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GOOD NEWS FOR POTATO CHIP LOVERS -- Swedish scientists set off a panic last year when they reported that starchy foods cooked at high temperatures contained high levels of acrylamide, a cancer causing substance. But a new study at Harvard School of Public Health and the Karolinska Institute compared the diets of 987 cancer patients with those of 500 healthy people and found no link between acrylamide consumption and cancer. In the original study, the doses given to animals were much higher than what most people eat. Also, our bodies may be able to deactivate the substance. Still, researchers caution that more research is needed.

FYI -- For healthy skin, aloe vera has soothing, healing, and moisturizing properties. Apply pure aloe vera gel to dry skin as directed on the product's label.

WHY BUY ORGANIC -- Fruits and vegetables contain high levels of cancer-fighting chemicals called antioxidants. Plants naturally produce these bitter compounds in order to ward off insects. But when plants are sprayed with herbicides and pesticides, they produce lower levels of phenolics (which function as antioxidants), and that makes them less healthy. Antioxidant levels are much higher in the organic fruits and vegetables than in those which were grown with pesticides.

AN ASPIRIN A DAY -- Aspirin may turn out to be a true miracle drug, say a host of new studies. The latest two showed that aspirin reduced the risk of developing colon and rectal cancer (the most lethal cancer next to lung cancer). Taking aspirin daily for several years reduced the number of colorectal polyps. Oddly, baby aspirin was even more effective, but researchers do not know why. Previous studies have found that aspirin may also protect against cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bowels, and lungs. It also has been found to help prevent heart disease. Before taking an aspirin a day though, it is always best to check with your doctor.

EASE CRAMPS NATURALLY -- Try evening primrose oil. Take a dose of one to two 500-milligram capsules three times a day.

COFFEE MAY LOWER GALLSTONE RISK -- Women who drink coffee may significantly reduce their risk of gallstones. A recent study of more than 80,000 middle-aged women found that those who drank at least four cups of coffee each day were about 25 percent less likely to need gallstone surgery than non-coffee drinkers were. The reduction in risk was not seen among women who drank decaf, or among tea drinkers. Also, women who drank the most caffeinated soft drinks appeared to have a higher risk of gallbladder surgery, leading researchers to believe that other ingredients besides caffeine may be responsible. In an earlier study, researchers noted that men who drank at least four cups of caffeinated coffee a day had a 45 percent lower risk of developing gallstones. Researchers also noted that women who are not coffee drinkers should not start.

WATER IN THE WILD -- If camping is on your agenda this summer, remember, sadly, that no water in the wild is safe to drink. If you cannot carry your water with you, the only absolutely safe method of ridding the water of microorganisms that make us sick is to boil it for one to five minutes. Iodine pills will not kill all parasites, but you can carry a portable water purifier, available at sporting goods and camping stores.

DID YOU KNOW? -- Garlic helps detoxify the body and protects against infection by enhancing immune system function. It also may lower blood pressure and improve circulation. Garlic is also known to lower blood lipid levels, aid in the treatment of arteriosclerosis, arthritis, asthma, cancer, circulatory problems, colds and flue, digestive problems, heart disorders, insomnia, liver disease, sinusitis, ulcers, and yeast infections. Good for virtually any ailment or infection.

GINGER MAY EASE OSTEOARTHRITIS KNEE PAIN -- People with osteoarthritis of the knee may be able to reduce symptoms of the disease by consuming highly concentrated ginger extract, according to preliminary study findings. In the study, 247 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who were experiencing moderate to severe pain were split into two groups. One group took purified, concentrated ginger extract while the other group was given an inactive placebo pill. Sixty-three percent of patients taking ginger reported a reduction in knee pain while standing, compared with 50 percent of those who took the placebo. Those taking ginger also reported less pain after walking 50 feet.

ORANGE JUICE UPDATE -- Fresh-squeezed orange juice may taste better than concentrate, but it is no better for you. Researchers in Spain tested pasteurized, partially pasteurized, and unpasteurized drinks made with fresh, frozen, and concentrated orange juice. The results revealed no significant differences in the levels of antioxidants and other nutrients in the juices.

BEE STING REMEDY -- Flowers blooming means bees buzzing. Do not panic if you get stung - grasp and pull out the stinger as fast as you can. The less amount of venom that is pumped out, the smaller and less painful the welt. To ease the pain and inflammation, ice the area immediately and then apply a paste made with baking soda and water. You can also treat the area around the sting with full-strength tea tree oil, which is a very effective topical antiseptic.

FYI -- Potatoes remain the most popular vegetable in the United States, with Americans having consumed 84 pounds per capita in 1995. More than a third of the potatoes were frozen, mostly as French fries, and five percent were consumed as potato chips.

THREE NATURAL POISON IVY REMEDIES -- 1. to stop itching and reduce blistering, apply one of the following to the skin: baking soda and water, aloe vera gel, lobelia extract, or jewelweed juice; 2. take the herb goldenseal and vitamin C daily to reduce inflammation; 3. the herbs burdock and yellow dock will also promote healing when taken daily.

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WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

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** Q & A #1:

What is collagen and why all the interest in it today?

Collagen is the most prevalent protein in our body, a major part of the structure holding us together. It is important to both maintain our collagen levels with good nutrition and protect existing collagen with antioxidant nutrients. As additional research is completed, scientists and clinicians are becoming even more aware of how important collagen really is in such areas as circulation.

** Q & A #2:

Why is it so important to take care of my skin?

Your skin is the largest organ of your body. It performs very important functions: protecting us from invasion of infectious bacteria; maintaining a moisture balance and proper hydration; eliminating wastes; giving us the sense of touch and many others. In addition, it is the first thing we see when meeting someone. Healthy, youthful looking skin is important to how we feel about ourselves and usually reflects our condition "on the inside."

** Q & A #3:

Do I need sulfur?

Despite being the fourth most prevalent element in the body (after oxygen, phosphorus, and calcium), sulfur has yet to have an established recommended daily value. Nevertheless, it is an essential component of many of the life-supporting amino acids which make-up the vital proteins in our body, including many enzymes.

** Q & A #4:

Do shellfish really contain a lot of cholesterol?

Many shellfish including scallops, clams, muscles, crab, and lobster contain less cholesterol than beef and even chicken. Even though shrimp and crawfish have just about double the amount of cholesterol than beef, they actually contain less fat. In addition, their fat is the "good fat" which is largely unsaturated and has a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids.

** Q & A #5:

What can I do to improve poor circulation?

First, you should go to the doctor for a checkup. Some of the possible causes or contributing factors to poor circulation require medical attention, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, or phlebitis. You can also talk to your doctor about what you can do to improve your circulation. Your doctor will probably advise you to start a program of regular aerobic exercise. The nature of the exercise will depend on your age, health, and preferences. Whatever you do, start out slowly and gradually increase your effort. Exercise, usually walking, is advised even for people who have pain in their legs with exercise, a condition called intermittent claudication. Exercise strengthens your muscles and improves blood flow. Some other things you can do to increase circulation include: If you are a smoker, quit. Cigarette smoking reduces the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood; Lose weight if necessary; Eat a healthy diet that is low-fat and high-fiber. Make sure your diet provides adequate vitamins and minerals. Consider taking a vitamin supplement; Cut down on caffeine and alcohol consumption; If you sit or stand in one place for long periods during the day, try to take frequent breaks to stretch and move around; If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, make sure to keep them under control with medication; Take especially good care of your feet. Keep them clean and wear comfortable shoes. Elevate your legs when sitting.

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FEATURED ARTICLE

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We eat far too little fiber. Official agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the National Academy of Sciences, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the American Cancer Society, all agree that our daily intake of fiber should range from 25 to 35 grams per day for adults. Yet, most of us eat less than 10 grams.

Fiber comes in two forms: soluble, which is found in many fruits and beans, and insoluble which is found in the hulls of grains, seeds, skins of fruits and vegetables. Some foods like oats and psyllium contain both types. It is easy to see why most of us do not obtain enough fiber from our diets, which are usually low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

One valuable effect of fiber is mechanical: adequate intake decreases the transit time of food traveling through our digestive tract. Fiber absorbs water, so stools are naturally larger, softer, and easier to be moved through. Faster transit time means less contact time for toxins and a reduced risk of colon problems. Stool does not collect in out-of-the-way areas of the bowel, so there is less chance of infection developing. And, with less straining required to pass a softer stool, the probability of developing hemorrhoids is usually reduced.

At the same time, soluble fiber delays stomach emptying. This in turn delays and spreads out the absorption of sugar, resulting in a more normal pattern of insulin secretion as well as better control of blood sugar. Fiber also binds cholesterol and bile in the digestive tract, preventing their reabsorption and re-circulation. If less cholesterol is absorbed, its level in the blood goes down. The liver makes bile from cholesterol and if more bile is lost in the gut, the liver will use up cholesterol to replace the bile, again resulting in lower cholesterol levels.

Fiber also binds and reduces the absorption of dietary fat, which can help with weight control. Decreased fat absorption also means decreased absorption of fat soluble toxins and this may help to explain a decreased risk of breast and prostate cancer with higher fiber intake noted by some researchers. Fiber stimulates the secretion of the hormone cholecystokinin, which alerts the brain that we've had enough to eat. High fiber meals also tend to be bulkier and contain fewer calories.

A diet high in fiber promotes the production of short chain fatty acids, which in turn results in a more acidic colon and a healthy population of "friendly" bacteria. This facilitates detoxification and bolsters our natural defenses against parasites and fungi.

Finally, through its beneficial effects on weight, cholesterol and glucose metabolism, higher fiber intake is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. If you are not already consuming 25 to 35 grams of fiber each day, take the necessary steps now to do so. This is one of the easiest and most important things you can do to make a dramatic impact on your overall health!

Fiber is generally associated with protecting against colon cancer, with the suggestion that increasing fiber intake about an additional 13 grams per day could reduce over 30% of colorectal cancer in the U.S. Some, but not all, published evidence suggests a possible reduction in the risk of breast cancer when adequate amounts of fiber are included in the diet. Researchers are evaluating fiber's role relative to cancers at other sites, including the male prostate. Dietary fiber may play several roles relative to diabetes, including potential effects on satiety, obesity and the absorption of certain sugars.

Fiber could play a role in preventing cardiovascular disease owing to its effect on blood cholesterol levels, especially where initial levels are high. Some studies have found an inverse relationship between fiber and myocardial infarction (heart attack). Low-fiber diets may be associated with development of diverticular diseases in the colon.

Studies suggest that soluble fiber may tend to reduce the stomach emptying time of the foods we eat, which means the food passes through the stomach much faster. The same is true in our intestinal tract. It may reduce blood levels of cholesterol, including LDL's-low density lipoproteins-the "bad" cholesterol in our bloodstream. Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, may tend to add bulk to the stool, and expedite passage through the gastro intestinal tract. Fiber can also help you eat less by providing a sense of fullness, thereby possibly helping in weight management by helping you control the quantity of food you eat.

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HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH