Sometimes known as nature’s toothbrush, apples offer an impressive list of health benefits. Apples offer prebiotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The fiber and polyphenol content may reduce the risk for chronic conditions including heart disease, some cancers, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Apples are the most valuable crop in Michigan. According to the Michigan Apple Committee, our state…
It’s no secret that breakfast is the most important meal of the day for kids. Research shows eating breakfast is associated with better performance on math tests, vocabulary tests, demanding mental tasks and reaction to frustration. Life gets busy no matter who you are, and for many, whipping up a wholesome breakfast is at the bottom of the priority list on hectic…
Childhood obesity is considered a growing and serious health issue in the United States. Recent studies have shown the percentage of obese children and teens is not only rising, but obesity is affecting kids earlier in their lives than ever before. Being overweight can not only affect a child’s physical and emotional health, but it can have long-lasting effects into…
Back-to-school season is right around the corner, and parents are busy stocking up on school supplies, tech gear, new shoes and clothes as little kids and teens prepare for the classroom. But don’t forget to come up with some fresh ideas and line your pantry with some grocery staples for the most exciting time of the day for lots of…
According to Smithsonian Magazine, 50% of America eats a sandwich each day. Sandwiches are convenient snacks for outings or meals for a lunch bag. So how can we keep it healthy? The key is to pay attention to the bread, condiments and toppings. Bread is an essential part of a sandwich and can offer important fueling nutrients. But it is best…
August is here, and that means perfectly sweet and juicy peaches in Michigan. This fuzzy stone fruit may be found in cobblers and other sweets, but offers a few health benefits on its own. One peach provides 17 percent of the daily value of vitamin C, 10 percent of the daily value of vitamin A, and a bit of potassium,…
A sprinkle of parsley adds freshness to dishes in cultures around the world. Whether the curly or flat-leaf variety, parsley offers an impressive nutrient profile. Its bright green color points to its vitamin K content – offering a whopping 547 percent of the daily recommended intake to support blood coagulation and bone health. It also features quite a few antioxidants…
Michigan was the first state to have a roadside picnic table in the U.S. This hidden gem, located in West Michigan’s Ionia County, appeared in 1929. But the term ‘picnic’ dates back much further. The French-derived word originally stems back to 1794, 100 years after ‘pique-nique’ first appeared in the French language. Whether you’re visiting a roadside table for a road trip…
Nothing is more quintessentially American than firing up the grill for a big summer backyard barbecue or fixing a family dinner on the deck. Grill safety is important to keep in mind from properly using a hot grill to cooking meat in a way that prevents health risks. Here are some grilling mistakes to avoid to stay healthy and safe.…
More than 1 in 3 families in the US owns a dog, and most people consider their dogs as part of their family. Some people share their beds with their furry friends, while others let them have table scraps. Some dogs even find their favorite spot in the house during dinner time is under the table, just in case something falls. However,…
