Barry J. Litwin, D.D.S., F.A.G.D.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth to Protect Your Arteries

A recently published study concludes, based on data from laboratory experiments, that honey may slow one of the processes that leads to plaque buildup in the arteries, which causes them to narrow and harden. Honey's beneficial effects are caused by antioxidants that slow down the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, a process that causes plaque buildup in the arteries. Darker honeys, especially buckwheat honey, appear to have a stronger effect than lighter varieties like clover honey.

Because honey does contain a lot of sugar, we can't recommend that you load up on it! However, if you want to incorporate more honey into your diet, substitute it for refined sugar in your tea or coffee and try one or both of the recipes below. Honey contains sugar and becomes especially sticky (and delicious) when cooked, so be sure to brush your teeth after these meals. Enjoy!

Grilled Honey-Glazed Fish

1/4 cup dark honey
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 Tbs. lime juice
2 Tbs. soy sauce
2 Tbs. hoisin sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 tsp. grated fresh ginger
1 lb. swordfish or other firm-fleshed fish

1. Combine all of the ingredients except the fish and mix thoroughly with a whisk.
2. Place the fish in a glass or ceramic dish, cover it with the honey mixture and marinade in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
3. Grill or broil the fish, allowing about 10 minutes for each inch of thickness, until the fish flakes when tested with a fork.

Serve over rice with grilled or stir-fried vegetables on the side for a complete meal. Serves four.

(Source: Recipes Archive. Used by permission.)

Grilled Honey-Lemon Chicken Breasts

1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 Tbs. vegetable oil
3 Tbs. honey
2 Tbs. soy sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

1. Combine the onion, lemon juice, vegetable oil, honey, and soy sauce and mix thoroughly with a whisk.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow glass dish and pour 1/2 cup of the mixture over them. Turn the chicken breasts over to coat them thoroughly. Then cover the dish and marinade at room temperature for 1 hour or in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
3. Pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil and continue to boil until it is slightly reduced and thickened. This should take about 2 minutes. Remove the sauce from heat and set aside until you're ready to grill the chicken. You'll use it to glaze the chicken while grilling.
4. Heat a grill to medium-high heat, and brush oil onto the grill rack. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and drain them well. Season each chicken breast with salt and pepper, and then place them all on the grill.
5. Grill the chicken breasts until they're cooked all the way through, brushing occasionally with the glaze. They'll probably need to be cooked for about 8 minutes on each side.

Serve with wild or white rice and a salad for a light spring or summer meal. Serves six.

(Source: CooksRecipes.com. Used by permission.)