Q. What’s the deal with nightshades? Why are they supposedly bad? I love eggplants and tomatoes but wonder if I should limit my consumption of this group of foods.
A. Here’s the deal: Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant (as well as potatoes and tobacco) all contain an alkaloid called solanine. The Latin name for this family of plants is Solanaceae, but they are more commonly known as the “nightshades.”
People with arthritis are often advised to avoid nightshade plants because they supposedly aggravate joint pain. But nightshade plants aren’t a problem for everyone, just a small number of people who have a particular sensitivity to solanine. It’s a little bit like an allergy…some have a noticeable reaction while others have no reaction at all.
Continue reading “What are Nightshades and Why Do People Avoid Them?”
I make a batch of these almost every weekend to get us through the week. They are so much yummier than packaged energy bars! Let them cool completely before removing them from the muffin tin. They’re a little crumbly when they’re warm. 
Q. I would like to hear more about ultra-pasteurization of milk. I have noticed that organic milk does not spoil as fast as non-organic milk. Is it the ultra-pasteurization? And why is organic milk ultra-pasteurized while regular milk is not?
As you may have noticed, whether I’m talking about 
Q. I am a healthy, active person trying to maintain my weight. About once or twice a week I will have a nice dessert at my favorite bakery, staying within my allotted calories for the day. My question is: though I’m keeping calories down, is it still healthy?
I recently received some free samples of a new brand of whole grain pasta, with a request to review the product. Having read through the promotional literature, exchanged emails with the company’s nutrition scientists, and cooked some up to taste, here’s my take.
Kale Soup with Rice and Lemon Makes 4 servings The bright touch of lemon in this soup is like a little ray of sunshine on a winter’s day. The soup also manages to be hearty without weighing you down. Unlike most soups, which taste better the next day, this one is really best the day it’s made.