Why is food so important to Jacksonville's economy?

    The next time you walk through the grocery store consider yourself the piston that drives Jacksonville's economy.  According to the Jacksonville Business Journal 2 of the top 3 largest private-sector employers are grocery stores.  Publix Supermarkets and Winn-Dixie Stores were listed as the second and third largest employers in the private sector.  This goes to show you how important food is both culturally and economically to our city!

World Breast feeding Week is this Week!

If all infants were placed immediately skin-to-skin, breastfed exclusively for 6 months and then up to 2 years or longer with age appropriate complementary feedings, children under 5 mortality would be reduced 13-20% worldwide! (Lancet May 2010)

August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week.  Healthy People 2020 which provides science-based targets for improving the nation's health has established five primary objectives in relation to breastfeeding:

Increase in proportion of mothers who breast feed

                                1. In early postpartum period to 75%

                                2. At 6 months to 50%

                                3. At 1 year to 25%

                                4. Exclusively through 3 months to 40%

                                5. Exclusively through 6 months to 17%

While breast milk is the supreme choice for optimal infant nutrition; remember that it is not a good source of Vitamin D.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfed and partially breastfed infants be supplemented with 400 IU of Vitamin D per day starting in the first few days of life. 


Special Thanks to Cecelia Sheridan, Neonatal Dietitian for this info!

This Friday is International Beer Day

       This Friday is International Beer Day.  Granted it has only existed since 2007 and is not widely known but does that really matter?  Any excuse for trying a new beer is OK by me.  As a nutrition professional I have lauded the benefits of beer in moderation.  And while I am not a vegan, an environmentalist, or an organic foods proponent I do believe in local businesses and local consumption.  Here in Jacksonville we have a booming young microbrew scene.  I am hopeful to celebrate with something new or one of my old favorites I can’t decide. 

Anyone have any suggestions for a good local Brew?

4 Ways Beer Meets or Beats Wine When It Comes To Your Health

                We have all heard that Red Wine is good for your health.  This is generally due to the phytonutrient resveratrol.  It has been suggested that resveratrol can help lower LDL cholesterol and decrease inflammation.  It is also a potent antioxidant.  Resveratrol comes from the skin of the grape.  Since in red wine the skin is generally fermented linger, it has higher levels of resveratrol. 

                However, wine isn’t the only adult beverage super food.  Many people over look the health benefits of beer.  I came across an excellent article by Registered Dietitian Andrea Giancoli entitled “A Toast to Good Health:  Craft Brews Trend Brings New Attention to the Benefits of Beer”.  Here are 4 reasons Beer can meet or beat the benefits of wine.

1. Beer Can Help Improve Cholesterol Also-  Beer contains a similar amount of alcohol as red wine.  Moderate consumption of alcohol can help raise HDL and lower LDL just as the alcohol in wine can.  
2. Beer Has Fiber-  Wine does not contain any fiber.  If you look at the nutrient data from beer it also lists 0 grams of fiber.  However, studies cited in the article state that there is actually about 0.75 grams of soluble fiber in a lager and 1.3 grams of soluble fiber in a dark beer.      
3. Beer Has More B Vitamins-  Beer contains double the amounts Thiamin, Riboflavin, and B6.  It also contains much higher amounts of niacin and folate.  It also contains 3% of your RDA for B12!
4. Beer Has Minerals Too-  Wine and beer have similar amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium (all good for lowering blood pressure).  But beer has much higher amounts of selenium (an essential micronutrient and potent antioxidant).

Now before you go toasting to your health, remember that overconsumption of ANY alcoholic beverage overrides the positive health effects.  Moderation is defined as one drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men.  Below is some websites to local craft brewers in Jacksonville.  So have a beer or wine but don’t overdue it.  And always always drink responsibly and don’t drive.  

For a great craft brew try these local favorites of mine

Bold City Brewery

http://www.boldcitybrewery.com/index.php

Intuition Ale Works

http://www.intuitionaleworks.com/

Engine 15 Brewing Company

http://www.engine15.com/