I was sitting in my friend’s lush, tropical-style garden recently, admiring her beautiful collection of flowering bromeliads. These are very exotic looking plants with spiky leaves and red, pink or golden elongated flowers reaching out from the middle. They are native to the tropics of Central and South America and West Africa. In a colorfully glazed pot there was a miniature ornamental pineapple. I remembered that pineapples are also bromeliads and this got me thinking about how much I enjoy pineapple and the wonderful things pineapples do for your health. Pineapples are second only to bananas as Americans’ favorite tropical […]
Consumer Reports most recent testing and analysis gave us some new information on the risk of arsenic exposure in infants and children through rice cereal and other rice products. They looked at data released by the Food and Drug Administration in 2013 on the inorganic arsenic content of 656 processed rice-containing products. They found that rice cereal and rice pasta can have much more inorganic arsenic—a carcinogen—than their previous test showed. According to the results of their new tests, one serving of either could put kids over the maximum amount of rice they recommend they should have in a week. Rice cakes supply […]
Over the centuries, the root-like stem of the Curcuma longa plant has been used to make yellow dyes and spike food with some tasty zing. But an ever-growing mountain of evidence shows that boldly colored turmeric with its earthy, bitter-gingery taste may offer a plethora of potential health benefits. Multiple studies — most originating in India, Europe and Australia — show that turmeric, and especially its color-rich constituent of curcumin, can help prevent or treat a wide spectrum of cancers, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune problems, neurological ailments including Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and diabetes neuropathy, among other metabolic diseases. Interest in turmeric and curcumin began […]
Anyone remember the 1994 exposé of movie theater popcorn? This cinema staple, known for its delicious taste and aroma, had been consumed for years by a public blissfully unaware of the fact that it was loaded with demonized saturated fat. Movie theatre popcorn was (gasp) popped in coconut oil, an “evil” tropical fat that had no place in a healthy diet. As a result, concession stand popcorn sales dropped by half and many venues scrambled for an alternative. Fast forward twenty years, and coconuts, which never went out of favor in their native countries, are now touted for their health benefits. […]
Now that you’re older, you may be having a hard time tolerating summer heat, especially when the humidity is high. A new study shows that supplementing with a certain vitamin may be what you need to feel better in summer heat. Folic Acid Helps Older People Tolerate Summer Heat When you were a kid you could probably handle summer heat pretty well. You stayed out playing all day with your friends without a second thought. But, after age 50, you may have noticed that you don’t tolerate summer heat, especially high humidity, the way you used to. In addition, summer […]
Apple Cider Vinegar: Nature’s Magic Potion
For my patients who are at high risk for a heart attack or stroke, I’ve sometimes recommended a simple daily aspirin for prevention. But, recently, it was learned that over half of U.S. seniors are taking daily aspirin on their own without their doctors recommendation. If you’re one of those seniors, here’s what you should know about using aspirin for prevention. Daily Aspirin as Prevention: Pros and Cons A recent national survey was conducted by Oregon State University regarding aspirin use amongst seniors. They found that an overwhelming majority of seniors – 81% – take aspirin as a preventative measure. […]
Do you love coffee? If so, here’s some more good news regarding coffee and your health. A recent study found that coffee drinkers may be better protected against the deadliest type of skin cancer, melanoma. The results were published in the January issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Four Cups of Coffee a Day Linked to 20% Lower Melanoma Risk Researchers from Yale analyzed data from a study involving over 440,000 people. Participants were given food questionnaires which analyzed their coffee intake. They were followed up after a period of 10 years, on average, to determine the incidence of melanoma. Compared […]
Here are five quick ideas for reasonable fast-food choices that will help alleviate some of the guilt of occasional drive-through dining (and yes, we name names here…so be ready to see if your favorite option is good or bad news!)… Your shift ended late and you have a ton of things that need to be done. Or maybe you’re on your way to work and realize that you’ve not yet eaten. And guess what? You’re hungry. You only have time for one thing…(insert evil music)…fast food! Can you really pick up a meal from a fast-food restaurant and still maintain […]
Now that you’re older, are you having a hard time tolerating summer heat? Especially when the humidity is high? Well, a new study shows that supplementing with a certain vitamin may be what you need to feel better in summer heat. Folic Acid Helps Older People Tolerate Summer Heat When you were a kid you could probably handle summer heat pretty well. You stayed out playing all day with your friends without a second thought. But, after age 50, you may have noticed that you don’t tolerate summer heat, especially high humidity, the way you used to. In addition, summer […]