We hear the term “processed foods” all of the time. “Don’t eat processed foods; eat whole foods” is what is commonly touted by nutritionists, fitness experts, and wellness coaches, including me. But, what are processed foods anyway? Technically, any food that has been changed from its natural state is a processed food. Read on for some critical distinctions you may not have considered that will help you pick the healthiest options for you and your family. Minimally Processed Foods Even fresh foods are processed. Let’s take lettuce, for example. There are two categories of lettuce: head lettuce and leaf lettuce. […]
Women might be able to reduce the risk of breast cancer by eating more blueberries, according to a New Zealand research out Tuesday. A Massey University study in which blueberries were fed to animals as part of their diet found they had a 50-percent lower incidence rate of mammary tumors. “Blueberries contain phytochemicals called anthocyanins, which may be responsible for the health benefits of blueberries,” Dr Janyawat Vuthijumnonk said in a statement. “They reduce free radicals in our system, decrease new blood vessel formation and increase the number of beneficial bacteria – all elements which help in the fight against […]
We’ve all seen the ads on TV and in magazines—“50 is the new 30!” or “60 is the new 40!” A nice sentiment to be sure, but CEO of AARP Jo Ann Jenkins disagrees. 50 is 50, and she, for one, likes the look of it. In her national bestselling book, Disrupt Aging, Jo Ann Jenkins suggests it’s time to redefine what it means to get older. She encourages us to re-think the negative stories we tell ourselves and each other about aging. The book chronicles Jo Ann’s journey as well as those of other fearless individuals working to change what it […]
Summer entertaining? Whether you’re hosting a barbeque, a birthday, or a party in the garden, be sure to offer your guests healthy and savory appetizers. A Mediterranean tapenade rich with olives, garlic and herbs is the perfect hearty pre-dinner snack. Olives are full of anti-inflammatory heart-healthy fat and packed with briny flavor. Serve this tapenade with whole wheat pita, crackers, or the vegetables of your choice. YIELDS 1 Cup Ingredients 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted 2 Tbs. capers, drained ½ tsp. dried oregano 2-3 leaves fresh basil, ripped into small pieces 1 medium clove garlic, minced ¼ tsp. freshly ground […]
WASHINGTON- Kids who eat a bowl a day of the most popular pre-sweetened cereals could consume five to nine pounds more sugar a year than parents might think from reading nutrition labels, according to a new analysis by EWG. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced that cereal makers must update the Nutrition Facts labels on packages to reflect larger, more accurate serving sizes. Because the FDA gave cereal companies more than two years to comply EWG is calling on General Mills, Kellogg’s and Post to update the information on their websites as soon as possible and to expedite changes […]
Are you getting enough fiber? Even if you’re eating “healthy,” you may be a part of the population that falls into the “fiber gap” and falling short of the suggested intake, which can wreak havoc on your digestive and immune function. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends a daily fiber intake of 28 grams for men and 22 grams for women over 51 years old. However, the average American takes in only around 16 grams of fiber per day. Not everyone enjoys the foods that are rich in fiber. Luckily, there’s an endless array of fiber supplements on the […]
Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills rolled out the red carpet last week for cookbook author and creator of FOODTRIENTS®, Grace O for a signing of her latest cookbook, The Age Beautifully Cookbook. A tasting menu of selected recipes from the cookbook were also served at the festive May 19 event. All proceeds received by the author from the book signing are being donated to the Museum of Tolerance to support their extensive Los Angeles community efforts. The event was attended by over 100 guests, including California Senator Robert Huff and his wife, Mei Mei; jewelry designer Robert Procop; and Todd […]
Tuesday, May 24, 2016 WASHINGTON – Almost three-fourths of the 750 sunscreens evaluated for EWG’s annual Guide to Sunscreens, released today, offer inferior protection or contain worrisome ingredients like oxybenzone, a hormone disruptor, or retinyl palmitate, which may harm skin. “There have been some improvements in sun protection, but there is still a lot to be done to improve the quality of sunscreens,” said Sonya Lunder, EWG senior analyst. “Most of the products sold in the U.S. aren’t as good as they should be and don’t offer enough protection against ultraviolet rays.” With melanoma, a deadly type of skin cancer […]
There is an undeniable link between the head and the heart. Cardiovascular function is associated with brain disorders, and vice versa. Not surprisingly, taurine’s major benefits also involve both the heart and brain. Taurine is listed as a “nonessential amino acid” because since it’s manufactured in the body, it theoretically doesn’t need to be consumed in the diet. However, “nonessential” shouldn’t imply “inessential.” As you’ll soon learn, taurine is quite essential. One of its earliest identified roles involves protection against dilated cardiomyopathy. Insufficient intake of taurine has been linked to the development of this condition, which prevents the heart from pumping […]
Herbs don’t have television or magazine ads touting their benefits and yet, in many instances, they perform just as well as(and sometimes better than) the pharmaceuticals we constantly hear and read about. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM, who is an herbalist and the bestselling author of The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan, agrees. In her new book, Be Your Own Herbalist: Essential Herbs for Health, Beauty, and Cooking, she has compiled a complete guide to 31 common and easy-to-grow herbs, and includes ways to incorporate them into your daily life. While pharmaceuticals can be life saving, neglected herbal remedies can […]


