1018 results found for: Blood Pressure

It’s a Picnic, So Let Them Eat Cake!

No one lives by bread alone. Every so often you need something delicious, like cake. I truly believe that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing the foods you love or special treats. With an eye toward healthful ingredients and the right kind of recipes, you can make luscious desserts like cake work for you. All of my cookbooks contain indulgent recipes that provide important nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. When the weather is nice, I enjoy taking picnics to the beach or outdoor concert venues like the Hollywood Bowl. When it comes to dessert, you want something that will […]

Cranberry Benefits May Extend to the Gut, Heart and Brain

While decades of cranberry research has found that regular consumption of cranberry products promotes urinary tract health, leading scientists studying the bioactive components of fruits and other foods reported that cranberries possess whole body health benefits. In a July 2016 Advances in Nutrition supplement, Impact of Cranberries on Gut Microbiota and Cardiometabolic Health: Proceedings of the Cranberry Health Research Conference 2015, a team of international researchers reviewed the complex, synergistic actions of compounds that are uniquely cranberry. Their discussion led them to conclude that this berry may be more than just a tart and tangy fruit. “It has been established that […]

Soursop: The Ugliest Fruit You’ll Ever Love

I have to admit that a fruit known as ‘soursop’ does not sound very appetizing. Plus, its spiky green skin makes it appear slightly dangerous. But an important part of writing this blog is to introduce you to new and interesting foods that help promote health and well-being. I have (and probably will again) written blogs about ‘Ten Top Foods for Reducing Inflammation’ or ‘The Nutritional Benefits of Citrus Fruit’. These are important and useful topics. But I am always on the lookout for unique foods, topics and trends that you won’t find just anywhere. Soursop, also known as guanabana, […]

Pycnogenol: A New Hero in Supplements?

Interested in an extract packed with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune-boosting, cardiovascular protecting benefits? Have you ever heard of pycnogenol? If not, you should learn about this pine bark extract with the tongue twister name that is gaining popularity in the supplement industry and is surely a compound to pay attention to as research continues to emerge. Is it safe yet? Are there any indications against using it? What are the potential benefits? Read on to learn more about pycnogenol. Antioxidants including flavonoids, catechins, phenolic acids and proanthocyanidins abound in this extract. These compounds are a wide-spread part of the human diet, […]

Relax! It’s Time for Lavender

Most people agree that lavender smells lovely and aids in relaxation but did you know that it  has a long history of medicinal, relaxing and anxiety-relieving properties? With peak season occurring from June through August, it is important to review the medicinal, culinary, and modern uses for this calming herb. Read on to learn about the history and modern uses of everyone’s favorite fragrant plant. Dating back to ancient Egypt, Greek and Roman Empires, there are records of lavender being used medicinally and in baths. This plant grows naturally in the Mediterranean region, the Arabian Peninsula, Russia and Africa. It […]

The Best Herbs To Fight Your Stress

By Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO Stress: a multi-factorial problem for so many as we move through a busy and sometimes chaotic life. Under stress, the body has to adapt by altering a variety of hormones and making adjustments in blood pressure and other regulations. Stress could be emotional or mental – imagine a work deadline, relationship problems, or balancing money or family priorities. Stress could also be physical – toxins in our environment, an unhealthy diet, chemical exposure from cleaning and body products, or air pollution. Some stress is good; for example, physical activity challenges the body and helps […]

5 Healthy Foods for Your Brain

When reading Dr. Eric R. Braverman’s book, Younger (Thinner) You Diet, I was impressed by how much space he devotes to eating foods that promote brain health. I’ve known for years that eating the right antioxidant-rich, organic foods can keep your body young and healthy. But I didn’t realize how much our diet can affect our brains. Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for feeding the brain, which needs fat to produce neurotransmitters. This means ingredients such as: Salmon – Salmon is an excellent source of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, which can also help improve cognition. Fresh produce – One study found that seniors who ate close to […]

Reduce Heart Attacks By Eating Dinner Earlier

Q: Our family tends to eat dinner later in the evening, but a friend who knows our habits told me she heard this increases the chances for a heart attack. Is she right or did she misunderstand something? Theresa Schulte, of O’Fallon A: Eating a major meal within two hours of bedtime could indeed have far worse consequences than a midnight run for the Rolaids, according to a new study recently released at the world’s largest heart conference. Blood pressure usually drops by at least 10 percent when a person goes to sleep, allowing the body to rest. But this […]

Sugar Pumpkins: The Sweet Superfood of the Season

Even living in sunny California during fall and winter when the days are shorter and a little bit chilly, I like to prepare hearty, cool-weather produce that also happens to fall into the “superfoods” category. On the top of my list is pumpkin. Their many disease fighting and anti-aging properties make them a perfect go-to food during the cold, dark winter months. You may only associate pumpkins with Halloween, but fresh pumpkins are available from October through February. Pumpkins contain cucurbitacin, a steroid-like anti-inflammatory compound that may inhibit cancer cells. They are also loaded with carotenoids, which enhance the appearance […]