(NC)—Fiber is a very beneficial substance for your body. And when fiber is delivered in the delicious and sweet package of a fresh pear, it takes on a whole new level of appeal.

Pears are one of the most fiber-filled fruits around. With 4 grams of dietary fiber per serving (one medium sized pear, think the size of a baseball), pears are a good source of fiber – one pear will give you about 18% of the recommended daily intake of fiber. More information about pear nutrition can be found at www.usapears.com.

In addition to its digestive tract benefits, fiber has a load of other health benefits including:

• Fiber slows how quickly sugar goes into the bloodstream, which may reduce peaks of bloo Fiber – More Appealing Packaged In A Pear! Recipe

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Making The Food-Mood Connection

by News Canada

(NC)-Food is more that just fuel for our bodies. What we eat - and when - has a major influence on the hormones that control our moods and emotional well-being, according to Sam Graci, nutritional researcher and author of the new book - The Food Connection: The Right Food at the Right Time.

For many Canadians, eating-on-the-go and opting for convenience foods - instead of healthy foods - is a way of life in today's fast-paced, stress-filled society. Poor eating habits not only cause poor concentration, depression and fatigue, but they are making Canadians "hormonally" unhealthy. Foods that are high in cholesterol and fat are wreaking havoc on the hormones that control moods.

Serotonin is the hormone that regulates the body's appetite, obses Making The Food-Mood Connection Recipe

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Southern Mama

by News Canada

Ingredients and Preparation

2 cups (500 mL) cold milk

1 medium-size ripe banana, peeled and quartered

1/2 cup (125 mL) frozen orange juice concentrate

(or more to taste)

Blend ingredients together on high speed until smooth and frothy. Pour into wine glasses and enjoy!

Here's what you get from a serving of our Southern Mama (250mL/serving) based on Health Canada's RDI's for nutrients:

Nutrient % RDI Nutrient % RDI

Vitamin C 135 % Calcium 21 %/223 mg

Folacin 42 % Vitamin B6 21 %

Vitamin D 36 % Phosphorus 18 %

Vitamin B12 31 % Thiamin 17 %

Riboflavin 22 % Pantothenic Acid 13 %

Per Serving

Energy 220Kcal, Protein 7.2 g, Carbohydrates 36 g, Fat 6 g

- News Canada

Southern Mama Recipe

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