Food and Culinary

USDA issued a new “Smart Snacks” proposal on February 1, 2013, to improve the nutritional quality of food in America’s schools and encourage healthier eating habits.  The proposal establishes standards for snack foods sold outside of the federally regulated school meal programs.Read more

Americans love food demons and our newest one is wheat. The top-selling diet book of the moment is Wheat Belly, in which a Wisconsin-based cardiologist blames the humble grain for everything from dandruff to dementia. Author Dr. William Davis advises never letting the stuff cross your mouth; the inclusion of healthy whole grains at the top of the USDA’s food pyramid is “among the biggest health blunders ever made in the history of nutritional advice,” he writes.Read more

Folic acid, a B vitamin, is a big deal and this week is National Folic Acid Awareness Week.  Not only can folic acid and folate containing foods help prevent devastating birth defects but they may also help protect against heart disease, and colon, cervical and breast cancers.  Preliminary research also indicates a connection between adequate folic acid intake and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease as well as Parkinson’s disease.
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Consuming bread on a regular basis may do more than provide you with fiber and other essential nutrients—it may also help prevent cardiovascular disease.

A study led by University of Barcelona’s Professor Rafael Llorach Ramon Cajal linked daily bread consumption to a healthier lipid profile, resulting in better cardiovascular health.Read more

Holiday meal preparations tend to focus on the main dish and desserts, but side dishes play an important supporting role. To make sure your holiday meal boasts an all-star cast, try your hand at some homemade dressing this year. It’s easy and will give your main dish some real pizzazz – whether you’re serving poultry, beef, pork or even vegetarian.Read more

Looking for an easy, low-maintenance recipe to help dress up dinner? Look no further! These low-effort dinner rolls perfectly complement Thanksgiving dinner or any special holiday meal.

The dough does not require kneading, so even novice bakers should have no trouble making these tender, delicious rolls. Simply toss the ingredients into a bowl, mix, set aside, shape, bake and viola!—fluffy homemade bread with minimal effort. Pressed for time? The dough can be prepared, placed in the pan, and refrigerated up to a day ahead. Read more

The Wheat Foods Council wants to help clear up the confusion and set the record straight for sound nutrition science on losing weight – and keeping it off – in combination with ways to eat healthfully. We’re launching our “Busting Fad Diets” Campaign, just in time for the holidays and New Year’s health resolutions. Click here