Tag

nuts

Browsing

Treatment for peanut allergies could be coming this year

Finally a bit of good news for fearful parents everywhere — a treatment to help prevent serious allergic reactions to peanuts could be on its way. According to the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), peanuts are one of the most common food allergies in the U.S., and its rate is still growing. The number of tree and nut allergies have tripled since 1997. But a new clinical trial is showing promising results, giving hope to affected individuals everywhere. California-based biotech company Aimmune Therapeutics, conducted a year-long study with nearly 500 children ages 4 to 17. Participants were given capsules of peanut flour, or a placebo powder for the control group, in gradually increasing amounts for six months. Then, they continues receiving that level of powder for an additional six months. Neither the doctors nor the participants knew which children were receiving the powder. By then end of the 12 months, 67% of…

Citrus, pistachio, pomegranate salad

This time of year, the citrus brought in from across the southern states is at its peak. And wow, is it good. It’s the perfect balance between tart and sweet, and it helps brings a bright pop of color and flavor to those of us living under grey winter skies. An orange at anytime is a pretty good snack, but sometimes you want something a little more special, or something fun you can share. This unique citrus salad checks both those boxes. Make it as a side dish to dinner or prepare a platter for your next party. Either way, it will be a big hit, and it will most certainly be something different. * Feel free to mix up the citrus. The salad works great with anything from tangerines, blood oranges or even limes. Citrus, pistachio, pomegranate salad Ingredients 2 grapefruits 2 oranges 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (arils) 2 tbsp water 1…

New study shows walnuts can curb hunger

If you’re thinking about dropping a few pounds, it turns out walnuts might be an effective food in helping you control your cravings. A recent study showed that eating walnuts curbed participant’s appetites when they were shown “highly desirable” foods. The study, published in Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, separated participants, all adults with BMIs considered obese, into two groups. One group was given smoothies containing 14 walnut halves, while the other half was given  smoothies with a placebo — one that replicated the taste, texture and calorie content of real walnuts. After drinking their assigned smoothies for five days, the participants were then asked to look at photos of high-fat foods like onion rings, low-fat foods like fresh fruits, and non-food related images like flowers for MRI testing. The participants were then set back on their normal diets for a month, before returning to the study and repeating the five-day walnut smoothie…

Kind Bar dumps 45,000 pounds of sugar in Times Square to show childhood health trend

KIND snack company is shedding light on just how much extra sugar children consume, by creating a 45,485 pound pile of sugar in Times Square. The 45,485 pounds represent the amount of sugar American children consume every 5 minutes. The American Heart Association recommends children eat or drink less than six teaspoons of added sugars per day. Six teaspoons of added sugar amounts to about 100 extra calories, or 25 grams, per day. But the average amount is nearly triple this recommendation. Many children consume more than 270 calories from added sugars each day according to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Much of this comes from fruity beverages and soft drinks. Artificial sweeteners aren’t without consequence either. “Hopefully it empowers consumers — especially parents — to make informed food choices,” Stephanie Perruzza, RD & Wellness Specialist at KIND told USA Today. Eating foods high in sugar during childhood has been linked to the…

Basil Pesto with Almonds Ready in Minutes

When a recipe calls for an ingredient that requires a special trip to the store, I find it rarely gets made. That’s been the situation with me and pesto. Does anyone really have pine nuts handy? This recipe is great because the almonds easily substitute for pine nuts, and most of us have almonds stocked in the pantry. Just about any nuts will add a nice crunch, really. A medley of almonds, pine nuts, and walnuts would add great texture and flavor. Pesto is easy to jar and save all year, but enjoy it fresh, now that basil is growing abundantly in the garden. To make this recipe, simply add all ingredients to a food processor or high power blender, and pulse until ingredients are chopped finely. Pesto works well with chicken, vegetables, pasta, grilled sandwiches, Caprese salads and more. Pesto with Almonds Ingredients 3 cups packed fresh basil (or about 3 ounces)…