Wednesday December 27, 2000

Daily Dose

The next time you buy nail polish make sure to read the ingredients especially if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Several popular brands contain a toxic chemical called dibutyl (die-byoo-tul) phthalate (thal-ate). The Environmental Working Group says it causes severe birth defects in animals. The chemical is also found in cosmetics, shampoos and conditioners.

Women troubled by PMS every month should try eating a vegetarian diet. Low fat, high fiber foods like brown rice, beans, whole grain pasta, vegetables and fruit can ease symptoms. They increase the production of a chemical that prevents cramps and mood swings.

Got leftovers after a big meal? Make sure you put hot foods in the refrigerator as soon as you can. Don't wait for them to cool. The sooner you put foods away the sooner potentially harmful bacteria will stop growing.

And finally most of us love to eat it, but how much do you really know about chocolate? Which is healthier dark or milk chocolate? The answer is dark because it contains more antioxidants. Does chocolate lower, raise or have no effect on your cholesterol? Chocolate does not affect it at all. The amount of caffeine in a chocolate bar is equal to a cup of coffee, tea or decaffeinated coffee? If you said decaf coffee, you're right.

And that's today's Daily Dose.