Study: Green Tea Drinkers Show Less Disability With Age

(Reuters) - Elderly adults who regularly drink green tea may stay more agile and independent than their peers over time, according to a Japanese study that covered thousands of people. Green tea contains antioxidant chemicals that may help ward off the cell damage that can lead to disease.


Researchers have been studying green tea's effect on everything from cholesterol to the risk of certain cancers, with mixed results so far. For the new study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers decided to examine the question of whether green tea drinkers have a lower risk of frailty and disability as they grow older.


Yasutake Tomata of the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine and his colleagues followed nearly 14,000 adults aged 65 or older for three years. They found those who drank the most green tea were the least likely to develop "functional disability," or problems with daily activities or basic needs, such as dressing or bathing. Specifically, almost 13 percent of adults who drank less than a cup of green tea per day became functionally disabled, compared with just over 7 percent of people who drank at least five cups a day. "Green tea consumption is significantly associated with a lower risk of incident functional disability, even after adjustment for possible confounding factors," Tomata and his colleagues wrote.


The study did not prove that green tea alone kept people spry as they grew older. Green-tea lovers generally had healthier diets, including more fish, vegetables and fruit, as well as more education, lower smoking rates, fewer heart attacks and strokes, and greater mental sharpness. They also tended to be more socially active and have more friends and family to rely on. But even with those factors accounted for, green tea itself was tied to a lower disability risk, the researchers said. People who drank at least five cups a day were one-third less likely to develop disabilities than those who had less than a cup per day. Those people who averaged three or four cups a day had a 25 percent lower risk.


Although it's not clear how green tea might offer a buffer against disability, Tomata's team did note that one recent study found green tea extracts seem to boost leg muscle strength in older women. While green tea and its extracts are considered safe in small amounts, they do contain caffeine and small amounts of vitamin K, which means it could interfere with drugs that prevent

blood clotting.

Food Pictures

Hello all !
Found a website that shares good pics of food that we can include in our PowerPoint slides when we prepare for our lessons.

The picture above can be used to introduce Genetic Food Engineering!

The website is http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Enjoy browsing through the pictures!

5 Commonly Mispronounced Food

Jalapeño

OK, so is it ‘jala-peeno’, ‘hala-pen-o’ or ‘jala-penyo’? According to the folks at Mission Burrito, it’s none of them.

They tell us that this spicy chilli pepper is most definitely pronounced ‘ha-la-peyn-nyo’.

It’s thought that the jalapeño chilli originated from the Mexican city of Xalapa, also sometimes spelt ‘Jalapa’.

The ‘eño’ was added on the end of the word to mean ‘from’, as in ‘from Jalapa’.

Mascarpone

It’s spelt ‘mascarpone’ but a lot of people still slip in an extra ‘r’ in the first syllable and pronounce this Italian cheese ‘mars-ca-po-neh’.

According to the team at Italian restaurant chain Carluccio’s: “the name is said to come from mascarpa, a milk product made from the whey of stracchino”.

They confirm that it should be pronounced ‘mas-car-POH-neh’.
Crêpe

This crispy, thin French pancake isn’t pronounced ‘kreyp’. In fact, the best way to pronounce it is a bit like ‘krep’.

The French ‘r’ isn’t pronounced as in English – the sound comes from the back of the throat like a little gargle.

According to the Epicurean website, crêpes were first made in Brittany in north-west France and their name comes from the Latin ‘crispus’, meaning ‘crisp’.
Espresso

Don’t be surprised if your barista looks slightly irritated when you ask for an ‘expresso’. The drink might be quick to make, but it’s actually called an ‘espresso’.

According to legend, in 1903 an Italian named Luigi Bezzera became frustrated over the length of time it took to brew a coffee. He decided to force pressurised water through the coffee, making a short but full-bodied drink.

And so the first ‘espresso’ (‘express coffee’) was born.
Chipotle

Often pronounced how it seems to be spelt, ‘chip-ottle’; we’re told by the team at Mission Burrito that this smoke-dried jalapeño is pronounced ‘chip-pot-lay’.

It’s used in Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes, and gives sauces and rubs a heady, smoky spice. The word is thought to come from the Aztec ‘chilli’ and also ‘poktli’ - named after the smoking process.

100 Million Children Have This for Lunch Everyday

Hey guys!

I saw this on Yahoo! and thought that perhaps it might be useful as an introduction to teaching malnutrition or nutrient deficiency.

(PS: Ai Ning, maybe u can use it.. Just a suggestion :))

The picture on the right shows the food eaten by poor families in third world country.

The food consist of cabbage, peas and rice has low nutritional value according to 'Save the Children', a non- government organisation (NGO) which works to improve the lives of improvished children around the globe.

Such families eat meals like this twice every day, as they do not have the means to eat three times a day.

At a press launch on Tuesday hosted at the Asian Food Channel (AFC) studio in Orchard Central, the NGO presented its findings in a new report on food concerns and malnutrition in Asia.

According to the report, unless more action is taken over the next 15 years to combat food price rises, half a billion more children would be affected by malnutrition.

The ailment is the underlying cause of a third of child deaths globally.

Currently, half of the world's underweight children live in South Asia. India holds the highest rate of chronic malnutrition among children in the world, at 48 per cent, as 60 million children are affected.

The report recommended that basic measures be taken to tackle malnutrition and reduce vulnerability to food price spikes, which includes fortifying basic foods with essential minerals or vitamins, encouraging exclusive breastfeeding for children up to six months of age, and better investment in cash transfers.

okay, its quite addictive, so here you go, more fun 'facts' on food :D 


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Fun Nutrition Trivia Facts

Fast food restaurants use yellow, red, and orange because those are the colors that stimulate hunger.

People over the age of fifty start to lose their dislike for foods that taste bitter.

The average person can live about a month without eating any food, but can only live about a week without water.

97 percent of caffeine must be removed from coffee for it to be labeled "decaffeinated."

One-third pound stalk of broccoli contains more vitamin C than 204 apples.

It takes about three hours for food to be broken down in the human stomach.

The eight most popular foods to cause food allergies are: milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, soy, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.

The first fruit eaten on the moon was a peach. Carrots were first grown as a medicine. Food can only be tasted if it is mixed with saliva. Hippocrates noted the medicinal properties of lettuce in 430 B.C.

Blueberries have more antioxidants than any other fruit or vegetables.

food facts

hello,

I have some simple food facts to share; you might wanna use them to start a lesson in the future! It will make lesson a little more interesting for them i think :D As student, I loved to read up on these kinda random facts.

DID YOU KNOW?

• apple is made of 25% air, that is why they float.
• apples, onions, and potatoes all have the same taste? Try the test: Pinch your nose and take a bite out of each. 
• avocado has the highest protein and oil content of all fruits, but most of this is the healthier unsaturated type. 
• cabbage is 91%  water. 
• carrots were originally purple in colour, changing in the 17th Century to orange with newer varieties.
• celery requires more calories to eat and digest than it contains. 
• cherries are a member of the rose family.
• corn always has an even number of ears. 
• corn makes up about 8% of the weight in a box of corn flakes.
• eggplants are actually fruits, and classified botanically as berries.
• honey is the only edible food for humans that will never go bad. 
• lemons contain more sugar than strawberries.
• orange does not rhyme with any other word.
• peanuts are legumes and not a tree nut. 
• peanuts are one of the ingredients in dynamite. 
• pear is a fruit that ripens from the inside out. 
• strawberries are the only fruit which has its seeds on its outer skin.

iphone food fact app!

hey people, this iphone app is quite cool HAHA have a look at this video, its only 2 min long :D

What is Food Facts?

Food Facts is your best source of the information you need to keep your diet safe and healthy. Here you'll find everything you need to know about what's really in your food: nutritional information on thousands of different products with their ingredients, food label information, nutrient content information, protein, fat and carb information AND you'll be able to track your own food allergies and sensitivities for things like peanut allergies, egg allergies, dairy allergies, gluten sensitivity and gluten content. If you're dieting, you'll find valuable information on calories, fat, and carbohydrates. If you're simply concerned about what you're eating, you'll find great information on food additives and controversial ingredients. Food Facts is the most comprehensive collection of real facts on the food you eat you can find anywhere on the web today!

Tax on food

Eating like the English could save 4,000 lives a year in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, a study claims.

People in England eat more fruit and vegetables and less salt and fat, reducing heart disease and some cancers, say Oxford University experts.

A tax on fatty and salty foods and subsidies on fruit and vegetables could help close the diet divide, they add.

The British Heart Foundation says the study shows inequalities in the nations that must be addressed by authorities.

Death rates for heart disease and cancer are higher in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland than in England, according to official figures.

Diet is known to be an important factor. Last year researchers estimated that more than 30,000 lives a year would be saved if everyone in the UK followed dietary guidelines on fat, salt, fibre, and fruit and vegetables.

Now, the same experts - from the Department of Public Health at the University of Oxford - have turned their attention to differences within the UK.

They looked at whether deaths from heart disease, stroke and 10 cancers linked with poor diet could be prevented in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, if everyone switched to the typical English diet.

They say the diet in England is far from perfect - but should be achievable in other UK countries.

Over the three years studied there were nearly 22,000 excess deaths in total. Scotland had 15,719, Wales 3,723 and Northern Ireland 2,329.

Hamburger tax

Lead researcher Dr Peter Scarborough of the Health Promotion Research Group said: "The chief dietary factor that is driving this mortality gap is fruit and vegetables.

"Consumption of fruit and vegetables in Scotland is around 12% lower than in England, and consumption in Northern Ireland is about 20% lower than in England. Consumption levels in Wales are similar.

"Other important factors are salt and saturated fat consumption, which are lower in England than in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland."

The researchers believe one way to tackle the "mortality gap" is to bring in food taxes.

Denmark recently introduced a tax on foods high in saturated fat, while other countries are toying with the idea of taxing fizzy drinks or high-calorie foods.

Dr Scarborough told the BBC that while the study did not consider the effectiveness of policies and interventions, the area should be investigated.

He said: "Junk food taxes and subsidies of fruit and veg could be a very important tool in addressing health inequalities in the UK."

"Consumption of fruit and vegetables in Scotland is around 12% lower than in England, and consumption in Northern Ireland is about 20% lower than in England. Consumption levels in Wales are similar.

"Other important factors are salt and saturated fat consumption, which are lower in England than in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland."

The researchers believe one way to tackle the "mortality gap" is to bring in food taxes.

Denmark recently introduced a tax on foods high in saturated fat, while other countries are toying with the idea of taxing fizzy drinks or high-calorie foods.

Dr Scarborough told the BBC that while the study did not consider the effectiveness of policies and interventions, the area should be investigated.

He said: "Junk food taxes and subsidies of fruit and veg could be a very important tool in addressing health inequalities in the UK."

-BBC

Perhaps Singapore can adopt such ways too; we need to cut down on fast food!

cinnamon

hi guys, ive been watching some vids on youtube regarding a cinnamon challenge. supposedly, most people throw up when dared to eat a spoonful of cinnamon powder. i didnt try it cos i didnt want to be traumatised by cinnamon. i love cinnamon!

so anyways, i thought i'd share some facts about cinnamon with yall:

#1: Preliminary results from studies have indicated that cinnamon has antifungal, antibacterial and antiparasitic properties. Cinnamon has been found to be effective in fighting vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers and head lice.

#2: Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties.

#3: Cinnamon may actually help people with Type 2 diabetes control blood sugar levels, and may significantly lower LDL “bad” cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides (fatty acids in the blood).

#4: Cinnamon is an excellent source of manganese, dietary fiber, iron and calcium.

#5: If that’s not enough for you, doctors have performed studies that show that just smelling cinnamon improves our memory and performance of certain tasks.

a video to watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unoqQLEefwE

Dutch TV presenters eat each other's flesh - video

Check this out:

http://apps.facebook.com/theguardian/world/video/2011/dec/21/dutch-presenters-eat-flesh-on-tv-video?fb_source=other_multiline&fb_action_types=video.watches

This is probably an inappropriate video to show students cos we don't want the to turn into cannibals.
But i thought i'd share it with you guys so that yall can see how weird some people can be..

Foods to help you reduce stress

Feeling stressful? Why not take a bite of the following food to reduce your stress?

1. Almonds
Almonds contain lots of vitamin B2, vitamin E, magnesium and zinc. The magnesium and B2 help prompt production of serotonin, the brain chemical known to improve mood, promote relaxation and sleep. Almonds contain heart-healthy fat, but unfortunately, they’re not calorie-free so don’t go crazy with the crunching-and-calming chemistry. If you don't like almonds, you can go for walnuts or pistachios for soothing effects!

2. Chicken
You’ll get more tryptophan from a chicken breast than from the Thanksgiving turkey. This amino acid is converted in the brain to serotonin, which in turn counters stress naturally so you can sleep better (no tossing and turning as you battle whatever is stressing you out).

3. Black Tea
A study published in 2007 showed that drinking four cups of black tea per day for at least six weeks decreased cortisol levels (hormone released when stress). And a new study from Australia showed that drinking three cups of black tea per day can lower blood pressure by two or three points, not a lot but enough to reduce the risks of heart attack and stroke posed by high blood pressure by seven to 10 percent population-wide, according to the researchers. There’s no doubt that stress is related to high blood pressure and that diffusing stress can help lower blood pressure.

4. Bananas
Great source of potassium, the mineral essential to regulation of blood pressure (which can soar when you’re stressed), bananas also give you more of the manganese and vitamin B6 found in almonds and needed to prod serotonin production.

5. Blueberries
Rich in vitamin C, that have antioxidant effects to battle with oxidative stresses!

6. Salmon
It contains omega 3 fatty acids that helps to dial down tensi0n

7. Broccoli
It contains vitamin B, particulary folic acid, that help to reduce stress

8. Carbohydrates
Stick to whole-grains bread, cereals and pasta. These whole-grain food can optimize the production of serotonin that calm neurotransmitter

9. Chocolate
Studies shown that eating about an ounce and a half of dark chocolate daily for two weeks reduced stress hormone levels in the bodies of volunteers who described themselves as highly tense


Source: Lisa Collier Coolhttp://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/best-foods-reduce-stress

8 suprising facts about calories!

Since many of us are on the topic of calories, I found an article (study published on Jan 4 in the Journal of the American Medical Association) sort of related:

8 surprising facts about calories:
1. Why We’re Getting Fat
The average American eats 300 more calories daily than in 1985. Added sweeteners provide 23 percent of the extra calories; added fats provide another 24 percent. Eating 300 extra calories a day for a year will pile on about 31 pounds. (Math hint: you have to eat 3,500 extracalories to gain one pound.) What’s more, one-third of Americans are getting nearly half of their daily calories from junk food, according the USDA.

2. Exercise Machines Lie about Calories

For those regularly go gym, take note! Don’t count on your treadmill to tell you how many calories you’re burning. A study from the University of California, San Francisco, found that, on average, exercise machines overestimate calories burned by 19 percent. The errors ranged from seven percent on a stationary bike to 42 percent on an elliptical machine. For a more accurate count, experts suggest entering a slightly lower weight. You can also get a rough estimate of how many calories you’re burning per mile of running by multiplying your weight by 0.75. Multiply your weight by 0.53 for an estimate of calories burned per mile of walking.

3. Foods with Negative Calories
The idea here is that your body burns more calories in digesting certain foods, like celery, than the foods provide. Sorry. It’s just not so.

4. Fidget Away 350 Calories a Day
Lore from the famous fidgeting studyhas made the rounds since 2005 when a Mayo Clinic researcher showed that lean people burn 350 more calories daily than overweight people. That’s true, but twiddling your thumbs won’t do it. The research actually showed that those lean people move more—they pace, they take the stairs, they spend two more hours a day on their feet than the not-so-lean. Try that and you may find yourself a lot lighter next year.

5. Low-Fat Doesn’t Mean Low-Cal
Feeling virtuous because you’re buying low-fat versions of your food favorites? Here’s an eye-opener: two tablespoons of reduced-fat peanut butter gives you 187 calories. The same amount of regular has 191 calories. Half a cup of fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt contains 100 calories, compared to 104 for the same amount of regular.

6. Most of Us Are Clueless about Calories
According to a 2010 surveyby the International Food Information Council Foundation, only 11 percent of Americans can accurately estimate the number of calories they should consume daily for someone their age, height, weight and amount of physical activity. Not you? Take this Pop Quiz: (1) How many calories are in two slices of pizza? (2) How many in a basket of chips at a Mexican restaurant? (Answers: 1) 1,000; 2) 550.)

7. Muffins v. Donuts
Which has more calories? That depends to some extent on the size of the muffinand the embellishments on the donut, but on average, the donut is likelier to be lower in calories, even if its fat content may not be desirable.

8. Serving Sizes Can Be Deceptive
It’s easy to be fooled by food labels, since some snack foods may look like a portion for one person, but list a calorie count based on three servings. That means you’re getting triple the calories you expected from eating the entire portion.For foods like potato or corn chips, a serving size may be as little as one ounce, and few of us have the willpower to stop after such a small portion

Is sugar worse than tobacco?

This article follows up to Amanda's post on white and brown sugar.

Scientists from the University of California, San Francisco believe that sugar limits shouldn't be self-imposed. They want to see the sweet stuff regulated, much like alcohol and tobacco.

According to their just-released report published in the journal Nature, excess sugar consumption is contributing to 35 million deaths worldwide each year, from diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer, an even greater burden on public health than infectious diseases. This is alarming!

The researchers say sugar isn't as innocent as 'empty calories' (calories without any nutritional value) because in the amounts we currently eat, triple the average consumption 50 years ago, it's toxic, in that it ups blood pressure, damages the liver , and impacts hormones. The scientists believe the same regulations, including taxes and limited access, that helped reduce cigarette smoking, from about 43 percent of adults in 1965 to now less than 20 percent, could work for sugar.

In addition to soaring sugar consumption, most Americans are also seriously short on healthy items. Only about 25 percent meet the recommended daily produce recommendations of two fruit and three veggie servings. Also, the average intake of whole grains is less than one serving per day, and fewer than 10 percent of Americans eat the minimum recommended three daily servings. When you think about all the sugar we're eating that we shouldn't be, and all the fruit, veggie, and whole grain servings we should be getting that we're not, it's obvious that some shuffling is in order.

If you think your diet is a bit out of balance commit to these three trade outs - each will reduce your sugar intake and help fill the fruit, veggie, and whole grain gap:

Kick the soda habit
If you crave bubbles, switch to sparkling water or all natural seltzer with a splash of 100 percent fruit juice or fresh fruit for flavor. One of my favorite combos is a whole key lime, quartered and slightly squeezed and a few sprigs of fresh mint. It's like sipping a refreshing virgin mojito.

Make fruit the base of your dessert
Bake or grill sliced apples, pears, pineapple, or mango. Instead of adding sugar just grill in foil or bake on a cookie sheet at 375 degrees Fahrenheit then dust with cinnamon, cloves, or fresh grated ginger. For a crunchy topping, sprinkle with toasted rolled oats or unsweetened shredded coconut. If you're craving something creamy layer with organic 0 percent (nonfat) yogurt or a nondairy yogurt made from coconut or almond milk. Or melt a few squares of dark chocolate (70 percent cocoa or greater) as a dip for fresh berries.

Get real about candy
When you need a candy fix try options made from real fruit with no added sugar, such as Seitenbacher Gummi Fruits or Stretch Island's FruitaBu.

Get your sweet fix with whole grains (or even veggies!)
When you absolutely must have something like a cookie or brownie, choose options made with whole grains. One of my favorites is Uncle Eddie's Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies (just remember even though they're made with oats they're still an in-moderation splurge at 140 calories per cookie). Or whip up your own whole grain sweet treat with veggies to boot! Check out this video featuring my very own secret spinach brownie recipe.

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/sugar-worse-tobacco-150300762.html;_ylt=AuGWMBanVHHLlPWB40acHulqbqU5;_ylu=X3oDMTNxNjc5bWd2BG1pdANIZWFsdGggSnVtYm90cm9uBHBrZwMzNTUyMzE5Yi1hYjdjLTM2MzEtYjMwNS0zOGYzOTMyNTI2NDIEcG9zAzEEc2VjA2p1bWJvdHJvbgR2ZXIDMmRiYzRjYjktNGU3OS0xMWUxLWFmZjMtYWI5Y2Q0Yzc1MWMw;_ylg=X3oDMTIxbTZvY3JzBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANoZWFsdGh5bGl2aW5nBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3

Why skinny doesn't always mean Healthy

Adding on to the list of myth and fact in relation to metabolism:

Thin people have fast metabolisms.

MYTH! The less you weigh, the slower your metabolism, because it takes fewer calories to maintain your weight. If a speedy metabolism is what you covet, you'd be better off admiring Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn's quads of steel than Kate Middleton's slender physique. "The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn," Nieman says. This fact also explains why it's crucial for those looking to slim down to pair a diet plan with exercise. Strength training will keep your metabolism revved as the pounds drop.

I've gained weight. I think it's my thyroid.

MYTH! Home in on your habits before you blame hormones. "The number of people who are overweight or obese because of a thyroid problem is minuscule," says Adrian Dobs, M.D., professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. True, if your thyroid gland stops making enough of the hormones triiodothyronine (T 3 ) and thyroxine (T 4 ), your metabolism may slow down and a small amount of weight gain- 5 to 10 pounds-could result. But this hypothyroidism is relatively rare and usually accompanied by symptoms such as constipation and fatigue, Dr. Dobs says. Extra girth is more apt to stem from an unsurprising mix of genes, diet and lack of physical activity. Blood tests can tell for sure.

If I feel sluggish every afternoon, I must have a problem with my metabolism.

MYTH! More likely, your lunch is to blame for the blahs. "A meal heavy on refined carbs such as white bread can increase levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which may make you drowsy," Anding says. You also digest these carb-rich foods quickly, which causes your blood sugar to spike and then drop-hence the desire to nap under your desk. For lasting energy, pack a lunch with fiber, whole grains and protein, which your body takes longer to metabolize. Think PB&pear on whole wheat.

Heavy sweating equals a fast metabolism.

MYTH! You can't measure the speed of your metabolism by your puddles of perspiration. There are a number of reasons why you may have to towel off after a workout: It's hot in the gym, your gym clothes don't wick sweat, or you bundled up when it wasn't that chilly outside. But take heart: If you're drenched, you were probably giving your workout all you've got, which will pay you back in calorie-blasting muscle mass later.

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/why-skinny-doesn-8217-t-always-mean-healthy-172200726.html;_ylt=AjDA1wkMDuS3aRN3yNtj3FRqbqU5;_ylu=X3oDMTNzdWZoMGk0BG1pdANIZWFsdGggdG9wIHN0b3JpZXMEcGtnAzAyNjFiZmYyLWE2MzItMzQ3ZS1hMzljLTUzNGY0N2MyY2M4YQRwb3MDNARzZWMDdG9wX3N0b3J5BHZlcgMzMjUxMTFmMC00ZGM3LTExZTEtYmZhZi0yZjBkYTQwZGM1ZTg-;_ylg=X3oDMTIxbTZvY3JzBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANoZWFsdGh5bGl2aW5nBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3

What cracking your knuckles is REALLY doing to your fingers

Do you like to crack your knuckles by splitting right down the middle of your fingers? I do!

Cracking of knuckles is a kind of habit like biting your nails. According to Dr. Rachel Vreeman, assistant professor of pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine and co-author of Don't Cross Your Eyes...They'll Get Stuck That Way!: "There's not any hard science to explain why it's so addictive, but certainly people speculate it's one of these activities that releases nervous energy."

Do you know that cracking your knuckles is not cracking anything on your fingers? "That sound you hear is synovial fluid vapor cavities--or gas bubbles--in the fluid around your joints. With certain amounts of pressure you can make those bubbles burst," Dr Vreeman says.

However, bad news for those who like to crack your knuckles! Studies have shown that knuckle-crackers are no more likely to get arthritis than anyone else, but they do up their chances of hand discomfort (like swelling, less hand strength, and finger or joint injuries). So it's probably a good idea to leave your digits alone.

Fresh Fruits or Dried Fruits

This post acts as a supplement to Shereen's earlier post on Processed food and Fresh food.

I came across this article on choosing between dried fruits and fresh fruits. While we know the obvious of which is better, you'll be surprised that some people have absolutely no idea because of the way manufacturers market their products.

Hopefully the information below will help us better explain the facts to our students and loved ones :)

Fresh fruit comes packaged as nature intended and therefore it contains all the vitamins, minerals, fibre, phytochemicals and antioxidants you might expect. Fruit also contains water — and lots of it. An apple for example is approximately 85% water and grapefruits, water melons and strawberries all contain over 90% water by weight.

This water content can not only contribute to your daily fluid requirement but it also adds bulk and volume to the fruit which helps to make you feel satisfied and full - a real plus point for anyone looking to control their weight.

As the name suggests, dried fruits have had most of their water content removed. This, in effect, concentrates the remaining nutrients into a smaller volume which is why dried fruits, weight for weight, are often richer in fibre, iron and other key vitamins and minerals. However, this also means dried fruits will also be richer in calories and sugar.

This is partly due to the concentrated nature of dried fruits but also because some dried fruits have sugar added during the drying process. This reduction in overall volume plus the increase in calories and sugar content means that, if you are watching your weight, you will need to keep a keen eye on the quantity of dried fruits you consume.

The drying process varies from fruit to fruit but several dried fruits are also treated with sulphur dioxide as it helps to preserve colour and flavour. There is little evidence to suggest this is hazardous to most people however it can cause skin rashes, stomach upsets and asthma attacks in some susceptible people.

Sulfur dioxide also eliminates the Vitamin B1 or thiamine content within the fruit which in itself is not too much or a problem as vitamin B1 is fairly readily available in foods so a deficiency of this vitamin is rare.

Fruits that are dried without the use of sulfur dioxide are often less appealing to look at though as they tend to be more discoloured. For example, apricots dried without the use of sulphur dioxide tend to be brown and far less appetizing to look at than those treated with sulfur dioxide which are likely to retain more of their original orange colour and shape.

If in doubt, select organic dried fruits wherever possible as these will not have had sulfur dioxide added.

The drying process can also deplete other valuable water soluble nutrients such as vitamin C and other B vitamins. However, eaten in smaller quantities to avoid excess calorie and sugar consumption dried fruits still make a really, excellent alternative to most other commercially prepared snacks.

So, in short, as long as you don't over do it, most dried fruits are a healthy, convenient and nutritious snack. However, fresh fruits are likely to be richer in immune boosting vitamin C and if weight loss is your goal, their high water content will help with hunger control, helping you to feel fuller for longer.