Debra Wein Pic
Friday, February 24, 2012
This Week's Topics
Recipe: Spicy Eggplant and Cauliflower With Basil
Worthwhile Links
Herbal Mouth Care
Red Wine and Breast Cancer
Measure YOUR Metabolism!

Recipe: 

Spicy Eggplant and Cauliflower With Basil

 

Serves 4

 

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups basmati rice

2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

1/3 cup olive oil

2 teaspoons Thai red curry paste (such as Thai Kitchen)

3 small or baby eggplants (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut lengthwise into wedges

1/2 head cauliflower (about 1 pound), broken into florets

1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

2 cups bean sprouts

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn if large

 

Directions

Heat oven to 450� F.

In a large saucepan, combine the rice, and 2 � cups water and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer on low until the water is absorbed, about  15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Meanwhile, whisk together the garlic, ginger, oil, curry paste and � cup water. Toss with the eggplants and cauliflower. Transfer to a roasting pan in a single layer. Roast until tender, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, adding the chickpeas during the last 5 minutes.

Remove the vegetables from the oven and toss with the bean sprouts and basil. Place 1 cup of rice on each of 4 plates and top with some of the vegetables.

 

Nutritional Information

Calories 537, Carbohydrate 79g, Cholesterol 0mg, Fat 20g, Fiber 12g, Protein 13mg, Sat Fat 3g

Sodium 268mg

  

 

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DW

In 2010, The FDA rejected Qnexa, a weight loss drug, amid safety concerns. Qnexa is an appetite suppressant made up of two already approved drugs, phentermine (a stimulant) and topiramate (an anticonvulsant). 

 

Currently, the makers of Onexa are presenting additional data to the FDA to argue its case for approval. Here is an interesting article on the topic. 


What do you think about prescription drugs as treatment options for overweight and obese individuals? Are they worth the risks? Let us know on our facebook page.

 

 Have a healthy week!  

-Debra

 Herbal Mouth Care

We know licorice as that black rope candy, or the flavor of black jelly beans, but the dried root of the licorice plant is a common treatment in Chinese traditional medicine, especially as a way to enhance the activity of other herbal ingredients or as a flavoring. Despite the popularity of licorice candy in the U.S., licorice root has been replaced in domestic candy with anise oil, which has a similar flavor.

 

Traditional medical practitioners use dried licorice root to treat various ailments, such as respiratory and digestive problems, but few modern scientific studies address whether licorice really works. To test whether the sweet root could combat the bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities, researchers took a closer look at various substances in licorice.

 

Researchers at Tom's of Maine (yes, that toothpaste company) and The University of Mississippi found that two licorice compounds, licoricidin and licorisoflavan A, were effective antibacterial substances. These substances killed two of the major bacteria responsible for dental cavities and two of the bacteria that promote gum disease. One of the compounds -- licoricidin -- also killed a third gum disease bacterium. The researchers say that these substances could treat or even prevent oral infections.

 

Bottom Line: While using a natural remedy for combating tooth decay and gum disease (the leading causes of tooth loss in children and adults) is enticing, be sure to check with your health care provider before taking licorice root because it can have undesirable effects and interactions with prescription drugs.

 

Source 

Red Wine and Breast Cancer

Red wine is already known to potentially help in the fight against heart disease, and now there is evidence that moderate amounts of red wine may also help cut a woman's breast cancer risk.

 

These results come as a bit of a surprise as many believe that all types of alcohol consumption increase the risk of developing breast cancer.  Alcohol increases the body's estrogen levels, potentially fostering the growth of cancer cells. However, there may be something special about red wine.

 

Researchers found that chemicals in the skins and seeds of red grapes lowered estrogen levels slightly while elevating testosterone among premenopausal women who drank eight ounces of red wine nightly for about a month. White wine did not show this same effect.

 

In this study, 36 women were randomized to drink either eight ounces of Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay daily for a month, and then switch to the other type of wine for a month. Blood was collected twice each month to measure hormone levels.

 

Bottom Line: Stay tuned. This study is small and preliminary and other studies have shown an increase in cancer risk at this level of alcohol intake. So while red wine may have some beneficial effects, it's not worth starting if you don't already drink. Also, don't forget that eight ounces of wine has close to 200 calories!

 

About Sensible Nutrition 

How is YOUR metabolism? 

 

Ever wonder if your metabolism is keeping you from reaching your weight goals? Let a Sensible Nutrition RD measure YOUR metabolism and tell you the truth! Call 781-741-5483 or send an email to [email protected] to schedule your appointment.  

 

 

About Sensible Nutrition

 

Sensible Nutrition is a consulting firm established in 1994 that provides nutrition and fitness services to individuals, universities, corporate wellness programs and nonprofit groups. SN's client list includes the United States Coast Guard, Blue Cross Blue Shield, EMC, Putnam Investments, Corcoran Jennison, Harvard Business School, the Boston Ballet and Children's Hospital. For more information about our corporate wellness services, please check us out at www.wellnessworkdays.com.

 

SN services: One-to-one counseling, fitness counseling and training, group lectures, metabolism measures and more! Let the Sensible Nutrition staff develop a nutrition program to help you finally reach your health and weight goals! Gift certificates are available!

 

Debra Wein, MS, RD, LDN, SN President and Co-Founder writes a regular nutrition column for the National Strength and Conditioning Association's  Performance Training Journal, has been quoted in Family Circle, Muscle & Fitness, Shape, Self, Men's Health, Allure and Prevention and has appeared on Fox 25, Channel 56, Channel 5, New England Cable News and several radio stations.

 

Contact us at www.sensiblenutrition.com or 781-741-5483.

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