Ala Carte

Published 9:00 pm Tuesday, April 5, 2005

Cool off this spring and summer by sipping cranberry juice each day. It might make your heart healthier.

Scientists have found that cranberry extract contains polyphenol compounds called flavonoids, which may help maintain heart health.

In fact, a Wisconsin study has shown that the properties of cranberry juice that could contribute to inhibiting blood clotting, promoting blood vessel diameter and preventing clogged arteries are equivalent to those of red wine.

Cranberries may also help fight cancer and ulcers and contribute to dental and urinary tract health.

For information, visit www.uscranberries.com.

Milk the benefits

Calcium may be the newest weight-loss secret.

A new study provides more evidence that calcium can fight body fat and help keep your weight under control.

In a recent study, researchers found that adolescent girls who consumed more calcium weighed less and had less body fat than girls who consumed the same amount of calories from other sources.

Additionally, research concluded that it didn’t take much calcium to make a difference. For example, an increase of one serving of dairy, such as a cup of milk or thumb-sized piece of cheese containing about 300 mg of calcium, was associated with about half an inch less abdominal fat and nearly 2 pounds in lower weight.

However, scientists stress that the findings shouldn’t be interpreted as an excuse to add more cheese and other calcium-rich dairy products to your diet in the hopes of stimulating weight loss.

In light of the current obesity epidemic, these findings might provide a new way to help set up children for a healthy body weight later in life.

Although reducing overall calorie intake and increasing physical activity are the most effective means to promote weight loss and reduce body fat in people of any age, a relatively small change in calcium intake might also lower body fat.

From Herald news services