Flu folk remedy
Garlic and cognac could help you fight symptoms of the flu–or so the Germans believe, notes a feature in the Jan. 1 issue of Bottom Line Personal, which lists several time-tested folk remedies that are effective and inexpensive.
Here’s what to do. Just peel and dice a half-pound of garlic, mix it with a quart of 90-proof cognac, then store it in an airtight bottle for two weeks in a cool, dark place. Next, strain out the garlic and reseal the liquid. When you get the flu, add 20 drops of this concoction to 8 ounces of water and drink three glasses a day, one before every meal, say folk remedy experts Joan Wilen and Lydia Wilen of New York City.
For a simple sore throat, the two recommend stretching out your tongue and keep it sticking out for 30 seconds; relax it a few seconds and then stretch it out again. Do this four times and it will increase the blood flow to your throat, helping it to heal faster.
Shoes a source of pain
Those stylin’ shoes of yours, and even the comfy ones, could be the source of your knee pain, according to results of a study at the Rush Medical College in Chicago reported in the January issue of the Food & Fitness Advisor.
The study looked at how wearing shoes affects the gait and lower-extremity joint loads in 75 people with knee osteoarthritis compared with simply going barefoot. Participants were 75 percent women and somewhat overweight.
Researchers found that those who walked barefoot had a significant decrease in “dynamic” load at the knees and hips. This load can increase joint stress and contribute to disease progression. In short, osteoarthritis in the joints may be caused by or made worse through the abnormal biomechanical forces on the lower extremities that break down cartilage when wearing shoes.
Whole-grain health
Whole grains can fight diseases, including heart attack, stroke, diabetes and cancer, just as well as fruits and vegetables, says Joanne Slavin, food science and nutrition professor at the University of Minnesota at St. Paul.
That’s because whole grains not only offer fiber but also phytochemicals, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, Slavin says in the January issue of Bottom Line Health.
Here are some important whole grains to add to your diet:
– Amaranth–Add this protein-filled, tiny grain to soups and stews to protect against heart disease and cancer.
– Brown rice–Served alone or in casseroles and stir-fry dishes, it helps to fight eye disease and lung cancer.
– Oats and barley–Oats in cereals and barley in soups and risotto help lower cholesterol.
– Rye–In the form of bread or crackers, it protects against heart disease and breast and prostate malignancies.
Heaps of vegetables
If you want to eat healthier, try filling your plate two-thirds full of vegetables, fruits, grains and beans and just one-third with meat. That’s the easiest way to increase the vitamins, minerals and other natural cancer-fighting substances in your diet.
To make this task easier, send for the free revised brochure from the American Institute for Cancer Research called “The New American Plate: One-Pot Meals.” The brochure’s 18 recipes make it easy to combine healthful ingredients into a flavorful and healthy meal.
Each requires little preparation, yet produces tasty stews, stir-fries, casseroles and grain-based salads.
To download or order a copy, go to aicr.org/onepot or call 800-843-8114, ext. 459,between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
