December 2, 2014

Superfoods: Bell Peppers

While the bell pepper takes a back seat to chili peppers in the research spotlight due to its limited amount of the compound capsaicin, this versatile vegetable shouldn’t be overlooked as it possesses an overwhelming abundance of powerful nutrients. With over 30 carotenoids, including lycopene, alpha-carotene, cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin and rich in flavonoids like luteolin, hesperidin, and quercetin, bell peppers are antioxidant powerhouses. The combination of their antioxidant potency, along with their high levels of folate, vitamin A, dietary fiber, vitamin E, and vitamin B6 make bell peppers one of the most effective weapons against cancer, cardiovascular disease, eye disorders, and diabetes. Bell Peppers Tale Bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) are part of the Solanaceae family and have been […]
December 2, 2014

Don’t Eat Overcooked Meat

Any meat (including fish) cooked at high temperatures creates dangerous carcinogens. Scientists looked at men whose diets included high intake of red meat cooked at high temperatures, pan-fried, or well-done. Their findings published in 2012 showed specific gene expression changes that predisposed these men to advanced prostate cancer. These kinds of studies show that one can exert a degree of control over their cell regulatory genes by avoiding overcooked meats. Aggressive malignancies are those that rapidly propagate, infiltrate and metastasize. A 2011 study evaluated almost 1,000 men and found that higher consumption of any ground beef or processed meats was associated with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Men who ate […]
November 18, 2014

Superfoods: Cherries

Powerful Pain Relief, Cancer Defense, and Neuroprotection Growing concerns about the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks of common pain-relieving drugs are leading many health-conscious adults to avidly seek safe, effective ways of beating inflammation and pain. Exciting evidence suggests that delicious tart cherries offer powerful pain relief and may also safeguard against cancer and neurodegenerative conditions. Whether consumed fresh, frozen, or in canned or juiced forms, tart cherries are rich in nutritive compounds and powerful flavonoids. Flavonoids—colorful compounds found in many fruits and vegetables—are attracting growing attention for their antioxidative activity, free-radical scavenging capacity, and anticancer effects. A special class of […]
November 11, 2014

What Are The Health Benefits of Cabbage?

Cabbage, which is often lumped into the same category as lettuce because of their similar appearance, is actually a part of the cruciferous vegetable family. Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, kale and broccoli are notorious for being chock-full of beneficial nutrients. If you are trying to improve your diet, cruciferous vegetables should be at the very top of your grocery list. Cabbage can vary in color from green to red and purple, and the leaves can be smooth or crinkled. With less than 20 calories per half cup cooked, it is a vegetable worth making room on your plate for. This MNT Knowledge […]
November 4, 2014

Acute Asthma Attacks Linked To Vitamin D Deficiency

An article that appeared in the journal Allergy on October 3, 2014 revealed an association between vitamin D deficiency and the risk of asthma exacerbations. The study included 307,900 men and women whose serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured between 2008 and 2012. Among them, 21,237 had been diagnosed with asthma. Asthma exacerbations were considered to have occurred among subjects who were prescribed oral corticosteroids, who received more than five prescriptions for short acting beta agonists, or who had more than four asthma-related physician visits. Although vitamin D levels were similar between asthmatics and nonasthmatics, vitamin D deficiency in the asthmatic population was associated […]
October 28, 2014

Majority of Americans Short On Critical Nutrients

A study reported online on September 19, 2014 in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics reveals widespread failure among most U.S. adults to obtain sufficient amounts of important nutrients in their diets. Ruopeng An of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his colleagues evaluated data from 11,811 men and women enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination surveys 2007-2008 and 2009-2010. Over 4,200 subjects qualified as disabled. Twenty-four hour dietary recall questionnaire responses were analyzed for nutrient in intake from food and supplements. “We conducted statistical analyses to compare people with and without disabilities in terms of nutrient intake,” […]
October 28, 2014

Essential Fatty Acids May Be The Key To Your Problems

I often see patients who assume that forgetfulness, dry skin, impaired memory and other symptoms are just part of getting older. They’re surprised when I suggest that the lack of essential fatty acids may be at the root of their problems. Most of my patients have heard of essential fatty acids, but many of them don’t know what they are or why they are important. Fatty acids make up the food group we normally call fats. Essential fatty acids are those you must get from your diet. They are necessary for life but cannot be made by your body. EFA’s […]
October 14, 2014

Blueberries Boost Longevity

Until recently, the majority of scientific research on blueberries has focused on the cognitive benefits of this fruit. Multiple studies have shown that blueberries slow age-related damage to brain cells and protect memory-associated brain regions from oxidant and inflammatory damage. The result is improvements in overall cognitive function. Researchers have uncovered new data showing that blueberries delay aging and promote longevity. In laboratory experiments, blueberries and their extracts have extended the life span in two different models of aging. Additionally, blueberries have been shown to fight DNA damage, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and even cancer. Rich in anthocyanins and pterostilbenes, […]
October 14, 2014

Coming Soon: Test Your Food for Gluten in Real Time

I think this is the most excited I’ve ever been for the development of a product to help us folks who eat a gluten-free diet. Do I have you on the edge of your seat now? A company called 6SensorLabs is currently building a device which will allow you to check your food for gluten and see the results in real-time on your mobile phone. This is huge news, because I (and many of you) get sick and worry about getting sick far too often. Even the most well-intentioned wait staff and chefs are sometimes unaware of gluten hiding in […]