Keto and Smoothies.....

         We returned from Richland, Washington early this week after helping our son settle in before beginning work at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.  It's so ironic that Jacob is becoming a researcher there because my work with the Department of Energy required that I take a deep dive into the issues he'll deal with.  Right after getting my master's in Energy Administration, I went to work for the Department of Energy and focused on the waste at the decommissioned Hanford Nuclear Plant, established to support the Manhattan Project in 1943. The DOE had just completed the Waste Isolation Pilot facility in New Mexico and planned to move nuclear waste from the decommissioned Hanford plant to New Mexico by rail. At least, they thought they'd do that until several states refused to allow the transport of nuclear waste across their borders.  Thus, the waste remains buried in holding tanks along the Columbia River.  These tanks are beginning to show signs of decay, so the U.S. Government must find a permanent solution.  Nuclear waste is a terrible problem worldwide.  The more I discovered about nuclear waste, the more discouraged I became, especially when I found out how the Atomic Energy Commission handled it early on. Initially, they placed it in 50-gallon drums and dumped them into the ocean.  Yikes!  No one tracked their position, and their location is unknown. I became very discouraged working with this issue because solutions seemed impossible, so I decided to change careers and became a teacher.  However, I remain very concerned about the problem of nuclear waste, and it is exciting that Jake might help solve the problem.  I definitely hope so.  In other news, I'm continuing with cholesterol management by taking a closer look at my statin smoothie ingredients because of the success I've had improving my cholesterol.  As a reminder, the ingredients include Matcha green tea powder, protein powder, chia seeds, hemp hearts, Moringa powder, spinach, and almond milk.  This week's focus is Matcha green tea powder.  This powder has many potential health benefits.  It helps with weight loss by increasing fat burning and speeding up your metabolism.  Matcha's antioxidants can help boost your immune system.  It contains nutrients and compounds that may help prevent cancer and reduce tumor growth. It's especially high in epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a catechin that may help kill cancer cells.  Matcha protects against cardiovascular disease by reducing cholesterol levels and lipid accumulation in the endothelium.  Matcha's antioxidants can help fight free radicals and environmental damage, restore moisture and hydration, and absorb oils from your pores.  Matcha contains high levels of L-theanine, which can help you feel calm and alert and avoid the energy crash that can follow caffeine consumption.  Studies have shown that concentrated green tea extracts can reduce enzyme levels that can lead to liver disease.  Obviously, there are many reasons why Matcha is a good ingredient in my statin smoothie.  Although I am using it to combat bad cholesterol, I discovered it has many other benefits.  Next week, I'll discuss protein powder.  Til then, have a great week.