Could coffee help stave off multiple sclerosis? A new international study suggests it might. “Caffeine intake has been associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases,” the study’s lead author Ellen Mowry of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine told Medicalxpress.com. “Our study shows that coffee intake may also protect against MS, supporting the idea that the drug may have protective effects for the brain,” she said. Findings of the U.S. and Swedish study were released ahead of the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting inWashington, D.C. Researchers compared more than 1,000 MS patients to a similar […]
By Ginger Hultin, MS, RDN, LDN Known as the ‘longevity herb,’ Ashitaba is used medicinally for many conditions and shows evidence of exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This herb is native to Japan and though used primarily in Asia both in the diet and as a dietary supplement, is gaining popularity in the U.S. because of its promising health effects. There are many other names for Ashitaba including Japanese Ashitaba, Angelica keiskei, Kenso or Leaves of Tomorrow. Ashitaba leaves are consumed within the diet as food or juiced in some cultures but can also be used in powdered form or topically. The […]
In 2011, I told you about a study that found why a calorie-restricted diet could help you live longer. Now, I want to tell about another study that says you only need to restrict your calories 4 days out of the month to get some major health benefits, including living longer. Here’s the details… Why You Should Restrict Your Diet To Just 4 Days a Month If I told you that you could get rid of your belly fat, revitalize your brain tissues while you boost brain power, amp up your immune system, prevent, even help treat, cancer, and live […]
Now that it’s summer, it’s the perfect time to look for tomatoes at local farmers markets to see what’s organic, fresh and in season. I am always drawn to the variety of tomatoes that are available in the summer. The flavor is nothing like those pale, sad things you see in the supermarket in February. During the summer I’m inspired to use tomatoes in just about everything from appetizers and salads to satisfying main courses. Tomatoes are very good sources of lycopene, which is an effective antioxidant. Lycopene is in the carotenoid family, which includes beta-carotene, lutein (good for eye […]
There are some foods out there deemed ‘bad’ that have gotten this label somewhat unfairly. Calling foods ‘good’ or ‘bad’ is also misleading – food is FOOD but some of it can support our health while others may hurt it if consumed in excess. Check out these 5 foods that have a bad reputation and see the FoodTrients discussion on how to incorporate them into any healthy diet! Eggs Research has undeniably changed on dietary fat and cholesterol in recent years, finding that fat and even cholesterol that we consume may not have the adverse effects once thought. Eggs are […]
Do you enjoy hot and spicy Indian, Thai, Mexican or Creole foods? Yes? Well, you’ll be happy to know there’s a new healthy reason to eat more of them. Recent research shows that people who regularly eat hot, spicy foods have a lower risk of getting major diseases. Let me tell you why… A recent study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) revealed that people who ate hot, spicy foods regularly (at least twice per week) had a 10% lower risk of death. Those who ate these foods every day, increased their longevity by 14%. Why? Well, hot, spicy […]
Despite the research showing the benefits of higher amounts of vitamin D, many doctors continue suggesting 400 IU daily. The common fear is that higher amounts will result in toxicity. However, a new study conducted by the Mayo clinic may just put these fears to rest. The study found that vitamin D toxicity is, in fact, quite rare. The results were published in the journal, Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Higher Blood Levels of Vitamin D Proved to Be Safe Previous research shows higher amounts of vitamin D protect against age-related diseases including heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. Based on these studies, […]
Vitiligo can be a depressing condition to live with. Generally, people get it in their younger years and live with it throughout their life. But, late onset vitiligo, occurring after 55 years of age, is also becoming more common. But, a couple of new treatments are showing new promise in treating vitiligo. New Non-Drug Treatments for Vitiligo Vitiligo is a skin condition marked by many, or just a few, white patches of skin and/or hair. Singer Michael Jackson brought vitiligo to greater public attention as he developed the condition in his early 40’s. It’s estimated that about 2% of people […]
I remember years ago as a kid reading about people in Bulgaria who lived into their hundreds. Part of their secret (besides hard, physical work and a little alcohol each day) was eating yogurt and drinking kefir (KEE-fur). Back when I was a youngster in Southeast Asia, yogurt was still a pretty exotic food without the huge selection we see in the dairy case today. Yogurt has rightfully been recognized as a ‘super food,’ loaded with protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorous and beneficial bacteria. Yogurt Facts One cup (8 fl. oz.) of plain low fat yogurt contains about 154 calories, […]
The U.S. is known for its skyrocketing rates of obesity and diabetes. But there’s a pocket of people (around 9,000) who have been found to live relatively longer and healthier life, on average. They are the Seventh Day Adventists of Loma Linda, California. People from this region tend to live about 4–10 years longer than the average Californian and make up one of the longevity hot spots in the world. So what is it about this community that makes them special? Below, we’ll examine their lifestyle and habits. How Do They Compare to Other Americans? The Loma Lindans are the […]