This is a last-minute dessert that can be made post-dinner, while you brew the coffee and finish clearing the table. Have ingredients and equipment ready beforehand — just be sure to turn the pineapple once and give the skillet a couple of shakes and voila! You’ll have a delightfully sweet dessert ready at your fingertips.
Ingredients
1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup sugar substitute 1 pineapple, peeled, cored and sliced into six wedges lengthwise Butter-flavored cooking spray, refrigerated 1 tablespoon trans-fat free margarine 2 tablespoons Cognac or fresh orange juice 1 cup fresh raspberries
Directions
Combine the sugar and sugar substitute. Sprinkle half of the mixture over one side of the pineapple. Turn and sprinkle the rest on the other side.
Lightly coat a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray. Add the margarine and melt over high heat. Place the pineapple in the skillet and cook, turning once and shaking the pan often, until it turns golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. (The pineapple can be prepared to this point and held for one hour.)
Transfer the pineapple wedges to six dessert dishes, leaving the sauce that has formed in the pan.
Stir the cognac into the pan to thin the sauce. Heat briefly. Drizzle the sauce over the pineapple and sprinkle with equal portions of the raspberries. Serve warm.
Nutritional information (per serving)
Makes 6 servings
Calories: 118 Total fat: 3 g Protein: 0.1 g Carbohydrate: 22 g Dietary fiber: 2 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 0 mg Potassium: 122 mg
This bright, lemony salad is best made with farm-fresh asparagus, which is dressed and eaten raw here. Look for stalks that are bright green with firm, tight tips. Buy it in season from your local farmer’s market.
Ingredients
1 pound fresh asparagus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon shaved Parmesan 8 fresh chives
Directions
Break off the tough ends of the asparagus and discard.
Use a vegetable peeler to make long thin ribbons of asparagus. Add to a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper. Drizzle over the asparagus ribbons and toss well.
Use the vegetable peeler to shave thin strips from a piece of fresh Parmesan (about 1 tablespoon) and scatter over the salad.
Use kitchen shears to cut the chives into small pieces directly over the salad.
Nutritional information (per serving)
Makes 4 servings
Calories: 70 Total fat: 4 g Saturated fat: 1 g Trans fat: 0 g Protein: 4 g Total carbohydrate: 7 g Fiber: 3 g Sugar: 2 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 95 mg
—Developed by Sara Quessenberry for Cleveland Clinic Wellness.
Protect and build muscle while getting essential amino acids and calcium with this protein
Milk really does do a body good. It’s high in calcium, vitamin D and potassium. And it’s also rich in a beneficial protein called casein (pronounced ”KAY-seen“).
If you’re a regular dairy milk drinker, you’re already getting some benefits of casein. But you may want to consider adding more casein to your diet. Athletes and bodybuilders have been using casein protein powder for years. But the benefits of casein aren’t just for pro sports players.
“Protein is a vital part of any balanced diet,” says registered dietitian Elyse Homan, RD, LD. “But different proteins have different effects. Understanding how each protein works is beneficial, especially if you’re supplementing with it.”
What is casein?
Casein is the main protein found in dairy milk, which includes the milk from:
Cows.
Goats.
Sheep.
Casein makes up about 80% of the protein found in milk. The other 20% comes from whey protein.
“When you think of curds and whey,” Homan says, “the solid part is casein protein, and the liquid part is whey protein.”
Help your tissues and organs change and grow as needed.
Protect your body from viruses and bacteria.
Support your body’s movement by providing cell structure.
Casein vs. whey
Casein and whey have a lot in common. They’re both:
Animal-based proteins.
Complete proteins — they contain all the amino acids your body needs.
Excellent sources of calcium.
Found in dairy milk.
The main difference is that casein is a slower-digesting protein than whey. “Casein forms a gel-like substance in your stomach,” Homan explains. “It releases more slowly than other proteins and takes longer for your body to absorb.”
Casein protein benefits
Getting the recommended daily amount of protein helps you stay healthy. But casein’s slow absorption also gives it some added advantages. The health benefits of casein include:
1. Gives you all the essential amino acids
Amino acids combine to form proteins. There are 20 amino acids that your body needs to work correctly, and they join in various ways to create different proteins.
Your body makes some of the amino acids it needs, but there are nine essential amino acids that your body can’t produce — you must get them from food. Casein is a complete protein and has all nine essential amino acids.
2. Reduces muscle breakdown
Your cells rely on regular “feedings” of amino acids to continually make proteins. When you go without eating overnight or during an extended fast, your cells may not get the needed amino acids. As a result, they look for those amino acids elsewhere and break down your body’s muscles to get them.
As a slow-release protein, casein provides your cells with the amino acids they need over a long period. The slow absorption consistently feeds your cells with amino acids, allowing muscles to recover instead of breaking down.
3. Promotes muscle growth
Casein contains a high amount of leucine, an amino acid that regulates metabolism (how your body changes food into energy) and helps build and repair muscles. If you don’t typically consume a lot of protein, adding more leucine-heavy protein to your diet (like casein) can help your muscles grow when also engaging in regular exercise.
4. Provides a good source of calcium
The casein in milk is a good source of calcium, which is essential for teeth and bone health. Not getting enough calcium can lead to a loss of bone mass and increase your risk of osteoporosis (a disease that weakens your bones).
Casein protein powder may contain up to 50% of your recommended calcium intake — but always check the label to make sure that the protein powder is a good source of calcium.
How casein protein powder can help
Casein protein’s general health benefits are good for everyone. But using casein protein powder ensures you’ll get a more significant amount of casein each day. Talk to your healthcare provider about taking casein protein powder for:
Different types of proteins affect you differently after you eat them:
Whey protein, which you absorb quickly, makes you feel full immediately after ingesting it.
Casein’s slow rate of release helps you feel fuller longer.
One study found that participants who consumed casein protein powder before a meal ate less at that meal than people who had whey protein, egg albumin (made from egg whites) or water alone.
“Our bodies only absorb so much protein at one time,” Homan clarifies. “About 30 grams of protein per meal is a good amount to consume. If you plan to have more than one serving of casein powder daily, space it out.” It may help you stave off cravings and decrease snacking between meals, too.
Overnight muscle growth and recovery
Bodybuilders and athletes know that protein is key for building muscle. But keeping your body’s protein levels up overnight can be challenging. That is, unless you ingest casein immediately before going to sleep.
Research shows that consuming casein protein before bed balances your body’s protein level throughout the night. When your protein level stays consistent, muscles can continue to grow and recover — even though you’re not eating.
What to consider before taking casein
For most people, casein doesn’t cause any side effects. But Homan says certain people may need to avoid or limit casein if they have a condition such as:
Casein allergy
If you have a milk allergy, the proteins in milk trigger your immune system and cause it to overreact. People with a milk allergy are allergic to casein, whey or both.
A severe allergy can cause anaphylaxis. More mild symptoms of a milk allergy include:
“Casein allergies are not as common in adults as in children, but they do exist,” notes Homan. If you suspect you have a milk allergy, an allergist can do a test to figure out what you’re allergic to.
Lactose intolerance
Like all dairy products, casein contains the sugar lactose. If you have lactose intolerance, your small intestine can’t digest milk sugar. When you have dairy products, you may develop symptoms including:
“Casein supplements do have lower amounts of lactose,” Homan states. “If you’d like to include casein in your diet but have a lactose sensitivity, the supplement might not trigger it. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re interested in taking a supplement.”
Protein restrictions
People with kidney disease often need to limit their protein. Too much protein can cause too much waste in your blood. If your kidneys can’t remove the waste, the buildup of toxins can lead to serious health complications.
“People with a protein restriction, such as those with kidney disease, don’t have to avoid casein,” Homan says. “But they do need to watch how much total protein they eat. Your healthcare provider can help you figure out the right amount.”
Sources of casein protein
There are two ways you can add casein to your diet:
Casein supplements
A powdered casein supplement can help you get high amounts of it, according to Homan. The most common form of casein powder is micellar casein, or you can get a rapidly absorbing type (casein hydrolysate). One serving typically contains 24 to 27 grams of protein. Mix with water to create a protein shake, or add it to smoothies, yogurt or baked goods.
“People looking to build muscle or get more protein in their diet should talk to their healthcare provider about adding casein,” she adds. “Supplementing with casein isn’t necessary if you have a healthy, balanced diet, but it can be helpful for some people.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate supplements. So, it’s a good idea to look for a casein supplement that underwent third-party testing. It’s usually a sign of a higher quality product.
Casein food sources
Anyone can benefit from casein, and you and your family probably already get it from the dairy products you consume, such as:
“Adding a dairy product to your breakfast is an easy way to get some casein every day,” Homan encourages. One glass of milk has 8 grams of protein — 6.4 grams (80%) of that protein is casein. “It’s great to start your day with a good protein source.”FACEBOOK
Protect and build muscle while getting essential amino acids and calcium with this protein
Milk really does do a body good. It’s high in calcium, vitamin D and potassium. And it’s also rich in a beneficial protein called casein (pronounced ”KAY-seen“).
If you’re a regular dairy milk drinker, you’re already getting some benefits of casein. But you may want to consider adding more casein to your diet. Athletes and bodybuilders have been using casein protein powder for years. But the benefits of casein aren’t just for pro sports players.
“Protein is a vital part of any balanced diet,” says registered dietitian Elyse Homan, RD, LD. “But different proteins have different effects. Understanding how each protein works is beneficial, especially if you’re supplementing with it.”
What is casein?
Casein is the main protein found in dairy milk, which includes the milk from:
Cows.
Goats.
Sheep.
Casein makes up about 80% of the protein found in milk. The other 20% comes from whey protein.
“When you think of curds and whey,” Homan says, “the solid part is casein protein, and the liquid part is whey protein.”
Help your tissues and organs change and grow as needed.
Protect your body from viruses and bacteria.
Support your body’s movement by providing cell structure.
Casein vs. whey
Casein and whey have a lot in common. They’re both:
Animal-based proteins.
Complete proteins — they contain all the amino acids your body needs.
Excellent sources of calcium.
Found in dairy milk.
The main difference is that casein is a slower-digesting protein than whey. “Casein forms a gel-like substance in your stomach,” Homan explains. “It releases more slowly than other proteins and takes longer for your body to absorb.”
Casein protein benefits
Getting the recommended daily amount of protein helps you stay healthy. But casein’s slow absorption also gives it some added advantages. The health benefits of casein include:
1. Gives you all the essential amino acids
Amino acids combine to form proteins. There are 20 amino acids that your body needs to work correctly, and they join in various ways to create different proteins.
Your body makes some of the amino acids it needs, but there are nine essential amino acids that your body can’t produce — you must get them from food. Casein is a complete protein and has all nine essential amino acids.
2. Reduces muscle breakdown
Your cells rely on regular “feedings” of amino acids to continually make proteins. When you go without eating overnight or during an extended fast, your cells may not get the needed amino acids. As a result, they look for those amino acids elsewhere and break down your body’s muscles to get them.
As a slow-release protein, casein provides your cells with the amino acids they need over a long period. The slow absorption consistently feeds your cells with amino acids, allowing muscles to recover instead of breaking down.
3. Promotes muscle growth
Casein contains a high amount of leucine, an amino acid that regulates metabolism (how your body changes food into energy) and helps build and repair muscles. If you don’t typically consume a lot of protein, adding more leucine-heavy protein to your diet (like casein) can help your muscles grow when also engaging in regular exercise.
4. Provides a good source of calcium
The casein in milk is a good source of calcium, which is essential for teeth and bone health. Not getting enough calcium can lead to a loss of bone mass and increase your risk of osteoporosis (a disease that weakens your bones).
Casein protein powder may contain up to 50% of your recommended calcium intake — but always check the label to make sure that the protein powder is a good source of calcium.
How casein protein powder can help
Casein protein’s general health benefits are good for everyone. But using casein protein powder ensures you’ll get a more significant amount of casein each day. Talk to your healthcare provider about taking casein protein powder for:
Different types of proteins affect you differently after you eat them:
Whey protein, which you absorb quickly, makes you feel full immediately after ingesting it.
Casein’s slow rate of release helps you feel fuller longer.
One study found that participants who consumed casein protein powder before a meal ate less at that meal than people who had whey protein, egg albumin (made from egg whites) or water alone.
“Our bodies only absorb so much protein at one time,” Homan clarifies. “About 30 grams of protein per meal is a good amount to consume. If you plan to have more than one serving of casein powder daily, space it out.” It may help you stave off cravings and decrease snacking between meals, too.
Overnight muscle growth and recovery
Bodybuilders and athletes know that protein is key for building muscle. But keeping your body’s protein levels up overnight can be challenging. That is, unless you ingest casein immediately before going to sleep.
Research shows that consuming casein protein before bed balances your body’s protein level throughout the night. When your protein level stays consistent, muscles can continue to grow and recover — even though you’re not eating.
What to consider before taking casein
For most people, casein doesn’t cause any side effects. But Homan says certain people may need to avoid or limit casein if they have a condition such as:
Casein allergy
If you have a milk allergy, the proteins in milk trigger your immune system and cause it to overreact. People with a milk allergy are allergic to casein, whey or both.
A severe allergy can cause anaphylaxis. More mild symptoms of a milk allergy include:
“Casein allergies are not as common in adults as in children, but they do exist,” notes Homan. If you suspect you have a milk allergy, an allergist can do a test to figure out what you’re allergic to.
Lactose intolerance
Like all dairy products, casein contains the sugar lactose. If you have lactose intolerance, your small intestine can’t digest milk sugar. When you have dairy products, you may develop symptoms including:
“Casein supplements do have lower amounts of lactose,” Homan states. “If you’d like to include casein in your diet but have a lactose sensitivity, the supplement might not trigger it. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re interested in taking a supplement.”
Protein restrictions
People with kidney disease often need to limit their protein. Too much protein can cause too much waste in your blood. If your kidneys can’t remove the waste, the buildup of toxins can lead to serious health complications.
“People with a protein restriction, such as those with kidney disease, don’t have to avoid casein,” Homan says. “But they do need to watch how much total protein they eat. Your healthcare provider can help you figure out the right amount.”
Sources of casein protein
There are two ways you can add casein to your diet:
Casein supplements
A powdered casein supplement can help you get high amounts of it, according to Homan. The most common form of casein powder is micellar casein, or you can get a rapidly absorbing type (casein hydrolysate). One serving typically contains 24 to 27 grams of protein. Mix with water to create a protein shake, or add it to smoothies, yogurt or baked goods.
“People looking to build muscle or get more protein in their diet should talk to their healthcare provider about adding casein,” she adds. “Supplementing with casein isn’t necessary if you have a healthy, balanced diet, but it can be helpful for some people.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate supplements. So, it’s a good idea to look for a casein supplement that underwent third-party testing. It’s usually a sign of a higher quality product.
Casein food sources
Anyone can benefit from casein, and you and your family probably already get it from the dairy products you consume, such as:
“Adding a dairy product to your breakfast is an easy way to get some casein every day,” Homan encourages. One glass of milk has 8 grams of protein — 6.4 grams (80%) of that protein is casein. “It’s great to start your day with a good protein source.”FACEBOOK
This tasty, filling Italian soup is packed with nutrient-rich veggies, heart-healthy olive oil and fiber-friendly legumes. Enjoy it all year long — let it warm you up in the fall and winter, and fill it with fresh vegetables from your garden in the summer.
Ingredients
¼ cup olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder)
1-1/3 cups coarsely chopped onion
1-1/2 cups coarsely chopped celery and leaves
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 cup sliced carrots, fresh or frozen
4-3/4 cups shredded cabbage
1 can (16 ounces) tomatoes, cut up
1 cup canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1-1/2 cups frozen peas
1-1/2 cups fresh green beans
Dash hot sauce
11 cups water
2 cups uncooked spaghetti noodles
Directions
Heat oil in a 4-quart saucepan.
Add garlic, onion and celery, and sauté about 5 minutes.
Add all remaining ingredients except spaghetti, and stir until ingredients are well-mixed.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer about 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Add uncooked spaghetti and simmer 2-3 minutes only.
You’re taking cough syrup and lozenges in an attempt to get some relief. But what about using honey for sore throat symptoms? Does this natural home remedy actually work to soothe a sore throat and cough?
In addition to having other symptoms like nasal congestion, fatigue and fever, you may develop a cough.
Honey has a long history of being used as a natural remedy. And one remedy is to soothe sore throats and help alleviate a cough.
“Research shows that honey has some antimicrobial and anti-inflammation properties. Honey can help by decreasing inflammation and irritation in your throat,” explains Dr. Rainbolt. “Another study shows that honey may reduce mucus secretion. So, you can use honey for cough symptoms as well, whether it’s a wet or dry cough.”
Is it safe for children?
Giving honey to a child under 1-year-old isn’t recommended, warns Dr. Rainbolt.
“There’s concern for an infant botulism, a serious illness that’s caused by Clostridium botulinum,” she continues. “While it’s a rare occurrence, honey can contain spores that cause botulism. It attacks the body’s nervous system and children under one are more vulnerable.”
How to use for a sore throat
Most sore throats tend to get better within a week, but during that time, adults can take a spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of honey for a cough and sore throat.
You can also dilute half a teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of honey in warm water or tea. This method is also recommended for children older than 1.
“You can use it with any kind of herbal tea or warm water with lemon juice, which can be soothing as well,” says Dr. Rainbolt.
So, how often can you use this home remedy? Dr. Rainbolt recommends using honey no more than four or five times a day.
And part of that reasoning is that honey does contain sugar.
“If you’re concerned about your sugar intake, then I recommend using honey more sparingly,” she says. “I would just use it at night to give you some relief before you go to bed.”
And can you use both honey and traditional cold medicine?
Yes, says Dr. Rainbolt.
“If it seems like the honey isn’t helping on its own, then you can certainly do both honey and medication, if medicine is something that you are able to take,” she notes.
Is honey safe to use?
Honey can be a helpful tool for those who can’t take traditional cold medications — for example, children under 6 years old or individuals with health conditions like high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
Overall, honey can be a good way to help soothe your sore throat and cough. It doesn’t come with some of the side effects that over-the-counter medications have like drowsiness.
So, can you just buy any honey you see on the grocery store shelf?
Yes, but you might want to make sure it’s been pasteurized. The pasteurization process removes any crystallization and unwanted yeast. It also improves honey’s texture and color, while extending its shelf life.
Dr. Rainbolt also mentions that some people think using local honey, which tends to be unpasteurized or raw, can come with extra benefits.
“There’s a thought that if you use local honey, you are exposed to some of the area’s natural allergens in a positive way,” she explains. “The idea is that it will help with allergies you have.”
The next time your throat starts to tickle, reach for honey and see if it helps.
“Think of honey as a first line of defense for those over 1 year old,” says Dr. Rainbolt. “Honey is something that pretty much everyone can try. And it’s been shown to work as well as some cough suppressant medications. It’s a nice alternative.”
Daily stressors can increase BP in the moment, as well as contribute to habits that can feed long-term hypertension
Feeling stressed? If so, you’re hardly alone, given that stress has been called the health epidemic of the 21st century. But have you ever wondered what all this stress means for your blood pressure?
The answer, it turns out, is more complex than you might think. Let’s take a closer look with preventive cardiologist Luke Laffin, MD.
Does stress raise blood pressure?
Stressful moments can totally send your blood pressure (BP) skyrocketing. You feel it deep in your core, too, as your heart thumps harder and your nerves jangle with a fight-or-flight response.
“If we’re in a stressful situation, the normal physiologic response is to increase blood pressure,” explains Dr. Laffin. “But your body can handle these sorts of acute changes in blood pressure pretty well.”
And once the immediate stressor is gone, your BP should return to its typical level.
Of course, not all stress clocks out like it’s a shift worker. Chronic stress tends to linger — and that can contribute to a long list of physical symptoms, including high blood pressure (hypertension).
The connection between stress and hypertension
Researchers don’t know as much about the direct effects of long-term stress on blood pressure. But they do know that stress can impact lifestyle habits and increase your risk of heart disease and other chronic health issues.
“Stress itself doesn’t necessarily cause sustained elevations in blood pressure,” says Dr. Laffin. “But it often has an impact on lifestyle factors, which can absolutely contribute to long-term elevations in blood pressure.”
When you’re chronically stressed, you can fall into habits that can lead to higher blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease. These include:
It can be difficult to see when acute stress transitions to chronic stress. But seemingly “temporary” stressors that last for weeks can turn into chronic stressors that need to be addressed for the sake of your heart health.
“What we’re really worried about is chronically elevated blood pressure,” states Dr. Laffin.
Can lowering stress lower your BP?
Finding ways to better manage your stress can help keep your blood pressure from rising and staying at elevated levels, suggests Dr. Laffin. He suggests:
Focusing on fitness: “Working out regularly is a great way to feel better, decrease stress levels and better adapt to difficult situations,” says Dr. Laffin. The positive effects of exercise on heart health are also important for your blood pressure.
Catching ZZZs: The quantity and quality of your sleep matter for your BP. “For stable blood pressure, you need to get about six to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep at night,” he advises.
Minimizing stressors: To reduce stress, you need to address its causes. Of course, that can be easier said than done when stressors involve your job or family. In these cases, additional steps, like therapy, may help you find coping strategies.
Adopting a heart-healthy diet: Foods high in sodium and saturated fats can increase blood pressure even before you add stress to the mix. Embracing a Mediterranean-style diet and eating more antioxidant-rich foods can help keep your BP down.
Calming techniques: Various forms of meditation can help you calm your mind and tamp down stress. There’s evidence that mindfulness-based stress reduction can lower BP within a few months.
Medications like beta-blockers may also be an option if stress seems to be driving blood pressure into danger zones. Antihypertensives can help bring down high blood pressure, too.
“But managing stress-related hypertension usually comes down to lifestyle,” clarifies Dr. Laffin. “Diet, exercise, sleep — those are all factors that play a big role in keeping your heart healthy.”
