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Specific Foods Articles

Learn more about olive oil, citrus fruits, soy foods, and chocolate below. Watch for more food related articles coming soon!

Beef. What is it good for? Surprise! A little bit of beef goes a long way in a healthy eating strategy. In appropriate amounts, beef can add needed iron, zinc, selenium, vitamins B6 and B12, and protein, without a lot of added fat, if lean choices are made. more

Good News for Chocolate Lovers We are a society of chocolate lovers. Americans consume, on average, 10 pounds of chocolate per year. We are not the biggest fans however. The British eat 16½ pounds and the Swiss, who invented milk chocolate, consume the most at 22 pounds per person. more

Meet the Citrus Family! Introduced to the New World by Christopher Columbus around 1500, grapefruits are believed to be a naturally occurring cross between a pomelo and an orange. Pomelo or pummelo (Citrus maxima) earns its name from its large size, and is similar to a puffy, eight-to-twelve-inch inflated ball. It has been grown in China for over 4000 years. more

Nutty About Nuts Is there room for nuts in a healthy diet? You would have to be nuts to even suggest it! Right? Wrong! Healthful eating includes all of the food groups, including good-for-you oils, fats and vegetable protein like the kind found in nuts. Fat in our diet is essential to help our bodies absorb fat-soluble substances such as vitamins A, D, E, and K and carotenoids. Current research into the benefits of different kinds of fat on our health indicates that nuts are even better for our good health than ever. more

Olive Oil Facts and Figures The olive, and its oil, are two of the oldest commodities in Western culture. According to Greek mythology, the goddess Athena bestowed two great gifts upon her people: wisdom, and the olive, "capable of giving a flame for lighting up the night; of soothing wounds, of being a precious food, both rich in flavor and a source of energy." more

Test your Chocolate IQ! 1. Can chocolate boost your mood? Yes, because it tastes so good! Chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine, and other stimulants, but you would have to eat about 27 pounds for them to have a noticeable effect. more

They’re Neither From a Cow Nor a Bean. They’re…Nondairy Non-Soy Alternatives! Those of us who can tolerate cow’s milk and soy milk may feel we have plenty of healthful beverages to choose from and may never look further for a beverage to pour over cereal or to put in our morning coffee or tea. But for those who prefer additional choices, either because of allergies to soy and dairy, lactose intolerance, or just a yearning to try it all, there are alternatives available. Beverages made of rice, grains, and nuts alone or in combination are here. more

Ten Great Reasons to Add Soy to Your Day #2. Soy is fast. Frozen burgers featuring soy are ready in only 2 minutes in the microwave. Add a whole grain bun or serve over pasta or rice and greens and supper's ready. more