Enjoying a hot cup of tea is a cherished daily ritual in many cultures, offering both comfort and incredible health benefits. In the UK, for instance, the 4 p.m. cuppa is practically sacred—and for good reason! Black tea is packed with powerful antioxidants like catechins, flavonoids, theaflavins, and magnesium, which support heart health by lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. These compounds also help protect against certain cancers, promote dental health, and enhance weight loss by boosting metabolism. Additionally, black tea improves circulation, strengthens blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and keeps arteries healthy while […]
Life has changed in ways many of us never expected. For some, it meant losing a familiar way of life. We missed our friends and families. We missed going to work or school. We missed graduations, parties, and milestone celebrations. And we lost people we loved. It’s safe to say that most of us have experienced heartbreak in recent years. Florence Williams knows a thing or two about that. She has literally written the book on it. Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey (W.W. Norton & Company), is her scientific exploration of the subject we all have felt in one […]
Your mother was right when she insisted you eat all your vegetables at dinnertime before moving on to dessert. Virtually every fruit and vegetable contains antioxidants. Fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and beans are so good for our bodies because they contain a host of antioxidants that can be broken down into multiple categories. I thought it would be helpful to highlight a few of those subcategories here. Antioxidants play a crucial role in the body by neutralizing harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, contributing to aging and increasing the risk of chronic […]
Valentine’s Day lets us turn our thoughts to adding a little more love and romance to our lives. Can certain foods boost romantic relationships and enhance sexual desire? According to St. Thomas Aquinas, aphrodisiac foods had to produce good nutrition and a “vital spirit.” In other words, the nutrients that contribute to overall well-being will also help to ensure a healthy love life. Chocolate is typically at the top of my list for Valentine’s Day, particularly dark chocolate. It truly is one of the best superfoods for lovers. Dark chocolate can help relieve stress, sharpen our minds, improve blood flow […]
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 […]
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. According to the American Heart Association’s 2025 report, cardiovascular disease accounted for 941,652 deaths in 2022, surpassing cancer and other major causes of mortality. In addition to being life-threatening, heart disease is one of the most costly health issues, totaling over $320 billion annually in medical expenses and lost productivity. Many people take proactive steps to maintain heart health by eating well, exercising, limiting alcohol, and avoiding smoking. However, one overlooked risk factor that could be silently harming your heart is excess iron […]
Alzheimer’s disease is associated with advanced memory loss and cognitive impairment, but an increasing number of individuals are being diagnosed in the early stages and are taking proactive steps to manage the condition. According to JohnsHopkinsMedicine.org: There are over 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s Disease with 3 million new cases diagnosed each year. Alzheimer’s is deadlier than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. The disease is most prevalent in women and Black Americans. 11 million Americans act as unpaid caregivers for a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. We now know that nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining cognitive […]
Here are the Top 50 Foods to prevent cancer. So many whole foods are considered anti-cancer for reasons ranging from fiber content to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has been estimated that 30–40 percent of all cancers can be prevented by lifestyle and dietary measures alone so what you eat definitely matters. Here is the ultimate FoodTrients® list of the top 50 foods to prevent cancer. Mix and match these healthy whole foods to include them in your diet daily to reduce your risk today. 1. Apples An apple a day is great advice when it comes to preventing cancer. […]
There are vegetarians—those who avoid meat, chicken, fish, and other animal flesh—and vegans, who take it a step further by avoiding all animal-derived products, including dairy, eggs, and often honey. Choosing a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle is a personal decision that requires careful consideration, discipline, and a commitment to reading labels and rethinking traditional recipes. According to estimates by advocacy organizations like PETA, adopting a vegan diet can significantly reduce the number of animals consumed annually. While exact numbers may vary, the impact is worth considering for those who prioritize animal welfare. But being vegan doesn’t have to be an […]
It’s November with Thanksgiving just around the corner. For many, it’s the Olympics of food, but you can have a delightful holiday meal without gorging and turning it into a total carb-fest. The centerpiece, of course, is the turkey, a source of high-quality lean protein; vitamin B12, which helps regulate mood; zinc, good for retina and eye health; niacin, good for healthy skin and nerve function and selenium, an antioxidant that helps with detoxification and thyroid health. Many people think the key to a delicious Thanksgiving meal is in the sides. I couldn’t agree more! Here’s a suggested Thanksgiving meal […]