Did you know that elevated cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease?   Learn all you can this September about keeping your heart healthy for National Cholesterol Month. The American Heart Association celebrates all month long by encouraging people to reach out to health professionals to check their cholesterol levels.   Cholesterol is…

Did you know that popcorn is considered a whole grain!? To be considered a whole grain, the food must contain all three parts of the kernel: the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. Some other popular whole grains include wheat, oats, and barley. Give a new grain a try this September for National Whole Grains…

Did you know that about 1 in 6 Americans will get sick from a foodborne illness? There are hundreds of different ways that food can become contaminated with pathogens that cause illness. It’s important to always practice good food hygiene, whether you are the person cooking or you’re having a prepared meal. This September, take…

Do you start your morning with hot oatmeal or cold cereal? Perhaps you are more of a pancake or waffle person. There are so many amazing breakfast foods, that it’s so hard to decide. Create the ultimate morning meal and make the most of your morning throughout September for National Build a Better Breakfast Month!…

Did you know that a coffee bean is actually a seed? The coffee bean that you are familiar with is the pip of a stone fruit “cherry.” The pips are separated from the fruit, then dried, stored, milled, and roasted before they become coffee “beans.” These beans can then be ground and brewed into a…

Do you know what your cholesterol levels are? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 2/3 of Americans report having their cholesterol levels checked in the last five years. Even if you recently had your levels checked, you may not know what the numbers mean. Understanding cholesterol levels can be confusing as…

Did you know that potatoes are considered one of the most environmentally friendly crops? They are not only easy to grow, but they also don’t require large amounts of fertilizer to grow. Celebrate this sustainable vegetable all month long for National Potato Month.   Potatoes are a member of the nightshade family and contain a…

Can you believe that it’s already September? This month, fall begins which means sweater weather, warm drinks, and fall vegetables. One vegetable that gets extra praise today is the Acorn Squash!   Celebrate this sweet and delicious vegetable on September 7th for National Acorn Squash Day. Acorn squash is part of the Winter Squash family…

Can you believe that the summer is winding down and it’s time to get the kids ready for school? In some areas of the country, school is already back in session! August is dedicated to all things learning for Back-to-School Month.   Many schools are opening to full capacity, which means getting your child ready…

Is there any better way to start your morning than with a giant cup of coffee? I don’t know about you, but I cannot function in the morning without a cup of joe. Celebrate everyone’s favorite breakfast drink on September 29th for International Coffee Day!   Not only is coffee delicious, but it also has…

What tiny, but mighty grain has captivated the hearts, and stomachs, of American’s for more than 300 years? That’s right, it’s rice! Rice is the oldest known food and is consumed by more than 3 billion people. There are more than 40,000 kinds of rice grown across the world that offer a variety of different…

Did you know that just 1 in 10 adults meet the federal fruit or vegetable recommendations? Many adults don’t realize the importance of eating the recommended 1½ to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables daily. That is why celebrating Fruits & Vegetables More Matters Month throughout the month of September…

Did you know that increasing your whole grain intake can be beneficial to your overall health? Swapping out refined carbohydrates for whole grain products is rarely a bad idea! Increase your consumption throughout the month of September for National Whole Grain Month.   There are so many health benefits associated with whole grain products, that…

Did you know that an estimated 1 in 6 Americans get sick each year from consuming contaminated food? Foodborne illnesses, also known as food poisoning, are very common, yet also very preventable with the proper food safety knowledge.   There are a few populations that are at higher risk for contracting a foodborne illness, such…

When was the last time you checked your cholesterol levels? If you’re pondering this thought and don’t know where to start, you’re in luck! The entire month of September is National Cholesterol Education Month, which is your chance to learn all there is to know about your cholesterol.   During September take the opportunity to learn,…

Pom Power By Charna Sheinfeld,  Nutrition Intern   They are the small glistening, crimson, crunchy arils that make the pomegranate fruit so distinctive. This unique fruit is not only impressive in its looks, but in its nutritional profile as well.   One serving of pomegranate seeds provides considerable amounts of vitamin C, which is necessary…

Overnight oats are a great make-ahead breakfast for those who don’t have time to prepare breakfast in the morning. They take just a few minutes to prepare the night before, require virtually no cleanup, and are a filling and nutritious breakfast. The added pomegranate seeds in this recipe make a great addition with enhanced flavor, crunch, and color, not to mention the extra powerful antioxidants!