Garlicious!

First, it was bulgar wheat. Then pomegranates. Now BLACK GARLIC is gonna ROCK your world. It's the new "in" food, but not according to me (because I have yet to try it).

The Washington Post recently wrote an article about the flavorful little bulb and its rise to the top of the food-fad hierarchy. Luckily, I suppose if this new member's going to be the next best thing to "Special K Protein Water," at least it has a heavy bag of health benefits.

People are eating it up, not just literally. Type 'black garlic' into google and the search is endless. Blackgarlic.com is the company that first show-cased black garlic, facilitating its migration from South Korea to the western world. Black Garlic Inc. was formed last year in Hayward, California. As the sole manufacturer and supplier in the United States, the company has a nice monopoly. Restaurants have been demanding this root veggie and food bloggers, alike, are raving about it.

According to the Washington Post, the taste is sweet with licorice, the texture chewy. The pungent garlic flavor isn't as strong in this species, which I can see being a great way to have your garlic and eat it too :)

... Depleted

Mrs. Willette chit chatted her dentures,
the diet pop she drank didn't quite quench her.
Edema in her arms, ankles and hands,
normal saline solution dripping,
meeting her body's demands.
Raspy voice and snorting cough,
hypertensive pressures,
sounds the korotkoff.

Nurse Hatchet comes in with her crocks and cropped hair,
"how you feel today," she asks, as her patient stares.
Mrs. Willette blinks, shifts her weight to the side,
and with much labor in her voice, she replied...

"I HATE CILANTRO"

There are 40 groups on Facebook devoted to bashing cilantro, one of which was quoted in the WSJ (2/13). Scientists are interested in this seemingly innocuous little herb, now causing riots on the internet. There is a clear divide: some find it refreshing while others label it as, "soapy, rotten or just plain vile."

I don't like it, myself. Sometimes I think chefs use the "freshness" in the herb to mask the taste of spoiled fish. UGHH! Just writing that makes me sick.

La Rondine

I just saw La Rondine, which wasn't my favorite opera but it was still very good. Yet another story of attainable then unattainable love, excessive in its use of the superlative, and overflowing with emotions that people tend to repress in our current day. The opera was more modern as compared to the others I've seen. I prefer the traditional ones best -- the lavish costumes and explosive music (and explosive-looking singers). I was sad to see that there weren't any overweight or obese singers in La Rondine. There's a noticeable difference: the music trumps their voices, whereas, larger bodies may be able to project louder tones.

Mushrooms may Lesson the common Grapefruit/Drug Interaction

Regarding a recent, unrepeatable study, mushrooms may be able to help counteract the "grapefruit/drug" interaction.
Doctors advise patients not to eat grapefruit with certain medications (usually heart) because the normal dose of the drug can be enhanced with the consumption of grapefruit juice. This is because grapefruit carries a class of compounds that inhibit the liver enzymes that the body needs in order to eliminate medications. If grapefruit interacts with such drugs, the normal drug dose can be absorbed in toxic amounts.

But researchers have found that eating mushrooms can counteract this effect. When they mixed grapefruit with an inedible fungus, they found that the mushroom absorbed the compounds that were responsible for the grapefruit/drug interaction.

This research could be useful for future nutrition plans. Specifically, many seniors enjoy eating grapefruit, which is rich in vitamin C and fiber. For many, it could be the only source of citrus and vitamin C they receive, since their diminishing taste buds recognize the sour and/or bitterness of the fruit better than other fruits. Seniors are also on many common medications that interact with grapefruit. If researchers develop a safe compound that is shown to reduce the grapefruit/drug interaction, health-care providers won't have to denounce such a healthy food. And grapefruit can be set free from her little prison :)

Source:
WebMD (2/3)

Super Salt Shaker

The NYC Department of Health is cracking down, one ingredient at a time. Both the trans-fat ban and the most recent health regulation of caloric posting on menus made for lots of commotion. Nonetheless, both were victories for NYC, a city that seems to rapidly adjust to change.

So then why should salt be any different?

There's a bit more politics involved in this one, and critics think it might not be as successful. Firstly, it isn't about how heavy your hand is. The campaign against added sodium doesn't care if you're pinching a smidgin or shaking your entire arm over your plate. Instead, the NYCDOH hopes to reduce the amount of sodium in packaged foods and mass-produced restaurant meals. This is the hard part. Dr. Frieden, the commissioner of NYCDOH, says that "... a quiet, mass reduction in sodium levels — stealth health, they like to call it around the department — might be more effective."

Getting back to that adjusting to change thing... Americans would likely be shell-shocked if we cut salt out of these foods cold-turkey. This means that, unlike some of the other health initiatives that passed within a few years, the national salt-reduction initiative will take a lot longer, with hopes of reaching its completion within the next decade. Over this time period, officials believe people will become less accustomed to salty foods, which I do believe is a super load of salt shaking... I am not downplaying the FACT that salt leads to higher rates of heart attacks and strokes. It'll just be interesting to see what occurs down the line. Stay tuned in the news on this topic. For more information regarding the impact high sodium diets have on blood pressure and overall health, see here, (ARCH INTERN MED)

The Long Lasting flavor of Umami

Umami is the least understood taste sensation, and it is now being investigated by researchers to provide more information on taste preferences. The goal of food developers is to enhance umami, which is described as "a hearty, savoury taste." Researchers found that the glutamate receptors on the tongue (the receptors that detect the umami taste) can be "drastically enhanced" by certain proteins (5’ribonucleotides). These nucleotides bind to the receptor in order to keep the umami taste (glutamate) lingering inside of your mouth. The researchers attribute the lingering taste of umami to a "Venus fly-trap" effect, in that the glutamate receptors catch, literally, the umami taste. What implications this may have on health have yet to be determined; however, I've never been a fan of Little Shop of Horrors...

Recession Weight Gain

As if we aren't a fat enough country, now health experts are worried that people will put on even more weight. Since many studies link obesity to low incomes, experts are concerned that people will now cut back on healthful but relatively expensive items (such as fresh fish, fruit, vegetables and whole grains) and instead buy cheaper foods high in sugar and saturated fats. I thought this was already the case, but I guess it may get worse. See here for more details.

David Returns to Italy

I couldn't resist posting this email I received:



After a two year loan to the United States, Michelangelo's David is being returned to Italy after the Holidays . . .



His Proud Sponsors were:

Latke, I love you but we need to talk

Grammy made latkes encrusted with oils galore,
dolloped in full-fat sour cream she did adore.
Sugar, salt, fat, fat, salt, butter, fat, salt,
High insulin? Cholesterol? That's ain't her fault.
"You MUST try my latkes, I made them FOR YOU!
If you DON'T try my latkes, you're not a real Jew!"
Well, can we switch some ingredients, better oil, an egg white?
So we don't have 387429482392 calories in every bite?
Here's a recipe I found; and may it replace,
Grammy's glorious old-school latkes without sacrificing taste

Mitochondria: Yours to Build

FindArticles - Manipulating mitochondria: playing in the fountain of youth
Nutrition Action Healthletter, Dec, 2008, by David Schardt

We knew exercise helps generate more mitochondria, the cell's "power plant" for energy. Now, a recent study shows that even just "15 to 20 minutes a day, three to four times a week" will help increase the number of mitochondria in cells.

And does eating grapes, apples and onions generate more mitochondria, too? In rat studies, quercetin (the main compound in those foods) was said to increase mitochondria in the muscle and brain. This may be an important breakthrough with respect to diabetes and obesity management, being that increases in mitochondria will boost insulin sensitivity.

Dr. Marc Hyman

I just learned about Dr. Marc Hyman (http://www.drhyman.com/) and think he has a nice handle on living a healthy lifestyle:

Get this widget!

Visit the Widget Gallery

McDonald's pushes packaging with health bits

McDonald's has updated its packaging for its sandwiches, fries and soft drinks. The new design highlights nutrition information and locally grown ingredients. Not sure how a Chicken McNugget becomes local, anywhere...


Check it out in BusinessWeek (12/3).

Revelation

While wrapping gifts today (AT WORK) for one hour, I realized how little my brain was being used and I cringe at the fact that it could have been exercised in a much more constructive manner. Although it was only for one hour, why would someone want to waste my brain's time? After that mindless feat, I opened up a book (any book within my cubicle's reach) and read instantly.

Babies

Here working my second week at the Ryan Center and it dawned on me that the ear-massacring sound of crying is now background noise and I no longer hear it!

Functional Foods Functional?

What are they?
Foods that are fortified (increasing nutritive value with vitamins) with the intentions of promising a proposed health benefit.

Where can I find them?
Any grocery store carries functional foods. Some examples are Kellogg’s Special K brand, which includes fiber and soy protein in the cereal to produce “satiety.” PepsiCo launched “Diet Pepsi Max,” which was proposed to “provide a kick of energy” with its extra ginseng and caffeine.



Are they beneficial to my health?
Sometimes the claims are true; sometimes they aren’t. Tropicana fortified their Orange Juice with calcium and vitamin D: this is helpful for those who need the extra calcium. For the weight loss claims that have been made, there isn’t sufficient evidence for every statement. For example, functional weight-management products fall under three broad claims. One, products that suppress appetite; two, products that boost metabolism; three, products that inhibit macronutrients (such as fat, carbohydrate or protein). Since appetite suppression is complex, there needs to be more research done on products that have these claims.

Can they harm me?
Sometimes they can. Inhibiting a macronutrient from your diet is not healthy and can lead to malnutrition. In addition, “boosting your metabolism” can elevate your heart-rate, which doesn’t need to be stressed during non-active times. Stressing the heart on a daily basis with excess caffeine can lead to high blood pressure and potential heart trouble.

Take-Home Message:
Don’t believe it just because the claim was made. Many companies are quick to boast about the vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients (a substance of plant origin that has nutritive value, e.g., iso-flavonoids in green tea) found in a certain product. These companies rely upon YOU, the consumer to assume that these compounds in any quantity are good for health. In addition, these companies assume that vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients are protective for health even when extracted from the food or plant, itself. This is not always the case, since food compounds work in a synergistic way.

Fortified foods may have a place in your diet if you are deficient in a specific mineral, such as calcium, and are unable to obtain the vitamin or mineral through real foods. Try to detect if and when you are buying a product just for the claim being made. For example, more “vitamin A” doesn’t necessarily lead to greater health. Don’t let the word, itself, connote a sense of health. Watch out for false claims and be aware of appropriate quantities in the products you buy!

Vacation Constipation

Check out my new site for help with traveling, being constipated, and trying to have a good ol' time while on your vacation without the crap getting stuck in your intestines :

www.vacationconstipation.com

The Nebulous World of Starbucks

Having Starbucks initiate me as a coffee-drinker is like calling Tasti-Delite, Gelato. It's like eating a Big mac and and saying you've had a good steak...

So I went in. I've been in Starbucks before--as many do when there are a total of 171 in Manhattan. But with careful steps, I walked to the end of the 16-person line and waited my chance to recite my 15-word drink. What DID I want, I thought, as I squinted at the backboard. Well, good thing there are now calories on the menu. I definitely wouldn't have thought the Venti Pumpkin Spice Creme coffee would have a whopping 340. Well, anyway, the line went offensively fast. How does anyone repeat in their head what he'll have to recite once up there?

"Next custama!" said a tall, gangly male employee.

"That'd be me."

"And what will you have?"

I blanked. God, I'd been reciting it for the past two minutes, how could I have blanked??? I looked up again at the board and muttered outloud, "UhhhhHhhhhhh....."

"YES??? Miss? What would you like?"

"OH man, I don't know! Like, a small coffee with some skim milk?" He looked at me and didn't talk for five seconds. EEK, I sunk down into my collared shirt.

"Miss, we have many coffees, in many sizes. And 'small' ain't one of them."

"Ohh-- yes, you do have many coffees... sizes, too---"

"Miss, step aside until you figger out what you want. Next custama!"

AHH! How could he have been so hard on me!?!? I'm new! I waited for the line to thin. This morning coffee thing was becoming a nightmare. I stepped back up to bat.

"Hi -- so, maybe you can help. I'm new to this whole coffee thing. What should I ask for if I just want a cup -- none of that extra caloric stuff-- just some skim milk, or soy. Maybe steamed, too? In a somewhat small size-- or medium? Do you have a medium cup?"

Hopeless, I thought. They need translation next to the caloric break-down.

"It seems that you would like a Tall, Grande or Venti Caffe Misto with soy or skim milk, if I am hearing you correctly."

"Oh, okay. That's it? That sounds okay."

The steamer sound went off, and I exhaled. I made it through a Starbucks coffee line.

After burning my tongue, the roof of my palate and leaving foam on my upper lip, I realized that there were just some places where Marissa Beck does not belong. I scurried out of Starbucks. I'll stick to their salted almonds :)

The New Member of the Coffee-Club

For the record, I had never tried coffee in my life until a couple of months ago. Coffee was to me like Christmas lights are to a happy Jewish kid: it's there, others do it, but it's just not what you do. Years of coffee-brunch and post-dinner cappuccino refusals had me boasting (a little too quickly) about this non-coffee-drinking-phenomenon of mine, as if coffee were heroin and only I had the long-standing willpower to refrain. Of course I did not believe this. But I marveled at the expressions and comments people made-- the "wow," "really?" and "HOW??" -- as I passed on my share. It just never interested me.I went down to Costa Rica with my family this past January, 08. It was more like a "weekend at Bernies" than a vacation, and perhaps I was slightly off among the various set-backs of losing my passport, getting searched for five apples that I hoarded into the country from NYC, losing power from a rare storm for the majority of our stay, going on a three hour hike through a torrential downpour where my poor mother’s bum knee couldn't handle the slippery rocky and almost killed herself, and staying at an all-inclusive where the plumbing happened not to work, whereby the grounds smelled of feces and the toilets were left rotting for the bugs to fester on; water was scarce and there was no place to wash hands or alternative procedures available. But what was available was: a hot cup of coffee.

Someone had a gas-burning stove and I guess when the going gets tough, you get a pot of the brew. A Costa Rican man offered me a cup. I remember me taking it, feeling half-disrespectful if I didn’t and half-searching for the Spanish words that I couldn’t for the life of me think of. Like a baby putting anything in his hands up to his mouth, I slowly couldn’t help but sip. My eyes widened a little. I looked around me. Was my family watching?? “I don’t drink coffee!” I claimed, thwarting a preempted comment that I thought one of them would make. I kept sipping. It wasn’t all THAT bad. I used to cringe at the scent of it. Well, it really wasn’t all that bad, I kept repeating. I brought the paper cup to my mouth once more. I quivered. In an Oz-like voice, my mouth said to me, “You have presented a new sensation to me. This is a potent flavor. Do you like this.” I do. I DO! Oh no… do I? What will this do to my non-coffee-drinking reputation?!?!

I admit that I often linked coffee-drinking with my own twisted view that only lethargic, stimulant-seeking addicts depended on every morning… I did not want to become one of THOSE! I willed myself not to. I wonder if THEY even exist.

Well.. I haven't "needed a cup of coffee" in the morning and I hope not to ever get to that point, as needing anything food-related (just to get by) isn't something that appeals to me.

On the other hand, I wanted to officially welcome myself as a new member of the coffee-drinking-club. And so what better way to do this, I thought, than to enter into Starbucks... See my next post for the full story.

Japan

Japan Layover -- Tokyo and Narita village.

THE BEST SUSHI I EVER HAD IN MY LIFE -- pictures above, in Tokyo, at a place called "Stand-up Sushi." I was in heaven and more heaven.