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Food and Beverage

Turn to Whole Grains for a Nutritional Boost

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(Family Features) Nutritious eating, including smarter snacking, is an important way to protect your heart and maintain overall health and wellness. While many people understand the basics of healthy eating – avoiding too many sugary treats, for example – some are confused about important food categories that can impact nutrition.

According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association, U.S. adults are least knowledgeable about refined vs. whole grains compared to other food categories like fruits, vegetables and proteins. Whole grains are, in fact, a key feature of the Association’s recommendations for a heart-healthy diet.

There are two types of grain products: whole grains, which contain the entire grain, and refined grains, which have been milled into a finer texture like flour or meal. Most adults, according to the survey, are able to distinguish whole vs. refined grains. However, there are a few misperceptions.

Most incorrectly believe multi-grain bread is a whole grain. Additionally, only 17% believe sorghum is an example of a whole grain when it is, in fact, a whole grain option. Whole grains like sorghum, oatmeal and brown rice are rich sources of dietary fiber, may improve blood cholesterol levels and provide nutrients that help the body form new cells, regulate the thyroid and maintain a healthy immune system.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/SLGiwD1v1Wk

These sweet, chewy Date Nut Granola Bars from the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative, supported by the Sorghum Checkoff, are a perfect go-to snack for enjoying throughout the week. Popped sorghum adds a surprise ingredient for crunchy texture while dry-roasted oats and nuts provide a delicious, toasted flavor.

To discover more whole-grain recipes that can support a healthy heart, visit Heart.org/healthyforgood.

Date Nut Granola Bars

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association and Sorghum Checkoff
Servings: 12 (1 bar per serving)

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup almond slices or whole almonds, coarsely chopped
  • 1/4 cup shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup pitted dates
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup uncooked whole-grain sorghum
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Line bottom and sides of 8-inch square baking pan with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  3. On large baking sheet, spread oats, almonds and pistachios in single layer. Bake 10-15 minutes, or until lightly brown, stirring occasionally. Let cool slightly.
  4. In food processor or blender, process dates and cranberries 1-1 1/2 minutes, or until chopped and clumpy. Transfer to large bowl.
  5. Put 2 tablespoons sorghum in silicone microwaveable bowl or clean, brown paper bag. If using microwaveable bowl, cover with lid. If using paper bag, roll shut and place on microwavable dinner plate with fold facing down. Microwave on high 2 minutes, or until there are more than 10 seconds between pops. Repeat with remaining sorghum, microwaving 1 1/2 minutes, or until more than 10 seconds between pops.
  6. Stir popped sorghum, oats, almonds and pistachios into date mixture.
  7. In small saucepan over low heat, heat honey and peanut butter 5 minutes, or until peanut butter is smooth and mixture is warmed, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and salt.
  8. Pour peanut butter mixture over date mixture, stirring to break into small clumps. Transfer half to baking pan. Using bottom of drinking glass or fingers lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, press down firmly to flatten and pack tightly so clumps adhere to each other. Repeat with remaining half. Freeze, covered, about 1 hour, to firm.
  9. Place cutting board over pan. Turn pan over. Discard plastic wrap. Using knife, cut into 12 bars. Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container up to 1 week.


SOURCE:
American Heart Association

Food and Beverage

THE WORLD’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS NAMES ‘CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE’ WINNERS 2024

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LONDON /PRNewswire/ — The World’s 50 Best Restaurants today announces its Champions of Change 2024, the heroes of hospitality at the forefront of positive action and long-term progress within the industry and their communities. 

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants announces João Diamante, founder of Diamantes Na Cozinha in Rio de Janeiro and duo Caroline Caporossi and Jessica Rosval behind Roots in Modena, as Champions of Change winners for 2024

Part of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 programme, sponsored by S. Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, it’s awarded to a duo in Italy whose ground-breaking initiative supports migrant women, and a Brazilian chef determined to help forge a better future for the youth of Rio’s favelas. 

Modena’s Roots is a migrant women-led social enterprise model, founded by Caroline Caporossi and chef Jessica Rosval. In 2020, the duo founded the Association for the Integration of Women, whose mission is to provide resources for women to establish roots and flourish. In 2022, alongside co-founder Maria Assunta Ioele, they opened Roots, a self-sustaining social impact model where migrant women in Modena can learn, work and build self-confidence as they take their first steps towards careers. 

Brazilian João Diamante is also named a Champion of Change and is the founder of social project Diamantes Na Cozinha (Diamonds in the Kitchen), which runs cooking, nutrition and hospitality courses for young people in vulnerable situations.

Diamantes Na Cozinha is creating a new generation of talent, now serving up to 100 students in semester-long courses. Earlier this year, Diamante opened his own restaurant in Rio, Diamante Gastrobar, with the majority of the staff graduates from his school.

William Drew, Director of Content for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants said; “The work these individuals are doing to contribute to a better future for their communities is admirable; we’re excited to support the development of such valuable projects.”

Caroline Caporossi and Jessica Rosval say: “What an honour to receive this recognition. We are so proud of our graduates; the success of Roots is made possible by the value they bring to our kitchen everyday and this award is further testament to the human and economic capital of women everywhere.”

João Diamante says: “Being named a Champion of Change is a huge compliment and I am grateful for the appreciation of our work. This project was started to help people in situations of social vulnerability in Rio on a path to a better future and I’m proud of being able to share this with a global audience.”

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Media centre: 
https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com

SOURCE 50 Best

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Food and Beverage

Put a Traditional Spin on Cinco de Mayo: Celebrate Mexican culture with pork stew and cinnamon sweets

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(Family Features) Whether Cinco de Mayo means an opportunity to celebrate your family’s heritage or it’s simply an excuse to gather with the ones you love, every holiday truly is about the same thing: special moments together. While those treasured times at the table revolve around camaraderie and conversation, it can start with a filling meal and end with a sweet treat.

Take this year’s festivities the traditional route with recipes that combine familiar favorites with ingredients you normally may not use otherwise, such as cactus. This Mexican Cactus Pork Stew makes Cinco de Mayo a cinch with the use of a Dutch oven. Just brown fresh pork shoulder (or reheat leftover pork) in the Dutch oven and combine with onion and jalapeno for the right mixture of flavor and spice. Once pork is cooked or warmed through, add broth, beans, spices, seasonings and a cup of chopped cactus for a southwestern spin.

After some lively chatter or friendly competition, you’re bound to work up the appetite for dessert. Call the kids to the kitchen to lend a hand with these Kid-Friendly Mexican Cinnamon Cookies – they’ll love working with the dough and rolling warm cookies in the cinnamon-sugar mixture after baking. Remember, they don’t have to be perfect; you can ensure a bit of fun and flavor by letting their creativity shine.

Visit Culinary.net to find more family-friendly recipes perfect for celebrating holidays throughout the year.

Mexican Cactus Pork Stew

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

  • 1 pound pork shoulder (leftover or fresh)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) mild chili beans
  • 1 cup chopped cactus (nopales)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • 4 green onions, chopped, for garnish
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
  1. If using fresh pork, in Dutch oven, cube and brown it with onion and jalapeno pepper. If using leftover pork, reheat in Dutch oven with onion and jalapeno pepper.
  2. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, chili beans, cactus, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper and salt and pepper, to taste.
  3. Simmer 25 minutes then garnish with green onions and cilantro.

Kid-Friendly Mexican Cinnamon Cookies

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

  • 4 sticks butter, at room temperature
  • 4 cups self-rising flour, plus additional for coating workspace
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup sugar

Topping:

  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 4 teaspoons cinnamon
  1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
  2. In bowl, combine butter, 4 cups flour and cinnamon. Add egg and sugar then knead into ball.
  3. Spread additional flour on counter and cut ball into six sections. Roll each section into 24-inch ropes then cut into 1-inch pieces and place on cookie sheet.
  4. Bake 10 minutes.
  5. To make topping: In bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon.
  6. Roll warm cookies in mixture and let cool on rack.


SOURCE:
Culinary.net

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Food and Beverage

The 10 Best Healthiest Seafood Options: Nutrient-Rich and Sustainable Choices

“From sardines to salmon, discover the top 10 healthiest and sustainable seafood options for a nutrient-rich diet. 🐟🌱 #Seafood”

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Free seafood boil image. "Selection of fresh and nutritious seafood options on a wooden table"


Seafood is a treasure trove of essential nutrients and beneficial compounds that can significantly contribute to a healthy diet. From the omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health to the abundance of vitamins and minerals, incorporating seafood into your meals can have a positive impact on your overall well-being. In this blog post, we will delve into the ten best healthiest seafood options, considering their nutritional content, sustainability, and potential contaminants.

  1. Sardines:
    These small fish are incredibly nutritious, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and calcium. Sardines are also low in contaminants and are considered one of the most sustainable seafood options available.
  2. Salmon:
    Salmon is well-known for its impressive omega-3 content. It also provides high-quality protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium. Opt for wild-caught Alaskan salmon for the best nutritional benefits and sustainability.
  3. Oysters:
    Oysters are a true nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins B12, D, and zinc. They are a sustainable choice and an excellent source of lean protein. Including oysters in your diet not only benefits your health but also supports local marine ecosystems due to their ability to filter water.
  4. Mackerel:
    Mackerel is another fish that boasts high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, along with vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium. This flavorful fish is considered a sustainable choice and offers numerous health benefits.
  5. Rainbow Trout:
    Rainbow trout is a deliciously mild-flavored fish that is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin B12, and iron. It is a sustainable choice, particularly when sourced from responsible fish farms.
  6. Clams:
    Clams are an excellent source of protein, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium. They are sustainable, low in contaminants, and make a versatile addition to dishes like pasta, chowders, and stir-fries.
  7. Herring:
    Herring is an oily fish that delivers a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. It is an eco-friendly choice and can be enjoyed smoked, pickled, or grilled.
  8. Cod:
    Cod is a lean white fish that provides protein, vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus. It is known for its mild flavor and versatility in cooking methods.
  9. Shrimp:
    Shrimp is low in calories and rich in protein, vitamin D, and selenium. Choose sustainably sourced shrimp to minimize environmental impact and ensure a healthier choice.
  10. Anchovies:
    Anchovies may be small in size, but they are big in nutritional value. These tiny fish deliver omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and vitamins D and E. They are also a sustainable choice when sourced responsibly.


When it comes to the healthiest seafood options, there is an abundance of choices that offer an array of essential nutrients while also being environmentally responsible. Sardines, salmon, oysters, mackerel, rainbow trout, clams, herring, cod, shrimp, and anchovies are all fantastic choices to boost your overall health while supporting sustainable fishing practices. Incorporate these nutrient powerhouses into your diet and savor the benefits they provide for your well-being and the planet.

What are the Risks of Eating Seafood?

Although seafood is a nutritious option to fulfill dietary nutrient gaps, there are some environmental and health concerns related to its consumption.

Seafood may contain toxins, viruses, parasites, and bacteria that can be harmful if consumed. To avoid getting sick, it is essential to cook fish and shellfish thoroughly. As per the USDA guidelines, most seafood should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Contaminants, including Mercury and Others

Overconsumption of certain seafood varieties can have negative health effects due to the presence of contaminants. For instance, specific fish species contain high levels of mercury, a heavy metal that can be easily absorbed by the body. Mercury accumulation is more common in larger fish, as they consume smaller fish that have ingested mercury-rich plankton. Consequently, larger and older fish are typically the most mercury-contaminated.

Regularly consuming foods high in mercury can result in mercury accumulation in the body, leading to health problems like high blood pressure, heart attack, and developmental delay in offspring. Mercury is toxic and can have detrimental effects on the body.

Mercury can have a greater impact on certain groups, such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children, who are more susceptible to its effects.

To reduce the amount of mercury in your diet, avoid consuming seafood like shark, certain types of tuna, swordfish, tilefish, and king mackerel as they have high mercury levels. Instead, opt for low-mercury options such as trout, cod, oysters, clams, herring, salmon, and sardines.

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Recommendations for Incorporating Seafood into Your Eating Plan

Eating seafood can boost the quality of your diet and support and protect your health. However, it’s important to consider the nutrition and environmental impact of seafood when narrowing down options to add to your diet.

Adding seafood to your diet can boost its nutritional quality and promote your overall health. However, it is essential to consider the nutritional composition and environmental impact of various seafood options before including them in your meals.

Read the article in Health titled Healthiest Seafood Options, Ranked for further insight into the topic. https://www.health.com/healthiest-seafood-8630471

https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage/

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