August 7, 2018

Are These 8 Nutrients Missing in Your Diet?

More than 90 percent of Americans fall short of meeting estimated average requirements for at least one vitamin or mineral. A big part of the problem? A diet heavy in nutrient-poor, refined and highly processed foods. Another culprit: modern farming techniques, particularly the practice of planting vegetable and fruit varieties that increase yields but result in less nutrition per bite. Getting the nutrients you need not only helps you avoid deficiency-related conditions, but also may increase your energy levels, keep your immune system in top shape and ward off chronic diseases. So eat as healthfully as you can, and use […]
August 7, 2018

The Happy, Healthy Benefits of Hibiscus

You may have noticed food trend hibiscus popping up on local restaurant menus in the past couple of years. From hot and cold tea and infused beverages to being added to salads and even quesadillas and desserts, this beautiful purple edible flower also promises some interesting health benefits. You’ll commonly encounter hibiscus in warmer climates as it is native to Central and West Africa, India and Southeast Asia and the West Indies. Medicinally, hibiscus is used for: cardiovascular disease high blood pressure high cholesterol diabetes anxiety loss of appetite colds and upper respiratory tract infection urinary tract infections (UTIs) kidney […]
July 31, 2018

Visionary! 4 Foods To Support Eye Health

Give your peepers some attention! In addition to wearing protective sunglasses while outside, getting annual eye checkups and supplementing wisely, fill your plate with vision-supporting foods. KALE, SPINACH AND TURNIP GREENS We love these verdant veggies for their eye-fortifying nutrients: lutein and zeaxanthin—antioxidants that reduce risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision impairment. Lutein and zeaxanthin are particularly special because they filter out blue-wavelength light emitted from smartphones and computers. For effortless nutrition, add chopped kale, spinach or turnip greens into stews or pasta sauce. SALMON, TUNA AND MACKEREL Yes, seafood does help you see, […]
July 31, 2018

Cool Off With Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho

People sit up and take notice when you carry this cold soup to the table. Watermelon gives it a gorgeous, unexpected color and a sweetness that works well with onion, pepper, and lime juice. For a small-plate party, serve in short, clear glasses with demitasse spoons. CHILLED WATERMELON GAZPACHO Ingredients: 1 small seedless watermelon (cubed) 1 cup cucumber (peeled, seeded, and finely diced) 1 red bell pepper (finely diced) 1 yellow bell pepper (finely diced) 1/2 jalapeno pepper seeded and minced 3 stalks celery (finely diced) 1/2 small red onion (finely diced) 1/4 cup fresh mint (finely chopped) 1/4 cup […]
July 24, 2018

Is Poor Diet Behind The Teenage Mental Health Crisis?

Fiona Hunter, one of the UK’s leading nutritionists, takes a look at the possible correlation between the emerging mental health crisis in teenagers and how this could be linked to the lack of vital vitamins and minerals in teenagers. This week, research found that young people aged 16 to 25 are the unhappiest generation in a decade, with one in four feeling ‘hopeless’ on a regular basis, and nearly half having experienced a mental health problem. Eating a healthy balanced diet is not usually high up on the ‘to-do’ list for most teenagers and young adults – one reason is […]
July 24, 2018

Pineapple & Spinach Make a Super Smoothie

Spinach is a super food that’s chock full of nutrients such as potassium, iron and calcium. The pineapple, banana and maple syrup gives this super smoothie a tropical twist. Pineapple-Spinach Smoothie Ingredients: 1 cup coconut milk (from the refrigerated section, such as Silk brand, not canned) 1 cup lightly packed baby spinach ½ cup plain, whole-milk Greek yogurt ½ cup frozen pineapple ½ medium, frozen, sliced banana (about ½ cup) 2 Tbs. hemp seeds 1 Tbs. maple syrup (optional) Directions: Place coconut milk and spinach in a blender. Process on high until greens are finely blended. Add yogurt, frozen pineapple, […]