HOME REMEDIES—DO THEY WORK?

Can chicken soup cure a cold? Does cranberry juice prevent urinary tract infections? Can carrots improve eyesight or gelatin harden fingernails?

Here are a few facts about popular food remedies:

Milk before bedtime helps you sleep. Lactose in milk helps convert the tryptophen (amino acid) to serotonin which causes drowsiness. But, you’d have to drink a lot (warm or cold) to fall asleep.

Gelatin increases fingernail strength. Gelatin is made from collagen, a poor source of protein. The main protein in nails is keratin (absent in gelatin) which is found from high quality protein foods like lean meats, eggs, nuts and dairy products.

Beets build iron-rich blood. Although red like blood, beets contain little iron, but beet greens do!

Hot chili peppers relieve pain, i.e. arthritis, migraines. Yes, chili peppers contain capsaicin (producing heat) which acts as an analgesic or anti-inflammatory agent. It may be used in ointments to ease joint pain.

Dried prunes relieve constipation. Prunes contain fiber, sorbitol and phenols which have laxative effects.

Carrots improve eyesight. True, carrots won’t lead to 20/20 vision but they are rich in beta carotene. It is converted in the body to vitamin A which prevents night blindness.

Spinach builds muscles—remember Popeye? Exercise builds muscle. The lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C & E found in spinach reduces the risk of macular degeneration (causes blindness in elderly) cataracts and cancer.

Fish is brain food. A balanced diet is essential for learning and memory. The omega fats in fish may help maintain brain function in older adults and has been linked to relieving depression.

Orange juice helps prevent colds. O.J. won’t prevent colds. However, orange juice does reduce the duration or severity of symptoms. Fluids help prevent dehydration.

Chicken soup cures colds. Hot chicken soup provides warmth and fluid to relieve nasal congestion. Soup won’t kill cold viruses but in the laboratory, chicken soup inhibited white blood cells so less mucus was produced.

Old Fashion Chicken Soup

1 broiler or fryer (about 3 lbs)

10 c. water

1 large carrot

1 large onion

1 celery rib

1 clove garlic, minced

1 bay leaf

1 t. salt

1/2 t. pepper

2 c. thin egg noodles (optional)

In large soup pot or dutch oven, mix all ingredients. Slowly bring to boil. Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes. Skim the surface as foam rises.

Removes chicken and set aside until cool enough to handle. Remove and discard skin and bones. Chop chicken and remove the bay leaf. Add egg noodles. Return chicken to the pot and simmer until noodles are tender. Makes 2 1/2 quarts.

Tips for soup and stock: Always start with cold water. If making stock, just cover the bones, meat or veggies with water. Can add seasonings such as garlic or veggies but do not add salt (the salt will concentrate). Bring to a boil slowly over low heat. Use a ladle and skim foam from the top of liquid. If too much water evaporates, add enough to cover the bones, meat or veggies. Many broth based soups freeze well for up to 3 months.

Happy New Year!! I trust everyone is looking forward to a bright and healthy New Year ahead.

Until Next Month,