients into a blender and process on high until you have a smooth, creamy liquid. You may strain this mixture if you like. To use: Pour the strawberry mixture into a warm bath and stir well.
Yield: 24 ounces, enough for one bath
* If castor oil isn't readily available, we suggest substituting any light, natural oil (such as almond, sunflower, or canola oil) in this recipe, which is easy to find at most grocery or drugstores and will provide a similar result.
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DOLE POLL
Our previous Dole Poll revealed, as suspected, that our female readers outnumber males by more than two-to-one (68% women vs. 32% men).
Sixty-three percent of readers would also like more stories on women's health, while 37% want more male-interest items. But as my VIP male subscriber has pointed out, the fact that the DNI has historically catered more to women may contribute to this demographic slant.
I've got good news for both genders. First, the vast majority of general diet and nutrition stories apply equally to both sexes -- an example from this issue: strawberries benefit both male and female health. Secondly, DNI content is not a sum-zero proposition, so from now on we'll be on the lookout for gender-specific health stories, for both men and women!
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Which topics would you like to see more of?
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|  | Weight Loss Tips |
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| | Nutrition Research |
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| | Children's Nutrition |
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| | Sexual Health |
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Preferences for features?
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| | SuperFoods Recipes |
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| | Beauty Foods/ Treatments |
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| | Fitness Info |
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| | Interviews with Health Experts |
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