Tag: nutrients

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Nutrition Assures Sound Health @ClevelandClinic #Watermelon

Registered dietitian Lara Whitson, RD, LD, shares how watermelon is actually healthy for you, along with five watermelon recipes.

Is watermelon healthy?

Watermelon is 92% water. No surprise there, considering it’s in the name. But more than keeping you hydrated during hot summer days, watermelon has a number of other health benefits. It’s packed with antioxidants like lycopene that can help protect against chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

And when eaten regularly as part of a healthy balanced diet, it can help make you feel fuller longer. With a low amount of calories, sodium and cholesterol, alongside higher amounts of calcium, vitamin C and magnesium, watermelon is one fruit you don’t want to miss out on year-round. Even the rind and its seeds offer some benefits.

“You can stir-fry the rinds with other vegetables and add spices to the seeds, like you might do with pumpkin seeds, for an easy and healthful snack,” says Whitson.

Watermelon basil granita

This shaved ice dessert gets a fruity twist with watermelon chunks. It also pulls in star ingredients like fresh lime juice and basil leaves, which offer their own health benefits for a refreshing mid-afternoon sweet escape.

A bowl of watermelon salad with feta cheese, herbs and sliced almonds

Watermelon, tomato and herb salad with feta

Calorie-conscious dishes can still go big on flavor. This refreshing salad, perfect for picnics and cookouts, pairs watermelon with tomatoes bountiful in benefits, alongside red wine vinegar, fresh mint, almonds and feta cheese.

Slices of lemon, lime, watermelon and strawberries in a glass of water

Fresh watermelon fruit smoothie

This is just one of several ways to crank up your chill summer drinks: Puree 1-1 1/2 cups chopped watermelon with 1 cup ice and a little water or fresh juice for a sip-worthy smoothie as you soak in the sun.

A salad in a white bowl containing watermelon, tomatoes, corn, cucumbers and almonds

Watermelon salad with cucumber, tomato and almonds

This recipe doubles down on the use of veggies by incorporating beefsteak tomatoes, cucumber, a fresh ear of corn and basil, along with a hearty serving of watermelon for a subtly sweet finish.

fruit spring rolls

Fruit salad spring rolls

Not only is this sweet snack filling, but it also puts a dessert-like twist on classic Vietnamese and Thai spring rolls. By wrapping julienned watermelon, green apple and pineapple in spring roll wrappers made from rice paper, and creating a dipping sauce with Greek yogurt and tahini, this recipe makes for a great palate cleanser for any summer cookout.

Posted on

Nutrition Assures Sound Health @ClevelandClinic #Watermelon

Registered dietitian Lara Whitson, RD, LD, shares how watermelon is actually healthy for you, along with five watermelon recipes.

Is watermelon healthy?

Watermelon is 92% water. No surprise there, considering it’s in the name. But more than keeping you hydrated during hot summer days, watermelon has a number of other health benefits. It’s packed with antioxidants like lycopene that can help protect against chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

And when eaten regularly as part of a healthy balanced diet, it can help make you feel fuller longer. With a low amount of calories, sodium and cholesterol, alongside higher amounts of calcium, vitamin C and magnesium, watermelon is one fruit you don’t want to miss out on year-round. Even the rind and its seeds offer some benefits.

“You can stir-fry the rinds with other vegetables and add spices to the seeds, like you might do with pumpkin seeds, for an easy and healthful snack,” says Whitson.

Watermelon basil granita

This shaved ice dessert gets a fruity twist with watermelon chunks. It also pulls in star ingredients like fresh lime juice and basil leaves, which offer their own health benefits for a refreshing mid-afternoon sweet escape.

A bowl of watermelon salad with feta cheese, herbs and sliced almonds

Watermelon, tomato and herb salad with feta

Calorie-conscious dishes can still go big on flavor. This refreshing salad, perfect for picnics and cookouts, pairs watermelon with tomatoes bountiful in benefits, alongside red wine vinegar, fresh mint, almonds and feta cheese.

Slices of lemon, lime, watermelon and strawberries in a glass of water

Fresh watermelon fruit smoothie

This is just one of several ways to crank up your chill summer drinks: Puree 1-1 1/2 cups chopped watermelon with 1 cup ice and a little water or fresh juice for a sip-worthy smoothie as you soak in the sun.

A salad in a white bowl containing watermelon, tomatoes, corn, cucumbers and almonds

Watermelon salad with cucumber, tomato and almonds

This recipe doubles down on the use of veggies by incorporating beefsteak tomatoes, cucumber, a fresh ear of corn and basil, along with a hearty serving of watermelon for a subtly sweet finish.

fruit spring rolls

Fruit salad spring rolls

Not only is this sweet snack filling, but it also puts a dessert-like twist on classic Vietnamese and Thai spring rolls. By wrapping julienned watermelon, green apple and pineapple in spring roll wrappers made from rice paper, and creating a dipping sauce with Greek yogurt and tahini, this recipe makes for a great palate cleanser for any summer cookout.

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Looking to stabilize your blood sugar, lower your cholesterol, reduce inflammation and feel full longer? Look no further than the delicious apple! @ClevelandClinic

Cleveland Clinic

@ClevelandClinic
·




You go to the store to pick up some apples. Seems simple enough — until you’re faced with a dozen different varieties in the produce aisle. You want the healthiest apple, so which one will keep the doctor away?
Dietitian Mira Ilic, RD, LD, reveals the juicy details about this popular fruit.
Big difference in taste, not nutrition
Apples have slightly different nutrients depending on their type and color. For instance, Red Delicious apples have polyphenols that are exclusively found in dark red fruits. Polyphenols are plant compounds that may help prevent cancer, heart disease and other conditions.
But if the thought of biting into a Red Delicious isn’t appealing, don’t worry. Any apple you buy will deliver a punch of health-boosting nutrients.
“The nutritional differences among apple varieties are small,” says Ilic. “But the taste differences are big. Don’t choose an apple based on a small nutrient difference if you don’t like the taste.”
Choose fresh and local apples
Whatever apple variety you pick, make sure it’s fresh. Old apples aren’t as nutritious, don’t taste as good and could be rotten. “Choose a firm apple with no bruises,” says Ilic. “Look for bright color, keeping in mind that some apple varieties are naturally more colorful. Fresh apples usually have a nice aroma, too.”
Whenever possible, go with local apples. The less your apple had to travel, the more nutritious it is when it gets to you. July through October is prime apple season in the U.S. During these months, local apples are easy to find.
When you choose apples in the off-season, check the sticker for its country of origin. If your apple traveled a long distance, it probably lost some of its nutrition in transport. Try to choose apples that come from a nearby country. “We don’t have the option to eat local apples year-round,” Ilic says. “In the off-season, we have to get apples from other parts of the world. No matter where they come from, wash them thoroughly.”
You don’t need any chemicals or tools to wash your apples. Wash your hands first. Then wash your apple with running water. Gently scrub the skin with a cloth or brush.
Are organic apples healthier?
Some organic fruits may be slightly more nutritious than conventionally grown ones. But you don’t need to buy organic apples. They tend to cost more, which can be a downside if you’re sticking to a grocery budget.
“Growers use different growing practices for organic apples and while pesticides are used on conventionally grown apples, some organic growers may actually use pesticides approved for organic farming,” explains Ilic. “The government has guidelines about what pesticides growers can use. Both types are safe and nutritious. Just wash them well if you’re still concerned about pesticide residue or you can peel your apples, but you’ll lose some nutrients and fiber found in the skin.”
Have fun with apple sampling
With so many apple varieties, you’re bound to find one you like. Hold an apple sampling by picking a few different types. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, put them on a plate and label them. Have your family members try the different apples and choose their favorite.
An apple sampling can be a fun way to get kids to eat more apples, too. Kids often like having some control over the types of foods they eat.
All apples are amazing
Whether your favorite is a sour Granny Smith or a sweet Honeycrisp, you can’t go wrong with apples. “All apples are a good source of fiber, including pectin, which may help lower cholesterol,” Ilic says. “They also contain phytochemicals like polyphenols, which are antioxidants linked to multiple health benefits. Some studies have suggested that apples may also help reduce the risk of some cancers.”
Bottom line: An apple a day is a healthy habit, so don’t stress about picking the right one. “Eat the apples you like because they’re all healthy,” Ilic says.

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Tired of plain fruit? Add some tang with this yogurt dressing. This dish is not only colorful, bright and fun, but also high in potassium, an important nutrient! @ClevelandClinic

Recipe: Pineapple Yogurt Fruit Salad

Make fruit more fun for kids — and adults!

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon sugar free lemonade drink powder mix
  • 1 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
  • 15-ounce can of pineapple tidbits, in juice, drained
  • 1 medium granny smith or other green apple, cut into small chunks
  • 1 cup red grapes, each cut in half
  • 2 medium bananas, sliced into coin shapes
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

  1. Combine lemonade powder mix and yogurt in medium bowl.
  2. Add all fruit and stir until well-combined.
  3. Sprinkle cinnamon on top.
  4. Refrigerate. Serve chilled.

Nutrition information (per serving)

Makes 6 servings

Calories: 140
Fat: 0 g
Saturated fat: 0 g
Sodium: 15 mg
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Sugars: 24 g
Dietary fiber: 3 g

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Nutrition Assures Sound Health @ClevelandClinic #heartaware

Registered dietitian Lara Whitson, RD, LD, shares how watermelon is actually healthy for you, along with five watermelon recipes.

Is watermelon healthy?

Watermelon is 92% water. No surprise there, considering it’s in the name. But more than keeping you hydrated during hot summer days, watermelon has a number of other health benefits. It’s packed with antioxidants like lycopene that can help protect against chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

And when eaten regularly as part of a healthy balanced diet, it can help make you feel fuller longer. With a low amount of calories, sodium and cholesterol, alongside higher amounts of calcium, vitamin C and magnesium, watermelon is one fruit you don’t want to miss out on year-round. Even the rind and its seeds offer some benefits.

“You can stir-fry the rinds with other vegetables and add spices to the seeds, like you might do with pumpkin seeds, for an easy and healthful snack,” says Whitson.

Watermelon basil granita

This shaved ice dessert gets a fruity twist with watermelon chunks. It also pulls in star ingredients like fresh lime juice and basil leaves, which offer their own health benefits for a refreshing mid-afternoon sweet escape.

A bowl of watermelon salad with feta cheese, herbs and sliced almonds

Watermelon, tomato and herb salad with feta

Calorie-conscious dishes can still go big on flavor. This refreshing salad, perfect for picnics and cookouts, pairs watermelon with tomatoes bountiful in benefits, alongside red wine vinegar, fresh mint, almonds and feta cheese.

Slices of lemon, lime, watermelon and strawberries in a glass of water

Fresh watermelon fruit smoothie

This is just one of several ways to crank up your chill summer drinks: Puree 1-1 1/2 cups chopped watermelon with 1 cup ice and a little water or fresh juice for a sip-worthy smoothie as you soak in the sun.

A salad in a white bowl containing watermelon, tomatoes, corn, cucumbers and almonds

Watermelon salad with cucumber, tomato and almonds

This recipe doubles down on the use of veggies by incorporating beefsteak tomatoes, cucumber, a fresh ear of corn and basil, along with a hearty serving of watermelon for a subtly sweet finish.

fruit spring rolls

Fruit salad spring rolls

Not only is this sweet snack filling, but it also puts a dessert-like twist on classic Vietnamese and Thai spring rolls. By wrapping julienned watermelon, green apple and pineapple in spring roll wrappers made from rice paper, and creating a dipping sauce with Greek yogurt and tahini, this recipe makes for a great palate cleanser for any summer cookout.