Archive 2006 2007 2008 2009

Q: What is the gray layer under the skin in salmon? Is it okay to eat?

A: Salmon (and other fish) develop a gray-brown layer of insulating fat between their skin and flesh. This is in addition to fat deposited within the flesh. Yes, it’s okay to eat it.

A large amount of the healthy omega-3 fats in salmon are found here. For cosmetic reasons, however, vendors who remove the skin also take off as much of the gray fat as they can. But you may still find some of it on your salmon fillets or smoked salmon.

In general, the fatty layer adds an intensity of flavor, but it has a consistency that some people may dislike. If you scrape it off, rest assured that you are still getting significant amounts of omega-3s from the flesh of the salmon.

Q: Can soaking in water with Epsom salt relieve muscle soreness or arthritis?

A: There’s no evidence that it is effective. Epsom salt is hydrated magnesium sulfate and was traditionally formed by the evaporation of mineral waters. It was discovered in Epsom, England, in the 17th century and has been used as a folk remedy—notably as an anti-inflammatory soak—ever since. It’s the warm water that helps relieve arthritis symptoms, not the Epsom salt.

Spas often promote soaking in various types of mineral waters for health benefits, but absorption of minerals through skin is very limited, so the curative power of minerals—assuming they have any—would also be very limited.

Q: How do the health benefits of raisins compare to grapes?

A: Ounce for ounce, raisins have nearly three times the antioxidant power of red and green grapes, as measured by one standard test. In fact, they are one of the richest sources of antioxidants of all foods.

That’s not surprising, since when fruits are dried, their compounds are greatly concentrated. (It takes more than six ounces of grapes to make one ounce of raisins.) Most of the vitamin C in grapes, as well as heat-sensitive phytochemicals, are destroyed in the drying process, but obviously plenty survive, since raisins test so high in antioxidant activity.

Raisins are also a good source of potassium, fiber, and some minerals. But remember, the drying process also concentrates the sugars and thus the calories, so watch how many you eat. A half cup of grapes has about 50 calories, while a half cup of raisins has about 220 calories. An ounce of raisins (about 60), with 85 calories, is a good snack.

Q: Is the new drug that enhances eyelashes safe to use?

A: The FDA recently approved the prescription drug Latisse for treating hypotrichosis (sparse eyelashes), and thus considers it safe and effective. It is a liquid that you apply daily to the base of the upper eyelid. Still, it’s hard to recommend a drug solely for such cosmetic purposes, since it does have side effects, and its long-term safety is largely unknown.

Latisse is the same drug (bimatoprost) as the eye drops used to treat glaucoma (such as Lumigan), which were found to have the unexpected side effect of stimulating eyelash growth. According to the manufacturer, most people will grow longer, darker, and thicker eyelashes, with full effects seen by 16 weeks. If you stop using it, though, your eyelashes will return to their former state.

The potential side effects include red, itchy eyes and darkening of eyelid skin (usually reversible) and of the iris (likely permanent). In addition, if the medication repeatedly drips, hair can grow on the skin around the eyes. The safety of the drug during pregnancy is unknown, and it should be used cautiously if you already use a similar medication for glaucoma.

Because Latisse is a cosmetic drug, your insurance company won’t pay for it (about $120 a month). Some new mascaras seem to do extraordinary things for eyelashes, too—for a lot less money.

Q: I sleep with my radio on all night. Does this interfere with my getting a good night’s sleep?

A: It might. Noise can make your sleep less sound, interfering with the deeper, most restful sleep phases. Though people can learn to sleep through almost anything, the most potentially disturbing noise is something meaningful to the sleeper—a crying baby, for example. You might learn to sleep through the noise of a nearby airport or highway, but a song you like or a news report may disturb your sleep because you are more likely to take an interest in it. Similarly, you may sleep through a thunderstorm, but wake up if your name is called.

If a radio helps you fall asleep, try using a model with a timer and set it to shut off after a given amount of time. See if your sleep isn’t sounder.

Q: Is it okay to eat dry oats straight from the box? Are they as nutritious as cooked oatmeal?

A: Yes and yes. The oats that you buy for oatmeal and baking have had their tough outer husks removed and are usually lightly steamed (precooked) to soften them and keep them from sprouting and spoiling. This makes them edible without further cooking. In contrast, raw oat kernels, straight off the stalk, are fed to livestock and, like other raw cereal grains, are not considered fit for human consumption.

Many people like dry oats better than cooked oatmeal. In fact, the popular Swiss cereal called muesli is a mix of dry rolled oats (or other rolled cereal grains) with nuts, seeds, and fruit—though it’s usually eaten after adding milk or yogurt, or soaking the oats first in water. Similarly, dry oats are found in granola.

Dry or cooked, oats provide protein, some B vitamins, and other nutrients, and they are rich in fiber—notably beta glucan, a soluble fiber that lowers cholesterol and helps control blood sugar.

Dry oats can cause bloating and discomfort, though, since they absorb fluid and expand in the digestive tract. Start with small amounts and drink plenty of liquids. You can add dry oats to other dry cereals or use them as a topping for fruit and yogurt.

UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, July 2009