Kent State Interns

Have you ever heard of probiotics? Maybe you have noticed they have gained a lot of attention on social media. Maybe you are wondering what exactly are probiotics and how can they benefit you. These tiny, live microorganisms pack a lot of punch—they're essential microbes for your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In a world where gut health is linked to everything from digestion to mood, understanding probiotics can empower you to take charge of your well-being. Follow along to learn more about probiotics and how you can incorporate them into your daily life! What Are Probiotics? Breaking Down the Science Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that maintain a healthy balance of gut flora, preventing harmful bacteria from taking over. Think of them as the good guys that help keep harmful bacteria regulated. By adding live and beneficial microbes to your gut, probiotics help strengthen your microbiota and can prevent dysbiosis, which is an imbalance in your gut’s microbiota. Probiotics are, i...

Shakshuka What is Shakshuka? Shakshuka is a popular stew-like dish that emphasizes tomatoes, chili peppers, eggs, and olive oil. The origins of the dish are debated today, but it is thought to come from somewhere in Northern Africa or the Middle East. The word 'Shakshuka' comes from the Maghrebi Arabic and means "mixed".  ◍  ◍  ◍ How to make Shakshuka First select a pan or skillet and warm up some olive oil over medium heat.  Starting with the vegetables of your choice  (I used red bell peppers and onions and mushrooms) add them to the lightly greased pan and sauté until they are soft.  Once soft add some garlic and spices (I added tomato paste, cumin, paprika, and pinch of chili powder). The dish calls for  a traditional "harissa" paste but if you don't have that the other spices can make up for the missing flavor.  Once mixed, add the tomatoes and their juices. Season with salt and pepper and break down tomatoes. You can add salt & pepper d...

  Spaghetti squash is becoming extremely popular, and a lot of people are starting to use it as substitute for pasta noodles. The botanical name is Cucurbita pepo but it is known as spaghetti squash. Spaghetti squash is a large yellow melon shaped squash that is considered a variety of winter squash. Although it is considered a winter squash it is harvested in the fall and can be bought all year. Spaghetti squash is packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Manganese, Potassium, Beta-carotene, and Fiber. It is also packed with antioxidants and low in calories! How to Prepare Spaghetti Squash: 1. Start off by cutting your spaghetti squash into halves and scooping the seeds out 2. After all of the seeds and non-edible insides have been cleaned out drizzle the inside with olive oil and seasonings of your choice 3. Place the spaghetti squash cut side down on baking sheet and poke holes in the top  4. Place it into the oven pre-heated to 400 F and bakes for 40-50 minutes 5. After cooking ...

If you're on social media you know all the BUZZ about seed oils. We all know those social media influencers who walk around grocery stores dissing food that has seed oils in the ingredients.  But are seed oils really that "toxic" and why do people claim they are? First of all, what are seed oils?    Seed oils are used for cooking. The oil is extracted from various plants by a chemical or mechanical process. Seed oils may be used at home, such as in a recipe for baking, or added to a frying pan for cooking, or even used for a salad dressing recipe.  The most common seed oils include: - Canola Oil - Corn Oil  - Cotton Seed Oil  - Soybean Oil  - Sunflower Oil - Safflower Oil  - Grapeseed Oil  - Rice Bran Oil  - Peanut Oil Critics claim that the extraction process releases toxic byproducts in the oils. Hexane is used to extract the oil from the seed and can be toxic in a gas form. BUT the hexane is evaporated off in the process of extraction...

  Your gut is home to about 100 trillion microorganisms, primarily bacteria. Keeping the balance between good and bad bacteria is essential, and prebiotics can help ensure that the good bacteria have the nourishment they need to survive. When it comes to gut health, I’m sure most of us have heard of probiotics—the helpful bacteria that does wonders for our digestive system. But have you ever stopped to think about prebiotics and why they matter too? These small, but mighty little microbes play a crucial role in supporting our gut health. They have the ability to enhance your gut microbiome, support digestion, and promote overall health.  What Are Prebiotics? Breaking Down the Science  Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that nourish the good bacteria in your gut. Unlike probiotics, which are live microorganisms, prebiotics are found in certain foods and help the beneficial bacteria thrive and enhance the growth of your gut’s microbiome. Think of them as the foo...

  Farmers Markets  Today’s modern shopping experience has provided individuals the ease and convenience of grocery shopping whenever and wherever they need.  Food supply chain and manufacturing is one of the largest industries as everyone needs food.  Although the convenience is great, there is an alternative during late summer months that provide great options. The Farmer’s Market. Local produce has many benefits such as taste, reduced price and connection to your local community.  Supporting local farmers is also a great method to shop local and connect with families in your community.  Produce grown in Ohio include tomatoes, corn, beet, strawberries, peaches, apples, peppers, onions, potatoes, garlic, squash, pumpkin, green beans and more.  Benefits Include: Enhanced produce flavor Fresh fruits and vegetables  Sustainability  Meet local farmers Learn about local produce  Know where your food comes from  Farmers markets have gaine...

I have always loved this time of year because the colder weather and weekly game days call for the most amazingly warm and comforting foods. We all know the two teams that call Ohio home, the Browns and the Bengals. Chances are you're a fan of one of those two, but do you know about the other teams with fans in Ohio? Both Ohio cities and the others have their own unique charms and characteristic dishes, many of which are wonderfully warm, hearty, and perfect for a chilly game day. While the foods this time of year are tasty, they tend to be a bit high in calories and other things like saturated fat and sodium, which we should do our best to limit in our diets. Luckily, I have a few tips for packing some extra nutrition into these foods. So, here are the most popular NFL teams in Ohio and some signature dishes from their respective cities, each with their own healthy twists! Cleveland, OH - Home of the Browns The Cleveland area's most common foods are greatly influenced by the h...

 Healthy Starbucks swaps for the holidays   Pumpkin spice season is here, but did you know that a 16 oz pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks packs a whopping 390 calories and 50g of sugar? The American Heart Association recommends no more than 36g of sugar for men and 25g for women, making this drink double the daily recommendation. To be able to still enjoy the festive flavors, here are some healthier swaps to lower the sugar but still get that pumpkin spice fix. How to order a skinny pumpkin spice latte: ·          Ask for half the pumps of pumpkin sauce. ·          Skip the whipped cream. ·          Substitute the standard 2% milk with nonfat, soy, or almond milk. ·          Go slightly smaller – order a 12 oz instead of 16 oz.       Look at how much of a difference these couple swaps...

It's gettin' a bit chili ain't it?                                                 Image from : https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/89993/award-winning-chili-con-carne/ With Halloween around the corner and spooky season upon us bundle up, hit the couch, and turn on your favorite scary movie with this delicious and nutritious chili! This recipe has been adapted from my nana's and my mom's own personal recipes and was one of the first meals I learned to make on my own. Chili is a simple and nutrient-loaded meal with good sources of protein, magnesium, fiber, and most importantly FLAVOR. I love that there is no one way or right way to make chili, there are so many recipes and different options out there for all preferences, so have some fun with it! Pair your bowl of chili with side options like cornbread muffins, guacamole, tortilla chips, wh...

  Coffee                                                        The world consumes 400 billion cups of coffee every year, marking it one of the most popular drinks. Coffee is a staple at every street corner or office building, providing energy for individuals throughout the day.  The FDA recommends a moderate intake of coffee (3-5 cups per day) or 400 milligrams of caffeine.  Nutritional Profile of Black Coffee: Nutrients per serving. One 8-ounce serving of black coffee contains: Calories: 2 Protein: 0 grams Fat: 0 grams Carbohydrates: 0 grams Fiber: 0 grams Sugar: 0 grams Sodium: 5 milligrams Benefits of Coffee: Coffee contains polyphenols - a type of antioxidant that helps protect against free radicals in the body. Coffee also contains good amounts of vitamin B2 and magnesium.  Coffee has also been asso...

Designed by Freepik  www.freepik.com      We all know the popular Tik Tok trend that uses a picture of a dolphin with rainbows and the lyrics “I just want to be part of your symphony!” Before you go bashing the photo why not give a Meatless Monday here and there a shot? Here are a few reasons why you should give tofu (a plant-based protein source) a shot. The cost of a 1-pound block of tofu is about $3.42   (Walmart 2024).   The average cost of 1 pound of 100% ground beef across the United States is $5.57 ( US Bureau of Labor Statistics ). You could save 2.15 per pound! There are about 5 servings in 1 block of tofu (91 grams each) and about four servings in one pound of ground beef. Tofu has vitamins like calcium, manganese, vitamin A, and iron as well as all the essential amino acids your body needs. Studies have found that tofu improves hearth health, builds muscle, lowers cancer risk, helps with weight management, and strengthens bones too ( Cleveland Cl...