Your Extension Connection to Nutrition and Fitness
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Your extension connection to nutrition and fitness Fruits and Vegetables: Nature’s Cancer Prevention What is known about cancer prevention is still evolving, but we do know that chances of developing cancer are affected by the lifestyle choices we make. Some simple changes can make a big difference – such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular screenings. Makes 3 one-cup servings The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) recommends we fill at least two- Ingredients 2 tablespoons vinegar thirds of our plates with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans. Research shows 1 tablespoon vegetable oil that vegetables and fruits likely protect against a range of cancers. 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or other) 1 teaspoon garlic powder Vegetables and fruits may protect against cancer because they contain vitamins, ½ teaspoon dried oregano minerals, and phytochemicals. Vitamins and minerals help strengthen our immune ½ teaspoon dried basil 1 system. Phytochemicals (a.k.a. antioxidants) protect cells in the body from damage ⁄8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional) that can lead to cancer. Typically, phytochemicals are found in the pigment, which is 2 cups spinach (washed), (more if you like) why eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables is important. 1 15-ounce can black beans (unsalted or drain and rinse) Enjoy vegetables and fruits with less sugar and salt—season with herbs and spices. 2 tomatoes (chopped) Herbs (leaves of low-growing shrubs) and spices (come from the bark, root, buds, 1 red onion (small, chopped) seeds, berry, or fruit of tropical plants and trees) are recommended in place of table Directions salt. The key is understanding how and when to use them. 1. In a large bowl, combine vinegar, oil, mustard, garlic, oregano, basil, and nutmeg. Each spice or herb has a distinctive flavor, but certain spices and herbs can be 2. Wash, drain, and chop spinach. grouped together according to a type of flavor: 3. Add spinach, black beans, tomatoes, • Strong or dominant—Includes bay leaf, cardamom, curry, ginger, pepper, and onions to vinegar and oil. Toss well mustard, rosemary, sage. and serve. • Medium—Includes basil, celery seeds and leaves, cumin, dill, fennel, tarragon, Source: Connecticut Food Policy Council, Farm garlic, marjoram, mint, oregano, savory, thyme, turmeric. Use in moderate Fresh Summertime Recipes amounts (1 to 2 teaspoons for 6 servings). Other options: • Delicate—Includes chervil, chives, parsley. May be used in large quantities and • Top your salad with other vegetables combined with most other herbs and spices. (cucumbers, mushrooms, peppers, • Sweet—Includes cinnamon, cloves, allspice, ginger, cardamom, anise, fennel, yellow squash, red onions, zucchini, etc.). • Add cooked chicken, egg, or tuna for mint. Combined in sweet dishes, these may let you reduce sugar. more protein. • Savory—Includes oregano, tarragon, chives, dill. • Add cubes of cheddar, Swiss, or • Peppery—Includes red pepper, mustard, black pepper, paprika. Use with care smoked Gouda cheese. because their flavors stand out (approximately 1 teaspoon for 6 servings). • Fruit makes a great addition—try dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, cherries, Can I substitute fresh for dry herbs and spices? apricots) or fresh berries in season. To substitute fresh for dry or vice versa follow the suggestions below: Nutrient information per serving • ¼ teaspoon powdered = ¼ to 1 teaspoon dried crumbled = 2 to 3 teaspoon fresh 284 calories, 5 g total fat (less than 1 g • Chop fresh herbs fine to allow for more flavor to be released. saturated fat), 201 mg sodium, 51 g carbohy- Source: University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources drates, 10 g dietary fiber, 10 g protein (Continued on back) Healthy People. Environments. Economies. (Spices continued) If you are cooking: Try flavoring it with: Asparagus Caraway, mustard, nutmeg, tarragon Beets Bay leaf, caraway, cloves, ginger Berries Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla Broccoli Mustard, nutmeg, oregano, tarragon Cabbage Caraway, celery seed, cumin, curry, fennel Carrots Cinnamon, cloves, dill, ginger, marjoram Cauliflower Cayenne, celery seed, chili powder, nutmeg June is fresh fruit and vegetable month— Corn Celery seed, cumin, curry powder, onion, parsley June is a good time to think about growing and eating more fruits and veggies for their Cucumbers Chives, dill, garlic, mint, parsley, vinegar delicious flavors as well as health benefits. Green Beans Dill, curry powder, oregano, tarragon, thyme Greens Onion, pepper www.extension.iastate.edu Melons Cardamom, ginger, mint, pepper Peaches Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg Pears Anise, cinnamon, mint, nutmeg Peas Dill, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage Rhubarb Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla Spinach Cinnamon, mint, nutmeg, oregano, sage, thyme Summer Squash Cloves, curry powder, nutmeg, rosemary, sage Tomatoes Basil, bay leaf, dill, onion, oregano, parsley How long should I keep spices and herbs? As a general rule, keep herbs or ground spices for 1 year; keep whole spices 2 years. • Buy a smaller container until you know how fast you’ll use a spice or herb. If it smells strong and flavorful, it’s probably still potent. • Rub a small amount of an herb or ground spice in your hand. If the aroma is fresh, rich, and immediate, it can still flavor foods. • Check a whole spice—such as a clove or cinnamon stick—by breaking, crushing, or scraping it before smelling it. Avoid smelling pepper or chili powder as they can irritate your nose. • Label date of purchase on container with a permanent marking pen and store away from any sources of heat (e.g., oven, stove top) to maintain their quality. Gardening Counts as Physical Activity Gardening is a great way not only to enjoy some fresh air and grow your own vege- tables and fruits, but also to get some exercise. Gardening activities—such as pulling weeds, removing rocks, trimming shrubs, digging, planting, and raking—require you to expend energy (burn calories). Physical activity can help strengthen bones and PM 2099GG June 2013 joints, lower blood pressure, and help manage stress. Gardening is a fun, creative, …and justice for all and healthy activity with positive health benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, Activity Energy Expenditure parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is de- (30 minutes for 150 lb person) (kcal) rived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply Digging/pulling weeds, removing rocks 200-250 kcal to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, Trimming trees and shrubs 150-170 kcal etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and Mowing (using push reel mowers) 200-230 kcal TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC Raking 120-150 kcal 20250-9410, or call 800-795-3272 (voice) or 202-720-6382 (TDD). USDA is Walking (slow to fast) 150-230 kcal an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and Want to grow your own vegetables or herbs? June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Check out the many helpful publications at the ISU Extension and Outreach website: Cathann A. Kress, director, Cooperative Extension Service, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa. https://store.extension.iastate.edu/ProductList.aspx?CategoryID=55 .