Too often, we neglect our brains when we think about our overall physical health. You may be trying to eat healthily or exercise more – but when was the last time you thought about the health of your brain? That’s what we thought! But the health of your brain is absolutely critical to your overall well-being. So read on, and see 5 of the simplest ways you can ensure that your brain is happy and healthy. These tips may help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia later in life, and aid you in maintaining a healthier mind and […]
Mediterranean cuisine has gotten a lot of attention for its potential impact on cardiovascular health. In fact, newer research in the Moli-Sani Study has added to the mounting evidence that certain food choices of Italians who live in the Molise region correlated with 37 percent fewer deaths during the research than those who didn’t make those choices. “Mediterranean diet” is a catchall phrase for cuisine found in Mediterranean countries; the diet generally features lots of fish and non-red meat sources, extra-virgin olive oil and plenty of fruit and vegetables, with additional flavor coming from herbs and spices, not salt. “There are components of the […]
Oregano is a common spice you likely have in your kitchen for seasoning savory Italian or Mediterranean recipes. The oregano plant is native to warm climates in southwestern Europe and the Mediterranean and currently Greece, Israel and Turkey are main producers of both the spice and essential oregano oils. Oregano is closely related to other spices like mint, thyme, marjoram, basil, sage, and lavender and goes well with these flavors in food. This common spice is used in the culinary setting for a variety of savory baked goods, vegetables, pizza and pasta sauces, and protein like chicken and fish. Like […]
Chinese cuisine has long been recognized as one of the great world cuisines, up there with French and Italian. But much of the familiar Chinese food in the U.S. consists of many fried dishes that are often loaded with salt, sugar and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Tasty, yes. Superfoods? Hardly. The truth is, traditional Chinese cooking is based on many healthful ingredients that are certainly considered to be ‘superfoods.’ When I was in China recently, the FoodTrients team and I were delighted to sample a number of Chinese dishes from Yantai (in the picturesque agricultural and coastal area of the Shandong […]
Although most of us don’t like to do it, exercising, along with proper nutrition, is vital in staying healthy and
Did you know that the foods we eat actually play a role in the way we feel mentally? Foods rich in nutrients like magnesium, potassium, zinc, B-vitamins, vitamins C, E, omega-3 fatty acids and amino acid tryptophan can help the body process anxiety-producing hormones and calm the body reducing incidences of stress, anxiety and depression. Here is the ultimate FoodTrients® list of the top 50 foods for stress and anxiety. 1. Almonds Even a small portion of these nuts is packed with healthful plant sterols, fiber, and immune boosting vitamin E and B-vitamin riboflavin. During times of stress and anxiety […]
Inflammation is traditionally thought of as a symptom of sleep apnea, but it might actually precede the disorder,
Black pepper is a household staple that is likely sitting on your kitchen counter right now. One of the most widely used and common spices in the world, it is a well-known flavor in many types of cooking. But it also has some medicinal and topical uses as well. The active compound, piperine, has shown promise for health benefits when eaten, and also when used as an essential oil. There is evidence that black pepper was used in kitchens dating back to 2000 BC in India. Reference to this spice also shows up in Greek and Roman texts. It has […]
Managing one’s lifestyle factors including smoking, hypertension and depression could prevent one-third of the world’s dementia cases, a study said. The findings showed that better management of nine risk factors in early, mid and late life could reduce the increased likelihood of developing dementia in about 35 percent cases, health news reported. ‘The potential magnitude of the effect on dementia of reducing these risk factors is larger than we could ever imagine the effect that current, experimental medications could have,’ said Lon Schneider, Professor at the University of Southern California. ‘Mitigating risk factors provides us a powerful way to reduce the global […]
You probably know that it’s a good idea to eat more fiber. But do you know why? Fiber is found in plant-based foods. It adds volume to your diet, but passes through the intestines quickly because the body can’t digest it. That’s why fiber can make you feel full faster and prevent constipation. It may also help lower your cholesterol level and reduce your risk for heart disease, obesity and diabetes. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, women should get 25 grams of fiber every day and men, 38 grams. Vegetables are a major source of fiber, some more […]