Just peachy

(Peach, Ontario Tender Fruit) 

We’re about four to six weeks away before peaches (and other stone fruit such as  plums and nectarines) are in season here, but when they are, if you need another reason to gobble ‘em up, check this out:

Stone fruit have bioactive compounds that potentially help battle off metabolic syndrome, says new research from Texas Agrilife Research. Metabolic syndrome is a collection of conditions that include high blood presssure, high blood sugar levels, excess belly fat and high cholesterol (which in combination can raise your risk of diabetes, stroke or heart attack).

One of my all-time favourite summer salads is Jamie Oliver’s roast peach and Parma ham salad (except I’m usually lazy and skip roasting the peaches). And now having been to Parma, Italy, it will hold an even more special place in my heart (and belly! Yummers!).

(Jamie Oliver Roast Peach and parma ham salad)

Leave a Comment June 19, 2012

Strengthen your bones with dried plums

I don’t get enough dairy in my diet, pretty certain of that (copious servings of Haagen Dazs I’ve had this week don’t count) so this finding caught my attention:

Eating dried plums — yes, prunes (but doesn’t dried plums sound better?) — can help prevent osteoporosis and fractures. Seems that dried plums help suppress bone breakdown. So guess what I’m stocking up on?

OK, the Florida State University study was conducted with post-menopausal women,a group I am not a part of, but I figure it couldn’t hurt.

And, anyhow, at least I’ll be nice and regular.

1 Comment August 18, 2011