5 Summer Food Mysteries Revealed

Every now and then we hear things from other people and wonder what truth there may be to the matter. Case in point ….. Here just happens to be some misperceptions about food and what it does or doesn’t do for you. Take a little time to learn and educate yourself so you can be more informed.

PS – By clicking on each image below, you’ll be taken to Yahoo Foods for some wonderful summer recipes that you can make yourself (associated with that particular picture)

True or False?

• Eating garlic wards off mosquitoes.

> False <

Researchers at the University of Connecticut tested the theory. It didn’t work, but maybe because the participants didn’t eat enough, say the scientists.

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True or False?

• Watermelon isn’t very nutritious ….. It’s all water!

> False <

Watermelon is mostly water > 92 percent < But it also has its share of nutrients. One cup of watermelon provides good amounts of vitamin C and red watermelon contains lycopene, an antioxidant that’s associated with reduced risk for certain types of cancer.

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True or False?

• Licking ice cream is more satisfying than eating it with a spoon.

> True <

According to Kay McMath, a food technologist for New Zealand’s Massey University. “Flavor in ice cream is released when the fat-which carries the flavor-is warmed to at least body temperature,” says McMath. When you lick ice cream it coats the tongue and fully warms the frozen treat. A spoon, on the other hand, insulates the ice cream. And then there’s the psychological aspect of savoring the treat more slowly …..  you just cannot lick ice cream as fast as you can spoon it.

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True or False?

• A piña colada can have as many calories as a cheeseburger.

> True <

Both have about 400 calories. Some of summer’s most popular drinks can boost your daily calorie tally substantially. A margarita has about as many calories (367) as a hot dog with cheese and chili (375). And, from a calorie perspective, drinking a wine cooler is like eating a generous scoop of potato salad.

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True or False?

• The antioxidants in raspberries help keep your heart healthy.

> True <

Two antioxidants which are found in raspberries — anthocyanins (where raspberries get their red) and ellagic acid — are associated with increased levels of “good” HDL cholesterol and lowered blood pressure, two positives when it comes to heart health. The yummy berries are also loaded with vitamin C and are high in fiber.

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For more informative articles and advice, check out Eating Well, an excellent source for good food, recipes and healthy eating.