December 30, Bicarbonate of Soda Day

The Many Uses of Sodium Bicarbonate,
also known as baking soda, bread soda, cooking soda,
and bicarbonate of soda 

1. Used as a leavening agent. It reacts with acidic ingredients that cause a food to expand. Acidic ingredients that create this reaction include phosphates, cream of tartar, lemon juice, yogurt, buttermilk, cocoa, and vinegar.
 
2. Reduces stomach acid. It is used as an antacid to treat heartburn and indigestion.
 
3. Known for treating burns and preventing blistering.

4. Used as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.

5. An ingredient in some mouthwashes, toothpastes, deodorants, and shampoo.

6. An effective cleaning and scrubbing agent for kitchen appliances, counter tops, pots and pans.

7. Commonly added to washing machines as a softener and also to remove odors from clothes.

8. An effective way of controlling fungus growth. In the United States, it is registered by the Environmental Protection Agency as a biopesticide.

9. Can extinguish small grease or electrical fires by being thrown over the fire. However, it should not be applied to fires in deep fryers, as it may cause the grease to splatter. 

10. Used to deodorize the refrigerator, trash cans, drains and garbage disposals, dishwashers, and lunch boxes. 

11. Removes odors from carpets. 

12. Can be administered to pools and spas to raise pH levels. 

Warning. Sodium Bicarbonate increases the amount of sodium in your body. If you are on a sodium-restricted diet, check with your doctor before taking any medication with sodium bicarbonate. 

5 Extraordinary Uses for Baking Soda

1977 Arm and Hammer "Onion Power" Commercial
 


Arm and Hammer baking soda (1996)
  

Arm and Hammer Essentials Laundry Detergent
  

  Billy Mays for Arm and Hammer Baking Soda

   

Resources.
Arm and Hammer  
Wikipedia. Sodium bicarbonate 
Medline Plus. Sodium bicarbonate 

National Kiwifruit DayDecember 21, 2011

National Kiwi Day 
sponsored by the California Kiwifruit Commission.

The Kiwifruit Video

History of the Kiwifruit.

Originally discovered in the Chang Kiang Valley of China, kiwifruit was considered a delicacy by the great Khans who enjoyed the emerald green color and wonderful flavor. By the mid 1800s, the fruit had found its way into other countries and was nicknamed the Chinese gooseberry. New Zealand growers started to export this exotic fruit to specialized markets around the world.

Then in 1962, a California produce dealer began importing New Zealand gooseberries. The dealer renamed the product "kiwifruit" because of its resemblance to the fuzzy brown kiwi — New Zealand's funny-looking national bird. By the late 1960s, California began producing its own kiwifruit in the Delano and Gridley areas.

How to Eat A Kiwi

There's no "right" or "wrong" way to eat California Kiwifruit. But since most people find that slicing and scooping is a good way to get the most from their kiwifruit, we coined the word "slooping" to describe it! Here's how to sloop your kiwi:

Using a sharp knife, slice the kiwifruit lengthwise to create two identical halves. Then use a spoon to scoop the sweet, delicious meat of the kiwifruit from each half. Looking for maximum fiber and nutrition? Don't throw that skin away! It's loaded with nutrients and fiber, so rinse it off and bite right in! 

The kiwifruit is a rich source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K and Fiber. It is low in calories, low in sodium, has no cholesterol and only a small amount of fat. 


One Large Kiwifruit, weighs about 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and provides the following nutrition.

Recipe provided by the California Kiwifruit Commission.

Mint Lemonade, Makes 4 servings 

If you don't have mint, try fresh lemon balm. The lemonade is also delicious without the herbs.

Ingredients

1 cup (250 mL) water

 ½ (125 mL) cup granulated sugar

 ½ (125 mL) cup packed fresh mint leaves

 3 California kiwifruit

 2 to 3 lemons

 Sparkling water

Directions
1. In a medium saucepan, heat water with sugar over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved. Simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mint leaves. Let stand 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, peel kiwifruit and cut into chunks. Puree in a food processor. Place puree in a pitcher. Strain cooled syrup into pitcher, pressing on mint, then discard leaves. Refrigerate until cold. Squeeze juice from 2 lemons. Stir into kiwifruit mixture. Taste, squeeze in juice from remaining lemon for a tarter lemonade.

3. Pour into glasses. Top with sparkling water. Serve garnished with a slice of kiwifruit. Makes about 2¼ cups (550 mL) without sparkling water, enough for 4 drinks.

Nutrition per serving (using 3 lemons)
145 Calories  
37 g Carbohydrates 
2.5 g Dietary Fiber 
0.4 g Fat 
73 mg Vitamin C 

For more recipes, visit the California Kiwi Commission.

A Social Media Happy Holiday Dietitians, Food and Nutrition Community

Warmest Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday
and a Healthy and Happy New Year

To view a comprehensive list of dietitians and
nutrition resources online,
visit: http://www.dietitians-online.com/; Twitter List

There is so much information available on the Internet that it becomes difficult to determine what is reliable or unreliable. I created the Dietetic, Nutrition, Food and Health Twitter lists as a resource for consumers, health care professionals, journalists and educators. 

The list continues to grow and includes dietitians throughout the world, dietetic associations and practice groups, government agencies and government funded programs, health and medical associations, CEU providers, nutrition education resources, dietetic internships and student dietetic associations, consumer advocacy groups, trade associations, and food corporations. 

The links do not constitute an endorsement and in some situations are intended to increase awareness of the food industry, government regulations, and current research in health care.

From all of Us, We wish you and your loved ones 

a very Happy Holiday 

Dietitians-Online;

Wellness News;

 Wheelchair-Connection; (edible art eCards)

and The Frank Family   

Electronic eCards Made from Edible Art

December, Celebrate Root Vegetables: Rutabaga

Resources

Bon Appétit. Recipe: Herbed Roasted Winter Vegetables

Fruits and Veggies More Matters. Rutabaga: Nutrition, Selection, Storage

December, Celebrate Root Vegetables: Carrots

December 2011, Wellness News

Current News, Resources and Events in Nutrition, Food, Health, Environment, Safety and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers and Health Professionals. Wellness News is up-dated daily. To view the entire Newsletter online click here or subscribe to Wellness News by adding your email address to the link on the left.

December 2011

Highlights

Safe Toys and Gifts Month National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month Coats and Toys for Kids Month (check local listings) Root Vegetable Month Exotic Fruit Month National Fruit Cake Month National Stress-Free Family Holiday Month Worldwide Food Service Safety Month National Write a Business Plan Month

A Happy & Healthy Holiday from

All of Us at Wellness News