New research released this week by the National Academy of Sciences showed that exercise effectively reduced or eliminated most detrimental effects of aging in lab mice that had been genetically altered to age at an accelerated rate. This could have a significant impact on how we understand the benefits of exercise in the long term. Read more after the jump.The mice in question were genetically programed to age rapidly. At 3 months, the mice were the equivalent of 20 human years old. At 8 months, they were in their 60s. The mice were divided into two groups. The group that did not exercise was dead before reaching a year. The [...]
Spicy Thai Soba Noodle Salad
This tasty salad can be a great side dish or a filling meal. The crunchy veggies, combined with the salty soy sauce and the spicy kick of the curry paste makes for a complex and delicious salad. Buckwheat soba noodles are a wonderful whole grain option that are filled with vitamin B1, B2, minerals, and twice as much protein as rice. Buckwheat also contains choline, which is a compound in B vitamins that plays an important role in metabolism, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing cholesterol. The key to making this great is not to overcook the veggies, they should still be crunchy and crisp. This dish can be served either [...]
Wholesome Wednesday Links!
Herbs and spices that promote longevity - Huffington Post 11 foods to build healthy bones – Health.com A positive attitude will lengthen your life! – NYT New research suggests soda may raise your blood pressure – WebMD
Apple Oat Bran Bread
I felt like something sweet today so I decided to experiment with oat bran. Oat bran is the outermost layer of the oat kernel. Like oatmeal, it contains B vitamins and heart healthy soluble fiber. This bread is hearty and filling, due to the 9 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per slice. The secret to this recipe? Plain greek yogurt. Substituted for butter and oil, it adds calcium and protein and you can’t even tell the difference. You can throw this together quickly and have breakfast for days. Drizzled with a bit of honey its tasty and filling. Full recipe and photos after the jump.Prep Time: 10 [...]
Chicken Fingers
These chicken fingers and a delicious and healthy version of the traditional junk food. Crusted with whole wheat bread-crumbs and crushed pecans, these are low in fat and calories and packed with protein. Unlike greasy fried chicken fingers, this recipe is light and crunchy and adds additional protein and fiber. I also season the crumb mix with some garlic and cayenne to give it a bit of kick. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this is a fast and easy dinner option. This recipe makes 4 servings, so it also provides ample leftovers. Full recipe and photos after the jump.Prep Time: 10-15 minutesCook Time: 10-12 minutes Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, [...]
Roasted Parsnips and Sweet Potatoes
I saw some parsnips at the store, and since I’ve never tried them before, decided to give them a try. Parsnips are a relative of the carrot, but have a different nutritional profile. High in potassium, B vitamins, folic acid, niacin, and fiber, parsnips have a rich, sweet and slightly spicy taste. They work well in soups and stews, but I decided to roast them with sweet potatoes for a simple, nutritious dish. I was blown away by the tasty complexity of parsnips, much more exciting than carrots. I urge you to give this winter veggie a try. Recipe and photos after the jump.Prep Time: 5-10 minutesCook Time: 30 minutes [...]
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