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• Omega 3 fats are important in our daily diet. They help ward off such conditions as inflammation, heart disease, ADHD, asthma, diabetes, obesity, psoriasis and many others. Nuts and cold water fish contain Omega 3's, but so does ground flaxseed. The goal is 1-2 tsp. per day for children and 2 T. per day for adults. Sprinkle in quick breads, pancake mix, yogurt and applesauce.
  
   
• If you purchase ground flaxseed, store it in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent it from becoming rancid.

   

  MANGO-PEACH SMOOTHIE   (from Natural Health Magazine)

   

  1/2 c. apple juice

  1/3 cup pineapple juice ( or oj)

  1/2 large frozen banana

  1/2 cup frozen mango

  1/2 cup frozen peaches

  1 tsp ground flax or walnuts (optional)

   

  Combine all ingredients in a blender. Any left over smoothie can be used for popsicles.
  
  
• 80% of young children do not eat the recommended 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit per day. Besides adding a fruit or a vegetable to every meal, try dried fruit and vegetables for a snack or add to homemade trail mix.
  
  
• A serving of fruit for kids is: 1/2 c. canned fruit, small piece of fresh fruit, 3/4 c. 100% fruit juice or 1/4 c. dried fruit. A serving of vegetables is 1/2 c. raw or cooked vegetable or 1 cup leafy greens. Sorry, most commercial brand fruit snacks/roll-ups and ketchup don't count!
  
  
• The Organic Consumer Association claims that 2 large organic dairy companies are violating traditional organic standards. A growing number of health food stores are pulling Horizon and Aurora Organic (private label for Cosco, Wild Oats, Safeway, Giant and others). To stay informed, www.organicconsumers.org .