A new study has revealed that eating probiotics regularly might help improve blood pressure. Probiotics are live microorganisms (naturally occurring bacteria in the gut) thought to have beneficial effects; common sources are yogurt or dietary supplements. The researchers found that probiotic consumption lowered systolic blood pressure (the top number) by an average 3.56 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) by an average 2.38 mm Hg, compared to adults who didn’t consume probiotics. The positive effects from probiotics on diastolic blood pressure were greatest in people whose blood pressure was equal to or greater than 130/85, […]
There are 17 known heart disease risk factors, with high blood pressure ranking at the top of the list. The silent killer really is a killer. Elevation in blood pressure can eventually cause complete blockage of an artery by initiating endothelium damage—that’s damage to the inside lining of an artery. A damaged endothelium is the first step in developing unstable arterial plaques-the kind of plaques that are prone to rupture. Ruptured plaques cause clots to form within the lumen of the artery and the result is complete blockage. This is why maintaining healthy blood pressure is so important. Fish Oil’s Omega-3 Fats Reduce […]
Sweet & Savory Red Cabbage With its deep purple color and crisp texture, red cabbage is a wonderful example of how colorful foods can help nourish the body. Naturally rich in fiber and antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanins, red cabbage helps support gut health, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy aging. This comforting dish brings together the natural sweetness of cabbage and apple with savory flavor for a balanced and satisfying side. For a lighter, more plant-forward version, the bacon can easily be omitted while still creating a delicious and nourishing dish. It pairs beautifully with turkey, barbecue dishes, and other savory […]
Most people either love or hate mushrooms. But hear me out: the beauty of mushrooms is that they take on the flavor of whatever they’re cooked with. They become Asian cooked in a soy or teriyaki-style sauce. They’re Italian sauteed in olive oil, garlic and fresh basil. Sprinkle middle Eastern spices on them such as zaatar or sumac and they become Moroccan or Lebanese. For those who want to cut down on eating meat, a portobello mushroom grilled and placed in a hamburger bun is very satisfying. Mushrooms provide that ‘fifth taste’ (joining sweet, salty, sour and bitter), umami, which […]
Herbs have been used in traditional and folk medicines for centuries for treating illness. People throughout the ages also had something on their minds that we still do today…longevity. Some herbs do in fact have research indicating they help with healthy aging for a variety of reasons. Whether an herb is improving sleep, lowering stress, or boosting antioxidant status, they are likely working against biological processes that cause the body to age. DNA damage, free radical damage and dysfunction of the body on a cellular level all may contribute to aging issues including disease of the heart, neurological system, or […]
Black Bean Salad Black beans and pasilla chiles give this salad a Southwestern flavor, and red rice makes it fun and different. A lime vinaigrette brings it all together. You can use regular wild rice and store-bought corn. Black beans and wild rice both have protein for building muscles, bones, and blood, and fiber for gut health. Red rice also contains anthocyanins, antioxidants that protect the heart. The red pepper adds lots of the antioxidants vitamin A and C, which contribute to healthy, youthful-looking skin. Serves 4 Ingredients 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained ½ cup cooked red rice […]
Dark Chocolate Mousse It’s hard to imagine, but this vegan version of chocolate mousse offers the same satisfaction as its richer, less healthy sibling. Contributed by my colleague Dr. Lynn Blair, it has all of the same creaminess, the satiny, melt-in-your-mouth pleasure, and the full, no-holds-barred taste you expect from a dense and rich chocolate mousse. And if that’s not enough, just add plenty of great health benefits. Soy contains isoflavones, which help preserve bone density, lower your risk of certain cancers, and may alleviate menopausal symptoms. Dark chocolate has catechins, which are neuroprotective, and theobromine, which improves blood flow […]
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 […]
Valentine’s Day brings warmth and joy to the often gloomy month of February. And let’s be honest—what’s Valentine’s Day without chocolate? As a child, I cherished the rare occasions when my parents treated me to American-made chocolates as a special reward, making each bite even more delightful. Later in life, my husband won my heart with roses and decadent chocolates on this romantic holiday. It’s no surprise that chocolate has become synonymous with love! The great news is that chocolate is an honest-to-goodness FoodTrient! Dark chocolate is loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and even some fiber. Sugar, butter, milk and admittedly other […]
I love to cook with lemongrass. It adds a wonderful perfume and zingy flavor to both savory and sweet dishes, and it has health benefits, too. It pairs particularly well with coconut milk, ginger, red chiles, chicken, and seafood. Use the white, more tender section of the stalk in recipes where it remains in the final dish. If you’re just steeping the stalk, as in my tea recipe, you can use all of it, including the tougher green part. Lemongrass also contains vitamins A, B, and C, plus calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous. According to studies, it is a great antioxidant […]
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