Is Your Breath Icky?

Most people have bad breath at sometime but some foods and drinks can be the cause of the problem. Dr. Harold Katz, author of "The Bad Breath Bible" talks about the subject in his book. We all know the onions and garlic contribute to bad breath. Cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts are also culprits. These vegetables have high concentrations of sulphur compounds. The sugar and dairy proteins in chocolate candy helps promote bad breath.

Many mouthwashes and toothpaste formula are the same as they were 100 years ago. Many mouthwashes still contain a high concentration of alcohol which dries out the mouth. Some toothpastes contain sodium lauryl sulfate (the chemical term for soap).

To keep fresh breath, avoid sugar. Look for sugar-free products. Drink plenty of water and drink tea instead of coffee.

Source: The Flint Journal

Just What the Doctor Ordered?

Wine is an alcoholic beverage made of fermented grapes/grape juice but is it just what the doctor ordered? It depends on which doctor you ask. The "wine" or "no wine" controversy has reigned almost as long as wine has been produced.

Research has show that grapes used with rice produced mixed, fermented beverages in China as early as 7000 BC. Early wine in Europe dates to 4500 BC. In medieval Europe, the Roman Catholic Church supported the making of wine as it was necessary for the celebration of Mass.

Some of the oldest vineyards in the United States can be found in the Hudson Valley where French Huguenots planted the first vines in 1677, 100 years before vines were planted in what is now California.

In 1991 60 Minutes did a segment which is know as the French Paradox segment. It contained breakthrough information that showed that despite eating food with high saturated fat and getting little exercise the French had a lower mortality rate from heart disease and fewer heart attacks than Americans.

I like an occasional glass of a sweet wine and have developed a taste for Italian limoncello (which I'll blog about at another time). As with many things, moderation is the key.

The Joys of Traveling to Italy

Traveling to a foreign country is fun, exciting and FRUSTRATING! Italy is especially challenging for the novice. The Rome airport is beautiful, large and has a massive black hole that eats luggage and spits it back out in a few days (if you're lucky). Very few of the airport employees or the Italian police who patrol the airport speak English and the signs are not user friendly.

When (if) you arrive at your final destination (mine was Florence), you will find the Italian people to be very interesting, the food fabulous and the wine DELICIOUS!!! The statues that are publicly displayed outdoors are breath-taking. It is like stepping back in time when you go into museums whether public or private.

The hassle and aggravation of traveling to Italy are definitely worth the grey hairs that are inevitable with the journey. Ciao for now !!