Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. According to the latest data from the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease accounts for nearly 1 million deaths per year, continuing to surpass cancer and other major causes of mortality. Beyond the human toll, heart disease remains one of the most expensive health conditions in the country, costing the U.S. over $400 billion annually in healthcare expenses and lost productivity. Most people focus on the obvious risk factors — diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol. But there’s another potential contributor that doesn’t get nearly […]
Hypertension, a common cardiovascular concern affecting 1.3 billion people worldwide, is also called high blood pressure. It’s a condition that requires a multifaceted approach to management with a focus on preventive care. While medication plays a crucial role, dietary choices can significantly impact your blood pressure levels and should be a first line treatment. In this article, we explore five Foodtrients® foods that provide blood pressure management benefits that you can start incorporating today! Before we dive into the foods you should be including, be sure that you have a plan to know your numbers and have meaningful discussions with […]
I’m sure you’ve had this experience. You eat healthy most of the day, but at about three o’clock in the afternoon you crave something sweet. Or salty/crunchy. You indulge and feel great for a short time, and then you’re more tired and hungry than ever. What’s happening is that the simple carbs in these snacks spike the level of the sugar in your blood and trigger a surge of insulin, which the body manufactures to metabolize sugars. These extreme swings in blood sugar levels will not only play havoc with your energy and moods, but can present serious challenges to […]
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 […]
Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year! It’s the first big celebration after summer and the perfect kickoff to the holiday season ahead. I love seeing the neighborhood come alive with costumes, decorations, and the excitement of trick-or-treating. When my friends bring their kids by after collecting their candy, I always have something a little special waiting. Rather than diving straight into the sugar stash, I serve up snacks that are every bit as delicious—but secretly healthy, too! The kids don’t notice the difference, but their parents sure do. These recipes from my Age Beautifully Cookbook are […]
Growing up in the vibrant tropics of Southeast Asia, coconuts were my childhood companions. I’d sip their refreshing water, nibble their sweet flesh, and smile as my mother worked warm coconut oil into my hair for that glossy shine. But my father always cautioned that coconut’s fat was bad for my health, so I kept it at arm’s length. It wasn’t until I moved to America and heard coconuts might actually be good for you—maybe even help with weight management—that I dove into research. What I found turned my father’s warnings upside down and made coconuts a staple in my […]
Big changes start with small steps! With so many ways to feel, look, and live better, it’s easy to get caught up in extreme resolutions that just don’t stick. “People easily become discouraged when they set big goals because they are too overwhelming,” says Sarah Zangerle, RD, from Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Comprehensive Weight Loss Center. The key? Baby steps. Try these six simple diet changes—one every two months—for a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Because real progress happens one step at a time! 1. Go meatless once a week The average American eats half a pound of […]
You may already know that cardiovascular disease is the #1 cause of death in men and women in the United States today. As such, you may be trying to improve, or maintain, your heart health. It’s really not that difficult if you understand that your heart, like the rest of your body, stays its healthiest with the food you put in it. With that in mind, I’d like to tell you about 10 of the best heart-healthy nutrients you can include in your diet to help make your heart its strongest. The Best Nutrients to Feed Your Heart First, it’s […]
At a recent Heart Health Fair at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, Dr. Thomas Amidon delivered a startling truth: heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women, surpassing all forms of cancer combined. Despite advancements in medical research and treatment, the misconception that heart disease is a “man’s disease” persists, often leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment for women. A Critical Gender Gap in Awareness and Treatment Dr. Amidon, who has a personal interest in women’s health—being surrounded by his wife, three daughters, three mares, and two female dogs—emphasized that the medical community has historically focused on men when […]
Anthocyanins are the compounds in fruits and vegetables that turn them blue, purple, and dark red. Anthocyanins contain a host of health benefits. Watch this video and read more about them in this post. We have lots of recipes containing anthocyanins on this website and in our cookbooks such as: Blueberry Upside-Down Cake Almond Blueberry Gelatin Parfaits Prune and Walnut Bars Moringa Vegetable Soup










