HN4U Blog
News in the New Year 2015
Published February 15th, 2015
by Tammera J. Karr, PhD
Yale University reported on January 5, 2015 that, The common cold virus can reproduce itself more efficiently in the cooler temperatures found inside the nose than at core body temperature, according to a new study. This finding may confirm the popular yet contested notion that people are more likely to [...]
Pro-biotics to the Rescue
Published January 12th, 2015
by Tammera J. Karr, PhD
There is confusion over what is a probiotic versus an enzyme, and what are prebiotics. These are questions I answer on a regular basis and for the general consumer, the confusion often persists due to advertising language.
“The Immune System comprises all structures and processes that are involved in defeating [...]
Older than Metallurgy, and Far Better Tasting
Published January 5th, 2015
by Tammera J. Karr, PhD
Bread is older than metal; even before the bronze age, our ancestors were eating and baking flat breads. There is evidence of neolithic grinding stones used to process grains; but the oldest bread yet found is a loaf discovered in Switzerland, dating from 3500 BC. Since California’s gold mining days, [...]
Tasty Fermented Foods
Published December 29th, 2014
by Tammera J. Karr, PhD
On weekends when my dad was home, he always made breakfast, and most of the time it was the same thing; Pancakes made with beer instead of buttermilk or water. Now this has nothing to do with my dislike of most breakfast foods – but when you’re a kid it [...]
Christmas Eve and Traditional Meals
Published December 23rd, 2014
by Tammera J. Karr, PhD
Tis the season to be jolly, and eat and eat and drink ourselves Merry. Many of us consider mountains of cheese, crackers, summer sausage, cookies, pies, bread and candy – holiday foods, along with ham, turkey, roast beef, potatoes….. but is it really traditional?
The idea of what do others [...]
The Amazing Cranberry – an all American food
Published December 20th, 2014
by Tammera J. Karr, PhD
With thanksgiving behind us it is far from the end of the preparation and enjoyment of cranberries. The bright red color and vitamin C rich tang has added a pizazz to poultry, pork and fish throughout American history.
The cranberry, along with the blueberry and Concord grape, is one of [...]
What is Food?
Published November 12th, 2014
by Tammera J. Karr, Ph.D.
Have you ever really asked the question “What is Food?” Many may already be making rude noises thinking what a silly question, everyone knows what food is. Humor me here and ask as I did this question to students, the answers may surprise you, or not.
When I ask [...]
Can Openers & Storage Containers
Published November 5th, 2014
By Tammera J. Karr Ph.D.
October is our last big hurrah for gardens and warm weather out here in the Pacific Northwest. It is the time of harvest throughout the nation, apples, pumpkins and root crops are gleaned from the soil. The leaves on the trees begin their kaleidoscope of color change from green to [...]
Potassium do you need it?
Published October 10th, 2014
by Tammera J. Karr, PhD
I have a growing number of older clients on “no salt” diets, taking potassium supplements. This raises alarm bells with me due to the very important balance between these two minerals. Often times when I query clients on what foods they are eating to replace their potassium, the only food [...]
Taking a Look at Food Labels & Oregon Measure 92
Published October 3rd, 2014
by Tammera J. Karr, PhD
Over the last few weeks, I have been receiving calls from clients and readers on the question of GMO, and the pending vote on Ballet Measure 92, here in Oregon. To be clear, I have never supported the use of GMO ingredients in food for man or beast. However, this [...]