The November, 2014 issue of the Journal of Functional Foods published a report authored by researchers at England’s Northumbria University that revealed a benefit for tart cherry juice concentrate in reducing factors contributing to painful joints. In a single blinded, two-phase, randomized, cross-over designed study, Dr Glyn Howatson and his colleagues gave 30 milliliters or 60 milliliters Montmorency tart cherry juice to 12 healthy participants twice per day for two days. A washout period of ten days or more separated each phase of treatment. Blood and urine samples were collected before and after treatment. Reductions in serum C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker […]
When most people think of pumpkins, it’s usually around Halloween or Thanksgiving. But their seeds are little treasures you can enjoy all year long! These crunchy bites are packed with nutrients — full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats that help your body thrive. Pumpkin seeds are also a natural source of tryptophan, known for supporting better sleep and a balanced mood. Research shows they can help protect your heart, strengthen bones, calm inflammation, and even support bladder health. It’s amazing what these tiny seeds can do! Pumpkin Seeds: Tiny Powerhouses for Big Health Benefits When most people think […]
Until recently, the majority of scientific research on blueberries has focused on the cognitive benefits of this fruit. Multiple studies have shown that blueberries slow age-related damage to brain cells and protect memory-associated brain regions from oxidant and inflammatory damage. The result is improvements in overall cognitive function. Researchers have uncovered new data showing that blueberries delay aging and promote longevity. In laboratory experiments, blueberries and their extracts have extended the life span in two different models of aging. Additionally, blueberries have been shown to fight DNA damage, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and even cancer. Rich in anthocyanins and pterostilbenes, […]
Alzheimer’s disease affects over 13 million people worldwide. Many of my patients fear this most common form of dementia, and with good reason. The disease is not completely understood, and it is not possible to predict who will fall victim. With treatment costs for Alzheimer’s topping 100 billion dollars in the United States alone, the medical community is eager to unlock the mysteries of this disease. In my review of recent studies on Alzheimer’s, I found plenty of promising news. A handful of studies show that your eating habits in middle age can have an effect on your Alzheimer’s risk. […]
A new study suggests that women who ate a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables as young adults were much less likely to have plaque buildup in their arteries 20 years later, compared with those who consumed lower amounts of these foods. This new finding reinforces the importance of developing healthy eating habits early in life. Previous studies have found that middleaged adults whose diet consists of a high proportion of fruits and vegetables are less likely to have a heart attack or stroke, but the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption during young adulthood and heart disease later […]
Most people throw out the healthiest part of pumpkins and squashes—the seeds! Don’t do it! This time of year when pumpkins and squashes are in season it always fun to enjoy fresh seeds and the many health benefits they offer. They’re nutty, savory and have high concentrations of the nutrients that make squashes and especially pumpkins valuable to your diet. The roasted seeds are some of the most nutritious and flavorful seeds around. Pumpkin seeds are available all year, but it’s best to roast them now when they’re fresh. Also known as pepitas, pumpkin seeds contain high concentrations of vitamins, minerals and […]
Having trouble reading a menu or need more light reading a magazine or newspaper? If you answered yes and are over 40, join the club! Millions of people in your age group find their vision is not as sharp as it used to be, have trouble reading labels on food packages in the grocery store, and find they are squinting more and more trying to read traffic signs! It’s a fact of life. More and more middle aged Americans experience vision impairment of some form or another from simple inability to read fine print to cataracts, which affects more than […]
Cabbage, which is often lumped into the same category as lettuce because of their similar appearance, is actually a part of the cruciferous vegetable family. Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, kale and broccoli are notorious for being chock-full of beneficial nutrients. If you are trying to improve your diet, cruciferous vegetables should be at the very top of your grocery list. Cabbage can vary in color from green to red and purple, and the leaves can be smooth or crinkled. With less than 20 calories per half cup cooked, it is a vegetable worth making room on your plate for. This MNT Knowledge […]
Family meals and entertaining friends are even better when you add a delicious dessert to the menu. I love serving my Pear and Apple Tart during the holidays. In this dessert, I take the recipe from the classic French dessert tarte tatin–with its quercetin-containing apples–and add pears for their copper content, pecans and cinnamon, which are high in antioxidants. It is worth noting that when used in sufficient amounts, cinnamon also has anti-blood-clotting agent, anti-inflammatory properties and may help stabilize blood sugar levels. Pear and Apple Tart SERVES 6-8 Ingredients 6 Tbs. butter, cut into small pieces 1/2 cup sugar, […]
I chose buffalo meat because it’s almost always raised on grass. Grass-fed meat (whether it’s buffalo, steer, or lamb) is higher in omega-3 fatty acids, lower in omega-6 fatty acids, and leaner overall. Dark red fruits like cranberries really complement red meat, so I decided to work them into the burger patties. Note: If you can’t find bison meat, you can use any grass-fed meat or even ground turkey for this recipe. For an optional topping, you can make a goat-cheese spread to top the burgers by mixing 1/4 cup goat cheese with 1/2 tsp. of roasted garlic, 1/2 […]