An inside look at living, studying and working at Cal Poly.

Inside Cal Poly

A campus wide COVID-19 Help Center has been set up and designed to support students who have questions or concerns about the ongoing asymptomatic testing program and how to comply with university requirements. Created and managed by the Cal Poly Corporation, this help center will support students as well as free up Campus Health and Wellbeing staff, who have been fielding these questions. Students should continue to contact CHW for symptomatic testing, student medical and mental health support.



The services provided by the COVID-19 Help Center include:



• Providing information on the university’s ongoing asymptomatic testing registration and the appointment process. The university requires students who meet certain criteria to schedule two tests per week approximately three days apart. The university is transitioning to a saliva-based testing program. Students need to make sure to get a Saliva Test Registration ID and make an appointment to test. As of Feb. 25, saliva surveillance testing is available at the Performing Arts Center and Poly Canyon Village testing sites, and students should use saliva testing. Employees are invited to continue to use nasal swab testing with Avellino Labs while we work on the transition for students.



• Identifying off-campus testing locations in the community. If students would like to get a test elsewhere the help center can assist in providing other testing locations in the area.



• Answering questions related to campus compliance communications or requirements from the Presidential Order. Do I meet the requirements to get tested? Can I get tested if I’m symptomatic? Where do I get tested? All of these are great questions that the help center can answer.



• Help connecting students with other needed COVID-related services and online resources. Check out the official webpage for the help center for an extensive list of all resources provided.



If you would like to contact the COVID-19 Help Center, please call 805-756-7748 or email covid-help@calpoly.edu Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Woman wearing headset smiling while working at a computer in an office with notes on the wall.

Got Questions? The COVID-19 Help Center has Answers.

Spread on toast, slathered on a salad or scooped on a chip, avocados are worth every penny— even though they might cost extra.



These delicious, versatile fruits have soared in popularity over the past decade, appearing on menus throughout the United States. Loaded with fiber, potassium and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, it’s no surprise that avocados are this month’s SuperFood.



Native to South Central Mexico, avocados are believed to have been used since as early as 10,000 B.C. There are over 500 varieties of avocados in the world, from the Hass to the Maluma. The fruits’ rough outer skin has also earned them the name “alligator pear” in some parts of the world. Although the skin is inedible, it’s the perfect natural packaging to take avocados on the go.



Avocado trees can grow up to 40 feet tall, and have a very long lifespan (some trees in Mexico are 400 years old). A single tree can produce up to 500 fruits per year. Avocados trees can’t pollinate on their own — meaning bees are required to carry pollen from one tree to another for them to reproduce, and the resulting fruits grow in pairs. For this reason, avocados became the Aztec symbol of love and fertility.



Not only are avocados packed with vitamins, but they also have the highest protein content of any fruit. Eating avocados reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and liver damage, while promoting eye health, youthful skin, healthy blood sugar levels, cognitive abilities and stronger bones.



Avocado flesh is smooth and creamy in texture with a rich taste. Add it to sandwiches, salads, soups, tacos and everything in between. You can even use the fruit to make smoothies and ice cream.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fun Facts:</h2>



In some recipes, avocado can serve as a butter substitute (but be careful — it might turn your baked goods green).



Need to ripen an avocado quickly? Place it in a brown paper bag with apples or bananas to speed up the process. (How: the additional fruits release ethylene gas, a natural hormone that helps avocados ripen faster.)



On Super Bowl Sunday, Americans eat over 8 million pounds of guacamole.

Green text "Avo great day!" and black text "May superfood" surrounded by avocado halves on white background.

Guac and Roll!

Kale chips, arugula salad, sautéed spinach: leafy greens that have risen in popularity and reached star status as restaurant favorites, home-made smoothie regulars, and obligatory #healthyhabits posts on your Instagram feed.



Leafy greens are in. And no wonder they’re a SuperFood. These greens support our health conscious culture and serve as some of the very best foods to fuel your body with.



Take classic romaine lettuce: a common leafy green for salads, recognized by its light green color and crunchy bite. Romaine is loaded with folic acid, a form of vitamin B, along with potassium and vitamin C. Vitamin B has been found to correlate with increased male fertility and better moods. Vitamin C helps regulate blood pressure in women.



Another leafy green, prominent in a variety of dishes including salads, pastas and quiches, is spinach. This green is a bit darker in color and has high levels of potassium which regulates blood pressure and muscle functioning.



Other greens include arugula- peppery and full of calcium, kale- bitter and loaded with the powerful antioxidant lutein, and swiss chard- the one with those colored veins, contains the most vitamin K of all greens.



Don’t like salad? Check out&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cookinglight.com/food/in-season/leafy-greens-recipes#berry-beet-green-smoothie2">these</a>&nbsp;suggestions for incorporating leafy greens into your diet!



Tired of the same ole greens? Try these&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/leafy-green-vegetables">13 healthy leafy green vegetables</a>&nbsp;to change up your meals!



Fun Facts:



You can get an entire serving of fruits and vegetables in just a half cup of spinach!



In general, the darker the leafy green color, the more fiber, vitamins and minerals.



Kale contains a plant nutrient known as sulforaphane, which has been found to aid in cancer prevention.

Leafy greens like kale and Swiss chard with text: "Lettuce Celebrate Leafy Greens! April Superfood" on white background.

Lettuce Talk

Citrus is one of the zest kinds of superfoods! Squeezed into a juice, sliced into a salad, or peeled as a snack, this superfood is as versatile as it is delicious. Just be careful not to squirt any juice into your eye when opening one up! Whether you’re enjoying an orange, lime, lemon, grapefruit, kumquat or clementine, citrus fruits contain a variety of nutrients including potassium, calcium, phosphorus and a variety of B vitamins.



As most people know, they’re also a great source of vitamin C! Some benefits of this specific nutrient include aiding the absorption of iron, protecting the body from free radicals, producing collagen in the body, regulating blood sugar levels, and having antioxidant properties that may help fight cancer, reduce the risk of heart disease and prevent cataracts. Although vitamin c may not prevent the common cold, it could make the symptoms less severe and lengthy.



Your body does not produce Vitamin C on its own, so if you’re looking to boost your immune system, you need to incorporate it into your diet! Here are some fun ways to add citrus to your meals!



&#8211; Add a few grapes and make&nbsp;<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/54535845460553777/">orange slice butterflies</a>



&#8211; Try a savory&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/haddock-with-lime-cilantro-butter/">haddock dish with lime-cilantro butter</a>



&#8211; Squeeze your citrus in one of these&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thealternativedaily.com/3-fresh-citrus-juices-can-make-home/">three juice recipes</a>



&#8211; Dip some oranges in a little dark chocolate for the perfect healthy treat



Have some leftover citrus you just don’t know what to do with? Never let an orange peel or lonely lemon half go to waste again with these&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/cooking-tips/article/5-easy-things-to-do-with-citrus">5 easy things to do with citrus</a>.



If you need a break from eating citrus, try tossing some lemon, orange, or grapefruit juice into your freshly cut fruits or vegetables to keep them from going brown or limp!

Orange slice surrounded by lime, grapefruit, and lemon pieces arranged in a star shape with text "Squeeze the day! January superfoods.

Squeeze The Day!

Fall is commonly known as the season for pumpkins, spices and other cozy treats. However, November comes with other nutritiously packed foods like mushrooms and sweet potatoes. These two superfoods may not be the prettiest, but they are packed with flavor and nutritional benefits.



As the second most popular pizza topping, next to pepperoni, mushrooms have become a favorite add-on to any meal. Edible fungi, like shiitake, oyster, and lion’s mane mushrooms, have been linked to boosting immune systems and improving treatment results in cases of cancer, high cholesterol, and neurological diseases.&nbsp;<a href="https://foodscience.psu.edu/research/centers/mushroom-center">One study</a>&nbsp;even showed that two common antioxidants in some mushrooms -ergothioneine and glutathione- have the potential to ward off diseases such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s.



There are over 70,000 types of mushrooms, but only around 250 species are edible. Be careful when finding mushrooms in the wild, they are likely not edible and could harm your health rather than boost it. Mushrooms should be stored unwashed in a paper bag in the fridge. If you buy them packaged in plastic, try transferring them to a paper bag or tray with a paper towel. To incorporate more mushrooms into your diet, here are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/recipes-for-mushroom-lovers/view-all/">50 savory, satisfying mushroom recipes</a>.



Although sweet potatoes are commonly called ‘potatoes,’ they are actually categorized in a different family. Botanically, the sweet potato belongs in the bindweed or morning glory family, while a regular potato sits in the nightshade family. Sweet potatoes are a fan favorite all year long, but are especially ap(peel)ing in the fall- as a side dish, soup, stew, or even pie. Don’t let their sugary name fool you, sweet potatoes are full of vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients that will keep you feeling healthful all of Fall. One cup of baked sweet potatoes provides nearly half of your daily vitamin c needs as well as 400% of your recommended vitamin a intake! These vitamins also function as antioxidants that support age and disease fighting cells. Last but not least, the same portion of sweet potatoes, delivers a third of your daily manganese intake, a mineral that promotes skin and bone health. If you’re already sweet potato fan, here are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.health.com/food/stuffed-sweet-potatoes">4 ways</a>&nbsp;to give your sweet potato fix an upgrade.

Fall foods that leaf you smiling, November superfoods: mushrooms and sweet potatoes at salad bars, Cal Poly Campus Dining.

Fall Foods That Leaf You Smiling

Nothing is better than biting into a cool, crisp apple. From decadent desserts to savory meals, apples can be added to any meal with ease. They can be found all over campus at locations like Campus Market and 805 Kitchen, or can be purchased at your local grocery store or Farmer’s Market. With over 7,500 apple varieties to choose from, you’ll never get tired of this tasty fruit.



The saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is no joke. Apples are naturally free of fat, cholesterol and sodium, making them the perfect healthy snack. They are full of dietary fiber- 5 grams in one medium-size fruit and contain an antioxidant called Quercetin, which is believed to protect brain cells from damaging radicals. The antioxidant powers of apples are also beneficial to the heart. They can help lower cholesterol and protect the heart against heart disease.



Apples are also good for maintaining healthy skin. Packed with vitamin C and vitamin B, apples promote skin health by speeding up skin cell production and fighting acne and skin irritation. Granny Smith and Red Delicious are especially nutritious due to their high collagen and elastin levels. However, all apple varieties have nutrients to give you healthful, glowy skin.



Fall is quickly approaching and apple season comes with it. Check out these 15 apple recipes to try out this fall. They’ll have you feeling warm and fuzzy in no time.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thekitchn.com/15-things-to-do-with-all-the-apples-youll-pick-this-fall-235212">https://www.thekitchn.com/15-things-to-do-with-all-the-apples-youll-pick-this-fall-235212</a>



And if you’re overwhelmed by your fall apple picking, here are 12 inventive ways to use apples besides eating them!&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rd.com/food/fun/apple-uses/">https://www.rd.com/food/fun/apple-uses/</a>

Red apples, one sliced in half, with green text "Good for you to the core" and "September Superfood" from Cal Poly Campus Dining.

Good For You To The Core

One of the most underrated superfoods has to be the humble tomato. Mixed into salsa, thrown into salad, or blended into pasta sauce, tomatoes tend to fly under the radar when used in different meals. However, this superfood holds incredible health properties you won’t want to miss out on.



While most people think of it as a vegetable, tomatoes are actually categorized as fruits. These fruits contain high levels of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and helps maintain healthy skin and tissue lining. One medium-size tomato contains 50% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C and no saturated fats!



The pigment that gives them their deep red color is called lycopene. This antioxidant attacks radicals which, if allowed to build up, can cause cell damage and trigger cancer. The amount of lycopene in a tomato varies according to the variety, but the deep red tomatoes are the best- they contain 50 mg of lycopene per kilogram. Cooking the tomatoes can help concentrate the lycopene.



Tomatoes also contribute to a healthy heart. The high vitamin C levels enable oxygen to be transported around the body and to the heart more efficiently. The highest concentration of vitamin C is found in the jelly-like coating around the seeds so shy away from scrapping them out when cooking.



Tomatoes are one of the easiest and most rewarding fruit to grow in your garden. However, if you’re like most people who grow tomatoes, you know the struggle of having waaayyyyyy too many tomatoes on your hands. Not to worry, here are 28 things to do with too many tomatoes:



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Red tomatoes scattered around text reading "Healthy from my head tomatoes" and "August superfood" on a white background.

Healthy From My Head Tomatoes

The new year is upon us and with it comes the obligatory resolution to eat healthier, work out more and not polish off a bag of Cheetos while binge-watching The Godfather trilogy on Netflix. We can help you with two of those — eating healthier while watching Marlon Brando make offers that are in the best interest of everyone involved not to be refused.



It’s January, and much like starting a year of unlimited opportunities, we decided start the quarter with a superfood species, as to not limit ourselves to one specific food.



Citrus fruits, and all of their juicy, vibrantly colored, vitamin-filled goodness, will be the guest of honor at Campus Dining facilities throughout the month of January.



Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, tangelos, kumquats, mandarins — we could go on but won’t — are packed with folate to help beef up those red blood cells, potassium to beef up those muscles, and vitamin C which helps one fend off things like the flu and malaria (bonus!).



The fruit group can also add a taste explosion to any meal and can be used for virtually any food. For example, Village Market will have “Be My Clementine Crêpes” available for anyone looking for a delicious skinny pancake that will also contribute to cardiovascular health.



Want to mix it up? Go with a banana, OJ and boysenberry smoothie and help boost your cognitive functions by maintaining blood flow to your noggin and all but ensuring positive midterm results.



Everyone is looking to go green but you may as well add some color and immune system support by throwing in some mandarins. Build your own salad or help yourself to healthier skin with the Citrus Salad available at Red Radish. It includes spring mix, cranberries, mandarin oranges, red grapes, crispy noodles, diced grapefruit and sliced turkey.



Quick Facts:



Fossilized leaves found in China in 2009 and 2011 suggest that citrus is as many as 7 million years old.



For a mere 35 fat-free calories, one clementine packs more than half of your daily value of vitamin C.



Consuming grapefruits lower your risk of developing asthma, and its high fiber and water content helps keep your digestive tract healthy to keep you regular. Win-win.

Citrus is coming, the goose is getting fat…

Finals are here, the holiday season is in full swing and we are ready to celebrate with our December super foods! This month, winter squash, cranberries, and nuts take center stage at Campus Dining.



Winter squash come in a variety of forms, including the most popular butternut, spaghetti, and acorn squash. These veggies are packed with vitamins, vibrant in color, and compliment seasonal dishes well. They are low in calories and fat, and full of vitamin A, C, and E.



One fun way to incorporate squash into your diet is by substituting spaghetti pasta for spaghetti squash. Add sauce and meatballs on top and you have a healthy alternative to spaghetti and meatballs! Winter squash is also delicious roasted with herbs, blended into soups, and added into casseroles.



Add a pop of tartness and color to your salad with cranberries! These berries are small but mighty in their sweet, tangy flavor and immense health benefits. Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants, help boost your immune system, and decrease blood pressure. These berries can be consumed fresh, dried, frozen, or liquified. Whether added to a sauce, cider, trail mix, smoothies, oatmeal, or muffins, these fruits are a fun and healthy addition.



Rich in protein and unsaturated fats, nuts are perfect for spicing up salads and deserts, and are the base of many healthy holiday snacks. Almonds, cashews, and pistachios are the best for you in terms of calorie count, but all nuts are a great source of protein and fiber.



Quick Facts:



Winter squash are actually harvested in fall and get their name from their ability to save well through winter.



Cranberries are a food native to North America.



Peanuts help your brain! They contain an abundance of the mineral, folate, which aids in brain development.

Acorn squash, almonds, walnuts, and cranberries with the text "Superfoods for December.

Tag: Health