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Lay Off the White Wine For Your Teeth

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:00:59 -0700

Red wine may be good for your heart, but it looks like white wine is bad for your teeth. It's not the alcohol in the wine that wears away tooth enamel, but the acidity of the wine. Sweet as it may be, Riesling rates lowest on the pH scale, meaning it's most acidic, and therefore worst for your teeth. However, pairing white wine with cheese may help counter the destructive effect. The calcium in the cheese helps neutralize your saliva and halts the acid's assault on your dental enamel. If you're looking to sip tooth-friendly wine, opt for a Rioja or Pinot Noir. But do note, red wine can stain teeth.

Health Benefits of Wine: Red vs. White

FitSugar — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:00:41 -0700

Have you been wondering, while sipping on your Chardonnay, if white wine offers all the benefits of red? You're in good company, for the New York Times has been wondering this as well.

If you prefer a light Pinot Grigio, you are missing out on many of the antioxidants found in grape skin, like resveratrol, which may help keep you get slim as well as protect your heart. There are less flavonoids, beneficial micro-nutrients found in the skins as well. All that being said, there have been few studies comparing the two. The whites with the highest amounts of flavonoids are made from granache blanc grapes in the Mediterranean regions: Spain, southern France, and Sardinia. Regardless of the shade of wine you prefer, to reap the health benefits of the wine, women should limit their intake of wine to one glass a day.

What are you drinking these days?

Wine May Be Good For Your Teeth

FitSugar — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 02:00:00 -0700

One of the reasons I love red wine is it is full of polyphenols, an antioxidant that fights cancer and heart disease. Well, Italian scientists might have discovered a new reason to love both red and white wine, - it may fight bacteria that cause cavities, even with the alcohol removed.

Now before we all start toasting for our teeth, the tests were only performed in test tubes and not on real teeth. The researchers marinated cavity-causing streptococcal bacteria in the wines that had been stripped of their alcoholic content. Both types of wine countered those cavity-causing bacteria as well as other streptococcal bacteria that cause some cases of throat infection.

Preliminary research indicates that red wine may be slightly more effective at fighting the bacteria than white wine. Scientists were also able to isolate the bacterial fighting acids, and the isolated acids were more effective against the bacteria than the wines themselves.

If you are interested in reading more about this study, you can find it online at the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Red vs. White

FitSugar — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 11:20:00 -0800

By now we all have heard that red wine is good for you, in moderation of course. Since grape skins used in making red wine contain the chemical called resveratrol, very strong antioxidant that's also been shown to be heart-healthy and may have other benefits as well. White wine is made from grapes stripped of their skin, but there is new evidence that white wine may be just as beneficial.

New studies are being released on the benefits of wine and resveratrol almost daily. Forbes is reporting:

Obese mice on a high-fat diet got the benefits of being thin - living healthier, longer lives - without the pain of dieting when they consumed huge doses of red wine extract, according to a landmark new study.

Calorie wise, it is pretty much a wash. A 4 ounce serving of white wine typically has about 5 more calories. As a wine drinker who likes both colors (and even pink) this is something to toast about.

Fit's tip: Just a reminder that one to two glasses of wine is considered beneficial to your health. You can also get all the benefits of resveratrol from red grapes.

Just a holiday safety reminder: Please don't drink and drive.

Avoid These Bad Habits For Your Chompers

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:00:59 -0700

I know dental care isn't the most exciting topic, but healthy teeth are important and make for a lovely smile. Speaking of lovely smiles, remember the scene in Pretty Woman when Julia Roberts announces that "you shouldn't neglect your gums"? With that said, let's review some common bad dental habits that can lead to health issues like gingivitis. And since nobody likes getting that disappointing look from her dentist, make the doctor proud by avoiding these habits.

Brushing too hard or using a firm-bristled toothbrush. We all want to get that plaque off our teeth, but jamming your toothbrush back and forth with extreme intensity can permanently (as in forever) wear away the protective enamel on your teeth. It could also lead to increased tooth sensitivity and receding gums, the latter of which could require surgery. Ouch!
Brushing side to side. I was a big horizontal brusher for years, and it was hard work to break this habit, but circular motions are the best way to clean your teeth gently yet effectively.
Not brushing long enough. Two to three minutes is recommended.
Not flossing daily or ever. Sorry to say, but a toothbrush only cleans the surfaces of your teeth. Using floss is the only way to clean in between your teeth, so if you don't do it daily, plaque can form and cause cavities.
Using your teeth as tools. While your sharp incisors can help you rip open a package of trail mix, you're asking for trouble. This is a sure way to chip or crack your teeth or damage fillings.

What other bad habits are ruining your teeth and gums? To find out read more.

Not using a fluoride rinse. Clinical studies show that by using both a fluoride mouthwash and a fluoride toothpaste, you can provide extra protection against tooth decay more than if you use fluoride toothpaste on its own.
Not seeing the dentist regularly. OK, so going to the dentist isn't as fun as going out for ice cream, but if you don't get your teeth cleaned and checked professionally twice a year, you're bound to end up with some serious and painful dental problems, like a root canal, that could have you sitting in the chair for hours.
Choosing white wine. While red wine can lead to staining, the acidity in white wine wears away tooth enamel.

It's time to vent. What unhealthy habits are you guilty of when it comes to your teeth?

Toast the New Year With These 5 Low-Cal Drinks

FitSugar — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:30:15 -0800

It's the end of December and 2009 is coming to a close. To celebrate another year gone by and welcome 2010, I expect many of you will get all dolled up and spend New Year's Eve with friends, food, and of course, drinks. Liquid calories can be higher than you expect, but that doesn't mean you have to forgo the toasts. You just need to choose your cocktails carefully. Steer clear of ones made with sugary mixers and high-calorie ingredients such as chocolate or other dairy products. Sip your drink instead of guzzling, and in between each alcoholic beverage, drink a glass of water.

Many festive beverages are low in calories. To see five drinks under 150 calories read more.

Glass of champagne (4.1 oz): 96 calories
Glass of red or white wine (5 oz): 127 calories
Wine spritzer (3 oz wine, 3 oz club soda): 70 calories
Gin and tonic (6 oz): 143 calories
Bud Light (12 oz bottle): 110 calories

If you are looking to lighten up even further and go booze-free, try my Ginger Pineapple Sparkling Punch. It's tasty and refreshing.

If You're Drinking This Holiday Season, Go Green

FitSugar — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:28:54 -0800

To me, being healthy involves more than exercise and a balanced diet - I also try to live in ways that are eco-conscious and sustainable. I recycle, eat organic and local food, and do my best to cut down on waste. I feel better knowing that I'm helping preserve our planet, and a good state of mind is essential for healthy living!

This philosophy shouldn't stop at cocktail hour. Luckily, there are more choices than ever before when it comes to organic alcohol. Since the holidays often involve parties and grand meals, why not choose responsibly made alcohol if you're imbibing this season?

To see a list of organic spirits, beer, and wine, read more.

Tru Organic Vodka ($20). Tru vodka is made from organic ingredients, and the company plants a tree in Central America for every bottle sold. The company uses less glass to produce its bottles, and the glass that is used is recycled. Top that off with a synthetic cork, soy-based ink, and packaging that converts into a shelf and you've got yourself a carbon negative rating! Aside from its straight vodka offering, choose from lemon or vanilla flavored vodka too.
Casa Noble Tequila ($40-130). Award-winning Casa Noble is made from 100% organically farmed Blue Agave plants and is USDA certified organic. All the tequila is made harvest-to-bottle on the Casa Noble estate where water usage is carefully monitored and organic cleaning products dominate. Choose from silver, resposado, anejo, single barrel resposado, and single barrel anejo.
Juniper Green Gin ($20). Juniper Green has the bragging rights of being the first organic gin ever, and is made using organic ingredients like grain, juniper, and coriander. Besides being USDA certified it also has certification from the British Soil Association for its use of sustainable farming practices.
Papagayo Organic Rum ($28). The organic sugarcane used to make Papagayo single estate rum comes from small family farms in Paraguay, and the rum is distilled using organic practices. Available as a white or spiced rum.
Benromach Organic Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($60). The raw ingredients of Benromach are all organic, and the company is certified by the British Soil Association. Though it's not reclaimed wood, its casks are made from materials that come from sustainably managed forests.
Parducci Wine ($12). Parducci wines are not only affordable they are made using organic grapes from family owned farms and come delivered in eco-friendly packaging. The Parducci estate uses solar and renewable energy to power itself, as well as sustainable farming practices.
Domaine Carneros Sparkling Wine ($30). Made from organic grapes, bubbly from Domaine Carneros is also vegan. (If you didn't already know champagne and sparkling wine has animal products like egg whites in them.) The winery uses solar power and is a big fan of composting.
Wolaver's Organic Ale ($10 for a 6-pack). Wolaver's uses organic ingredients and its sustainable farming practices include the use of bio-diesel fuel, free-air refrigeration and relying on local ingredients. The company also donates profits to research in organic farming. There are eight varieties available that include pale ale, oatmeal stout, and alta gracia coffee porter.

Healthy Recipe: Veggie-Loaded Penne With White Wine Sauce

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 -0800

Pasta was never off my radar, but apparently it's making a comeback these days as home cooks are reclaiming it as a low-cost option. I love whole wheat pasta and prefer dishes that feature tons of veggies, almost to the point where the pasta doesn't appear as the main ingredient. My personal preferences inspired me to create this dish, and I have to say it's worthy of becoming a staple among my weeknight meals. It's a savory combination of vegetables and nutty penne, and while I made my meal with chicken, the recipe would be just as good without it.

To see the recipe, read more.

Veggie Loaded Penne With White Wine Sauce
Original Recipe

Ingredients

1 package whole wheat penne
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 medium white onion, diced
1 can artichoke hearts, quartered
6 ounces mushrooms, sliced
5 ounce bag spinach
2 tomatoes, diced
black pepper and red pepper flakes to taste
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup vegetable broth
Optional: 6 ounces roasted chicken, cubed

Directions

Set salted pasta water to boil
While the water boils, prepare all other ingredients.
Cook pasta according to package directions.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. If using chicken, add to pan and sauté until browned. Otherwise, sauté garlic and onions until softened, approximately 4 minutes.
Add sliced mushrooms, artichokes, and all seasonings. Stir over heat until mushrooms have softened, approximately 5 minutes.
Add wine and stir. Let simmer for 5 minutes.

Add pasta and stir until coated in sauce. If more liquid is needed, add more wine or use vegetable broth as an alternative.
Add tomato and spinach and simmer for another 3 minutes, until spinach has wilted.

Remove from heat. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Toss pasta and serve with grated parmesan cheese.

Serves 6 to 8.

Print recipe with images | without images

Food Review: Moosewood Pasta e Fagioli

FitSugar — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:00:38 -0800

Like Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, I'm not a "no carbs" kind of girl. I love bread, the occasional cookie, and yes - pasta. I also love quick meals that are healthy, yet tasty. When I saw this box of Pasta e Fagioli made by Moosewood, the famous vegetarian restaurant in Ithaca, NY, the photo made me place it in my cart immediately.

Are you curious to know how this meal measured up? Then read more.

Well, my first thought was that the real meal looked nothing like the picture on the box. It seemed pretty unappetizing, actually, but smelled delicious. When I took my first bite, I noticed the extremely soft texture of the penne pasta. If you prefer al dente noodles, this will seem squishy to you. The tomato sauce was slightly watery, but extremely flavorful. It tasted almost like licorice, and had a bit of a spicy kick at the end of each mouthful. I liked the whole white beans and the diced carrots, but would have liked to see even more whole veggies - as many as you see in the photo on the box.

The portion size was perfect to enjoy with a side salad, and I didn't feel stuffed afterward. Aside from the delicious taste of this frozen entrée, the nutritional info is outstanding. Only 230 calories, but it's low in fat and sodium, and high in fiber and protein. Not only that, but it's made mostly with organic ingredients. In a pinch this meal is very satisfying and healthy, and I'd definitely spend $5 on it again.

Ingredients:
Fagioli Sauce: Diced Tomatoes* (Tomatoes*, Tomato Juice*, Calcium Chloride, Citric Acid), Tomato Puree* (Tomatoes), Cooked Great Northern Beans* (filtered water, beans*, sea salt), Onions*, Celery*, Spinach*, Carrots*, White Wine*, Lemon Juice*, Extra Virgin Olive Oil*, Garlic*, Spices*, Basil*, Reduced Sodium Sea Salt, Lemon Juice Concentrate.
Cooked Penne Pasta*: Filtered Water, Semolina Wheat*.
* Certified Organic

How to Work Off Thanksgiving Calories

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:00:08 -0800

If you're worried about devouring a huge Thanksgiving meal and what that will mean to your waistline, have no fear. You can have your cake - I mean pie - and eat it too, you just have to get moving afterward. After the break, check out the calorie amounts for your favorite Thanksgiving foods and find out some ways you can work off those tasty calories.

To see the chart, read more.