Cooking & Health
Do you watch the cooking shows? If so, you've probably seen Chef Ramsey telling you to buy fresh, eat fresh, and not overcook. Most Americans don't prepare meals from scratch, and many eat out frequently. Reconnecting with food by cooking it can improve not only taste but health.
How you cook can make a difference not only to taste, but nutrition. Boiling broccoli or cabbage can destroy antioxidants. Microwaving or cooking on a griddle can preserve them. Stir-frying can be a good, quick way to prepare food too. Frozen and fresh vegetables have similar nutrient levels (not always similar taste). Canned foods do not. Some foods require adequate cooking time to ensure safety.
If you think you don't have time to cook, a little planning can go a long way. Veggies may be pre-cut when time permits, and beans or pasta can be prepared in advance without loss of flavor or nutritional value. Many recipes may be modified to lower fat or sugar variations.
Recently Answered
- Q Is it safe to consume salmon?
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Dr. Michael T Murray, Naturopathic MedicineWhile fish farms now contribute a large amount of the fish being consumed, including more than 50 percent of salmon, the bottom line is that wild "free range" fish are superior in many ways to their farm-raised counterparts. Several studies have also... Full Answer
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- Q How can I consume cranberries?
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Dr. Michael T Murray, Naturopathic MedicineWash organically grown cranberries by placing them in a colander, then rinsing them under cool water. If nonorganic, they should be sprayed with a solution of diluted additive-free soap or commercial produce wash before placing them in the colander. Full Answer
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- Q What are the ways in which I can serve dates?
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Dr. Michael T Murray, Naturopathic MedicineYou can serve dates in the following ways: As sweet as candy, dates are a treat all on their own, but this fruit is exceptionally delicious stuffed with an almond, a pecan, or a dab of peanut butter or cottage cheese. Use chopped dates instead of other... Full Answer
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- Q What are the ways in which I can consume figs?
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Dr. Michael T Murray, Naturopathic MedicineBefore eating or cooking figs, wash them under cool water and then gently remove the stem. Figs can be consumed either peeled or unpeeled, depending upon the thickness of the skin, as well as your personal preference. Since the insides of ripe figs are... Full Answer
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- Q What are the ways in which I can consume grapes?
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Dr. Michael T Murray, Naturopathic MedicineWash organically grown grapes by running them under cool water. If nonorganic, they should be sprayed with a solution of diluted additive-free soap or commercial produce wash and then rinsed thoroughly under cool running water. After washing, either... Full Answer
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- Q How can I consume blueberries?
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Dr. Michael T Murray, Naturopathic MedicineWash organically grown blueberries by placing them in a colander, then rinse them under cool water. If nonorganic, they should be sprayed with a solution of diluted additive-free soap or commercial produce wash before placing them in the colander. Wash... Full Answer
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- Q What are the ways in which I can serve blueberries?
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Blueberries are a powerhouse of antioxidants. There are many ways of enjoying them. Serve them fresh after washing them thoroughly (they are tasty and delicious as they are) Add them to pancake batter and serve blueberry pancakes Make them... Full Answer
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- Q How can I consume melons?
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Dr. Michael T Murray, Naturopathic MedicineMelons grow resting on the ground, which means their rinds can become contaminated by animal or human waste, or contamination can be transferred from the harvester's or other handler's hands to the melon. Unless the skin is thoroughly cleansed, the knife... Full Answer
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- Q What are the ways in which I can serve cantaloupes?
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Dr. Michael T Murray, Naturopathic MedicineYou can serve cantaloupes in the following ways: Cantaloupe bowls: Half and seed cantaloupe, sprinkle inside with lime juice, and add your favorite sorbet, cottage cheese, or yogurt. Serve cantaloupe in fruit salads. Its flavor combines well with... Full Answer
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- Q How can I consume cherries?
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Dr. Michael T Murray, Naturopathic MedicineWash organically grown cherries by placing them in a colander, then rinsing them under cool water. If nonorganic, they should be sprayed with a solution of diluted additive-free soap or commercial produce wash before placing them in the colander. Leave... Full Answer
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