OatmealIf you're looking for a health rich “SUPERFOOD”, you've found it with oatmeal.
A daily dose of oats is chock full of vitamins and minerals, calcium, iron and B vitamins, providing mega nutrition in the absence of an equally large number of calories and fat. On top of that, oatmeal is loaded with fiber (soluble and insoluble) and cholesterol sponges called beta glucans. Fiber can not only help you lower cholesterol levels and your risk of cardiovascular disease, but it also helps you feel full for longer which in turn can assist you with your weight loss goals.
Avoid flavored oatmeal as the added sugars can outweigh any health benefit. Instead, use artificial sweeteners like Splenda or Sweet & Low and/or lightly sprinkle with cinnamon. Better yet, throw frozen blueberries into a hot bowl of oatmeal to give it a naturally sweet, antioxidant supercharge!
Those looking to add bone-strengthening calcium to their diet can prepare oatmeal using skim milk instead of water. And if you're looking for a BALANCED boost in the protein/carb department, add a scoop or two of unflavored whey protein and you'll have yourself a nearly instant, muscle building miracle food.
Traditional, 5-minute, or instant? My advice - whenever possible go with the longer cooking versions and follow the serving size on the label designated by the heart logo.
If prep time is an issue, go raw. A tip I picked up from former Mr. Universe Lee Labrada works well. Put 1 cup of oatmeal in a bowl and stir in 1 cup of skim milk. Wait 15 minutes (or until oatmeal is soggy), add flavorings and extras (splenda, whey protein, fruit, cinnamon), and eat up. It's actually pretty tasty and it requires very little preparation. Plus, the uncooked oats may actually be better for you.
Whichever route you choose to take, remember that you are better off eating oatmeal than not eating it, so choose the method that works best for you.
September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. This year alone, more than 27,000 men will die from prostate cancer. It is estimated that 1 in 6 men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, but if the disease is detected in its early stages, the chances of survival are great.
Because early prostate cancer has no symptoms, it is imperative that yearly testing be instituted in order to detect it in its most treatable form. In general, yearly screening should begin at the age of 50. If a man has one or more high risk factors, screening should begin at the age of 45, or earlier. If you are African American, have a close relative who has, or had prostate cancer, or are a veteran who has been exposed to agent orange, screening should begin no later than the age of 40.
Two simple tests can detect early prostate cancer and potentially save your life, the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) , and a blood test known as the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test. Both tests take only a few minutes and can be performed by your general physician.
Again, prostate cancer is potentially very dangerous but is also very treatable if you catch it early. Don't wait. Get screened today.
For more information about prostate cancer, screening, treatment and support, log onto the American Cancer Society web page at www.cancer.org.
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