FoodTrients GuidesThe Top 5 Teas for Fighting Colds and Flu
It’s clear that nutrition plays a key role in keeping your immune system healthy. You may be familiar with the classic immune-boosting recommendations of eating more citrus fruits, garlic and ginger, but have you ever considered the power of tea? Drinking tea on a daily basis has been proven to help boost certain aspects of your immune system which is so important as we head into cold and flu season. If you are already practicing healthy lifestyle habits such as exercise, adequate sleep, eating a balanced diet, staying home when sick and washing your hands often, incorporating tea into your […]READ MORE
May 20, 2024
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
Hypertension, a common cardiovascular concern affecting 1.3 billion people worldwide, is also called high blood pressure. It’s a condition that requires a multifaceted approach to management with a focus on preventive care. While medication plays a crucial role, dietary choices can significantly impact your blood pressure levels and should be a first line treatment. In this article, we explore five Foodtrients® foods that provide blood pressure management benefits that you can start incorporating today! Before we dive into the foods you should be including, be sure that you have a plan to know your numbers and have meaningful discussions with […]
April 23, 2024
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
How’s your gastrointestinal system feeling these days? From the incredible science of the microbiome to general tummy troubles like gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea and pain – the role and health of the ‘GI’ system is on everyone’s mind, especially during the eating-holidays of fall and winter. There are some common denominators to keeping the gut happy. Fiber, anti-inflammatory foods, and soothing substances top the list of 50 foods that support the GI system. Whether you’re feeding the gut with prebiotics, inoculating it with probiotics or simply feeding it to make it work smoothly, you should include these foods in your […]
April 9, 2024
Published by Grace O
After a very challenging winter (at least here in Southern California where we actually had blizzards that left ten feet of snow in the local San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains), we are so ready for spring! In most of the country, you can get most any vegetable any time of the year, because we import many items from places like Mexico and Central America. But beginning in March and April, spring vegetables are ready for action and local produce becomes readily available at markets—farmers and super. Here are a variety of spring vegetables that are especially sweet and delicious […]
March 27, 2024
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
Here Are 5 Great Foods for Your Skin Winter weather is not kind to our skin. Dryness, redness, flaking or general discomfort abounds as the colder weather continues and we head towards spring. Aside from a slew of lotions and products you are what you eat and your skin is no exception. Foods that are good for your skin, helping to hydrate and guard from environmental damage, have a few things in common including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show that antioxidants in foods may work by breaking down and neutralizing free radicals, protecting skin from the sun and increasing […]
March 27, 2024
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
Probiotics are trending as a hot topic this year because these good bacteria are gaining more scientific evidence that they support human health. Linked to aiding gut health and supporting good bacteria in the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, probiotic foods are growing in popularity. Read on to learn more about the role of probiotics in your health and how to include them in your diet today. Probiotics are live organisms used to increase good bacteria in the lower gut. Common probiotics include lactobacillus, bifidobacteria, and saccharomyces which are all strains that can be found in a variety of foods you […]
March 12, 2024
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
Health issues can occur anywhere along the GI tract from heartburn and stomach pain to absorption problems in the small intestine and disturbances in the flora of the large intestine. No fear! Healthy, whole foods can heal the gut anywhere you encounter problems. Here are the FoodTrients top 10 foods that heal the gut: 1. Aloe Soothing aloe can be used for more than just a sunburn. Aloe can be used as a laxative to relieve constipation and improve stool consistency. It sooths the skin in the mouth and gums, providing healing effects to the inside of the body. Aloe […]
February 13, 2024
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
February is not only a time to celebrate love and relationships but it is also American Hearth Month. This important theme helps to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease including stroke. The good news is, though heart disease affects many people and is the leading cause of death for Americans, that your risk can be lowered by up to 80 percent by making good diet and lifestyle choices. Important factors for heart health: Manage your stress Exercise regularly Focus on sleep Consume alcohol in moderation Meet with your doctor to discuss labs and testing to monitor your health Eat heart healthy […]
February 13, 2024
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
As cold and flu season approaches again, ways to support the immune system are top of mind. Aside from healthy lifestyle habits, there is evidence that some herbal preparations can ward off viruses that commonly occur in winter months. Important factors for supporting the immune system and avoiding viruses this winter season: Exercise regularly Focus on sleep Manage your stress Consume alcohol in moderation Wash your hands often Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains If you have the foundation of these healthy practices down, you may be wondering what else you can do to support […]
January 29, 2024
Published by Grace O
Feeling frisky and ready for romance? Well, I have a few good suggestions for foods that are not only good for you but also tasty treats that will enhance any night (or day) of romance. In my observation, there are several categories of foods that qualify as “romantic,” or enhance a romantic moment. First, and obviously, are the ones that resemble parts of the anatomy associated with sex and love like bananas, asparagus, and avocados (think about it). Or moist, voluptuous foods like oysters and figs. Then there are the foods that provide so much nutrition and feeling of well-being […]
January 2, 2024
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
Did you know that the foods we eat actually play a role in the way we feel mentally? Foods rich in nutrients like magnesium, potassium, zinc, B-vitamins, vitamins C, E, omega-3 fatty acids and amino acid tryptophan can help the body process anxiety-producing hormones and calm the body reducing incidences of stress, anxiety and depression. Here is the ultimate FoodTrients® list of the top 50 foods for stress and anxiety. 1. Almonds Even a small portion of these nuts is packed with healthful plant sterols, fiber, and immune boosting vitamin E and B-vitamin riboflavin. During times of stress and anxiety […]
October 10, 2023
Published by Grace O
The change in season is such a wonderful time, even in temperate Southern California. Yes, the days can be hot, but the sun sets earlier and though it may still reach 80-plus degrees at 2:00 pm, evenings are cool, and thoughts turn to comforting, fallish foods, including vegetables. Most fall vegetables are available in winter, too, and most vegetables, for that matter, are available year-round thanks to farmers in Mexico and Central America. The key is that typically fall vegetables are at their peak this time of year, so take advantage of them at their best. Here are some vegetables […]
October 10, 2023
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
There’s a connecting between inflammation and anti-inflammatory foods and lifestyle that’s important to your health. What you eat has a big influence. Inflammation is a natural response of the body in times of illness or stress. For example, if you cut your hand, you would experience pain, redness, swelling, and irritation to the area. This is inflammation that you can see – and it’s an important part of healing — but this response also happens internally and if left unchecked, can cause chronic health problems. Chronically elevated inflammation is associated with cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s and other cognitive issues, type 2 […]
October 10, 2023
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
There are some foods out there deemed ‘bad’ that have gotten this label somewhat unfairly. Calling foods ‘good’ or ‘bad’ is also misleading – food is FOOD but some of it can support our health while others may hurt it if consumed in excess. Check out these 5 foods that have a bad reputation and see the FoodTrients discussion on how to incorporate them into any healthy diet! Eggs Research has undeniably changed on dietary fat and cholesterol in recent years, finding that fat and even cholesterol that we consume may not have the adverse effects once thought. Eggs are […]