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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (June 2, 1982)
nutrition notes ...from the desk of Bob Hackman, Ph.D. Nutrition Professor, Health Education Deot. STARCH INHIBITORS Quick and easy weight loss 1s the dream of many obese individuals. One of the latest prod ucts promoted for easy welaht loss is starch in hibitors. Advertisements for these starch inhib itors have appeared in the Emerald throughout Soring auarter, as well as 1n many other news papers, magazines, and brochures. What is this substance, does it really work, and is it safe? All brands of starch Inhibitors contain a protein extracted from raw kidney beans, which is supposed to interfere with the breakdown of starch in the digestive system. Dietary starch is a type of carbohydrate and the chief source of calories in grains, beans and starchy veget ables. The large starch complex must be broken down Into simple sugars, such as glucose, in order for 1t to be absorbed and utilized by the body for caloric energy. Starch inhibitors, sup posedly, prevent complete digestion of starch, and thus, calories are not absorbed into the body. Or so the theory goes. There are no human studies to support the no tion that starch inhibitors block digestion of starch or reduce caloric intake from food. The only evidence of their effectiveness is provided by people who have an economic interest 1n sell ing the product. This fact alone should maxe any consumer skeptical of these products. Ironically, if starch blockers do work, serious health problems may result. Imbalances 1n blood sugar levels can happen, causing fatigue and Ir ritability. Another problem is the stress on the large intestines. If undigested starch enters the large intestine, diarrhea, gas and cramping are likely to occur. Fingering starch as the culprit for weight gain is a comnon, and incorrect myth. In fact, unrefined, starchy foods, such as whole grains, beans, and starchv vegetables are the best types of rood one can eat to help lose weight. Whole starchy foods contain fiber and only a moderate amount of calories when not eaten in excess. Fats and sugars are the main sources of calories in the diet, and a person wishing to lose weight should avoid fats and sugars and engage in regu lar physical activity, not take starch inhibitors and continue to be a alutton. Taking starch inhibitors gets people a*my from what food really 1s - the Identity of food. Using a pill to (supposedly) block starch calories does not help reorient a person’s attitudes towards food, which is the underlying factor 1n 80S of all weight problems. eat well NAVY BEAN & CASHEW SALAD 1 head leafy lettuce or mixed qreens 1 cud broccoli or cauliflower pieces >s cup cooked navy beans h cud toasted cashew bits *s cud marinade cud Avocado Dressing or >* cup Bleu Cneese Dressing Steam broccoli or cauliflower until tender and combine with navy beans 1n marinade. Chill. Wash and dry lettuce and tear into bite size nieces. Drain marinade from vegetables and beans and add them to lettuce. Add cashew bits and dressing just before serving. OIL AND VINEGAR MARINADE ^ cud oil h tsp paorika slice of onion dash oepper 3 TBS vineoar h tSD salt Optional: h tso mustard powder h tsp basil Shake all ingredients together 1n a jar. Makes just over cup. AVOCADO DRESS IN6 2 TBS oil dash oepper 1 large avodado dash chill powder 3 TBS lemon juice dash garlic powder tsp salt Mash avodado with fork. Shake all Ingredients together in a jar or put everything Into a blender and blend very briefly on low speed. Makes 1 cup. well read Take Care Of Yourself: A Consumer's Guide to Medical Care Bonald M. Vickery, M.D. James F. Fries, M.D. The book 1s comprised of flow charts that contali key questions to ask for each common complalnt spralns, colds, sore throat, vaginal discharge, headache, back pain,-sunburn, etc. Yes and no answers lead you through a network of branching logic and end up telling you wbethe you need to 1) see the doctor now; 2) see the doctor today; 3) make an apoolntment to see the doctor: or 4) apply home treatment. There are sections of backaround Information on each problem. Including home treatments to be used when Indicated.
