Saturday, December 18, 2010

Trouble With RSS Feed?

I've received several comments that my blog posts are no longer showing up in peoples' RSS feeds. I've gone into my settings, and the blog is still set to full feed mode, so I don't know why that would be. I'm trying to understand if the problem is widespread or only affects a few people. Please let me know in the comments section if new posts (since the potatoes and human health series) are not showing up in your reader. Also, please let me know if new posts are showing up. Thanks!

Potato Power

THE HUMBLE POTATO HAS A LOT MORE TO OFFER THAN MOST OF US ARE LED TO BELIEVE, DISCOVERS JILL MACGREGOR

The potato is a nutritious and versatile carbohydrate that is often cast aside at mealtimes in flavor of rice and pasta. Consider putting potatoes back on your menu tonight, because:

  • Potatoes are more nutritious and have fewer kilojoules (1 kilojoule = 0.239 kilocalorie) than pasta or rice per 100 g serve, so they’re a better choice for weight loss.


  • They are rich in vitamins C and B, including folate, which is vital for pregnant women or those planning a pregnancy.


  • Potatoes are a valuable source of minerals, including potassium, which is important for managing high blood pressure.


  • Potatoes are naturally fat- and cholesterol-free, making them an excellent choice for heart health and the management of diabetes.



Nutritional information:

1 medium steamed potato (100g) provides:

  • Energy: 370 kJ


  • Protein: 2.5 g


  • Carbohydrate: 20 g


  • Fat: 0 g


  • Dietary fiber: 2 g


  • Vitamin C: 13 mg


  • Potassium: 379 mg


  • Water: 77 g


  • Traces of: thiamin, riboflavin, niacin



What about GI?

Although most potato varieties do have a high-GI rating – between 75 and 101 – you can easily reduce their glycaemic effect (spikes in blood-sugar level) by adding good fats to your meal, such as lemon juice or a vinaigrette dressing; fiber foods, such as baked beans or corn; and protein, such as lean meat. By adding these foods to your cooked potato, you will reduce the surge in blood glucose and insulin levels that occurs after eating. This helps to prevent the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and heart and gall bladder disease.      The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) believes that both high-GI and low-GI foods can be included as part of a healthy diet. Remember that you can achieve a low-GI diet by eating at least one serve of a low-GI food at each meal, for example, reduced-fat milk, wholegrain bread, green peas or apples.

Potato varieties

Most of us are familiar with four types of potatoes available at supermarkets – brushed, washed, red and white – but there are around 66 varieties grown in Australia. As a general rule, waxy, textured potatoes are best for salads and casseroles because they hold their shape, while ‘starchy’ potatoes are best for mash and chips. Here is a quick guide to potatoes:

King Edward


King Edward Long, oval shaped with white skin and pink blotches. Creamy, slightly floury textured white flesh. A good all-purpose potato, but perfect for baking.

Pontiac


Pontiac Round, red-skinned with white waxy textured flesh. Great for boiling, salads and chips.

Sebago


Sebago Oval shaped with creamy colored skin and white flesh. Used for frozen chips. Suitable for all cooking methods.

Coliban


Coliban White, round-to-oval shaped, that is commonly sold as ‘washed’. A versatile all-rounder with a slightly bland flavor. Perfect for mashing.

Kipfler


Kipfler Cigar-shaped with yellow skin and waxy flesh. Perfect for potato salads and good for baking and boiling, but not suitable for mashing

Nicola


Nicola Oblong-shaped with yellow skin and a firm, buttery texture. Great for salads, baking, mash and boiling. Has a low-GT rating of 58.

Bintje


Bintje Long, oval shape with smooth pale-yellow skin and waxy texture, perfect for roasting, salads, soups and casseroles.

Desiree


Desiree Round, small-to-medium-sized potato with smooth pink skin, creamy, yellow flesh and a delicious buttery taste. Great for roasting, chips and mashing.

Related Articles:

Potato Power

Potato Power: Top Tips For Storing and Cooking

Weight Loss Recipes: LYONNAISE POTATOES

Weight Loss Recipes: POTATO PUFFS

Weight Loss Recipes: SCALLOPED POTATOES

Weight Loss Recipes: POTATO BLINI WITH SALSA CRUDA

Have A Steamier Love Life Tonight

You may have noticed you feel more body-confident after a sweat session. But working out can improve your sex life in another way as well. Researchers at Fatih University in Turkey found that active women have more blood flow to their clitoris than sedentary women do, which can help them achieve stronger and more frequent orgasms. The study authors say getting your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes most days of the week will give you the boudoir benefit.


Coffee can help you sober up

DON’T COUNT ON CAFFEINE TO CANCEL, OUT VODKA TONICS.

According to new research from Temple University, coffee doesn’t improve decision-making skills in tipsy people. “What’s worse, it can make you feel more alert, which may cause some people to believe they’re fine to drive when they’re not,” says study author Thomas J.Gould, Ph.D. In fact, other findings show that people who mixed booze with caffeine were more likely to get behind the wheel when drunk than those who didn’t. The next time you overdo it, skip the cup of joe and find your designated drive (or call a cab) instead. Once you’re home, chug a big glass of water and hit the hay—you’ll thank yourself in the morning.


Easy ways to make your hove safer

Your house is your haven, but new research finds it could also harm your health. Three surprising culprits:

  • Your floors

    A study in Environmental Science & Technology found that dust can contain lead and arsenic, which are tracked in from outside. To stay safe, remove your shoes at the door.


  • Your vacuum

    Never cleaned the inside of this appliance? Consider this: Researchers at the University of Arizona found that most vacuum brushes are contaminated with mold. Disinfect your ny spraying if with white vinegar every month.


  • Your computer

    More people are tripping over exposed computer cables, reports a study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Get those wires under control with a Cable House cord organizer. (ใส่โฆษณา)



No neck ache tonight!

Got a crick that won’t go away? Your cell phone may be to blame. More than 18 percent of women suffer from neck pain every year, thanks in part to the texting craze. Researchers at Temple University found that habitually looking down while holding your phone may take a toll on the neck and shoulder muscles.      To relieve pressure, limit your texting to no more than five minutes at a time (while looking up regularly) and do this simple stretch: Bend your head forward to your chest. Roll your head to the right, bringing your cheek to your shoulder; hold for three seconds. Roll back to center, then repeat to the left side.