Kasia the Expert

   Often times, when I cook with some of my favorite colorful ingredients like, tomatoes, blueberries, carrots, corn or mangos, I think of all the antioxidants my family is about to devour. Why is that important to me? Consumption of antioxidants, such as, vitamins A (beta-carotene), C, and E are though to contribute to positive health benefits by neutralizing free radicals that may damage healthy cells. I think this statement deserves further explanation and although antioxidant research continues to grow, scientists have described a process that offers some insights into how antioxidants work.

You may recall learning about oxygen and its role as the molecule that's the basis of life because every cell in our bodies needs oxygen. Interestingly, once the cells use oxygen, an oxygen by-product is created called a free radical. Free radicals can damage (oxidize) body cells and, over time, lead to health problems. We've all seen the damage caused by browning (oxidation) of a freshly cut apple or pear. But you can prevent browning of your freshly cut fruit if you dip it in a vitamin C (antioxidant) containing juice. In other words, antioxidants can "mop up" free radicals or convert them to waste products that can be eliminated before causing cell damage.

It's important to remember that antioxidants cannot provide undisputed protection from disease. However, a varied diet that includes antioxidant-containing fruits, vegetables and whole grains remains your best bet.

     Ever browse the aisles of your supermarket and wonder what the term "healthy" means on all of those products?  Can anyone simply use the word on their package and call it a day?  The answer is, brands with "healthy" in their name, such as Healthy Choice, are held to a higher nutrition standard set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  For meal products to say they're healthy on the package, they must meet the following guidelines:

• Low fat
• Low saturated fat
• Controlled sodium and cholesterol
• 10% of the daily value for three beneficial nutrients (calcium, protein, fiber, iron, vitamin A or vitamin C)

     Today, when tackling health and weight management, we are faced with an overabundance of food choices--I don't know about you, but for me, it's very easy to maintain my busy schedule by simply throwing a Healthy Choice meal into my bag every day for lunch.  According to Dr. Robert Beaglehole, Director of Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion for World Health Organization, "an estimated 80% of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes could be avoided through healthy diets, regular physical activity and avoidance of tobacco use."  You may find it helpful to know that entrees from the new Healthy Choice All Natural line use whole grains,are rich in fiber and contain antioxidants--key elements to promote heart and digestive health.  My favorite is All Natural Mediterranean Pasta because it's prepared with spinach, apples, cranberries, whole wheat pasta and fontina cheese--all for a mere 360 calories.  Plus, it's a satiating portion and contains good sources of potassium, vitamin C, calcium and iron, as well as excellent sources of protein, fiber and folate.  Now, that's a smart choice made easy!