Martha A. Cheves's Blog, page 116

Caffeine Myths #3 - Caffeine can make heart disease worse - True or False?

Myth #3: Caffeine can make heart disease worse. False:  
 Doctors often tell cardiac patients, especially those with high blood pressure, to avoid caffeine. But there's little proof that it raises the risk of heart attack, sudden death or abnormal heart rhythms.

In fact, coffee drinking may reduce risk of heart disease!

A study by Autonomous University of Madrid of more than 126,000 people found that women who drank two to three cups of caffeinated coffee per day had a 25% lower risk of heart...

Caffeine Myths #2 - Caffeine causes dehydration - True or False

Myth #2: Caffeine causes dehydration. True:  

Caffeine is a mild diuretic, but "it's not very pronounced," says Franz H. Messerli, M.D., a professor of clinical medicine at Columbia University in New York City.

Still, diuretics make you have to pee. The more often you go, the more fluids you lose. And you'll feel more dehydrated because you're losing more fluids than you're taking in.

"I wouldn't drink a double espresso before a run, but would have no problem drinking a 12-ounce Coke,"...

Caffeine Myths #1 of 9: Caffeine is addictive True or False?

More computer finds that I wanted to share.  Some of these I've heard all my life so now I know if they are True or False.

Myth #1: Caffeine is addictive. False: Although caffeine is considered a mild stimulant, it's not addictive, according to the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Unlike classic stimulants – think cocaine and amphetamines – there's rarely a strong compulsion to use caffeine.

But caffeine can be habit-forming. That's why you may feel mild withdrawal symptoms if you s...

What's Your Color Personality? Part 3 (End)

Black represents the absence of light and color. In Western cultures, black is considered the color of death. Its color personality is associated with feelings of mourning and grief, and also of hatred. However, black also can be powerful and provocative, which explains its use in men's suits and its effectiveness when used in dresses. Wear black when you want to make an impression and project seriousness.

White is the symbol of balance and unity, of all the colors coming together as on...

What's Your Color Personality? Part 2

Green, the color of life and nature, is associated in the United States with health and prosperity. Like blue, green can promote relaxation, peace, and calm. Because green is often considered the most neutral of the colors, it is often used in institutional settings such as schools and hospitals and in color therapy. Green in your clothing could help people think of you as positive and relaxed, and a darker green room could be an ideal place to unwind.

Orange is an odd color, in that it p...

Sugar Free Lemon Pie

This recipe is for my friend Sal Buttaci, Author of Flashing My Shorts and his wife Sharon

3 cups skim milk
2 pkg. sugr free French Vanilla instant pudding
1 pkg. Crystal Light Lemonade
16 oz. lite whipped topping
2 graham cracker pie crusts (lite/fat free)

Mix first 3 ingredients.  Fold in whipped topping.  Pour into 2 pie crusts.  Chill overnight.  Enjoy Guys!

Broccoli/Corn Cornbread

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The original recipe called for the broccoli to be cooked. I decided to use it raw and let it cook in the oven. Reason - to keep it from being too mushy. The recipe didn't call for the cheese nor corn, I added those and am glad I did. For changes, use chopped squash. This would also be good with a cup of cooked chicken added to the mix.

Get your copy of the recipe by clicking on Martha's Kitchen Korner

What's Your Color Personality? Part 1

This came through an email to me from Everyday Health.  I found this so interesting that I decided to pass it along to everyone.  This is more than I want to put into one post so it will be posted in 3 parts. 

Colors can have a profound effect on how you feel. Just choosing which color of dress or suit to wear makes a statement.
By Dennis Thompson Jr.Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH ...

Cancer Fighting Foods

NEEDED TIPS FOR ALL OF US

Garlic - Several large studies have found that those who eat more garlic are less likely to develop various kinds of cancer, especially in digestive organs such as the esophagus, stomach, and colon. Ingredients in the pungent bulbs may keep cancer-causing substances in your body from working, or they may keep cancer cells from multiplying. Experts don't know how much you need to eat to prevent cancer, but a clove a day may be helpful.

Berries - As a tasty treat,...

Banana Cinnamon Coffeecake

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The original recipe was called Cinnamon Coffee Cake.  I decided to Think With My Taste Buds and change it up a bit.  I had 3 bananas that were ripe and needed to be used, I had some Ricotta cheese that needed to be used and for cinnamon type toppings I prefer brown sugar.  The recipe called for sour cream but I wanted to use up my ricotta which is dryer than sour cream but I thought that adding the bananas and 1/2 cup of water would make up for the moisture that would come from the sour...