Antioxidants

Nuts: In July 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a health claim for many nut varieties. The claim states: "Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts ... as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. " Almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts and peanuts qualify for the health claim. Most types of nuts contain monounsaturated fat and dietary fiber, two elements that can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol levels, leading to greater heart health.

Activities and programs scheduled for Monday, Feb. 25, through Thursday, Feb. 28, at senior citizens centers in Washington County, Md., and Franklin County, Pa. (events for Friday, March 1, were not available): Maryland Francis Murphy 20014 Rosebank Way, Hagerstown 240-313-9300, ext. 154 Bingo with Cora and Mae - Monday, 9:30 a.m. Food allergies with Ita Kavanagh - Tuesday, 10 a.m. Ring toss with John Garnand - Wednesday, 10 a.m. Crafts - Thursday, 10 a.m. COA Satellite Center 126-128 High St., Hancock 301-678-7163 Closed - Monday Morning coffee - Tuesday and Wednesday Sewing project - Tuesday Lunch - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Computer time - Tuesday Puzzles - Tuesday Crafts - Wednesday Bingo - Wednesday Coffee, tea and talk - Thursday Movie - Thursday Potomac Towers 11 W. Baltimore St., Hagerstown 301-991-5168 Coffee, seek and find, and conversation - Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. Crafts - Monday, 9:30 a.m. Exercise with Lisa Bennett - Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. Blood pressure screening with Homecall - Tuesday, noon to 1 p.m. Cards - Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. T/A bingo - Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. Exercise video - Thursday, 9:30 a.m. Smithsburg 29 Blue Mountain Estates, Smithsburg 301-824-2183 Cards, dominoes or games - Monday, 10 a.m. Closed - Tuesday...

The Washington County Recreation Department and National Exercise Trainers Association will co-sponsor a group fitness instructor certification and a continuing education credit workshop at Hagerstown Community College. The National Exercise Trainers Association accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies offers hands-on training and certification for fitness professionals. Instructor certification will be held Saturday, March 2, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  The workshop will teach the foundation necessary to become successful in the fitness industry.

Make half your grains whole. That's the latest advice for Americans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that we eat at least 3 ounces of whole-grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice or pasta each day. One ounce is about one slice of bread, 1 cup of breakfast cereal or 1/3 cup of cooked rice or pasta. Whole grains are packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals - plant compounds that help reduce the risk of many chronic diseases and ailments.

A hectic lifestyle makes it easy to skip a meal or to grab less-than-nutritious food on the run; however, a busy day doesn't have to keep you from good health. Choosing powerhouse foods as part of your healthy diet will keep your energy up and your immune system strong. Powerhouse foods are high in phytonutrients, chemicals that occur naturally in food. They protect against diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. When you choose these foods more often, you are doing your body a favor.

Choosing tasty grains for health According to a recent Gallup survey, Americans know about the wholesome goodness of grains. Unfortunately, confusion and misperceptions seem to keep us from enjoying their health benefits. Americans recognize that grain foods are healthy foods. The problem is that they aren't eating enough grains, especially whole grains, to enjoy their health-enhancing, disease-fighting nutrients. The Gallup survey highlighted the myths and misperceptions that keep us from getting the grains our bodies need.

Cranberries, tart, tasty red berries, are native to North America and were originally called the "craneberry" by Pilgrims because the small pink flowers that bloom in the spring resemble the head and bill of a crane. Though television commercials have us believing cranberries grow in water, they actually grow on vines in special beds called bogs, which are flooded with water prior to harvesting. Because cranberries have pockets of air inside the fruit, they float in water. This makes it much easier to harvest with special equipment that stirs the water, removing the berries from the vines.

Special to The Herald-Mail Is it possible that snacking on chocolate could be good for you?   Recent studies regarding the potential health benefits of chocolate may suggest so.    Chocolate might not just be for curing a sweet tooth anymore. Cocoa solids contain compounds called antioxidants and phenols, which have been shown to help prevent high blood pressure and improve heart health.   Dark chocolate contains the highest amount of these beneficial compounds.

Hospital offers nutrition courses CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - Chambersburg Hospital is offering three nutrition courses: "Going with the Grain," tonight; "Vitamin Supplementation 101," Monday, Oct. 4; and "Cooking Light and Recipe Modification" Monday, Oct. 11. [cont. from lifestyle ] They will take place at Chambersburg Hospital Lecture Center, Classroom 2, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The courses will be taught by Sarabeth Johnson. The cost is $25 for the three-part series or $10 individually, but is free to employees of any Summit Health entity.

You've probably seen headlines like these: Fruits and vegetables lower cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease. Strawberries and watermelon help prevent prostate problems. There's no doubt that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is good for you. The problem is that most Americans just aren't getting enough fruit for optimal health and well-being. Summer is the perfect season to get into the fruit habit. Many fresh fruits are less expensive and easily available in grocery stores and farmers markets.