Smart Food, Junk Food
M
3L38

Alice Gifford - YW Connection (10/9/05) 

"Food for health and well-being is not a new idea. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans believed that certain foods were natural cure-alls. Poppy juice was used to kill pain, strawberry roots to treat mad-dog bites. Crocodile blood was recommended for failing eyesight. Here are some foods that are currently thought to be good for you."

Smart Food

Why

Banana

Contains potassium and helps to prevent ulcers.

Barley

Lowers cholesterol because it is high in the good fat (HDLs, high-density lipoproteins).

Cheese

Fights cavities because it contains calcium.

Chili peppers

Good for bronchitis, colds, and sinusitis.

Cucumber

Breaks up cholesterol deposits.

Figs

Helps to stabilize blood sugar, which keeps energy levels high.

Fiber

It helps to rid your body of waste and also makes you feel full. Fiber is found in fruits and vegetables and whole-grain cereal. It is not digestible.

Horseradish

It's sharp and strong, but fights colds because the root contains an antibiotic and vitamin C.

Kale

Contains calcium for building bones plus the same beta carotene found in carrots that helps fight germs.

Milk (low fat)

Contains calcium, which helps to build strong teeth and bones.

Prunes

An excellent natural laxative because of their fiber content.

Yogurt

The live culture in yogurt acidophilus helps the body to fight intestine and yeast infections.

Water

The best liquid to drink because it purifies your bloodstream and cleans your cells and tissues.

You may want these junk foods, but try to stay away!

Junk Food Why

Cakes and cookies

Contain too much sugar and not enough vitamins and minerals.

Colas Have lots of sugar and few nutrients; may contain caffeine, an addictive drug.
Ice cream Has many nutrients but is full of sugar and fats.
Imitation fruit drinks Mostly sugar and water, with artificial flavors and colors added. Contain very little pure fruit juice
Potato chips Although made from potatoes, they are deep fried and contain lots of salt and fat.
Sugar-coated cereal Half cereal and half sugar.

Fast Food: Quick Tips If You Must

Until recently, fast-food restaurants were a nutritional nightmare. Today you can eat well if you are careful to order the right dishes. Just a few ideas.

Restaurant Selection Fat Calories
Burger King BK broiler (chicken sandwich) 8g 267
Kentucky Fried Chicken Skinfree crispy 12g 220
Wendy's Grilled chicken sandwich 9g 320
Subway Veggie Delite (6") 2.5 200
Taco Bell Chicken Soft Taco 7g 190
Baja Fresh Baja Style Taco w/Chicken 4 180

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