Food Expiration Dates and Shelf Life

           A couple of days ago, a package of goodies from a relative in New Zealand arrived at our doorstep. It was sent August of last year and was expected to get here in the Philippines after a couple of months. Transit of cargoes were very late and went on very slow due to port congestion. That must be the reason why the package arrived at a later date than expected.

           Our excitement about the package was quickly replaced by disappointment. Most of the goods- cookies, candies, chocolates, canned foods were past their expiration dates and shelf life. Off to the trash bin they went. Someone from our household was hesitant to throw them away. That brings me to the point of telling everyone (and post about it, too) about food and other perishables' expiration dates. Should we really dispose products past their expiration date?  Is it safe to eat or use them for some time after?
           First off, check the date. Be aware that different countries use different date formats. In the U.S.A. ,02/10/15 means February 10, 2015. Whereas the same date in Europe or UK would mean 2 October, 2015. Some food has two dates indicated on their labels. They can either be the date when they were manufactured and the expiration date.

          Shelf life (as defined by The Free Dictionary) is the length of  time a product may be stored without becoming unsuitable for use or consumption. Different types of food use different terminologies to indicate their shelf life.
                                                       

           

Cancer Prevention Through Crucifers

Cells

         There are many things around us that put us at risk to cancer:  tobacco use, certain infections, radiation, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, environmental pollutants. The cell is the fundamental structure of  living organisms. Cancer per se before it can manifest and produce harm to the body begins as abnormally developing cells. Cancer is a complex disease characterized by out of control cell growth.
          Most researches about cancer today are centered on its cure and prevention. One food group has been one of the focuses of these studies - the cruciferous vegetables, as they have been found rich in cancer preventing nutrients. Cruciferous vegetables are rich in several carotenoids ( beta carotene, lutein, xeaxanthin), vitamins C. E and K, folate, minerals and fiber. The cruciferous veggies are as follows:

Boost Concentration

     If you are faced with a task that requires a sharp mind like for instance an important meeting or presentation, and lengthy examination, then indulge yourself in foods with high levels of concentration-boosting choline.
     Choline is a water soluble essential nutrient that has similarity with B vitamin. It has the following beneficial actions in our body:

• protects liver from accumulating fat
• involved in brain functions like learning, memory and concentration
• good muscle control

      Choline can be produced in some amounts by the body but it is still recommended to obtain choline from the dietary sources to stay healthy.