Soggy Povich Field Postpones Friday's Game
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Players, Volunteers and Game Night Staff crowd the Press Box to avoid the storm.
Mother Nature's will was greater than that of the baseball gods last night, as heavy rain and lightning postponed the showdown against the Herndon Braves. The game will be made up on Wednesday, July 2ndin part one of a double-header beginning at 5 p.m. All tickets purchased to last night's game are valid for any future 2012 regular season Big Train game.
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Saturday, June 23, 2012
Big Train-Braves Game Postponed
Friday, June 22, 2012
SPORTS AND LEARNING CENTER TRACK NAMED IN HONOR OF LARRY COLBERT
SPORTS AND LEARNING CENTER TRACK NAMED IN HONOR OF LARRY COLBERT
(LANDOVER, Md. – June 16, 2012) The Prince George’s County Executive, the Prince George’s County Council, and the Prince George’s County Planning Board of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission honored Bowie State University Assistant Track and Field Coach Lawrence “Larry” Colbert with a plaque unveiling ceremony.
“Thank you to the staff at Bowie State University for the opportunity to expand my coaching abilities to the college level. Having this opportunity to coach alongside Coach Latimer has been a most rewarding experience and one that I will always treasure”, said Colbert.
Coach Latimer said, “It has been an honor having such a wonderful man of standard on my staff
as lead assistant coach. He is a man of excellence and goes far beyond the call of duty by doing more than others expect. He is one that maintains high standards”, said Latimer.
as lead assistant coach. He is a man of excellence and goes far beyond the call of duty by doing more than others expect. He is one that maintains high standards”, said Latimer.
Mr. Colbert was a long time resident of Prince George’s County, and was recognized by the County Council in May 2011 for his “Exemplary Public Service” in the county over the years. His services included being an active member in the establishment of the Glenarden Track Club, a former track and field coach at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, and an assistant field house manager at the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex.
“Coach Colbert has long been a pillar of excellence in the local track community. His contributions to the track community cannot be adequately measured. So many individuals have benefited from his contributions, many of them directly and even more indirectly. He definitely deserves all the accolades presented to him. The BSU Athletic Department also joins in thanking him for all he has done for us and the community”, said Athletic Director Anton Goff.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
National Champs, Bats come to live against River Dogs
Big Train Bats Come Alive,
Pummel Riverdogs in Eleven | ||
The Big Train traveled to Vienna last night with revenge on their minds after losing to the River Dogs 9-4 on June 9th. That loss was avenged as some outstanding performances led to an incredible 16-11 win in extra innings. The Big Train started off with a one-run lead after a walk and three hit batsmen brought a run across the plate in the first inning. However, the Big Train would give up five in the bottom of the inning and trail 5-1. In the third inning, the Big Train looked destined for a quiet inning untilColin Kish (Florida Southern) singled and Cole Norton (St. Mary's (CA)) drove a ball over the left-center field fence. But the Riverdogs scored two of their own in the third to make the score 7-3. Norton would strike again in the fifth inning. After a Tucker Tobin(George Mason) walk and another Kish single, Norton tripled to deep center to score both his teammates and eventually crossed the plate himself on a Brennan Middleton (Tulane) RBI groundout. But once again, the Riverdogs would match the Big Train and score three as well in the bottom of the inning. In the sixth, a two-out Hunter Renfroe (Mississippi State) single kept a rally alive and brought Tobin to the plate where his three-run homer closed the gap to 10-9. The team was able to tie the game in the seventh as a Mitch Morales(Florida Atlantic) double scored Norton who had led off the inning with a single. Cameron Cuneo (UC Santa Barbara) pitched the last five of the regulation nine innings for the Big Train and gave up just one run in his first Big Train appearance. Cuneo's left-handed sidearm delivery baffled hitters all night. His slider was particularly effective and few balls even left the infield. Cuneo commented on that pitch, as well as his fastball, after the game. "It's been my go to for a while," Cuneo said. "I really got a feel for that fastball inside. I got more behind it than I usually do." The Big Train would essentially finish the game in the 11th inning as they were able to put six runs up on the scoreboard. Kish doubled to lead off the inning and was followed by a Norton walk and Middletonsingle to load the bases. Morales stepped up to the plate and drilled a two-RBI single to put the Big Train ahead for good. Michael Bass (UNC-Wilmington) then drew his third walk of the night to reload the bases and Brendan Hendriks (San Francisco) hit a sacrifice fly to score another run. A couple of miscues by the Riverdogs and a double byTobin left the score at 16-10. The bottom of the eleventh brought one run in for the Riverdogs butHugh Adams (Florida Atlantic) was able to shut the door and pick up the win. Big Train Manager Sal Colangelo was happy with the effort of his players after the game and singled out a player who he thinks will have an impact on the team's results. "Our guys didn't quit. They continued to fight and try to get better and get after it," Colangelo said. "There's one guy who is going to be the 'X factor' on this team and that's Cole. If he can get it rolling, we're going to go." Look for the Big Train to carry that momentum back home to Povich Field tonight, as they will open a four-game home stand against the DC Grays at 7:30 PM. The box score for last's night's game can be viewed here and for tickets to tonight's game, click here Watch Tonight's game live 7:30pm EST on US Sports Network . |
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Experts give up on the PSA test
Government Experts Throw in the Towel
on the PSA Test
After at least two decades of touting it as the gold standard for prostate screening, the medical establishment appears to be turning its back on the popular PSA test.
In a May 2012 statement from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), co-chair Michael LeFevre, M.D., said that "men deserve to know what the science tells us about PSA screening: there is a very small potential benefit and significant potential harms."
This pretty much has been my stance all along! Keep reading and see why the PSA test has been such a disaster...
Continued below...
In a May 2012 statement from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), co-chair Michael LeFevre, M.D., said that "men deserve to know what the science tells us about PSA screening: there is a very small potential benefit and significant potential harms."
This pretty much has been my stance all along! Keep reading and see why the PSA test has been such a disaster...
Continued below...
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There's an amazing video that shows how a woman's cancer tumor was dissolved in 40 seconds!
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The government group is now saying that the 'cons' of having the test generally outweigh the 'pros' for most men under age 75.
The 'cons' are nasty indeed: If this unreliable test indicates a man may have prostate cancer, the next step is a biopsy. This is a highly invasive test in which small samples of tissue are cut out of the organ to be examined for cancer cells.
A biopsy can result in pain, fever, bleeding, infections and problems urinating. Worst of all, if cancer cells are actually present, it can spread them.
After all this risk and discomfort, the biopsy will often show no cancer is present — because the PSA test that prompted the biopsy in the first place is so often wrong.
The 'cons' are nasty indeed: If this unreliable test indicates a man may have prostate cancer, the next step is a biopsy. This is a highly invasive test in which small samples of tissue are cut out of the organ to be examined for cancer cells.
A biopsy can result in pain, fever, bleeding, infections and problems urinating. Worst of all, if cancer cells are actually present, it can spread them.
After all this risk and discomfort, the biopsy will often show no cancer is present — because the PSA test that prompted the biopsy in the first place is so often wrong.
And what if you DO have cancer?
Let's suppose the biopsy does find cancer. What then? The most likely next steps are surgery or radiation. You might think, "Wonderful, the PSA test led to early detection and treatment!"
Not so fast. Most prostate tumors are pretty harmless. Surgery and radiation are NOT needed. The best option is to do nothing. So, in reality, the PSA test has led to overtreatment. And the treatments can lead to lifelong incontinence or impotence, not to mention a lot of pain, expense, lost work days and who knows what else.
Well, actually, we do know what else: the fear, stress and anxiety of worrying about a cancer that didn't pose a threat.
Each year about 1,000 to 1,300 men die from complications connected to treatments that took place because the victims had a high PSA score.
As I've written in this space before, only about one prostate cancer out of ten is aggressive and therefore life-threatening. In a large study called the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial, only 28% of men in their 60s who had a high PSA score turned out to have cancer as shown by a biopsy — slightly more than one man out of four.
The rest — 72 out of a hundred -- had a high PSA score, but NO CANCER.
And of those who had cancer, only about one out of ten died of it. To be exact, 3 died out of every 28 men whose biopsies showed cancer. And don't forget, that's 3 out of the 100 who had a high PSA score at the beginning of this whole mess.
I want to underscore this: Out of a hundred men with a high PSA score only 28 had cancer and only three died of it.
This test is all but worthless, and that's what the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now confirms. The USPSTF reviewed previous research on this subject, including two large studies in the U.S. and Europe. When they compared men who were routinely screened with the PSA test and those who were not, there was no difference in death rates over a ten-year follow-up.
Again, I want to underscore this: Men who were tested like the dickens for prostate cancer were just as likely to be six feet under a decade later as those who weren't tested at all.
Now, there's a curious twist to this story. Most studies have focused on five-year survival rates, and found that PSA-screened men ARE more likely to survive more than five years. Why doesn't that hold up when you look at a ten-year time frame?
Not so fast. Most prostate tumors are pretty harmless. Surgery and radiation are NOT needed. The best option is to do nothing. So, in reality, the PSA test has led to overtreatment. And the treatments can lead to lifelong incontinence or impotence, not to mention a lot of pain, expense, lost work days and who knows what else.
Well, actually, we do know what else: the fear, stress and anxiety of worrying about a cancer that didn't pose a threat.
Each year about 1,000 to 1,300 men die from complications connected to treatments that took place because the victims had a high PSA score.
As I've written in this space before, only about one prostate cancer out of ten is aggressive and therefore life-threatening. In a large study called the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial, only 28% of men in their 60s who had a high PSA score turned out to have cancer as shown by a biopsy — slightly more than one man out of four.
The rest — 72 out of a hundred -- had a high PSA score, but NO CANCER.
And of those who had cancer, only about one out of ten died of it. To be exact, 3 died out of every 28 men whose biopsies showed cancer. And don't forget, that's 3 out of the 100 who had a high PSA score at the beginning of this whole mess.
I want to underscore this: Out of a hundred men with a high PSA score only 28 had cancer and only three died of it.
This test is all but worthless, and that's what the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now confirms. The USPSTF reviewed previous research on this subject, including two large studies in the U.S. and Europe. When they compared men who were routinely screened with the PSA test and those who were not, there was no difference in death rates over a ten-year follow-up.
Again, I want to underscore this: Men who were tested like the dickens for prostate cancer were just as likely to be six feet under a decade later as those who weren't tested at all.
Now, there's a curious twist to this story. Most studies have focused on five-year survival rates, and found that PSA-screened men ARE more likely to survive more than five years. Why doesn't that hold up when you look at a ten-year time frame?
All you get is more years of worry
It's actually simple, when you think about: Finding cancer earlier means you live longer knowing you have it.
Consider an example: If John Smith died of cancer in 2010 and it was first diagnosed in 2006, he's not a five-year survivor. But say he had a PSA test in 2003 and a biopsy then detected cancer. He still dies in 2010 — but, bingo! Now he's a seven-year survivor!
And that's exactly why the PSA test, biopsies and aggressive treatment are trumpeted as increasing five-year survival rates. The men do NOT live longer. They die at the same time they would have anyway. But the cancer is detected earlier and in the official records those men beat the five-year mark.
When the USPFTF focused on ten-year survival rates, they exposed this bogus claim of success, and the PSA test was revealed to be almost worthless.
The group advocates putting a halt to PSA screening tests unless a person "makes the personal decision that even a small possibility of benefit outweighs the known risk of harms."
The panel said the best option would be to pursue better testing and treatment options. Clearly, what's needed most is a test to identify aggressive cancers and distinguish them from slow-growing cancers that — in men over 60 — could be left untreated. There's some action on this front, but no reliable test yet, as far as I know.
Consider an example: If John Smith died of cancer in 2010 and it was first diagnosed in 2006, he's not a five-year survivor. But say he had a PSA test in 2003 and a biopsy then detected cancer. He still dies in 2010 — but, bingo! Now he's a seven-year survivor!
And that's exactly why the PSA test, biopsies and aggressive treatment are trumpeted as increasing five-year survival rates. The men do NOT live longer. They die at the same time they would have anyway. But the cancer is detected earlier and in the official records those men beat the five-year mark.
When the USPFTF focused on ten-year survival rates, they exposed this bogus claim of success, and the PSA test was revealed to be almost worthless.
The group advocates putting a halt to PSA screening tests unless a person "makes the personal decision that even a small possibility of benefit outweighs the known risk of harms."
The panel said the best option would be to pursue better testing and treatment options. Clearly, what's needed most is a test to identify aggressive cancers and distinguish them from slow-growing cancers that — in men over 60 — could be left untreated. There's some action on this front, but no reliable test yet, as far as I know.
Watch the trend, some doctors say
Supposedly there IS a way to get some good out of the PSA test — observe the trend over a series of tests. If you're tested every six months and the PSA score is trending up, some doctors say it indicates an aggressive cancer may be present. Biopsies and more aggressive treatment may be warranted.
Quite a few urologists and oncologists are now working on this assumption, but I don't know how much evidence there is to support it. For what it's worth, I have a dog in this fight. My PSA number is slightly elevated and increased very slightly over the past year. I'm not alarmed, but I'll get tested again in six months and see if there's an uptrend.
It's called "watchful waiting" — and it's by far the most sensible strategy for most men who have a high PSA score and even for those who are told they have a tumor.
Urologists and even general practitioners are reluctant to give up on the PSA test. They continue to use as if it means something. My guess is that most men middle-aged and up are still being regularly tested. "Do nothing" is not an appealing strategy to most people — and that includes patients, who are easily panicked into biopsies, and then into radiation or surgery, when a doctor starts throwing around the "C" word.
Quite a few urologists and oncologists are now working on this assumption, but I don't know how much evidence there is to support it. For what it's worth, I have a dog in this fight. My PSA number is slightly elevated and increased very slightly over the past year. I'm not alarmed, but I'll get tested again in six months and see if there's an uptrend.
It's called "watchful waiting" — and it's by far the most sensible strategy for most men who have a high PSA score and even for those who are told they have a tumor.
Urologists and even general practitioners are reluctant to give up on the PSA test. They continue to use as if it means something. My guess is that most men middle-aged and up are still being regularly tested. "Do nothing" is not an appealing strategy to most people — and that includes patients, who are easily panicked into biopsies, and then into radiation or surgery, when a doctor starts throwing around the "C" word.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
50 College Coaches on Twitter Can you say "Recruiting Tool?"
50 College Coaches You Should Follow on Twitter
In the world of college sports, Twitter is a divisive subject. Many coaches go so far as toban their players from using the social networking site for fear it will distract players or be used as a vehicle for trash talking. Then there's the ambivalent group, the coaches who don't block players from using Twitter, but will probably go to their graves without ever sending a tweet themselves. But some forward-thinking coaches have embraced Twitter as a way to connect with die-hard fans and give them news and info that can't be had anywhere else. These 50 are the ones who do that the best.
Basketball
- John Calipari:This three-time National Coach of the Year will keep you up to date with news from current and former players from the reigning Division I men's hoops championship team at University of Kentucky.
- Billy Donovan:More than 70,000 followers keep in touch with this successful head of the Florida Gators men's program, who tweets team news like updates on the all-important recruiting situation.
- Chris Collins:Collins is a former high school and college b-ball star and an up-and-coming associate head coach at Duke under the legendary Coach K. Keep an eye on this kid by following his Twitter feed.
- Seth Greenberg:Although he was recently let go after nine years as the head coach of Virginia Tech's men's basketball team, this 2005 ACC Coach of the Year will land on his feet. In the meantime, he's tweeting basketball wisdom from his years of experience.
- Scott Nagy:South Dakota State made a decent showing in March Madness this year, giving eventual Elite 8 team Baylor a run for their money. Coach Nagy runs a fun Twitter feed, but don't be surprised if he corrects your spelling.
- Bill Self:Every basketball season, there are a few usual suspects for who will make the Final Four. Kansas is one of those, so Coach Self's feed is a can't-miss.
- Scott Drew:Coach Drew has completely transformed Baylor men's basketball, taking them from a 1-15 team to a serious championship contender. He's got a lot to be happy about, and his positive tweets show it.
- Jim Carr:Longtime Rutgers coach Jim Carr recently took a job as an assistant coach at University of Rhode Island. He brings his reputation for wit and politeness to his Twitter feed.
- Gary Blair:He must be doing something right. Under Coach Blair's guidance, the Texas A&M women's basketball team won it all in 2011. He's your best source of women's hoops news from Aggieland.
- Marvin Menzies:His success at New Mexico State has had other schools trying to lure him away. For the near future, Coach Menzies goal is for the Aggies to improve on their disappointing first-round tournament exit in 2012.
- Kevin McGuff:@CoachMcGuff says the University of Washington has "some of the most intense women's basketball fans in the country." He tries to keep them informed with this Twitter feed.
- Steve Wojciechowski:This associate head coach at Duke is a serial tweeter, offering recruiting updates, inspiring quotes, and chats with Blue Devil hoops fans and former players-turned-pros.
- Pat Summitt:The famous "head coach emeritus" has recently begun tweeting again, keeping followers informed of Volunteer news and information about her foundation that deals with early-onset dementia.
- Tom Crean:After seeing success as Marquette's head coach, Crean inherited a struggling Indiana team in 2008 that he led to the Sweet Sixteen this year. Subscribing to his Twitter feed is a good way to keep tabs on this coach whose stock continues to rise.
- Cliff Warren:Jacksonville U head coach Cliff Warren provides a good variety of tweeted material, regular featuring uplifting quotes and stats from pastors, former coaches, and successful businesspeople, in addition to team and school updates.
- Chris Mack:Xavier is a solid postseason team led by Coach Mack and his excellent 50-17 record. But his Twitter feed proves he's not afraid to mix it up with fans or to share his thoughts on life as a husband and dad to two little girls.
- Jay Wright:Villanova hasn't made the NCAA tournament since 2008. They're always a team to watch and if Coach Wright keeps up the frenetic pace of his tweets come basketball season, this will be a feed to follow.
- Bacari Alexander:Assistant coach Alexander "strives to be a leader" for Michigan's men's basketball. His feed is a composite of positive quotes from A Godly Life, Inspirational Quotes, African Proverbs, and other Twitter feeds.
- Kim Mulkey:Mulkey's coaching no doubt had a lot to do with Baylor women's 40-0 2011-2012 season, the first ever in NCAA history. However, the possibility of sanctions looms. Stay tuned into this feed for news.
Football
- Lane Kiffin:Who knows what this polarizing USC head coach will take to Twitter to do next? Commit a recruiting violation? Wish Britney Spears happy birthday? The only way to find out is to follow along.
- Les Miles:Some consider Coach Miles' Twitter feed to be perfect. Follow the LSU head coach and decide for yourself.
- Lou Holtz:OK, technically he hasn't coached since 2004. But that year was Lou Holtz's 45th year of coaching in both college and the NFL, meaning the guy knows his stuff and is worth keeping up with.
- Mike Leach:He's been called a "bully" and a "certified nut job." Can Coach Leach get it together and return to his glory days coaching at a major program like Texas Tech? Find out here.
- Will Muschamp:In 2010, Muschamp took over at Florida from the winningest coach in SEC history, and things have gotten off to a rocky start. Follow along as he tries to restore the Gators to the high level of success they're used to.
- Daon Roberts:This WVU assistant coach has all the makings of an intriguing tweeter: Harvard-educated professor, connoisseur of catfish, and sweet tea sommelier. Check him out.
- Jim Mora:Former Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks coach Jim Mora just signed a five-year contract with UCLA. He's fired up to be coaching again and it will be interesting to see where he can take the Bruins.
- Steve Sarkisian:Coach Sark does a lot of work with Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and uses his Twitter feed to keep followers updated on it, in addition to news on his #21-ranked Huskies.
- Hugh Freeze:The Ole Miss head coach regularly posts encouraging tweets with the tag #wintheday, with a healthy dose of fishing trip pictures thrown in for good measure.
- Butch Jones:The 2011 Big East Coach of the Year keeps fans abreast of Cincinnati football developments. They're coming off a strong 2011 season capped by a bowl victory over Vanderbilt and look to maintain that momentum this year.
- David Shaw:You may have seen Coach Shaw working as a commentator for the NFL Network's coverage of the draft. His day job is coaching the Stanford football team (hopefully) back to a bowl game without Andrew Luck running the offense.
- Joker Phillips:Kentucky football may not enjoy the same success as the men's basketball team, but coach Joker Phillips keeps fan interest alive by regularly picking up the team, its achievements, and events on his Twitter feed.
- June Jones:Southern Methodist is looking to go out on a high note before it leaves Conference USA for the Big East. Follow along from recruitment to the post-season, if there is one, on Coach Jones' feed.
- Mike Gundy:Mike Gundy is the man who's turned Oklahoma State into a top-tier football program. Check up on his tweets for everything that's happening with the Cowboys.
- Bret Bielema:This coach led Wisconsin to a great 2011 season that included a Big Ten championship. Their recruiting for this year has been solid and their prospects for the 2012 season look like they'll make for some happy tweets.
- Kevin Sumlin:The former Houston head coach is looking to reverse the sagging fortunes of his new team, the Texas Aggies. You and the Aggie faithful can get your introduction to the new coach here.
- Jemal Singleton:OSU running backs coach @CoachSings provides a refreshing change to the priority schedule for many coaches. His bio proudly states it's "faith+family+football."
Baseball
- Mike Bianco:As of this writing, Ole Miss is safely into the NCAA tournament. Coach Bianco should be tweeting updates — like what movie they're watching on the bus — along the way.
- Billy Kennedy:This Texas A&M "bus driver" (school slang for coach) has the eighth-ranked Aggies in prime position for a run at a national title, so keep an eye on their progress from the coach's spot on the bench.
- Chad Holbrook:Check out the tweets from associate head coach Chad Holbrook as the South Carolina Gamecocks seek their third national championship in the last three years.
- Jim Morris:Miami has clenched a berth in the NCAA tournament, but they've been dealing with injuries late in the season. See if Coach Morris can lead them to a deep postseason run, and get the details here.
- Sunny Golloway:A strong late-season push should be enough to secure a tournament bid for the Sooners. Send your thoughts to coach Golloway as they make their run, or just enjoy his positive #keepfighting, #onepitchatatime, and #wineverypitch tags.
- Steve Smith:Baylor head coach Steve Smith invites you to "Follow to get his view from the dugout." It's a great time to be a sports fan at Baylor, and the baseball is no exception, so jump on the bandwagon.
- Tracy Smith:Indiana's head coach runs this feed that keeps fans connected with Hoosier stickball news, with some personal thoughts and major league baseball takes from Smith.
Other Sports
- Randy Waldrum:The Twitter feed for the head coach of the women's soccer team at Notre Dame is worth following on the strength of one funny tweet: "Just got locked in the bathroom @ ND for 45 minutes…had to be rescued through the ceiling!"
- Nikki Izzo-Brown:West Virginia women's soccer had a solid 10-4 season last year. Coach Izzo-Brown will keep you connected with the team's schedule, as well as her interest in the fight against breast cancer.
- Rico Blasi:He's the most successful hockey coach in Miami University's history. Follow Coach Blasi as Miami gears up to take to the ice this fall.
- Tom Anastos:Michigan State hockey currently holds a solid pre-season ranking of 15th in the country. As training heats up, this is the feed to follow for all your Spartan rink news.
- Patrick Murphy:Alabama's softball team holds the #2 spot in the nation's rankings right now. If you want to know something about their coach before the NCAA tourney starts, this is the place to look.
- Stacey Nuveman Deniz:Somehow this former gold-medal Olympian finds time in between coaching softball at San Diego State and raising a "bouncing baby boy" to keep her followers up to speed on her life.
- Rhonda Revelle:Nebraska softball head coach Revelle alternates her tweets between inspiring quotes and news from around the Cornhusker baseball and softball diamonds.
June 19th, 2012 written by Site Administrator
Monday, June 18, 2012
Renfroe Homers Twice but Big Train Fall to Redbirds on Fathers Day
Renfroe Homers Twice but Big Train
Fall to Redbirds on Fathers Day |
 This Hunter Renfroe swing drove his first home run from Povich Field. Hunter Renfore (Mississippi State) starred on last season's National Championship Big Train squad and returned to Bethesda again this season. While he had begun his second season at a decent pace, many expected bigger things. Renfroe's bat agreed with that sentiment on Sunday night as he book-ended the Big Train attack with two-run homers in both the first and the ninth innings. Unfortunately for the Big Train, that was all the offense on the night and team lost 6-4 to the Baltimore Redbirds. Despite the loss, the atmosphere at Povich Field was great on a wonderful Fathers Day evening as dads came out with their kids to play catch in the outfield before the game, get a free hat courtesy of First Call Office Products, and settle in for a night of great baseball. The box score and play-by-play of the game can be found here. |
Death in a soda can (and it's not just the sugar!)
An Everyday Cause of Cancer
You Can and Should Avoid
A friend of mine recently learned her husband has early stage cancer. Praise God, it's treatable and he'll probably be all right.
We got to talking about how it might have happened. What on earth could have caused it? We're all exposed to so many toxic substances. Today I'm going to talk about just one that might have had some role in this man's misfortune. There's no way to know for sure, but it's one of the most common, widespread carcinogens in America.
It's yet another poison you don't need and can easily avoid. Keep reading for the details...
Continued below. . .
We got to talking about how it might have happened. What on earth could have caused it? We're all exposed to so many toxic substances. Today I'm going to talk about just one that might have had some role in this man's misfortune. There's no way to know for sure, but it's one of the most common, widespread carcinogens in America.
It's yet another poison you don't need and can easily avoid. Keep reading for the details...
Continued below. . .
Drink This and Cancer
Comes Pouring Out of Your Body
"If I could pick only one treatment to cure my cancer, this would be it," says a top expert on alternative cancer treatments.
Research conducted by a scientist at the Detroit Institute of Cancer Research showed this is one of the world's most powerful cancer cures. Even the mainstream National Cancer Institute confirmed that this do-it-yourself treatment kills cancer cells. Then they buried the research. Personally, I've been writing about cancer treatments for almost seven years. Out of nearly 400 that I've investigated, I haven't found an at-home treatment that's better. It worked for Robert, age 54, who had late stage stomach cancer. His doctors told him he didn't have chance. The most they could do was buy him a little time, using four aggressive chemotherapy drugs PLUS radiation — a deadly, toxic, last-ditch treatment. INSTEAD Robert used this non-toxic liquid and was completely cancer-free within months. The amazed doctor was forced to admit Robert's cancer was "in remission." Two years later, he was still cancer-free. Click here and watch an important video presentation about this discovery. |
It's the ultimate irony...
For several decades, the U.S. government has blessed the widespread sale and use of a known carcinogen—ignoring scores of studies proving it damages our health.
Scientists now believe the poster child for "safe" packaging chemicals may be making one of their best cancer treatments useless!
I'm talking about bisphenol-A, called BPA for short. This polycarbonate is used to harden plastics and is found in everything from CDs and dental fillings to sunglasses. It's used as a protective lining in metals cans, such as soda cans. It's found in nearly all plastic drink containers.
Long-time readers might remember an earlier article (Issue #17) where I warned that BPA is found in the urine of 95% of Americans—including that of innocent babies! That article went into great detail on the abundant evidence against the use of BPA.
I also reported that many scientists are concerned about BPA. Levels in humans are well above those known to cause adverse effects in lab animals.
And yet as recently as March 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is still insisting "the scientific evidence at this time does not suggest that very low levels of human exposure to BPA through the diet are unsafe."1
Baloney!
Government organizations and the medical establishment have known since the 1890s that BPA acts as a synthetic form of the hormone estrogen. And there's a great deal of evidence that over-exposure to estrogens in our food and environment is a major source of health problems…
When a team of University of Cincinnati scientists exposed human breast cancer cells to low levels of BPA, they were shocked to find that BPA acts on cancer cells in much the same way that estrogen does.
But wait, this gets even worse. BPA encouraged the production of proteins that prevent cancer cells from being killed by chemotherapy drugs, according to cell biologist and lead study author Nira Ben-Jonathan, PhD.
So according to the study's results, not only does BPA contribute to cancer formation—it undermines and neutralizes mainstream medicine's favorite way of treating cancer!
The study's authors said "these data provide considerable support to the accumulating evidence that BPA is hazardous to human health."2
And despite the FDA's 'defend and deny' strategy—many folks are waking up to the warnings and taking decisive action...
Canada says "NO" to cancerous BPA!
While many federal government agencies in the U.S. continue to express only mild concern about the possibility that BPA is a dangerous carcinogen, folks in other countries are taking a far more hard-nosed approach.
Canada has always been in the vanguard when it comes to cracking down on BPA use. After first taking steps in 2008 to control use of this toxic chemical, Canada became the first nation in the world to ban it altogether in 2010.
And Canada may be setting a trend for many other nations around the globe…
Despite significant industry pressure, the European Union banned BPA use in baby bottles as of June 2011. And the French National Assembly went a step further—declaring BPA to be banned from ALL food packaging by 2014.
Prompted by consumer concerns about BPA toxins in the food supply, Japanese industries took swift action to voluntarily reduce the use of BPA between 1998 and 2003.
So what did they do? Their two approaches included:
Canada has always been in the vanguard when it comes to cracking down on BPA use. After first taking steps in 2008 to control use of this toxic chemical, Canada became the first nation in the world to ban it altogether in 2010.
And Canada may be setting a trend for many other nations around the globe…
Despite significant industry pressure, the European Union banned BPA use in baby bottles as of June 2011. And the French National Assembly went a step further—declaring BPA to be banned from ALL food packaging by 2014.
Prompted by consumer concerns about BPA toxins in the food supply, Japanese industries took swift action to voluntarily reduce the use of BPA between 1998 and 2003.
So what did they do? Their two approaches included:
- Changing inner can linings from a paint containing BPA to a PET film laminate, and/or
- Using an EXR paint with much less BPA migration into food.
A follow-up examination of canned foods and beverages in Japan revealed virtually noBPA in these items!
China and Malaysia have also jumped on the 'ban BPA' bandwagon—announcing plans in 2011 to bar its use in baby bottles and other food and drink packaging for children.
So who cares if the rest of the world wants to change their food packaging! In the U.S. of A.—we're gonna do it another way...
China and Malaysia have also jumped on the 'ban BPA' bandwagon—announcing plans in 2011 to bar its use in baby bottles and other food and drink packaging for children.
So who cares if the rest of the world wants to change their food packaging! In the U.S. of A.—we're gonna do it another way...
FDA favors a "watchful waiting" approach
According to the FDA, you needn't be overly concerned about getting excessive BPA through food. They insist that both children and adults are able to rapidly metabolize and eliminate the 'trace amounts' of chemical ingested.
But because environmental groups, health care professionals and other pests… er, uh… concerned persons keep making this an issue—the agency said it plans to continue researching the chemical and review study results carefully.
Because of its pro-BPA stance, the agency only recently responded to the 2008 petition from the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to ban BPA from products manufactured in the United States.
And the NRDC had to sue the administration to get a response!
Dr. Sarah Janssen, senior scientist in the public health program at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said the FDA has "failed to protect our health and safety" and is "out-of-step with scientific and medical research."
Meanwhile, 11 states have refused to wait another moment. In October 2011, California became the latest state to ban BPA from baby bottles and children's sippy cups.
What's more, some U.S. manufacturers have begun voluntarily removing BPA from can linings. But it is still legal to use BPA in all food packaging, so we're not out of the woods just yet...
As Japan has clearly shown, it IS possible to manufacture packaging without BPA. But it seems the FDA is being strong-armed by companies with a vested interest in keeping BPA on the market.
In the words of NRDC scientist Dr. Janssen, the FDA's lack of regulatory action "illustrates the need for a major overhaul of how the government protects us against dangerous chemicals." The FDA is quite aggressive about banning food supplements based on minimal or no evidence of hazard.
Meanwhile, it permits substances like BPA that are proven toxic by a mountain of evidence — apparently because these substances are manufactured by powerful industries. The agency's conduct is repulsive and disgusting. As I've said many times before, the regulatory state actually puts us all in greater danger because it creates the illusion that someone else is taking care of you. Don't believe it. You have to inform yourself and take action to protect yourself and those you love.
Our last issue suggested one easy and delicious way to do that — one of my favorite foods. If you missed the article, just scroll down and read it now.
But because environmental groups, health care professionals and other pests… er, uh… concerned persons keep making this an issue—the agency said it plans to continue researching the chemical and review study results carefully.
Because of its pro-BPA stance, the agency only recently responded to the 2008 petition from the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to ban BPA from products manufactured in the United States.
And the NRDC had to sue the administration to get a response!
Dr. Sarah Janssen, senior scientist in the public health program at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said the FDA has "failed to protect our health and safety" and is "out-of-step with scientific and medical research."
Meanwhile, 11 states have refused to wait another moment. In October 2011, California became the latest state to ban BPA from baby bottles and children's sippy cups.
What's more, some U.S. manufacturers have begun voluntarily removing BPA from can linings. But it is still legal to use BPA in all food packaging, so we're not out of the woods just yet...
As Japan has clearly shown, it IS possible to manufacture packaging without BPA. But it seems the FDA is being strong-armed by companies with a vested interest in keeping BPA on the market.
In the words of NRDC scientist Dr. Janssen, the FDA's lack of regulatory action "illustrates the need for a major overhaul of how the government protects us against dangerous chemicals." The FDA is quite aggressive about banning food supplements based on minimal or no evidence of hazard.
Meanwhile, it permits substances like BPA that are proven toxic by a mountain of evidence — apparently because these substances are manufactured by powerful industries. The agency's conduct is repulsive and disgusting. As I've said many times before, the regulatory state actually puts us all in greater danger because it creates the illusion that someone else is taking care of you. Don't believe it. You have to inform yourself and take action to protect yourself and those you love.
Our last issue suggested one easy and delicious way to do that — one of my favorite foods. If you missed the article, just scroll down and read it now.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Big Train Win Big! 11-5
Big Train Win Second Straight Behind Big Bats
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Another Big Train game, another comeback. It seems that the Big Train players enjoy playing the underdog this season as they started off another game down 3-0 before throwing double-digits up on the board again and winning 11-5 against the Southern Maryland Nationals on Thursday night.
Kelly Secrest (UNC Wilmington) made his second start of the season, going 3.2 innings and giving up four runs on four hits while striking out three. Though Secrest's command was not quite there, his two-seam fastball seemed to bother hitters throughout the night. After an early 3-0 deficit, the Big Train bounced back quickly. AfterColin Kish (Florida Southern) reached second base on a throwing error, Tucker Tobin (George Mason) drove him in on a two-out single to left, giving the Big Train their first run of the game. Later in the inning Mitch Morales (Florida Atlantic) and Michael Bass (UNC Wilmington) would drive in Tobin and Zach Randolph (Mississippi State), to tie the game at three and cap a momentum-shifting rally. The Big Train offense continued to thrive in the bottom of the third, asHunter Renfroe (Mississippi State) and Kish would start the inning with back-to-back singles. Renfroe would later score on a single byBrendan Hendricks (San Francisco), to give the Big Train their first lead of the ballgame. Kish would then score in the following at-bat on a 4-3 double play, extending the lead to 5-3. The Big Train would respond to a Nationals run in the fourth inning by adding some cushion to their one run lead. On a wild pitch by Nationals reliever Danny Wissman, Renfroe was able to score just before Hendricks come across on a throwing error by Nationals third baseman Spencer Wolfe on a ground ball hit by Randolph. That gave the Big Train a 7-4 lead.The Nationals plated a fifth run in the top of the eighth, but hopes of a comeback would be silenced quickly as Big Train reliever Ben Griset(St. Mary's (CA)) came in and retired the side in order to keep the score at 7-4.
The offense would score four more runs in the bottom of the eighth inning as Adam Barry (Cal State Northridge), Hendricks, and Justin McCullough (El Camino) all picked-up RBIs to set up an easy closeout for Griset in the ninth. Griset would finish the night with two scoreless innings, giving up only one walk and no hits.
Despite good work from the pitching staff, the offense was the real story in tonight's victory, as the Big Train scored a season-high-tying 11 runs on 14 hits. "We hit the ball a lot better," said Renfroe. "That's what won us the game. It felt pretty good to be back in front of the home fans... I showed up for 'em."
Big Train Manager Sal Colangelo also commented on last night's big win.
"We were missing 18 guys at the start of the season. The guys who filled in played hard but we were just short on pitching [and] just short on offense," Colangelo said. "So now we need to play Big Train baseball. We play every pitch of every inning and that's what they did tonight. That's what good teams do."
The box score and play-by-play for the game can be found here.
Watch Bethesda Big Train Baseball Live on US Sports Network
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Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Stuff yourself with this fat and get healthy!
Stuff Yourself with This Fat
And Get Healthy!
This raw food is a complete protein source, contains three times as much glutathione — a priceless antioxidant -- as any other fruit, and provides an entire RDA of healthy fats.
It is a true SuperFood. But it was denounced during the decades of the 'low-fat craze' because it's very high in fat. You remember when almost everyone believed fat was the devil — the cause of heart disease and who knows what else?
I bought into it myself — but not anymore. Now we know carbohydrates are the true devil, while a high-fat diet can be good for you. But there's a catch — we're not talking about butter and T-bone steaks, we're talking about healthy fats. And the high-fat food I'm going to talk about now is not only one of my favorites but one of the healthiest. Keep reading and I'll unveil the mystery...
Continued below...
It is a true SuperFood. But it was denounced during the decades of the 'low-fat craze' because it's very high in fat. You remember when almost everyone believed fat was the devil — the cause of heart disease and who knows what else?
I bought into it myself — but not anymore. Now we know carbohydrates are the true devil, while a high-fat diet can be good for you. But there's a catch — we're not talking about butter and T-bone steaks, we're talking about healthy fats. And the high-fat food I'm going to talk about now is not only one of my favorites but one of the healthiest. Keep reading and I'll unveil the mystery...
Continued below...
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The rich, fat, superlatively healthy food I'm talking about is the avocado.
Its high protein content makes it ideal for vegetarians. Its overall nutritional profile makes it perfect for anyone looking to enhance their health and well-being. Some call it the 'Food of the Gods'. Others claim it's the single best daily food to improve your health — although I can't subscribe to the notion of a one-food diet.
Foods are often called SuperFoods when they have superior qualities that are truly out of the ordinary. Such foods are usually loaded with a high concentration of fatty acids, antioxidant phytonutrients, and essential amino acids.
Its high protein content makes it ideal for vegetarians. Its overall nutritional profile makes it perfect for anyone looking to enhance their health and well-being. Some call it the 'Food of the Gods'. Others claim it's the single best daily food to improve your health — although I can't subscribe to the notion of a one-food diet.
Foods are often called SuperFoods when they have superior qualities that are truly out of the ordinary. Such foods are usually loaded with a high concentration of fatty acids, antioxidant phytonutrients, and essential amino acids.
Have You Shunned Avocados
Because They have 'Too Many Calories'?
Because They have 'Too Many Calories'?
If so, you've got lots of company. If you just consider the fat content without considering the kind of fat, eating avocado is just about like eating butter by the tablespoon. But despite their bad rap, avocados are one of the best anti-aging SuperFoods you can eat.
They were treasured by the Aztec Indians long ago. But the oldest known evidence of their use as a food was discovered in a cave in Puebla, Mexico, in writings believed to date back to 10,000 BC.
Avocado is sometimes called the Alligator Pear, a reflection of its shape and leather-like skin. Though most people consider them a vegetable, avocados are actually a fruit. They grow in tropical areas like Florida, California, and Central America, on evergreen trees that can soar up to 65 feet tall.
Even more astounding is that...
They were treasured by the Aztec Indians long ago. But the oldest known evidence of their use as a food was discovered in a cave in Puebla, Mexico, in writings believed to date back to 10,000 BC.
Avocado is sometimes called the Alligator Pear, a reflection of its shape and leather-like skin. Though most people consider them a vegetable, avocados are actually a fruit. They grow in tropical areas like Florida, California, and Central America, on evergreen trees that can soar up to 65 feet tall.
Even more astounding is that...
This Fruit Can Shut Down Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
A Danish scientist recently discovered that a natural compound in the Chilean avocado targets the drug-resistant yellow staphylococci.
Jes Gitz Holler, PhD, from the University of Copenhagen, found that a natural substance in Chilean avocado plants acts against resistant bacteria, in combination with traditional antibiotics.
As he explains it, resistant bacteria have an efflux pump in their bacterial membrane that efficiently pumps antibiotics out as soon as they gain access. The newly-discovered substance in avocado inhibits the pumping action — breaking down the bacteria's defense mechanisms to allow the antibiotics to work. These results were published in the Journal of Microbial Chemotherapy.
Naturally, the drug companies are all over this, trying to use it to create a new anti-bacterial (i.e. antibiotic) drug. However, the drug companies face a lack of incentive because they make less money off antibiotics than they make off chemotherapy drugs, statins, and other drugs for chronic conditions.
But assuming you'll be eating avocados grown in the States and not in Chile, let's talk about their overall health benefits — because there are many.
Jes Gitz Holler, PhD, from the University of Copenhagen, found that a natural substance in Chilean avocado plants acts against resistant bacteria, in combination with traditional antibiotics.
As he explains it, resistant bacteria have an efflux pump in their bacterial membrane that efficiently pumps antibiotics out as soon as they gain access. The newly-discovered substance in avocado inhibits the pumping action — breaking down the bacteria's defense mechanisms to allow the antibiotics to work. These results were published in the Journal of Microbial Chemotherapy.
Naturally, the drug companies are all over this, trying to use it to create a new anti-bacterial (i.e. antibiotic) drug. However, the drug companies face a lack of incentive because they make less money off antibiotics than they make off chemotherapy drugs, statins, and other drugs for chronic conditions.
But assuming you'll be eating avocados grown in the States and not in Chile, let's talk about their overall health benefits — because there are many.
7 Ways Avocados Can Boost Your Health
Despite being wrongly labeled as a high-calorie, high-fat food, avocados can be a boon to your health. At 204 calories per ½ cup pureed fruit, you might not want to go hog-wild on them. But they do deserve an honored place in your daily diet.
Proof of the avocado's terrific nutritional profile shows up in the USDA Nutrient Database.
Though calorie-dense, its benefits outweigh concern over the total fat content (19.9 grams). The same ½ cup of pureed avocado contains 2.4 grams of protein, 3.1 grams of fiber, and a mere 8 grams of carbs.
Proof of the avocado's terrific nutritional profile shows up in the USDA Nutrient Database.
Though calorie-dense, its benefits outweigh concern over the total fat content (19.9 grams). The same ½ cup of pureed avocado contains 2.4 grams of protein, 3.1 grams of fiber, and a mere 8 grams of carbs.
- Proteins.
Unlike a steak, which can be hard to digest and absorb, avocados contain a predigested protein. The sun starts the process of breaking down the protein into easily digestible amino acids while the avocado is still ripening on the tree.
Avocados provide all 18 essential amino acids needed to create a complete protein source. You need to get essential amino acids from your diet because the body can't make its own.
If you're trying to reduce your intake of animal proteins, or if you're a vegetarian, vegan or raw foodist looking for ways to get more protein, avocados are a terrific ally to include in your diet.
Unlike meats, avocados don't putrefy in your intestines, and pose no threat of constipation because they have a high fiber content. Furthermore, they don't contain manmade antibiotics or hormones, unlike many animal proteins you might consume. And unlike the animals they haven't been fed with GMO corn. - Fats.
It's important to understand that you need fatty acids — regardless of what the popular press tells you. Omega 3 fatty acids are sorely lacking in the Western diet. This contributes to the bad health and disease experienced by millions.
Avocados can easily provide an entire day's supply of omega-3 fatty acids — the good fat your body needs.
Avocados contain no cholesterol (only animal products contain cholesterol). But they're a rich source of beneficial fats which your body needs. Although the avocado is high in fat, 60% of it is monounsaturated and 20% is polyunsaturated, while only 20% is saturated.
Like olive oil, avocados boost your HDL ("good") cholesterol level, and can help protect you from free radical damage. This cholesterol also regulates triglycerides and prevents diabetes…
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that a vegetarian diet that includes HDL-promoting fats can slash LDL ("bad" cholesterol) levels as effectively as statin drugs.
So, are avocados the fatty acid culprit? Not likely. It's more likely that processed sugars and high fructose corn syrup in processed foods are linked to poor health — along with pasteurized dairy, cooked starches, and factory farm meats. Healthy fats help protect your heart, brain, joints, and more. - Carotenoids.
Though many think carotenoids are only linked to red and orange produce, avocados are also an excellent source of this phytonutrient.
Avocados offer an array of carotenoids — including beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and lutein, as well as lesser known types. Whenever you eat carotenoid-rich foods, you deliver first-class vitamin A to your body, which protects eye health, among other things.
Carotenoids enhance your immune and reproductive health. Since they are fat-soluble, avocados' nutrients are easily absorbed by your body. - Anti-Inflammatory.
Avocados' unique combo of vitamins C and E, carotenoids, selenium, zinc, phytosterols and omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce inflammation. And considering how many chronic diseases are influenced by chronic inflammation — which can go undetected for years — dealing with inflammation is a health 'must'. - Heart Health.
Avocados' fat content — which has caused uninformed "experts" to label them as unhealthy — actually protects against heart disease.
Studies show that oleic acid — the primary fatty acid in avocados — improves cardiovascular health. Many people now take omega-3 supplements to slash their risk of heart disease. Avocados deliver a whopping 160 mg per cup of alpha-linolenic acid. - Live Enzymes.
Avocados are bursting with enzymes. Plus, they're rich in minerals, including magnesium, which is involved in more than 300 metabolic functions in your body. - Nutrients.
Avocados also provide many B vitamins, as well as vitamins A, C, E, and K. They contain more protein, beta carotene, potassium, magnesium, folic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, pantothenic acid, vitamin E and vitamin K per ounce than any other fruit.
Two beneficial compounds — beta-sitosterol and glutathione — also abound in avocados.
Beta-sitosterol is a widely prescribed anti-cholesterol substance that disrupts cholesterol absorption, thereby lowering cholesterol levels. Lab analysis shows that avocados contain 76 mg of beta-sitosterol per 100 g of raw edible avocado — four times that of oranges, the next richest source of the compound.1
Last but not least, avocados contain 17.7 mg of glutathione per 100 g of raw edible fruit — more than three times that of any other fruit.
Studies link high glutathione intake with a lowered risk of oral cancer and pharyngeal cancer — and very likely other cancers. Interestingly, this reduced risk only occurred with the glutathione from raw fruits and veggies.
You'd have to conclude that there aren't many tasty foods that pack the nutritional punch of avocados.
And yes, there is a cancer preventive aspect to avocados too, besides the brief mention above.
And yes, there is a cancer preventive aspect to avocados too, besides the brief mention above.
Delicious Cancer Prevention
Avocados are highly recognized by researchers and nutritionists around the world.
The Hass avocado, a U.S. variety, shows tremendous potential for preventing certain types of cancer.
Studies conducted by Ohio University showed that the nutrients of this fruit help thwart cancer cells. Avocados' nutrients not only kill cancer cells, but also prevent the development of pre-cancerous ones.
Although you've heard before that a diet of healthy fruits and vegetables helps prevent cancer, the avocado's dense nutritional profile and high phytonutrient and phytochemical content makes it especially important.
The biggest success noted in this study was related to oral cancer.
Further study will likely reveal new findings, but I don't think you can go wrong with adding avocado to your balanced diet of healthy foods.
The Hass avocado, a U.S. variety, shows tremendous potential for preventing certain types of cancer.
Studies conducted by Ohio University showed that the nutrients of this fruit help thwart cancer cells. Avocados' nutrients not only kill cancer cells, but also prevent the development of pre-cancerous ones.
Although you've heard before that a diet of healthy fruits and vegetables helps prevent cancer, the avocado's dense nutritional profile and high phytonutrient and phytochemical content makes it especially important.
The biggest success noted in this study was related to oral cancer.
Further study will likely reveal new findings, but I don't think you can go wrong with adding avocado to your balanced diet of healthy foods.
And the Rest...
Prevention magazine, January 2001, discussed the benefits of avocados for skin and hair.
To add luster to your hair, mash an avocado and rub it into your hair for five minutes after washing. Or apply it to your skin to relieve itching and redness caused by eczema or dermatitis.
If you plan to use it for medicinal purposes, investigate more before self-medicating. Unripe avocados are said to be toxic, as are the leaves of some varieties.
To add luster to your hair, mash an avocado and rub it into your hair for five minutes after washing. Or apply it to your skin to relieve itching and redness caused by eczema or dermatitis.
If you plan to use it for medicinal purposes, investigate more before self-medicating. Unripe avocados are said to be toxic, as are the leaves of some varieties.
Buying, Storing and Eating Avocados
California varieties are considered the cream of the crop when it comes to rich and creamy tasting avocados. And they're less perishable than the Florida ones.
Avocados mature on the tree, but don't begin to ripen till picked. The tree's leaves put out a hormone that inhibits the production of ethylene, the chemical that ripens fruit. Avocados in the store are often firm and unripe. Allow three to five days at room temp for them to ripen. To speed it up, put them in a brown paper bag with an apple, at room temperature.
Choose heavy fruits with unblemished, unbroken skin. If you need one that you can eat immediately, squeeze gently. The fruit should respond to gentle pressure much the way a peach does. A dent indicates it is overripe and will have blackened flesh. But if you open your avocado at home and find it has a few black spots, don't worry. In my opinion they taste fine and do you no harm. They just don't look very attractive. If they bother you, cut them away and eat the green parts.
How you peel it is important. The healthiest part is the darker part just under the skin. So you want to cut straight into the avocado, then peel back the skin without disrupting the fruit.
Avocados are highly susceptible to oxidation (the tendency to turn brown when in contact with oxygen). Sprinkling lemon or lime juice on them will slow the darkening process. I don't find the darkening affects flavor.
The oil of avocado is richly flavored, with nutty fruity undertones. Use it raw on salads to add a special gourmet touch. It should only be purchased in small quantities and used quickly, because it becomes rancid quickly. Stored in the refrigerator, it'll keep for a few months.
Avocados mature on the tree, but don't begin to ripen till picked. The tree's leaves put out a hormone that inhibits the production of ethylene, the chemical that ripens fruit. Avocados in the store are often firm and unripe. Allow three to five days at room temp for them to ripen. To speed it up, put them in a brown paper bag with an apple, at room temperature.
Choose heavy fruits with unblemished, unbroken skin. If you need one that you can eat immediately, squeeze gently. The fruit should respond to gentle pressure much the way a peach does. A dent indicates it is overripe and will have blackened flesh. But if you open your avocado at home and find it has a few black spots, don't worry. In my opinion they taste fine and do you no harm. They just don't look very attractive. If they bother you, cut them away and eat the green parts.
How you peel it is important. The healthiest part is the darker part just under the skin. So you want to cut straight into the avocado, then peel back the skin without disrupting the fruit.
Avocados are highly susceptible to oxidation (the tendency to turn brown when in contact with oxygen). Sprinkling lemon or lime juice on them will slow the darkening process. I don't find the darkening affects flavor.
The oil of avocado is richly flavored, with nutty fruity undertones. Use it raw on salads to add a special gourmet touch. It should only be purchased in small quantities and used quickly, because it becomes rancid quickly. Stored in the refrigerator, it'll keep for a few months.
Raw!
Eat your avocados raw. The tannins give them a bitter flavor when heated. Besides that, heating destroys valuable nutrients. Raw foods offer greater nutritional benefits.
One more caution about avocados…
Probably the most popular food made with avocados is delicious guacamole. Guacamole is my favorite avocado dish. I have to confess I eat tons of the stuff. Most recipes include some lime or lemon juice, which helps guacamole keep for days in the fridge. The top layer exposed to air will turn dark, but it tastes fine; it just looks less appetizing than fresh, green guacamole.
But here's the thing… How many times have you eaten healthy guacamole with unhealthy corn chips? Corn chips are a very high-fat food - and this time, friends, the fats aren't healthy. In fact, they've probably been rendered toxic by being heated to high temperatures. Certain oils, including corn oil, form toxic chemicals when overheated.
I eat my guacamole with organic rice crackers. They're delicious.
Or you can try spreading guacamole on an organic chicken breast, or eat your avocado on (or as) a salad drizzled with olive oil. By the way, if you don't want to make it yourself, you can buy your guacamole as a carryout dish at Mexican restaurants and skip the chips.
One more caution about avocados…
Probably the most popular food made with avocados is delicious guacamole. Guacamole is my favorite avocado dish. I have to confess I eat tons of the stuff. Most recipes include some lime or lemon juice, which helps guacamole keep for days in the fridge. The top layer exposed to air will turn dark, but it tastes fine; it just looks less appetizing than fresh, green guacamole.
But here's the thing… How many times have you eaten healthy guacamole with unhealthy corn chips? Corn chips are a very high-fat food - and this time, friends, the fats aren't healthy. In fact, they've probably been rendered toxic by being heated to high temperatures. Certain oils, including corn oil, form toxic chemicals when overheated.
I eat my guacamole with organic rice crackers. They're delicious.
Or you can try spreading guacamole on an organic chicken breast, or eat your avocado on (or as) a salad drizzled with olive oil. By the way, if you don't want to make it yourself, you can buy your guacamole as a carryout dish at Mexican restaurants and skip the chips.
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