October 11, 2015

Can Marijuana Treat Cancer?

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a plant native to Central and South Asia. Its fiber, otherwise known as hemp, has a long history of usage in rope and paper products. Equally long is the plant’s history as a religious sacrament or recreational drug, due to the effects of its psychoactive component, tetrohydrocannabinol (THC). Although its effects are reportedly mild when smoked or ingested and its rare potential for addictiveness is believed to be psychological in nature, the plant was demonized in the United States during the early part of the 20th century and classified as a narcotic, right alongside heroin. […]
September 29, 2015

Study Links Cancer and In-Home Pesticide Use

WASHINGTON – A new study by Harvard researchers provides disturbing evidence that children’s exposure to household insecticides is linked to higher risks of childhood leukemia and lymphoma, the most common cancers in children. The analysis also found an association between use of outdoor herbicides to lawns and gardens and higher risks of leukemia. “It is very troubling, albeit not surprising, to see additional scientific evidence linking pesticide use to childhood cancer,” said Ken Cook, EWG president and co-founder. “The findings confirm parents’ worst fears that they could be unknowingly exposing their children to harmful chemicals that can lead to serious, […]
September 22, 2015

Is Vitamin D Toxic?

Despite the research showing the benefits of higher amounts of vitamin D, many doctors continue suggesting 400 IU daily. The common fear is that higher amounts will result in toxicity. However, a new study conducted by the Mayo clinic may just put these fears to rest. The study found that vitamin D toxicity is, in fact, quite rare. The results were published in the journal, Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Higher Blood Levels of Vitamin D Proved to Be Safe Previous research shows higher amounts of vitamin D protect against age-related diseases including heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. Based on these studies, […]
September 17, 2015

Foods That Build Better Bones and Teeth

We all want strong bones and teeth. As we age, we tend to grow wary of developing osteoporosis. Exercise, especially weight and resistance training, certainly helps strengthen our bones. Our diet can be a boon to bone health as well. Certain FoodTrients—such as isoflavones and potassium—can increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Eating foods rich in these FoodTrients and in calcium and protein can go a long way toward developing a beautiful skeleton. Calcium promotes bone growth, proper nerve signaling, helps our blood to clot, and regulates blood pressure. It can be found in abundance in dairy products, […]
September 8, 2015

Can You Skip Breakfast While Dieting?

Skipping Breakfast Doesn’t Affect Weight Loss, Study Says: With unpredictable schedules and day-to-day activities that rarely fall into the “routine” category, people often find themselves skipping meals. Because of this, dieting can become something of a challenge. However, a new study shows that skipping breakfast doesn’t affect weight loss for those dieting, despite the traditional wisdom that a nutritious breakfast is a healthy way to start your day. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, looked at over 300 healthy overweight and obese people, with one group eating breakfast before 10 a.m. and the other group not consuming any […]
September 8, 2015

Would You Do This Each Month To Live Longer?

In 2011, I told you about a study that found why a calorie-restricted diet could help you live longer. Now, I want to tell about another study that says you only need to restrict your calories 4 days out of the month to get some major health benefits, including living longer. Here’s the details… Why You Should Restrict Your Diet To Just 4 Days a Month If I told you that you could get rid of your belly fat, revitalize your brain tissues while you boost brain power, amp up your immune system, prevent, even help treat, cancer, and live […]
August 24, 2015

Dark Chocolate Increases Attention

As the afternoon sets in, many of us find it becomes increasingly difficult to concentrate and work attentively. Can chocolate help? A new study suggests the answer is yes. Researchers found that eating dark chocolate may help to increase alertness. The results of the study were published in the journal NeuroRegulation. Chocolate + Theanine = A Winning Combo for Staying Alert Previous studies show chocolate can change the chemical activity of our brains. It’s particularly known for raising dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with focus, pleasure, and motivation. For the current study, researchers recruited 122 young adults between the age of 18 and […]
August 18, 2015

Got Water? 4 Reasons to Drink More H2O

We all know water is good for us and that we should probably drink more of it. So why, then, do Americans find it so difficult to sip from what is arguably the fountain of youth? Answers vary, but the fact is, one in 10 Americans drinks zero cups of water per day, according to a study by Dr. Alyson Goodman, a medical epidemiologist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Zero. She suspects that those who don’t drink any water (or very little) are getting it from other sources such as food and coffee, but warns this may […]
August 11, 2015

The Health Benefits of Royal Jelly

Bees are the givers of health and life in more ways than one. In fact, a good deal of planetary life depends upon these small creatures. For example, bees are responsible for 80% of the pollination needed for the existence of fruits and vegetables. The most commonly known bee product is, of course, honey, which has been consumed by humans for thousands of years. But royal jelly deserves an equal amount of attention. Here’s why. What is Royal Jelly? Royal jelly, created within worker bee glands and fed to the hive queen, results in a life span that is up […]
August 11, 2015

Simple Compound Helps Fight Skin Cancer

If you’re a woman over 50 and you have a family history of melanoma, you’ll want to know the new findings about an old, simple pain reliever. Researchers have found that it may cut your risk of developing melanoma 30% and more the longer you take it. Here’s what you should know… Melanoma Risk? Study Shows Aspirin Can Help Aspirin is a simple pain relieving compound that has been used for decades for headaches, fever, muscle cramps, and more. Even though aspirin is a manufactured “drug”, its active ingredient, salicin, is actually derived from white willow bark, a natural herb. […]
August 11, 2015

Fight Tooth Decay Using This Natural Nutrient

When I was a kid, black licorice was one of my favorite treats to sneak.  It was different from most of the other sugary treats, as it wasn’t so sweet and it had a completely unique flavor.  Well, guess what? I just learned that a compound present in natural licorice root is now getting a lot of respect from medical and dental researchers.  If you’re concerned about the health of your teeth and gums, you’ll want to know about this… Fight Dental Disease with Special Licorice Compound Good dental health is an ongoing concern, even more so as you get […]
August 5, 2015

Campbell’s Soup Going Artificial Flavor-Free

Press Release–July 28, 2015 The news that Campbell Soup Company will remove artificial colors and flavors from its product lineup is just the latest indication that big food companies are increasingly paying attention to what consumers want – more healthful foods. “From boomers to millennials, consumers are seeking fresher, less-processed foods,” said Campbell CEO Denise Morrison, echoing the theme sounded recently by numerous other food companies such as General Mills, Kraft and Nestle,. Last year EWG launched Food Scores – an easy-to-navigate database that rates more than 85,000 products based on nutrition, ingredients and processing – to help guide both consumers and food companies toward […]
August 5, 2015

Turkey Tail Mushrooms: Immunity Boosting Heroes!

By Ginger Hultin, MS, RDN, LDN After a 2012 clinical study on the medicinal turkey tail mushroom showed that this functional food does improve the immune system of patients treated for cancer, research continues to grow in support of this healthful fungi. The National Institute of Health (NIH) funded study found that turkey tail mushrooms increased natural killer cells in women with breast cancer before they ended radiation therapy. Turkey tail mushrooms have been used as adjunct therapy to traditional cancer treatments in Japan for years for a variety of types of cancer including breast, head and neck, gastric, colon […]