Ten Reasons To Eat More Veggies And Fruits

Ten Reasons To Eat More Veggies And Fruits

January 6, 2000
Medical Tribune

The American Institute for Cancer Research, Washington, D.C., has compiled a list of "ten good reasons" to eat more vegetables and fruits. Topping the list is cancer prevention.

A report by AICR researchers on diet's role in the prevention of cancer estimates that eating at least five servings of vegetables and fruits each day could prevent up to 20 percent of all cancers.

Vegetables and fruits are rich in naturally occurring antioxidants - substances shown to provide protection against free-radicals (reactive substances that damage cells and initiate cancer) - and other phytochemicals that help to detoxify cancer-causing substances.

Number 2 on AICR's top ten list is to keep trim. Many vegetables contain 50 calories or fewer for a whole cup, while only five potato chips or one small cookie has the same number of calories. If you satisfy your appetite with hearty servings of vegetables and fruits, hunger won't be a problem and you will eat smaller portions of higher-calorie meats and desserts.

Prevent heart disease is number 3. Eating more vegetables and fruits - while cutting back on meat and dairy - can help you limit heart-damaging saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet. The antioxidants and certain other phytochemicals in these foods also help prevent fatty deposits from forming in blood vessels. Vegetables and fruits supply soluble fiber, which helps lower blood cholesterol. They also provide folate, a B vitamin that helps lower blood levels of homocysteine, high levels of which are a risk factor for heart disease.

Benefit number 4 of veggies and fruits is they lower blood pressure levels. Many people think blood pressure can be controlled only through eating a low-salt diet and controlling weight. Yet several studies in which people followed a high vegetable and fruit diet achieved a significant drop in blood pressure. How? Researchers believe potassium and magnesium in these foods should be credited.

Prevent stroke is number 5. Results of recent studies suggest that diets high in vegetables and fruits can decrease the risk of stroke by up to 25 percent. The boost in potassium they provide may be responsible, as well as the antioxidants and other phytochemicals they contain.

Eye protection is number 6. Eating more vegetables and fruits may lower your risk for two of the most common causes of adult blindness: cataracts (which occur in almost half of all Americans over the age of 75) and macular degeneration. Scientists link this protection for the eyes with antioxidants like vitamin C and certain carotenoids.

Next is to avoid diverticulosis. One-third of people over the age of 50 and two-thirds of those over the age of 80 are estimated to have this intestinal disorder. Diverticulosis occurs when pressure in the intestine creates small pouches in the intestine wall, which can become inflamed and painful. The best defense against developing these pouches (diverticulae) is eating a high-fiber diet. Fruits, and especially vegetables, are major sources of the type of fiber considered to be most helpful.

Fruits and vegetables help avoid diabetes. Fruits and vegetables seem to raise blood sugar less than other foods that contain carbohydrates, and their fiber content slows the absorption of sugar into the blood. A gradual rise in blood sugar is more easily handled by the body than an abrupt rise.

Fruits and vegetables can also satisfy your sweet tooth. When you turn to fruit for a sweet taste and quick energy, you get an added boost - nutrition that works for you - instead of just "empty calories" found in sweets like candy bars and soft drinks.

Finally, "experience pure pleasure." Adding the vibrant colors of vegetables and fruits - the reds, oranges, purples, greens and yellows - can make any dish more visually appealing. Also, the diversity of textures and tastes of these foods will add interest and flavor to many meals. Experiment with new ways to prepare and season vegetables and fruits - and experience pure pleasure!

Copyright 2000 Medical PressCorps News Service. All rights reserved.

Big Train Overcome Deficit; Health Night TONIGHT; BT Players in Pro Ball!

Big Train Overcome Deficit, Beat Express 3-2  The Big Train traveled to Knight Stadium on Saturday night to take on the Rockville Express who sat in second place behind the Big Train at the beginning of the day.   Box Score | VIDEO: Post Game Interview (Tucker Tobin) Danny Mooney (Davidson) - pictured above - got the start for the Big Train, and gave the team five solid innings. Mooney gave up just two runs on five hits and a walk while striking out three. In the sixth inning, Bubba Derby (San Diego State) would come in to relieve Mooney with the Big Train trailing 2-1. He would give the team near-perfection on the mound, giving up no hits and two walks while striking out four over the last four innings of the game. After Tim Yandel (Tulane) and Mike Miedzianowski (High Point) picked up a pair of hits in the seventh inning, Tucker Tobin (George Mason) would come up big with a one-out, two-RBI double to give the Big Train the 3-2 lead. Derby picked up his fourth win and continues to hold a perfect earned-run average. He leads the CRCBL in both statistics. The Big Train return home on Sunday to take on the Youse's Orioles at Povich Field. Make sure to come out early for Health Night at the ballpark! The gates open at 6:00, there's a free Zumba Class at 6:30, and first pitch is at7:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased here or at the gate. BT Players in Pro Ball   Cody Allen (BT '08 & '10) is thriving in the majors with the Cleveland Indians Hugh Adams, RHP (BT 2006-12) St. Paul Saints (American Assn - IND) 0-0, 27.00 ERA in 1 game. Martin Agosta, RHP (BT 2011) Augusta Greenjackets (So. Atlantic Lg. - Lo A) 7-2, 2.20 ERA in 13 games. Michael Aldrete, RHP (BT 2011) Peoria Chiefs (Midwest Lg. - Lo A) 1-2, 1 Save, 5.08 ERA in 21 games. Cody Allen, RHP (BT 2008 & 2010) Cleveland Indians (American League - MLB) 2-0, 1 Save, 1.97 ERA in 31 games. Michael Bass, 2B (BT 2011-12)  Eugene Emeralds (Northwest Lg. - ss-A) .222 in 6 games. Matt Bowman, RHP (BT 2010-11-12) St. Lucie Mets (Fla. State Lg. - Hi A) 4-1, 2.52 ERA in 8 games; after starting season with Savannah Sand Gnats (So. Atlantic Lg. - Lo A) 4-0, 2.64 ERA in 5 games. Collin Cargill, RHP (BT 2007) Jacksonville Suns (Southern Lg. - AA) 1-1, 1.17 ERA in 19 games; after starting season with Jupiter Hammerheads (Fla. State Lg. - Hi A) 0-0, 0.00 ERA in 5 games. Mike Costanzo, 3B (BT 2003) Syracuse Chiefs (International Lg. - AAA) Hitting .225 with 9 HR and 28 RBI in 56 games. Tucker Donahue, RHP (BT 2011) Lansing Lugnuts (Midwest Lg. - Lo A) 2-2, 5.85 ERA in 26 games. Ryan Doran, RHP (BT 2012) AZL Diamondbacks (Arizona Lg. - Rookie) 1-0, 0.00 ERA in 1 game. Brian Dozier, 2B (BT 2006) Minnesota Twins (American Lg. - MLB) .226, 7 HR, 25 RBI in 63 games. Chris Duffy, 3B/1B/OF (BT 2007) New Jersey Jackals (Canadian-American Lg. - IND) .269, 3 HR, 18 RBI in 36 games; after starting season with Camden Riversharks (Atlantic Lg. - IND) .000 in 3 games. Ryan Garton, RHP (BT 2011) Bowling Green Hot Rods (Midwest Lg. - Lo A) 0-3, 4 Saves, 4.08 ERA in 24 games. Ben Griset, LHP (BT 2012) Hudson Valley Renegades (NY-Penn Lg. - ss-A) 0-0, 3.60 ERA in 2 games. Carlos Gutierrez, RHP (BT 2005) Daytona Cubs (Florida State Lg. - Hi A) 0-0, 0.00 ERA in 1 game; after starting season with AZL Cubs ( Arizona Lg. - Rookie) 0-0, 0.00 ERA in 1 game.  Both of these games were rehab assignments in recuperation from 2012 shoulder surgery. Terry "T. J." Hose, RHP (BT 2004) Long Island Ducks (Atlantic Lg. - IND) 1-1, 3.52 ERA in 22 games.   Placed on inactive list on 6/21/13. Alex Hudak, OF (BT 2011) Lexington Legends (So. Atlantic Lg. - Lo A) .176 ini 6 games; after starting season with Wilmington Blue Rocks (Carolina Lg. - Hi A) .202, 2 HR, 10 RBI in 26 games. Brenden Kalfus, OF (BT 2011) Vancouver Canadians (Northwest Lg. - ss-A) .278 in 10 games. Bobby Livingston, LHP (BT 2001) Sugar Land Skeeters (Atlantic Lg. - IND) 3-3, 7.10 ERA in 7 games.  Released in June after 12 years of pro baseball experience. Matt Long, OF (BT 2006) Salt Lake City Bees (PCL - AAA) .289, 5 HR, 19 RBI in 39 games; after starting season with Arkansas Travelers (Texas Lg. - AA) hitting .311 with 3 HR and 19 RBI in 32 games. John Maine, RHP (BT 2000) Now a free agent, after starting season with Miami Marlins (National League) 0-0, 12.27 ERA in 4 games.  Has had 12 years of pro baseball experience. Joe Mantiply, LHP (BT 2010) Connecticut Tigers (NY-Penn Lg. - ss-A) 0-1, 1.59 ERA in 3 games. Michael McKenry, C (BT 2004) Pittsburgh Pirates (National Lg. - MLB) Hitting .202 with 3 HR and 10 RBI in 30 games. Brennan Middleton, SS/2B/3B (BT 2010-11-12)  Auburn Doubledays (NY-Penn Lg. - ss-A)  On Disabled List, so he has no record yet. Ethan Miller, RHP (BT 2012) AZL Giants (Arizona Lg. - Rookie) 0-0, 40.50 ERA in 1 game. Mason Morioka, C (BT 2009-10-11) Currently recovering from Tommy John surgery. Was with Wichita Wingnuts (American Association - IND) in 2012. May return to Wingnuts before the 2013 season is over. Cole Norton, OF (BT 2012) Grand Junction Rockies (Pioneer Lg. - Rookie) .294 in 6 games. Dustin Pease, LHP (BT 2005-06) York Revolution (Atlantic Lg. - IND) 0-0, 7.50 ERA in 6 games.  Retired in May after 7 seasons of pro ball. Drew Permison, RHP (BT 2010) Vancouver Canadians (Northwest Lg. - ss-A). On Disabled List, so he has no record yet for this season. Jimmy Reed, LHP (BT 2010) State College Spikes (NY-Penn Lg. - ss-A) 0-0, 1 Save, 0.00 ERA in 2 games. Danny Stienstra, 1B (BT 2008-09-10) Palm Beach Cardinals (Florida State Lg. - Hi A) .280, 2 HR, 22 RBI in 70 games. Nick Vickerson, 2B (BT 2010) Hickory Crawdads (South Atlantic Lg. - Lo A) .238, 3 HR, 13 RBI in 36 games. Elliott Waterman, LHP (BT 2011) Auburn Doubledays (New York- Penn Lg. - ss-A). 0-0, 7.20 ERA in 3 games. Matt Wickswat, LHP (BT 2006) Windy City Thunderbolts (Frontier Lg. - IND) 2-4, 5.58 ERA in 7 games. Justin Wright, LHP (BT 2008) Springfield Cardinals (Texas Lg.- AA) 0-1, 3.90 ERA in 25 games.

A cup of this a day keeps cancer away

Clobber Cancer with a Daily Cup of This...

    If you like the idea of warding off cancer with a simple cup of tea, I've got good news. New evidence shows chamomile tea contains a super powerful chemical that not only blocks the spread of cancer, but also shortens the life of a cancer cell.

    On top of that, chamomile can even make a cancer cell more susceptible to the effects of drug therapy, working in hand in hand with conventional treatment methods. Keep reading to find out how to easily incorporate this simple daily ritual into your cancer-fighting plan...

Continued below. . .

Foods You Should Never Mix With These Popular Supplements! Dear Nathan,     There's something that you should know about the vitamins you're taking.     What you could be mixing with your vitamins might actually be making you sick.     Because vitamins aren't as strictly regulated as pharmaceutical drugs, a lot of times the labels don't warn you that you could be taking a harmful dose of vitamins simply by mixing them with other vitamins and nutrients found in every day foods.     My name is Dr. David Juan and I've been a practicing medical doctor for over 30 years. When it comes to the dangerous interactions of foods, drugs and vitamins, I've got the qualifications to back up what I'm talking about.     That's why they call me The Vitamin Doctor.     And I want to warn you about the constant dangers resulting from vitamin, food and drug interactions that have already harmed others.     To see the dangerous and hidden pitfalls of today's most popular supplements, watch this now.

The re-education of cancer cells

    The magic ingredient at work in chamomile tea is a chemical called apigenin. The apigenin compound is plentiful in the Mediterranean diet, which you may be familiar with. The compound is also commonly found in celery, parsley, and several other fruits and vegetables. Chamomile itself is a daisy-like flower, used often in German and Hungarian herbal remedies.

    In a recent study by scientists at Ohio State University, published in the journalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, apigenins were found to be effective in teaching cancer cells "who's boss."

    I mean that in the literal sense. Apigenins appear to play a role in gene regulation, essentially reprogramming cancer cells so they act more like normal cells and die on schedule. This is key, because one of the reasons cancer cells can so quickly take over is their ability to prevent apoptosis -- regularly-scheduled cell death.

    Unlike healthy cells, which die off after a time, cancer cells are practically immortal. So in the worst cases, cancer cells grow stronger and accumulate over time.

    But, with apigenins in the picture, it appears that cancer cells experience normal cell death.

How chamomile switches from calming tea to killing machine

    One of the most striking discoveries in this body of research is that apigenins could potentially stop the spread of breast cancer. The latest research suggests apigenin binds to one of three types of proteins, each with a specific function. One of those proteins is called hnRNPA2. In a healthy hnRNPA2 protein, only one type of "splicing" takes place.

    But in cancer cells, two types of splicing take place. This abnormal splicing is a factor in about 80 percent of all cancers. Splicing is important because it prompts the production of mRNA, or messenger RNA, which then carries out instructions regarding gene activation.

    When apigenin connects with the hnRNPA2 protein in breast cancer cells, it changes the protein from two splices back to a single-splice setup. And with splicing back to normal, cells are able to die on schedule—or, at the very least, they become more vulnerable to the effects of chemotherapy drugs.

    The Ohio State researchers found that apigenin binds with at least 160 proteins in the human body. This is highly significant, given that most pharmaceutical-based drugs can only target one molecule. The theory now is that perhaps other "nutraceuticals" (nutrients with known health benefits) can also bind to and affect more than one protein at a time.

    The fact that apigenins can have relationships with so many specific proteins may be why they're able to reestablish a normal lifecycle in cancer cells. And now that scientists have gotten such valuable findings from exploring the effect of a natural compound on cancer cell research, it's fair to say more exploratory research regarding nutraceuticals is on its way.

The sooner you start, the greater the benefit

    If you read a newsletter like this, you know it's smart to eat healthy foods -- but mainstream medicine hangs back because there's often not enough research on how specific nutrients affect us. That's starting to change, and that's the reason understanding the role of apigenin is so significant. In a world where conventional scientists hate to recommend a medicinal substance without understanding the specific way it acts in the body, research like this brings them a step closer to supporting nutritional solutions to disease.

    What's more, apigenins' profound health effects aren't limited to cancer treatment. They also have known anti-inflammatory properties. Consumed on a regular basis, they can help combat other health issues like heart disease and high cholesterol.

    I'd caution you not to wait till science proves everything. Drink chamomile daily over the long term to reap the most health benefits. I should mention that chamomile has a reputation for being a sleep aid, so you may want to drink it at night. Taken first thing in the morning, it might slow you down.

How the Amish beat cancer time and time again

From the desk of Lee Euler, Editor and Publisher

The Amish Cancer Secret How to cure just about any cancer the Amish way Is it possible to cure just about any cancer the Amish way? Is it true that many Amish people easily get rid of cancer in just three or four weeks? Are the Amish onto something BIG? To find out, I interviewed Jakob and Fannie, a young Amish couple from southern Minnesota. Jakob and Fannie are just two out of roughly 800 Amish people each year who travel 2,000 miles by train to go to a little-known cancer clinic. They told me an amazing, lifesaving tip that everyone should know. . .but almost nobody does. Click here and I’ll share it with you, absolutely FREE. Kindest regards, Frank Cousineau Cancer Patient Advocate

Big Train Drop Lightning Shortened Game 4-1

Big Train Drop Lightning Shortened Game 4-1

The Big Train entered Wednesday's road game riding a three-game win streak, and were looking to make it four straight against the DC Grays. Due to lightning delays and anticipated darkness, the game would last just seven innings. | Box Score Zach Morris (Maryland) got the start for the Big Train, and gave up just four hits and a walk over five innings. However, Morris would give up four runs, including three in the first inning. The Big Train would rally in the fifth to bring the score closer. After back-to-back hits by Tyler France (San Diego State) and Tim Yandel (Tulane),Ryne Willard (Tallahassee CC) would hit a groundball to score France and make the score 4-1. Will Resnik (High Point) gave the Big Train two shutout innings out of the bullpen, keeping the team in the game. However, the offense failed to score a run in the final two innings, and the Big Train went on to lose 4-1. Despite the loss, the Big Train still boast a 12-4 record, good for a 2.5-game lead over the second-place Southern Maryland Nationals. They'll look to build on that lead on Thursday, as they host the Nationals at Povich Field at 7:30 PM.

Don't let cancer kill your bank account

Treating Cancer Is FINANCIALLY Toxic!     The diagnosis is devastating... the treatments doctors recommend can be traumatic...     ... and when the bills start rolling in—you quickly realize that the cost of curing cancer is just about as bad as the disease! Here's what cancer does to your bank account, and what you can do about it... Continued below... The 8-Ingredient Recipe For Radically Transformed Health     How would you like to trade your body for a healthier, more youthful one?     By doing just ONE thing differently, you can...     Heal your diseases... banish aches and pains... sleep like a baby... and restore your youthful energy...     Age backwards... put an end to grey hair... improve your vision... and reduce wrinkles—without cosmetic dermatologists, eye doctors, plastic surgeons, and hair colorists...     Lose weight... improve muscle tone and skin elasticity... and recover your youthful physique.     Click here to claim your FREE REPORT and discover this amazing little-known secret—and radically transform your health.     A recent study1 indicates that cancer patients are three times more likely to declare bankruptcy than people without the disease.     According to a June 2013 study from the Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research in Washington, younger people with cancer were five times more likely to declare bankruptcy compared to older patients.     Those odds are alarming when you consider that tough economic times have driven bankruptcies sky high for people who aren't dealing with a cancer diagnosis!     Study co-author Karma Kreizenbeck says that while their paper shows how cancer causes patients to run up medical debts that can lead to bankruptcy, "it could also mean people have to take second jobs, end up with lower credit scores or have to make other decisions."     If you're wondering about the numbers, consider this estimate from the National Cancer Institute (NCI)2 ...     According to their research, cancer costs in 2010 reached a staggering $124 billion in the United States. And you can bet these numbers will continue their upward trend, with some estimates of cancer costs reaching at least $158 billion by 2020.     If you're already emotionally and physically exhausted from dealing with disease, the last thing you need is the stress of worrying about how to pay for treatments.     But that's the unfortunate reality for thousands of sick cancer patients. Let's take a look at some of the costs you can expect to face… A surefire way to drain your bank account     Cancer.net, a website of cancer information from American Society of Clinical Oncology, breaks down some of the common costs associated with cancer. These include: Doctor appointments—Even when you have medical insurance, you typically are responsible for a co-payment for each visit. The amount of the co-pay is set by the insurance company and can really add up when visits are frequent. What's more, you'll often be on the hook for separate charges associated with each laboratory test done as part of your appointment. Treatment expenses—These include charges for any medical care, such as radiation and chemotherapy sessions, that you receive during your cancer treatment. A study from Duke University Medical Center and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute3 showed that 215 insured cancer patients reported spending an average of $712 a month in out-of-pocket expenses. And even insured women with breast cancer can expect to shell out anywhere from $150-200 weekly for radiology visits if they have high insurance co-pays! Because cancer treatment can take anywhere from a few days to months or years—you'll need a doctor or nurse to help you determine how often and for how long you may incur these out-of-pocket costs. Medication costs—It's likely your share of the cost of cancer drugs will be high. So count on shelling out B-I-G bucks for chemotherapy plus other medicines to help relieve side effects. Transportation—Don't overlook gas and other expenses you may have when traveling to and from your treatment facility. And if you're seeking treatment outside of your home state, you'll have to foot the travel costs for tickets, lodging and food while you're away. Family and living expenses—You may incur costs related to running your household during your cancer treatment. These could include childcare or elder care expenses. Caregiving, at-home care, and long-term care—Cancer patients may require extensive assistance during treatment, such as fixing meals or transportation to medical appointments. Some patients even require long-term nursing care. Employment, legal, and financial issues—A cancer patient may incur costs for professional guidance to help address loss of wages for the patient or caregiver, to help sort out the tax implications of medical expenses, or to help write a will.     This is just a snapshot of some of the costs you may incur. But it should be more than enough to show that fighting cancer is truly a financial burden.     So is there any help available? Some resources to help ease your burden...     Of course, some of the most effective treatments are natural foods and supplements that don't cost very much at all. I firmly believe, based on the people we've interviewed during the last eight years, that patients can beat cancer on their own at home or by working with an alternative doctor on an outpatient basis.     Particularly for late-stage cancer patients, I believe the conventional treatments are almost worthless and you're better off with alternatives. Don't waste your last dollar on the chemo treatment that's supposed to give you two more months (it probably won't). Try the kinds of things Bill Henderson recommends in How to Cure Almost Any Cancer at Home for $5.15 or Day, or that Ty Bollinger recommends in The 31-Day Home Cancer Cure.     These are proven, validated cancer protocols that work for a lot of people. They don't work for 100 percent of patients — that's not realistic -- but I'm convinced they have a MUCH higher success rate for late-stage cancer than do conventional treatments.     But if you're an early-stage cancer patient you may decide to roll the dice on conventional treatments, or maybe you want to combine conventional and alternative therapies. Or perhaps you have a family member with cancer who won't consider alternatives.     In that case, you may need to brace yourself for a financial shock. In Issue #268, we covered a variety of resources that are available to people in the mainstream medical system and — sometimes — to patients undergoing alternative treatments. I suggest you take a look at that issue, and make sure you aren't missing any help that might available.     There are many non-profit organizations that provide assistance with medications, lodging, transportation, cleaning and other services for cancer patients.     And "Obamacare" -- the new federal law officially known as The Affordable Care Act -- is supposed to make healthcare more affordable and available to people diagnosed with cancer and other grave diseases. We'll see.     My wish is that the half million cancer patients diagnosed each year find the financial, emotional and medical support they need! Footnotes: 1Ramsey, S. et al. 2013. Washington state cancer patients found to be at greater risk for bankruptcy than people without a cancer diagnosis. Health Affairs. Published online before print May 2013, doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2012.1263. Available at http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/32/6/1143 2National Cancer Institute. (2011, January 11). Cancer prevalence and cost of care projections. Retrieved from http://costprojections.cancer.gov/expenditures.html 3Duke Medicine News and Communications. 2011, June 6. Medical bills force cancer patients to skimp on care andnecessities.DukeHealth.org website. Available online at http://www.dukehealth.org/health_library/news/medical-bills-force-cancer-patients-to-skimp-on-care-and-necessities Addtional Resources: American Cancer Society. 2012. Health insurance and financial assistance for the cancer patient. Available at http://www.cancer.org/treatment/findingandpayingfortreatment/managinginsuranceissues/ healthinsuranceandfinancialassistanceforthecancerpatient/health-insurance-and- financial-assistance-options-for-uninsured American Cancer Society. 2011. The Affordable Care Act: How it helps people with cancer and their families. Available at http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@editorial/documents/document/acspc-026864.pdf Grens, K. 2011. Cancer costs highest for individually insured. Fox News. Available at http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2011/06/01/cancer-costs-highest-individually-insured/ Lacoma, T. 2013. The average cost of chemotherapy. Available on the eHow website at http://www.ehow.com/about_5591219_average-cost-chemotherapy.html National Cancer Institute. 2013. Coping with cancer: Financial, legal and insurance information. Available at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/financial-legal

Health Disclaimer: The information provided above is not intended as personal medical advice or instructions. You should not take any action affecting your health without consulting a qualified health professional. The authors and publishers of the information above are not doctors or health-caregivers. The authors and publishers believe the information to be accurate but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. There is some risk associated with ANY cancer treatment, and the reader should not act on the information above unless he or she is willing to assume the full risk.

Big Train Sweep Monday Doubleheader

Big Train (12-3) Sweep Monday Doubleheader   After a brief road trip to Herndon on Sunday, the Big Train returned home to Povich Field on Monday to host the Vienna Riverdogs in a doubleheader. Due to the nature of the doubleheader, each game was seven innings long.    BOX SCORES: GAME 1, W 4-0 | GAME 2, W 3-1 | VIDEO: Post Game Interviews (Derby, Colangleo, Cole) Bubba Derby (San Diego State) started Game 1 for the Big Train, and pitched a near-perfect game. Derby pitched a complete-game shutout for Bethesda, giving up just two hits and a walk over his seven innings of work while striking out six. Derby was also able to work very quickly, as the game lasted just one hour and 27 minutes. The Big Train offense was present to give Derby run support in Game 1, managing to push across four runs. Two RBIs from Tucker Tobin (George Mason) and multi-hit games from Kyle Wernicki (Virginia Tech) and Ricky Santiago (Florida Atlantic) paved the way for the Big Train offense, as the team scored four runs in their 4-0 victory. Luis Collazo (Virginia Tech) took the mound for Bethesda in Game 2, and also gave the team a high-quality start. Collazo went 4.2 innings, also giving up just two hits and a walk. He would have a chance to pitch with an early lead, as an RBI single by Tim Yandel (Tulane) in the first inning gave the Big Train a 1-0 lead. However, Collazo would yield the tying run in the fifth inning, and Cody Mizelle (Florida Atlantic) would work the final 2.1 frames for the Big Train.Mizelle gave Bethesda exactly what they needed out of the bullpen, putting together a perfect line (0 R, 0 H, 0 BB) in his 2.1 innings of work. The offense would reward Mizelle for his efforts, as Yandel and Johnny Cole (Coastal Carolina) scored in the bottom of the sixth to give the Big Train the 3-1 lead. The lead would stand, and Mizelle picked up his second win of the season. In five appearances thus far, Mizelle has not given up a single run. With the two-game sweep, the Big Train now find themselves in first place with a three-game lead in the CRCBL Standings. Having won eight out of their last 12 games, the Big Train are now 12-3, with three more wins than any other team in the league. The Big Train will finally get a day of rest on Tuesday after playing 11 games in 11 days. The Big Train will then travel to the nation's capitol on Wednesday to take on the D.C. Grays before returning home on Thursdayto take on the Southern Maryland Nationals at Povich Field.    Thursday will be Carnival Night, so come on out and enjoy the rides, Petting Zoo and Pony Rides available for kids in the parking lot before the game! Kids will also have the opportunity to run the bases after the game. Tickets to the game can be purchased here or at the gate!

Big Train Get Revenge, Best Braves 10-4

Big Train Get Revenge, Best Braves 10-4

The Big Train sought to avenge Saturday's loss on Sunday, as they played the Herndon Braves in the second half of a weekend home-and-home series. Michael Boyle (Radford) got the start for the Big Train, and gave the team six shutout innings. Boyle gave up just two hits and a walk while striking out seven. | Box Score The scoring would get going for the Big Train in the second inning. After the team loaded the bases with one out, Ricky Santiago (Florida Atlantic) hit an RBI single and Parker Guinn (Washington) followed with a sacrifice fly to put the Big Train up 2-0. An RBI groundout by Ryne Willard (Tallahassee CC) in the sixth broughtTim Yandel (Tulane) home for the second time and the lead extended to 3-0. Most of the Big Train lineup reached base during the seventh inning. The Big Train were able to plate four of those runners thanks to a wild pitch, a fielder's choice, and a passed ball to increase the lead to 7-0. After forcing a pitching change, the Big Train would add two more runs, after Ty France (San Diego St.) laced a single. That made the lead 9-0, but the Braves would rally in the bottom half of the inning, scoring four runs. However, the Big Train would add an insurance run in the ninth to cap the 10-4 victory. With the victory, the Big Train are the first team in the CRCBL to ten wins and hold a 2.5-game lead for first place in the standings. The Big Train will look to build on their 2.5-game lead on Monday, as they host the Vienna Riverdogs for a doubleheader at Povich Field. The games are scheduled for 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM, respectively, and it's Shirley Povich Bobblehead Night! Come out to Povich Field and receive a bobblehead of the stadium's namesake if you're one of the first 500 fans!

The TRUTH about whole grains

Diana Keuilian

Let's sit down together and have the uncomfortable talk about grains... I'm gonna say some stuff here that you may not want to hear, stuff that goes against what you've been made to believe is healthy.  However, if you read the following with an open mind then you're going to come away with a life changing truth about truly healthy eating that will transform your body. It has certainly transformed mine. A few weeks ago I posted the quote below from Mark Sisson, author of The Primal Blueprint, on my facebook page that raised many questions.  "There are no requirements in human nutrition for carbohydrates. Grains are totally unnecessary."  So if we aren't supposed to be eating grains then why are 'whole grains' said to be so healthy for us? Why do whole grain bread product have a heart healthy stamp on them? Why does the doctor tell us to eat plenty of whole grains to help lower our cholesterol and increase our fiber intake?Here is the argument against the consumption of grains:  When looking at the span of human existence, grains have been apart of our diet for only a short time. "For better or for worse, we are no longer hunter-gatherers. However, our genetic makeup is still that of a paleolithic hunter-gatherer, a species whose nutritional requirements are optimally adapted to wild meats, fruits and vegetables, not cereal grains. There is a significant body of evidence which suggests that cereal grains are less than optimal foods for humans and that the human genetic makeup and physiology may not be fully adapted to high levels of cereal grain consumption." Loren Cordain, Ph.D., author of The Paleo Diet  Grains contain plentiful calories, however they also contain "antinutrients" (compounds that interfere with the absorption of beneficial nutrients), are high in carbs, and have grain protein which are foreign to the human digestive process. A diet high in grains puts stress on the body's insulin regulation mechanism which leaves you susceptible for weight gain and diabetes. Certain grain proteins (ever heard of gluten?) trigger an immune response when ingested. According to researchers, as many as one third of us are gluten-intolerant or gluten-sensitive. Over time this can lead to dermatitis, joint pain, reproductive problems, acid reflux, other digestive conditions, autoimmune disorders, and celiac disease. "For the purpose of weight control and preventing disease, a gram of carb from a whole grain is no better than a gram of carb from a refined grain. I'm not suggesting you choose refined grains over whole grains; I'm suggesting that you ditch all grains. " Mark Sisson, Primal Blueprint I don't know why grains are still considered a health food darling while the research against gluten and processed carbohydrates piles up. I too have spent years being duped into thinking that brown rice and whole grain bread was benefiting my body, when in fact it was responsible for the weight I couldn't lose and the indigestion I felt. The day that I stopped eating grains my body naturally began to shed off extra pounds. The good news is that eating fewer grains is easier than you think...  Here are some painless ways to replace grains: -       Bake a loaf of Almond Bread to replace wheat bread. -       Wrap your sandwich in large lettuce leaves. -       Eat Kale chips rather than traditional chips. -       Bake some Caveman Granola rather than regular cereal. -       Swap out regular flour for almond flour in your favorite baking recipe. -       Make noodles with a vegetable peeler and a zucchini, or use spaghetti squash. -       Try my recipe for Real Healthy Rice, using cauliflower rather than traditional rice. Make grain-free rice --> Real Healthy Rice  Happy cooking :)  Diana Keuilian  P.S. Eliminating grains from just one meal each day can and will make a difference in how you look and feel. Start with this grain-free rice recipe...http://realhealthyrecipes.com/2013/01/08/real-healthy-rice/

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