Today's column is going to be filled with information that could save your life. It comes from a publication called "Nutrition Action Healthletter." Here is some of the information you can consider. Did you know Marie Callender's chicken pot pie is among the unhealthiest frozen entrees and that Campbell's condensed soups are among the unhealthiest soups you can eat? With information like this, it's no wonder the publication has readers approaching two million and is the world's largest circulation health newsletter. It is independent and contains no advertising. They have the freedom to blow whistles on products that have false advertising and recommend the good ones.
If you want to avoid diet-related diseases like heart attacks, stroke, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis - the information contained in this publication can prolong your life and sometimes cure your ills. Good news. Supplements like calcium, vitamin D and folic acid offer real health benefits, but here are some claims that have not been proven: Ginsana for energy loss or stress; Promensil red clover extract for hot flashes; and Garlique garlic for lowering cholesterol. And beware of this, some supplements like selenium, beta carotene and St. John's Wort might even harm you. Be safe. Let this publication guide you.
How many times have you asked yourself which is better for you - butter or margarine? Scientific research says tub and spray margarine are better than butter. Also avoid stick margarine because they are loaded with partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. The fats in this oil raises your bad cholesterol and promotes heart disease.
Can you have sweets and still lose weight? Sugar free foods like cake, cookies, ice cream and candies may be loaded with calories. Read the labels. Acesulfame potassium, Nutrasweet saccharin may promote cancer and sugar alcohols like sorbitol may cause diarrhea. On the bright side, Splenda and rebiana appear to be safe.
Now I eat a lot of fruit and here's what I found out. Watermelon, grapefruit, kiwi and cantaloupe are the best. All the fruits that I eat like cherries, strawberries, apples and peaches are likely to be contaminated with dangerous contaminates. I'll scrub them more thoroughly. I like them too much! Sure, now they tell me. Where were they when I was young?
Did you know a dish of spaghetti and meatballs at Olive Garden has the calories and saturated fat of two McDonald's Big Macs?
The editors of this publication said you can live healthier, happier, save time, live longer and eat tastier foods. I think they have a lot to offer you. I'll give you the address and you can check it out and decided for yourself. It's only $24 a year. It is: Nutrition Action Healthletter, an independent newsletter on nutrition, diet and food safety published for consumers by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest; 1220 L St., N.W. Suite 300; Washington D.C., 20005.
For more information on Nutrition Action, visit www.cspinet.org/nah/index.htm.
Now I'll finish with some humor which I know is good for your health. I'm not on commission, I only care about your life. I try to make it happier but I'm not a doctor.
OK, now let's laugh. This is a story about a painter. He came with an idea. He told his men if they put paint thinner in their paint, it would go on easier and they'd use less time and less paint. So they did. That night the painter couldn't sleep. He knew he was being dishonest. Well, he finally fell asleep. In his dream, he heard a deep voice saying, "Repaint you thinner."
Now tell me, did you laugh or did you groan? You can't win them all. Here's a good thought for the day: life is measured by your donations, not but your duration.
Margaret Valone is a Fredonia resident. Send comments on this column to lifestyles@observertoday.com
