Spotlight On Glossary

Tai chi (pronounced tie-CHE) is a series of self-paced exercises that some people call "meditation in motion.”

Although it was originally developed in China for self-defense purposes about 2,000 years ago, today tai chi is a popular form of mind-body exercise that may reduce stress; increase flexibility, energy, and feelings of well-being; and build muscle strength.

Tai chi is especially well-suited for older people, as the stretching and turning movements are gentle and low impact.

Like yoga, researchers continue to study the health benefits of tai chi. A 2007 study from researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles found that participants who followed a 15-week tai chi program had a marked reduction in tension headaches.

A second, separate study from researchers at UCLA published in April 2007 found that following a 16-week program of tai chi significantly boosted participants’ immune systems against shingles.

Favorites of everyone from backyard gardeners to four-star chefs, garden tomatoes are some of summer's biggest treats. These fruits (though classified as vegetables by the USDA) are native to South America, and early explorers to that region brought them back to Europe and eventually around the globe.

Once called "love apples" by early European explorers who valued tomatoes for their aphrodisiac-like qualities, tomatoes can be used in so many ways that many people eat them morning, noon and night when tomatoes are in season.

Low-calorie tomatoes are also good sources of the antioxidant lycopene. Peeled, seeded and pureed with fresh cucumber, tomatoes are a key ingredient in gazpacho, a cold summer soup.

They can be diced with hot peppers and cilantro for salsa, or tossed with olive oil and basil to pile on toasted bread for bruschetta.

And in the mornings, try a thick slice of tomato on top of toast with peanut butter. Sounds weird, tastes terrific.

This refreshing fruit is native to Asia, and was first brought to America by African slave traders. It's familiar, sweet flavor and juicy, crisp texture make watermelon the perfect fruit for hot summer days. Low in calories and filled with well-known antioxidant lycopene, watermelon is great cut into chunks and eaten cold from the refrigerator, or cut into wedges and enjoyed on picnics (whole watermelons travel well). But mild watermelon also pairs well with more assertive flavors. Try it in a salsa with cilantro and tomato, or toss watermelon chunks into a green salad with feta cheese. Refrigerate watermelon, grapes, and canteloupe for a cooling fruit salad.

Made from fermented grapes, wine is an ancient, healthful, and celebratory beverage. Wine is a known source of polyphenols, the class of antioxidants that's concentrated in grape skin and seeds. Polyphenol levels are higher in wine than in grape juice. As the grapes ferment and their sugar turns to alcohol, the alcohol pulls the antioxidants from the skin and seeds. Red wine also has higher antioxidant levels than white, because the skins are left on during the winemaking process for a longer period of time. In addition to the antioxidants from the grapes, wine's alcohol content also has health benefits, such as lowering "bad" cholesterol and reducing risk of heart disease -- as long as consumed in moderation.

“Yogurt is the Turkish word for milk that has fermented into a tart, semisolid mass; it comes from a root meaning ‘thick,’” writes Harold McGee in On Food and Cooking.

Yogurt is an ancient food that’s been made all over the world and is used in many cuisines, including Turkish, Armenian, Indian, and North African. The bacteria that turns milk into yogurt also keeps the digestive tract clean.

Since milk from pasture-fed cows tends to have more nutrients than conventional milk, it makes sense to seek out yogurt from similar sources.

Yogurt, fruit, and granola make a satisfying, healthy breakfast. Yogurt can also be used in smoothies, soups, dips, dressings, and marinades, where its acidity tenderizes meats like chicken and lamb.