Healthy Heart Program Updates
In this Issue
In this fall issue of Healthy Heart Beats articles in Nutrition and Research Updates revolve around the fact that September is both 5 A Day Month and Cholesterol Education Month. Because fruits and vegetables are among the good sources of antioxidants, it is helpful to have research documenting that antioxidant supplements do not fully replace nature's bounty. Additionally, another study includes a list of the top 20 food sources of antioxidants. It would behoove us as educators to highlight that no one food should be overemphasized, but rather encourage consumption of a varied diet.
It is often said by some that only those with a good income can afford to eat healthy. There are two studies that address the cost factor. In one study the Economic Research Service published a spreadsheet of cost per serving of fruits and vegetables. In the other study, the cost of eating foods encouraged by the dietary guidelines is investigated. Both of these studies are particularly timely as the 2005 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee finalized its recommendations and submitted its Report to the Secretaries of Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture. This Report will serve as the basis for the sixth edition of Nutrition and Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans which HHS and USDA expect to publish in January 2005. To view the PDF file go to: www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/report/
Last month's issue had quite a bit of information about the low carb craze which is still with us. Included this time is the link to read a position paper on Sugars and Sweeteners published by the American Dietetic Association. In an effort to provide guidelines for 'low-carb' claims, the FDA is expected in the near future to release procedures on how information about carbohydrates can be stated on nutrition labels. This should be helpful to consumers and educators alike. As educators, many of us are concerned that confusion about low carb terminology may further contribute to the obesity problem that our society is currently facing. Stay tuned, sales of these items are apparently declining.
Signs of fall are all around us as we now have a chill in the air more often in the morning though we are still enjoying sunny, warm days. Summer did allow us to enjoy many different outdoor activities, but change is good and now we can begin to focus on what the harvest season brings to us. The recipes included for your use are for apples and squash which we more typically associate with fall. Try these on a crisp fall day which is likely just around the corner.
As this issue goes to press, I have once again been struck by the suddenness of cardiovascular disease with my mother-in-law who has just had a cardiac arrest. The suddenness of these events always causes a jolt. Cardiac events are always sudden and unexpected. Take care.
Jennifer Anderson, Ph.D., R.D.
Food and Nutrition Extension Specialist
Shirley Perryman, M.S., R.D.
Extension Specialist
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Updated Tuesday, September 25, 2007.
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