The Jiggs Graham Memorial All You Can Eat Crab Feed is Jan. 25 at the DES Hall in Dos Palos. Cocktails are at 5 p.m., and dinner is at 7:30. There is a silent auction and raffle. No take outs or outside alcohol is allowed.
Tickets can be purchased at $70 per person at Dos Palos City Hall located at 2174 Blossom Street, or The Servatorium at 1548 Center Avenue. Call Donald Vincent at 209-761-5422 or Danny Mccarty at 209-752-4069. Optionally, contact any Lions Club member. Current crab prices necessitate the ticket price.
Crab is one of the best sources of zinc, an essential for a healthy immune system to ward off colds and flu. Crab also contains other vital nutrients including protein, copper, calcium, phosphorus, iron and a variety of vitamins.
The price is worth the many health benefits of crab nutrients. Zinc has many bodily benefits in addition to improving immune systems. It aids in the healing of wounds, augments our sense of taste and smell and helps us synthesize protein.Zinc helps control inflammation and balances the bodily reaction to infection.
Since the body does not store zinc well, everyone needs a small amount each day but not an overabundance. The general rule is eight milligrams daily. Pregnant and nursing women need more. Those who have had GI surgery or have a digestive disorder also need more zinc.
Beef, pork and chicken are other common sources of zinc. Animal protein builds muscle and provides a variety of necessary B vitamins. Pork is a low-fat meat that contains choline which is linked to improvement in long term memory. Chicken dark meat provides more essential nutrients than white meat.
Oysters are an especially rich food. They provide protein, omega-3 fatty acids and iron along with zinc. Shrimp is another seafood that provides zinc.
Vegans and vegetarians must be particularly diligent about getting enough zinc and B vitamins to keep nerve and blood cells healthy. Zinc in plants does not enter the body as readily as animal-provided zinc.
Almonds, cashews and pumpkin seeds are sources of zinc and provide some protein. Almonds are high in omega-3s and magnesium. Chickpeas, aka garbanzo beans, and kidney beans are sources for zinc.
Soak dry beans overnight, and then slow cook in fresh water. Do not add salt while cooking or beans may toughen. Cooked beans can be blended with flavored oil and seasonings to make a dip for vegetables, or add cooked beans in a chili recipe.
Swiss cheese is a source of zinc which is lower in salt and calories than many other cheeses but still high in protein and calcium. A delicious and easy way to consume zinc is to add a slice of Swiss cheese to sandwiches or grate it into salads.
Oatmeal is considered a healthy breakfast food that is rich in zinc, folate, potassium and fiber. Avoid over-processed, quick to serve types. Serve with milk and fruit to increase the benefits. Fruit helps assimilate other nutrients. Add oatmeal when making banana nut bread for a nutritious snack.
Spinach provides some zinc, but cabbages, especially elongated napa cabbage, are richer in zinc. For a tasty slaw shred 8 cups cabbage and 3 carrots. To make a dressing, dissolve 1 tablespoon sugar in 1/4 cup rice vinegar and 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Optionally, add 1/2 cup chopped mint or cilantro. Combine the dressing and vegetables. Serve immediately.
Whatever your personal taste preferences might be, keep zinc in mind when planning wintertime meals. A healthy immune system helps fight diseases that are prevalent this time of year.
For the rare opportunity of all you can eat crab. enjoy the Jiggs Graham Memorial Feed.
(Janet Miller is a freelance writer specializing in family faith. She offers Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides on compact disc for families to explore the Bible jmiller@dospalos.org.)
