Health News YOU Can Use

Healthy Fridge Makeover

8 Fixes for Fridge Faux Paus

The average American family tosses $1,500 to $4,000 into the garbage each year. Americans waste an estimated 14 to 40 percent of the food produced for their consumption.

Try these tricks to curtail your wasteful ways, get healthier and save money.

1. Avoid impulse buys by purchasing only what you need in your meal plan.
2. First in, first out—new items should be placed in the back and older items should be moved to the front.
3. Buy less and shop more often. This helps to avoid food sitting in your refrigerator too long.
4. Place larger items in the back so they don’t block smaller items.
5. Use see-through containers.
6. Cut up all produce and fruit when you get home from the store so it is ready to go in a moment’s notice.
7. Use a white/magnet board to write down all your produce and leftovers and post on the refrigerator. When you eat them, erase it.
8. Swap placement in your fridge and put fresh produce front and center, and condiments down lower.

Cancer Fighting Super Foods

Look no further than your kitchen cupboards to find foods that ward off cancer.

Aim to have two-thirds of your plate made up of healthy plant foods, like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans. Then have the remaining one-third, or less, made up of animal foods, preferably lean poultry, seafood or very limited amounts of red meat. The American Institute for Cancer Research claims eating like this, combined with physical activity and weight control, could prevent one-third of all cancers.

No single food is a magic bullet for preventing cancer, but the following list of cancer-fighting foods have been proven to reduce the risk of cancer if eaten regularly.

1. Garlic - The protective effects from garlic come from its antibacterial properties and from its ability to block the formation of cancer-causing substances.
2. Dark Leafy Greens - Green veggies contain a variety of carotenoids, flavonoids and other powerful antioxidants that have cancer-protective properties. Furthermore, watercress, arugula, bok choy, broccoli and kale are all members of the cruciferous family. These vegetables supply phytochemicals that help stop cancer before it starts. 
3. Green Tea - The flavonoids in green tea have been shown to slow or prevent the development of several types of cancer, including colon, liver, breast and prostate.
4. Tomatoes - A compound in tomatoes called lycopene can lower the risk of prostate, lung and stomach cancer.
5. Blueberries & Raspberries - Contain many vitamins, minerals, plant compounds and antioxidants known as anthocyanins that may protect against cancer.
6. Flaxseeds - Flaxseed is rich in a type of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, which helps prevent cancer. Research is still ongoing, but numerous studies show its promise for reducing the risk of prostate and breast cancer.
7. Sweet Potatoes & Pumpkins - Contain beta-carotene and vitamin C, which help protect against some cancers.
8. Whole Grains - Whole grains contain a variety of anti-cancer compounds including antioxidants, fiber and phytoestrogens. These can help decrease the risk of developing most types of cancer.

Must Have Super-Foods for Fall

Fresh produce tastes best in season—and it's cheaper. So welcome autumn's bounty with these nutritional superstars.

Source: National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society