28.06.2019 Views

Better Nutrition July 2019

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

eating4HEALTH/FOODS & MEALS THAT HEAL<br />

Seven Foods to Prevent UTIs<br />

Fight back against invasive bacteria with these dietary remedies /// BY LISA TURNER<br />

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are painful,<br />

disruptive, and all-too-common: more<br />

than half of adult women have had a UTI,<br />

and many women have several recurrences<br />

every year. It happens when bacteria travel<br />

into the urethra, the duct through which<br />

urine passes. Women are more susceptible<br />

because the urethra is shorter than in men,<br />

but guys can get them too.<br />

Left untreated, UTIs can have serious<br />

complications, including recurrent<br />

infections, urethral narrowing, and<br />

kidney damage. While UTIs may not be<br />

completely avoidable, dietary choices can<br />

reduce your risk. Drink plenty of water,<br />

and try these seven anti-inflammatory,<br />

antibacterial, and immune-boosting<br />

foods to protect your insides.<br />

Cranberry juice<br />

may help prevent UTIs<br />

by keeping bacteria from<br />

adhering to the lining of<br />

the urinary tract. Though<br />

study findings are mixed, many studies<br />

show that cranberry juice can decrease<br />

the recurrence of UTIs. And a meta-analysis<br />

of seven clinical trials published in<br />

the Journal of <strong>Nutrition</strong> found that<br />

cranberry reduced the risk of developing<br />

a UTI by 26 percent in healthy women.<br />

Because most cranberry juice drinks are<br />

loaded with sugar, stick to cranberry<br />

concentrates mixed with water or use<br />

the whole fruit.<br />

Recipe Tips:<br />

❱ Sweeten cranberry juice concentrate<br />

with a little honey or stevia, then mix<br />

with cherry juice, sparkling water,<br />

and a squeeze of lime.<br />

❱ Chop whole cranberries with a food<br />

processor, then combine with minced<br />

red onion, mango cubes, cilantro,<br />

and a squeeze of lime for a zesty salsa.<br />

❱ Add chopped cranberries, pumpkin<br />

seeds, and garlic to cooked brown rice.<br />

Grilled Cinnamon Peaches<br />

Serves 4<br />

This simple, summery treat combines UTI-healing peaches and cinnamon with Greek yogurt—<br />

rich in probiotics that can help prevent infections. To pit peaches, cut them lengthwise and<br />

twist the halves, then use a melon baller to carefully remove the pit.<br />

4 peaches, halved and pitted<br />

1 Tbs. coconut oil, melted<br />

1 Tbs. cinnamon, plus additional for garnish<br />

1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt<br />

Honey (optional)<br />

1. Preheat grill to medium.<br />

2. Lightly brush cut sides of peaches with coconut oil and sprinkle with cinnamon.<br />

3. Place peaches, cut side down, on grill. Grill for 4–5 minutes, depending on ripeness of<br />

peaches, until just softened. Don't move the peaches during grilling, to keep them from<br />

sticking and ensure good grill marks.<br />

4. Carefully flip peaches over and grill the other side for 3 minutes, until tender.<br />

5. Remove from pan and arrange on a platter. Spoon Greek yogurt into centers of peaches and<br />

drizzle with honey, if desired. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon and serve hot.<br />

Per serving: 170 cal; 7g prot; 7g total fat (4.5 sat fat); 21g carb; 10mg chol; 20mg sod; 4g fiber; 17g sugar<br />

PHOTOGRAPHY: PORNCHAI MITTONGTARE; FOOD STYLING: CLAIRE STANCER; PROP STYLIST: ROBIN TURK<br />

42 • JULY <strong>2019</strong>

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!