14 Reasons to Eat More Pasta

1.  It's part of a good diet

Pasta is made from grain, one of the basic food groups in a healthy diet that also can include vegetables, fruits, fish and poultry.  It's a good source of energy and can give you fiber too.  If it's made from whole grain, that can help with stomach problems and may help lower cholesterol.  Try some tagliatelle with wild mushrooms and truffle oil.

2.  It makes you less 'hangry'  

It's filling which means it can curb your desire for food for a long time.  That'll make you less likely to get snuppy or grumpy - you know 'hangry'.  Try a round pasta called orecchiette with sausage and broccoli rabe, a traditional Italian dish with a red chili kick.

3.  It's affordable

The basic ingredients are simple and cheap: flour, water, salt, and maybe some eggs.  Whether you make your own or buy it at the store, pasta is a great way to feed the family without breaking the bank.  Try a traditional spaghetti Bolognese - the meat simmers in milk and then wine.

4.  It's versatile

You can serve it as a starter, a side dish or the main event.  How about a pasta salad with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes and olives? It's tangy and delicious and you don't have to make it at the last minute.

5.  It's easy to make

Keep some fresh angel hair pasta in the freezer for quick meals.  Once the pot of water boils, you're pretty much done: Because it's so thin, the pasta cook in seconds.  Toss it in a pan with some olive oil, black pepper and pecorino cheese for a traditional Roman dish: angel hair cacio e pepe.

6.  There are a million shapes

OK not literally a million, but  you get the idea: bow ties, shells, ribbons, tubes, bowls and ravioli that hold fillings from butternut squash to wild boar and more.  This opens endless possibilities for dinner, even if you have just a few minutes.  For something unusual, try some rigatoni with eggplant puree.

7.  It may help prevent cancer

Whole-grain pasta can give you all sorts of health benefits.  It has several things that can help protect you against certain kinds of cancer, especially stomach and colon cancer.  For a special treat, try spaghetti carbonara with whole-grain pasta.  But don't make this rich dish a regular meal.  It's made with bacon, butter, egg yolk and Parmesan cheese.  It's like mac and cheese for grown-ups.  With bacon!

8.  It can help you lose weight

Pasta has gotten a bad rap because of its carbohydrates.  But research shows that carbs don't keep you from losing weight - as long as you don't overdo it.  In fact, in one study, people who ate pasta as part of a Mediterranean diet had a lower body mass index (BMI) - a measure of your body fat based on your height and weight - than those who din't.  They also had less belly fat (which is worse than other fat).  Fresh-cut tomatoes with garlic and basil and a touch of olive oil work well on any pasta for a healthy meal.  

9.  It doesn't have much salt

Too much of this mineral can play a role in heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and other health problems.  Pasta is low in it, but that won't matter if you add it back in the sauce.  Spicy penne arrabiata has plenty of punchy flavour without any salt.

10.  It's low in fat

Pasta had just over half a gram of fat per serving.  Of cause, all that goes out the window if you drench your noodles in butter, cheese and olive oil.  A simple farfalle - 'bow tie' pasta - with marinara and basil makes a healthy, light and satisfying meal.  But keep that sprinkling of Parmesan to a minimum.

11.  It helps keep blood sugar in check

They glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how fast sugar gets into your bloodstream.  Healthy diets that include food with a low GI may help prevent diabetes and obesity, and pasta has a low GI.  Try some tortellini en brodo: It has a delicious ground meat filling and the broth will fill you up with fewer calories.

12.  It has a long shelf life

You're unlikely to waste it, whether it's dried and packaged from the supermarket shelf or fresh-frozen in you freezer.  It keeps for months either way.  So the next time you get a craving for spaghetti and meatballs, the main ingredient will be waiting for you.

13.  It can be gluten-free

Demand has spawned a new category of pastas made from corn, rice and even quinoa.  For an exotic take, try gluten-free linguine pescatore, an Italian dish made with a mix of seafood that can include mussels, clams, calamari, shrimp and fish in a tomato sauce.  No parmesan, though - Italians typically keep their fish and cheese separate.

14.  You can eat it for dessert    

Kugel - a simple baked noodle dish made with sour cream, cinnamon, raisins and sugar - originated in Eastern Europe and is one of the great comfort foods of all time.  Use it as a sweet side dish or serve it as dessert - it's just as delicious either way. 

Sex-Drive Killers

1.  Stress

Some people do many things well when they 're stressed.  Feeling sexy usually isn't one of them.  Stress at work, home or in relationships can happen to anyone.  Learning how to handle it in a healthy way really helps.  You can do a lot of it yourself and a counselor or doctor can also help.

2.  Partner problem

Problems with your partner are among the top sex-drive killers.  For women, feeling close is a major part of desire.  For both sexes, watch for fallout from fights, poor communication, feeling betrayed or other trust issues.  If it's tricky to get back on track, reach out to a couples counselor.

3.  Alcohol

A drink may make you feel more open to sex.  But too much alcohol can numb your sex drive.  Being drunk can also be a turn-off for your partner.  If you have trouble drinking less, seek help.

4.  Too little sleep

If your sexual get-up-and-go is gone, maybe you're not getting enough sleep.  Do you go to bed too late or rise too early? Do you have a sleep problem like trouble falling or staying asleep or a condition such as sleep apnea?  Anything that messes with a good night's rest can mess with sex.  Fatigue saps sexy feelings.  Work on your sleep habits and if that doesn't help, talk to your doctor.

5.  Having kids

You don't lose your sex drive once you're a parent.  However, you do lose some time to be close with kids under foot.  Hire a babysitter to nurture some time to be partners as well as parents.  New baby?  Try sex during baby's nap time.

6.  Medication

Some drugs can turn down desire.  They include some of these types of medications:

i.  antidepressants

ii.  blood pressure medications

iii.  birth control pills

iv.  chemotherapy

v.  anti-HIV drugs

vi.  finasteride

Switching drugs or dosages may help - ask  your doctor about that and never stop taking any medicine on your own.  Tel your doctor too if your sex drive stalls soon after you start taking a new drugs.

7.  Poor body image

Feeling sexy is easier if you like how you look.  Work on accepting your body as it is today, even if you're working to get in shape.  Feeling good about yourself can put you in the mood.  If your partner has low esteem, assure them that they're sexy.

8.  Obesity

When you're overweight or obese, desire often dims.  It could be that you don't enjoy sex, can't perform like you want to, or are held back by low self-esteem.  Working on how you feel about yourself, with a counselor if needed, may make a big difference.

9.  Erection problems

Mens with ED (erectile dysfunction) often worry about how they will be able to perform sexually and that worry can drain their desire.  ED can be treated, and couples can also work to keep it from affecting their relationship.

10.  Low T

The 'T' hormone, testosterone, fuels sex drive.  As men age, their T levels may drop a bit.  Not all lose the desire for sex as this happens, but some do.  Many other things - from relationship to weight - also affect a man's sex drive and testosterone levels, so there's not a one-size-fits-all answer for every man.

11.  Depression

Being depressed can shut off pleasure in many things including sex.  That's one of many reasons to get help.  If your treatment involves medication, tell your doctor if your sex drive is low, since some (but not all) depression drugs lower sex drive.  Talk about it with your therapist too.

12.  Menopause

For many women, sex drive dims around menopause.  That's partly about symptoms such as vaginal dryness and pain during sex.  But every woman is different, and it's possible to have a great sex life after menopause by tending to your relationship, self esteem and overall health.    

13.  Lack of closeness

Sex without feeling close can slay desire.  Intimacy is more than just sex.  If your sex life is idling, try spending more non-sexual time together, just the two of you.  Talk, snuggle, trade massages.  Find ways to express love without having sex.  Getting closer can rebuild your sex drive.  

Nutrition to Help Your Liver

Your body's largest internal organ is an important player.  It helps turn food into nutrients.  It also filters toxins and breaks them down so your body can get rid of them.  You can make your liver's job easier - and yourself healthier - if you eat the right things.  A balanced diet with whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein is a good start. 

1.  Leafy greens

Free radicals are molecules that can damage your cells and cause problems, including liver disease.  Substances called antioxidants can help get rid of them.  Leafy greens like spinach, kale and collards are loaded with antioxidants.  They're also packed with fiber, and other things your liver needs.

2.  Grapefruit

This citrus favourite has powerful antioxidants that may help protect your cells and ease the inflammation that can lead to liver disease.  But be careful with it if you take certain medicines for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or mental health.  Grapefruit can affect how they work.  Talk with your doctor first if you're on meds for any of those things.

3.  Oatmeal

Foods high in fiber like this breakfast favourite can help protect your liver from inflammation.  They also may help keep your blood sugar and electrolytes in line.  Other good sources of high-fiber whole grains include:

i.  brown rice

ii.  unbuttered popcorn

iii.   100% whole wheat bread

4.  Apples

Studies have shown that fruits high in fiber like apples may help people who have fatty liver disease, especially those who are obese.  Make sure you leave the skin on.  That's where most of the fiber is.  Other fruits with lots of fiber include:

i.  bananas

ii.  oranges

iii.  strawberries

iv.  raisins

5.  Skinless chicken breasts

Your body needs protein to build up your organ - including your liver - and keep them healthy.  But your liver doesn't need a lot of fat.  Lean poultry (without the skin) can be a good way to get the protein you need.  Grill it or bake it.  Don't fry it.

6.  Salmon

It's loaded with protein, but that's not all.  This popular fish also has omega-3 fatty acids, which may lower your cholesterol, ease inflammation and help you stay at a healthy weight.  All of those things help your liver.  Aim for two to four servings of salmon a week.

7.  Walnuts

Nuts can be a good snack choice for your liver.  Walnuts in particular are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and fiber.  But a little goes a long way.  Aim for only about 10 walnuts a day.  The fat and calories can add up if you munch on too many.

8.  Beans

You don't have to eat meat to get protein.  You can get it and plenty of fiber from beans.  They don't have the 'bad' saturated fats found in some protein that comes from animals.

9.  Healthy oils

Take unhealthy saturated and trans fats, like butter and margarine out of your diet.  Sub in better choices for example, go with extra-virgin olive oil and canola oil for cooking and baking.  Watch the amounts.  A light touch may be enough.

10.  Coffee

Your morning habit may not just get your day going, it might also help keep your liver healthy.  Scientists aren't sure why, but studies show that a few cups a day may lower your chances of liver cancer.  

11.  Green tea

This trendy favourite has antioxidants and other chemicals that may help protect your liver from cell damage and inflammation.  Drink it regularly may lower your chances of fatty liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis and chronic liver disease.

12.  Water

This makes up 73% of your liver, so it's important to make sure you have enough in your system to keep it working the way it should.  A lack of water can hurt your kidneys too.  

What Not To Eat

Along with eating the right foods, it's also important to stay away from the wrong ones.  The biggest threats to your liver include foods that are:

i.  fried

ii.  high in saturated fat

iii.  processed

Keep an eye on alcohol.  In general, women should have no more than one adult beverage a day, and men no more than two.  But talk to your doctor about what's right for you.

Don't "Detox"

A 'cleanse' might sound like a good idea but there's no proof that any special diet will help get toxins out of your liver.  Your liver does a good job of that already.

And some 'detox' diets can cause side effects like cramping, nausea or dehydration.  They can also keep you from getting enough vitamins or minerals.

If you're looking for a healthy change of pace, you could take 'bad' fats and sugar out of your diet or cut out alcohol.

These Foods Are Good for Your Eyes

1.  Raw red peppers

Bell peppers give you the most vitamin C per calorie.  That's good for the blood vessels in your eyes, and science suggests it could lower your risk of getting cataracts. (Dherani et al (2008) Blood levels of vitamin C, carotenoids and retinol are inversely associated with cataract in a North Indian population. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, 49(8):3328-35. doi: 10.1167)  It's found in many vegetables and fruits, including bok choy, cauliflower, papayas and strawberries.  Heat will break down vitamin C, so go raw when you can.  Brightly colored peppers also pack eye-friendly vitamins A and E.

2.  Sunflower seeds and nuts

An ounce of these seeds or almond has half the amount of vitamin E the USDA recommends for adults each day.  A large study found that vitamin E, together with other nutrients, can help slow age-related macular degeneration (AMD) from getting worse.  It may also help prevent cataracts.  Hazelnuts, peanuts (technically legumes) and peanut butter are also good sources of vitamin E. 

3.  Dark, leafy greens

Kale, spinach and collard greens, for example, are rich in both vitamin C and E.  They also have the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin.  These plant-based forms of vitamin A lower your risk of long-term eye diseases, including AMD and cataracts.  Most people who eat Western diets don't get enough of them.  

4.  Salmon

Your retinas need two types of omega-3 fatty acids to work right: DHA and EPA.  You can find both in fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna and trout, as well as other seafood.  Omega-3s also seem to protect your eyes from AMD and glaucoma.  Low levels of these fatty acids have been linked to dry eyes.

5.  Sweet potatoes

Orange-colored fruits and vegetables - like sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, mangos and apricots - are high in beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A that helps with night vision, your eyes' ability to adjust to darkness.  One sweet potato also has more than half the vitamin C you need in a day and a little vitamin E.

6.  Lean meat and poultry

Zinc brings vitamin A from your liver to your retina, where it's used to make the protective pigment melanin.  Oysters have more zinc per serving than any other food, but you don't have to be a shellfish lover to get enough: beef, pork and chicken (both dark and breast meat) are all good sources.

7.  Beans and legumes

Prefer a vegetarian, low-fat, high-fiber option to help keep your vision sharp at night and slow AMD? Chickpeas are also high in zinc, as are black-eyed peas, kidney beans and lentils.  A can of baked beans will do the job too.

8.  Eggs

It's a great package deal: the zinc in an egg will help your body use the lutein and zeaxanthin from its yolk.  The yellow-orange color of these compounds blocks harmful blue light from damaging your retina.  They help boost the amount of protective pigment in the macula, the part of your eye that controls central vision.

9.  Squash

Your body can't make lutein and zeaxanthin, but you can get them from squash all year long.  Summer squash also have vitamin C and zinc.  The winter kind will give you vitamins A and C as well as omega-3 fatty acids too.

10.  Broccoli and brussels sprouts

These related veggies come with another winning combination of nutrients: vitamin A (as lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene), vitamin C and vitamin E.  They're all antioxidants that protect the cells in your eyes from free radicals, a type of unstable molecule that breaks down healthy tissue.  Your retinas are especially vulnerable.