Jacki recently told us why we should all be picking pumpkin. They're rich in beta-carotene and many other vitamins and minerals. They're also a great source of fiber. The seeds, a tasty snack, are rich in manganese and magnesium.

But Great Lakes Brewery has come out with a new way to enjoy the seasonal treat -- pumpkin-flavored beer. Beer connoisseurs report that you can taste the nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves that are in the brew along with the pureed pumpkin.

Flavored beer isn't the healthiest way to enjoy pumpkin (though it would be a tasty treat at an Oktoberfest celebration). But there are plenty of healthy pumpkin recipes to try.

Source

Cinnamon is one of those spices that can liven up many dishes, and while tasty things often aren't good for you, this is one exception -- cinnamon is exceedingly healthy. It has a number of benefits, according to The Healthy Snacks Blog, including these top five:

1. Cinnamon has antifungal, antibacterial and antiparasitic properties. This means it can help fight yeast infections, lice and ulcers.

2. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce your chances of strokes and heart disease.

3. Cinnamon can help lower bad cholesterol and it can help manage blood sugar levels and diabetes.

4. Cinnamon is an excellent source of manganese, dietary fiber, iron and calcium.

5. Smelling Cinnamon can improve your memory.

So enjoy cinnamon, but make sure you do it in moderation -- it can be toxic in large doses. And please note that large, doughy cinnamon buns are not an ideal source of cinnamon -- but they're a great source of fat and calories.

How do you use cinnamon in your diet?

Source

Nothing says 'Thanksgiving' like turkey and -- strawberries? Sounds a bit funny doesn't it? But I suppose if cranberry sauce compliments the holiday's traditional bird, then why shouldn't strawberry sauce make sense?

The first holiday of the season is rapidly approaching (it's this Monday in Canada and a mere few weeks away for the States) so if you're looking for a few new ideas to make your Thanksgiving-day meal a bit different or more exciting, why not give this recipe for Holiday Strawberry Cranberry Sauce a try?

The best bit about the sauce is that you get all of the health benefits of the cranberry with the additional goodness of strawberries, which are full of antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese and much more. Sounds like a worthwhile change to me.

Source