Healthy Halloween Treats

You have to wonder if the tradition of filling baskets with candy for kids is the best way to celebrate Halloween. Perhaps you shouldn't be so eager to hand out candy to eager kids when they knock on your door. Maybe you could be just as generous without burdening them with all those excess calories, which not only pose a threat to their weight, but also to their dental health. And for children with diabetes, the risks may be even greater.

So, what's the alternative?

Here are 5 fun that make smart alternatives to sugary treats:

Apples. Apples are wholesome and nutritious. They won't get squashed along the way and they won't ruin the teeth. Besides, they are fun to eat.

Raisins. Raisins are packed with health-promoting nutrients, which kids may not really care about, but parents do. For kids, they are a real treat.

Dark chocolate. Kids will get a thrill when they receive dark chocolate on Halloween. Unlike sugary, milk chocolate, dark chocolate is loaded is actually a healthy treat.

Popcorn. Individually packaged popcorn can be given to kids. They will have a blast popping their own popcorn after an afternoon of trick or treating. Of course, as a parent, you would want to oversee the popping to avoid burns from the hot popcorn.

Nuts. Nuts are another favorite of kids. They can actually have fun combining nuts, raisins and pieces of dark chocolate to make their own homemade trail mix. Walnuts, almonds and pistachios are good choices.

Warning: Avoid giving small kids nuts or anything that may be a choking hazard. Also, it might be wise to avoid giving peanuts, since peanut allergy is a common food allergy.

These are just a few ideas for offering healthier treats on Halloween. I am sure that you can come up with some other ideas to make it a fun day without all the candy that have been associated with Halloween.



  

Health Benefits of Selenium

Overview
Selenium is a mineral with powerful antioxidant properties that help to protect the cells in your body from oxidative damage. Studies show that selenium is also important in regulating thyroid function and can help to boost the immune system.

Food Sources of Selenium

Brazil nuts are the richest source of selenium. One ounce may provide as much as 544 micrograms. In fact, just two Brazil nuts can provide enough selenium to meet your dietary needs. Selenium may be found in much smaller amounts in tuna, beef, cod, turkey, chicken breast, pasta, egg, cottage cheese, oatmeal and a number of other foods.

Health Benefits of Selenium

Cancer. Studies show that supplementation with 200 micrograms of selenium could lower the risk of prostate, lung and colorectal cancer.

Heart disease. Studies suggest that selenium may help to prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Arthritis. Preliminary studies suggest that selenium may help to relieve the symptoms of arthritis.

Recommended intake

The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for selenium is 55 micrograms per day for adults. Children require much smaller amounts. 

Selenium toxicity

Excessive intake of selenium could be toxic. Accordingly, the Institute of Medicine has established an upper limit of 400 micrograms of selenium for adults, with lower levels for infants and children.

Resources

Dietary Supplements Fact Sheet: Selenium

Cancer Chemoprotection by Selenium and Thioredoxin
Brazil nuts: An effective way to boost selenium status