October 8, 2024

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Could Increase Risk of Infection

An article published in PLoS Genetics describes a study involving the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) which uncovered a link between insufficient dietary intake of vitamin B12 and a greater risk of potentially lethal infections. Caenorhabditis elegans are similar to humans in their need to obtain vitamin B12 by dietary means. “We used C. elegans to study the effect of diet on a host and found that one kind of food was able to dramatically increase resistance to multiple stressors — like heat and free radicals — as well as to pathogens,” reported lead researcher Natasha Kirienko, who is an assistant professor of biosciences at […]
October 7, 2024

Cheers to the Top 50 Foods for Happiness

Did you know that food can actually play a role in your mood and happiness levels? So many people live with restricting many foods or feelings of guilt or shame surrounding eating. Others may not get the nutrition they need to fuel the pleasure centers in the brain (think serotonin production), keeping mood stable. The brain uses a full 20% of the calories you take in so fueling it is absolutely critical. Foods that contain compounds like zinc, selenium, B6 and B12, magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants have proven links to brain health and even mood, which is […]
September 10, 2024

Want To Age Faster? Eat These Foods

Aging is the process of accumulating damaging changes in cells and consequent diseases that eventually cause decline in a body. Aging is a complex process without a single cause. As the body ages, there is a decreased ability to respond to stress and maintain proper, healthy balance. There are many scientific theories related to aging but a common thread includes the health of bodily systems including immune function, inflammation, or free-radical damage. There are foods that can help support the immune system, calm inflammation in the body and quench free radicals in the form of antioxidants. There are also foods […]
August 27, 2024

Grapefruit-Blackberry Slushie Adds Zest to Summer

  Make a zesty and refreshing splash at your next party. For an adult twist, spike these slushies with a shot of tequila, vodka or rum. Ingredients: 2 cups fresh or bottled grapefruit juice ¾ cup orange juice 1 cup soda water 1 Tbs. agave syrup 12 ounces blackberries 5 cups ice cubes 2 limes (sliced into disks for garnish) 10 fresh mint sprigs for garnish Directions: 1. In a blender, combine grapefruit juice, orange juice, soda water and agave; blend for a few seconds to combine. 2. Before adding ice to blender, prepare highball glasses by muddling six blackberries […]
August 27, 2024

Want To Know the Top 50 Foods for Fertility?

  Foods fuel the body in so many ways and that includes fertility – for both men and women. Even if fertility isn’t top on your priority list currently, keeping these reproductive systems healthy is still important. Foods that contain energy and certain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants have been proven to be especially important for optimizing health and reproductive systems in both men and women, which is why these foods top the list of 50 foods critical for fertility. 1. Amaranth Technically a ‘pseudocereal,’ this ancient grain is making a comeback in modern-day cuisine and it offers fertility support as […]
August 27, 2024

Quinoa with Tasty Early Summer Herbs

People often don’t use enough herbs with their grains. In the quantity here, herbs work like another vegetable, both for taste and nutrients. Tangy sorrel is a wonderful summer herb, with good-sized leaves similar to spinach. If you can’t find it, substitute the zest of one lemon, stirred in at the end. Ingredients: 1/2 pound baby carrots with tops 1 1/4 cups quinoa 2 1/2 cups water 1/2 pound sweet green onions, chopped into 1/2-inch sections, including green tops 2 Tbs. olive oil 1 1/2 ounces fresh sorrel leaves, cut crosswise into ribbons (about 2 cups) 1 ounce fresh basil […]
August 13, 2024

Top 50 Foods To Support Muscle and Metabolism

Thinking about your muscle mass isn’t just for body builders. Every single person needs to focus on maintaining their “lean body mass.” Not only does this protect your ability to be active and live healthfully as you age, it is a key part of having a healthy metabolism. Muscle is so much more metabolically active than fat. The more muscle mass you build, the healthier your metabolism will be and the easier it will be to burn fat and achieve balance. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, so these types of foods are key but so are other […]
August 13, 2024

Oh, là là! The Fabulous Flavors of France

Over the past year, FoodTrients has been exploring foods and flavors from around the globe. This week, we take a look at the flavors of France as part of our new series on the world of foods, herbs and spices that help create some of the distinctive dishes we have featured, and the age-defying benefits they deliver. France is known for its elegant cuisine that is unlike any other. Not only is food an important part of French culture, but wine is considered a staple as well. France is well known for its wine all around the world and pairing […]
August 13, 2024

Summertime Chicken Salad Cups Are Delicious!

Fresh fruit—including honeydew melon and mango—provides a delicious complementary note to this salad’s savory flavors, offered by jalapeños, red onion, and a dash of cider vinegar. Top it off with some fresh mint and basil, and everyone will be looking for seconds. It’s dairy free and gluten free, too. Ingredients: ¼ cup water ¼ cup cider vinegar 2 Tbs. honey ½ tsp. kosher or sea salt 2 medium jalapeños, stemmed and thinly sliced crosswise (seeds removed) 12 ounces sliced, cooked chicken ½ medium cucumber; halved lengthwise, seeded and thinly sliced ⅓ cup slivered red onion ¼ cup torn, fresh mint […]
July 30, 2024

Know How To Eat? This Book Makes It Easy

Shouldn’t “how to eat” be clear already? In a way, it is. Every animal knows how to eat, and only in humans (and the animals under their control) has this been perverted. In the last century or so, we’ve been led astray. And we’re so far from our origins that it’s proving hard to find our way back. Yet there’s nothing more important: Food is the fuel that runs every function of the complex human machine. It is the source of construction material for the growing bodies of children and all the replacements adult bodies require each day. What we […]
July 14, 2024

5 Amazing Age-Better Foods To Add To Your Diet

Food is Medicine! And some foods can provide benefits that will aid in healthy aging. Antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber support the body in many ways including optimizing longevity and wellness. Check out these 5 foods that can make you look and feel more vibrant today as FoodTrients discusses why you should incorporate them into your diet. PINK GRAPEFRUIT All citrus contains antioxidants, fiber and anti-aging compounds like vitamin C but pink grapefruit has some special benefits to offer. Antioxidant spermidine has shown positive results in some animal studies for longevity and in support of healthy cells. A […]
July 14, 2024

What Foods Can Help Improve Your Mind?

MIND What foods can you eat to improve your mind? Watch the video to find out. Learn more about brain-boosting foods in these articles: MIND Diet Could Help Prevent Dementia Diet for the Mind Fights Memory Loss Learn more about the FoodTrients’ foods for the MIND from our nutritionist Ginger Hultin: Feeding your brain the right nutrients is key to a happy and healthy life. Learn more about which foods can help keep you focused and support your mind from FoodTrients’ contributing nutritionist Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO: How to Feed Your Brain and Keep Sharp FoodTrients recipes that support […]