Monday, March 6, 2017

Thinking Green in March

This week we’re all very excited about Pathfinder Produce’s fourth anniversary …. WOW!  It’s amazing to think the “little market that could” has been a part of the greater community and serving the fresh produce needs of our area since 2013.  We want to thank all our great patrons in the Edmeston and Morris areas for your continued loyalty and support for this innovative program.

On March 16 & 17 to thank everyone for their involvement with Pathfinder Produce, we’ll be having a special celebration at the Edmeston market, 1 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, and at the Morris market, noon to 5 p.m. on that Friday. On those days, we’ll be featuring cooking demonstrations and offering delicious samples of recipes featuring yummy fresh produce.  We’ll also have some 21-cent cupcakes and cookies for sale from Pathfinder Bakery, as part of our advance celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, an international celebration that highlights the contributions and talents of people with Down syndrome that occurs on March 21.  The date 3-21 represents the triplication of the 21st chromosome (Trisomy 21) which is the genetic cause of Down syndrome.

Additionally on those days, we’ll offer some great savings … five percent off on all purchases, and we’re introducing a new and exciting Referral Program.  If you fill out a referral card and recommend Pathfinder Produce to someone who then makes purchases, then both customers get 10% off on their next produce purchase.  It’s just another great way to save and share the great offerings at Pathfinder Produce!

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Lately, I’ve been trying to drink less coffee in favor of hot tea.  As any of my relatives or friends can tell you, I’m a die-hard coffee drinker, and I come from a long line of die-hard coffee drinkers.  In fact, one of my uncles used to quip about pulling out the industrial-sized percolator whenever my mom and any of her sisters got together … believe me, they consumed a lot! 

And it’s not that I’m not drinking my morning coffee, I’m just switching to tea in the afternoons.  I’m hopeful that this will cut down on caffeine levels to help promote sleep, and also may provide some of the health benefits of tea.  For the past several years, green tea has been looked at by researchers to determine its benefits.

According to this article from the Times of India (go to the source!), green tea and black tea are derived from the same plant.  Black tea is fermented (which causes oxidation), and is more concentrated in caffeine levels over green tea.  The article also indicates that “(Green tea is) … extremely rich in epigallactocatechin gallate, a popular antioxidant known for fighting cancer, cardiovascular conditions and more.  Since oxidation (in green tea) is arrested, it is believed that more polyphenols are preserved.  It supports weight loss programs that include diet and exercise.  Green tea is good for afternoon breaks and meditation in the evening … Pure organic green tea creates a detoxifying effect, giving you glowing skin, boosted metabolism and stronger immunity.”

Another article from Livestrong.com comparing green vs. black tea says that green tea’s enhanced levels of EGCG helps kill skin cancer cells, based on a 2013 study in the journal "Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology."  Another 2013 study in "Oncology Letters" found that EGCG had a similar effect on colon cancer cells and may help prevent the spread of cancer through the body.  Other articles indicate that both teas are helpful in lowering bad cholesterol levels, which is something we all need to focus on.

More recent research suggests switching between black tea and green tea regularly is a good strategy to gain the most benefits for fighting cancer, improving metabolism, boosting memory, fighting dementia, and promoting cardiovascular health.  A good synopsis on green vs. black is in this YouTube video.  Another comprehensive comparison on the benefits (and downside effects) between tea and coffee is at Lifehacker.
So, as I’m transitioning from morning to afternoon routines, I’m going to try drinking both black and green teas. As the Lifehacker info graphic suggests, just drink your teas straight, without added milk or sweeteners, which can counter any benefits.

Until next time, eat, drink and be well,

Lori