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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 20, 2007

Want to share your favorite healthy recipe? Visit TBO.com, Keyword: Recipe; e-mail 4you@tampatrib.com; or mail it to The Tampa Tribune, 200 S. Parker St., Tampa FL 33606.

Breast Cancer Barbecue Risk

Stash the grill and backyard smoker to slash your breast cancer risk. Recent research published in Epidemiology shows that postmenopausal women who eat more than one weekly serving of grilled and smoked meats have a 47 percent greater risk of breast cancer, compared with those who eat less. Pre-menopausal women who consume the same amount don't have the same risk, leading researchers to suspect that it takes years for carcinogens caused by grilling and smoking foods to accumulate and cause damage.

Bottom line: The earlier you change your habits (roasting is a healthier cooking technique), the better off you'll be. Eating five or more daily servings of fruits and veggies may also offer significant protective benefits.

prevention.com

Popcorn Not All It's Cracked Up To Be?

Consumers, not just factory workers, may be in danger from fumes from buttery flavoring in microwave popcorn, according to a warning letter to federal regulators from a doctor at a leading lung research hospital.

A pulmonary specialist at Denver's National Jewish Medical and Research Center has written to federal agencies to say doctors there believe they have the first case of a consumer who developed lung disease from the fumes of microwaving popcorn several times a day for years.

"We cannot be sure that this patient's exposure to butter-flavored microwave popcorn from daily heavy preparation has caused his lung disease," cautioned Dr. Cecile Rose. "However, we have no other plausible explanation."

The letter refers to a potentially fatal disease commonly called popcorn lung that has been the subject of lawsuits by hundreds of workers at food factories exposed to chemicals used for flavoring.

In response to Rose's finding, the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association issued a statement recommending that its members reduce "to the extent possible" the amount of diacetyl in butter flavorings they make. It noted that diacetyl is approved for use in flavors by the federal Food and Drug Administration.

The Associated Press

Lube A Weak Stomach

Make sure your gut is a well-oiled machine. A new Spanish study found that extra-virgin olive oil may prevent stomach ulcers.

In a test-tube experiment, the Mediterranean staple destroyed the ulcer-causing bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

The benefit may stem from the oil's high content of compounds called polyphenols. Although the scientists aren't sure how much olive oil is needed to prevent ulcers in humans, they think it might be as little as a couple of teaspoons a day.

menshealth.com

[Recipe of the week]

Avocado Tacos

3 avocados, peeled, pitted and mashed

1/4 cup onions, diced

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

12 (6-inch) corn tortillas

1 bunch fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped

jalapeño pepper sauce, to taste

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a medium bowl, mix avocados, onions and garlic salt.

Arrange corn tortillas in a single layer on a large baking sheet, and place in the preheated oven for 2 to 5 minutes, until heated through. Spread tortillas with the avocado mixture. Garnish with cilantro and sprinkle with jalapeño pepper sauce. Serves 6.

prevention.com

Per serving: 282 calories, 17 grams fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 174 milligrams sodium, 33 grams carbs, 8 grams fiber, 5 grams protein

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