We all know water is good for us and that we should probably drink more of it. So why, then, do Americans find it so difficult to sip from what is arguably the fountain of youth? Answers vary, but the fact is, one in 10 Americans drinks zero cups of water per day, according to a study by Dr. Alyson Goodman, a medical epidemiologist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Zero. She suspects that those who don’t drink any water (or very little) are getting it from other sources such as food and coffee, but warns this may […]
When talking to friends and colleagues about new, healthy foods to try, I sometimes have to assume a professorial role and do some explaining. This is the case with yuca (pronounced, yoo-kah), also known as cassava and frequently confused with yucca (yuk-ah). Yuca is a plant that is grown and eaten in Latin America, Africa, South Asia and the Caribbean. It has a starchy root that among other things, can be made into tapioca. Yucca, on the other hand, is an ornamental plant with spiky leaves and tall clusters of white flowers. It grows in the Southern and Western parts […]
When I was a kid, black licorice was one of my favorite treats to sneak. It was different from most of the other sugary treats, as it wasn’t so sweet and it had a completely unique flavor. Well, guess what? I just learned that a compound present in natural licorice root is now getting a lot of respect from medical and dental researchers. If you’re concerned about the health of your teeth and gums, you’ll want to know about this… Fight Dental Disease with Special Licorice Compound Good dental health is an ongoing concern, even more so as you get […]
If I told you that eating just a handful of walnuts, peanuts, almonds, etc, would lower your risk of several major diseases, and death, would you believe me? As incredible as that may sound, new research has proven it to be true. Here’s even more reason to enjoy your nuts snack everyday… Beat Major Diseases with 10 Grams of Nuts A Day As you get older, you’re risk for developing certain major diseases of aging increases. These include neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, as well as internal medicine issues like diabetes and heart disease. Why? Well, for one reason, […]
You’ve probably seen those T-shirts that say, Keep Calm, or Stay Calm, and whatever other issue they’re promoting. The other day, I saw an older man walking around the mall who had one on. It read, “Keep Calm and Stay Alive”. I wondered if he knew that health researchers have recently proven how true that simple statement really is. That’s why I want to talk to you about how controlling your stress response can save your health and your life. We’ve talked before about how stress impacts your health. Not good. Chronic stress worsens any health condition. But, stress can […]
While blueberries and strawberries usually gain recognition for their health-enhancing properties, raspberries have quietly built an impressive resume of vast health benefits that match any berry. The fruit’s potent anti-inflammatory power contributes to fighting obesity, enhancing cardiovascular support, battling cancer, and combating diabetes. Raspberries’ History Although the exact origin of raspberries (Rubus spp.) is unknown, it’s believed they were cultivated in Europe more than 2,000 years ago and introduced to North America from eastern Asia through trading. The edible fruit is one of the most popular berries in the world, with top producers in Russia, the United States, Serbia, and […]
The people have spoken. Diet Pepsi recently announced that they are dropping aspartame from its list of ingredients and replacing it with sucralose—but is this a good thing? With sales down 5% and a public more wary of aspartame, PepsiCo is making the change. An exhaustive number of studies have been done over the last 20-plus years that weigh in on both sides of the aspartame safety issue. Apparently, the public does not believe that aspartame is safe. Dr. Joseph Mercola has been blasting aspartame for the past 17 years, sounding the alarm about its harmful effecs. In fact, he […]
In the last year alone, scientists from three different laboratories have published studies that demonstrate how polyphenol molecules derived from apples extend life span in various species by as much as 12%. These researchers are unraveling the various mechanisms of action that give apple polyphenols such promise as anti-aging nutrients. Initial findings show that apple polyphenols modulate multiple signaling molecules to delay the onset of age-related disorders. They may also mimic the actions of calorie restriction, a known antiaging technique. One polyphenol, phloridzin, which is heavily concentrated in the skin of the apple, also potently suppresses several processes leading to glycation, […]
Eating healthfully on the night shift to optimize your energy levels and ‘feel fueled’ is its own science. Here are some quick tips and ideas for brown bag meals that will help you avoid the drowsy ‘post-lunch’ feeling when you’re working through the night. Instead of having a large meal, have several quick, healthy snacks. Remember that your body’s normal digestive rhythm can also be disrupted by shift work, resulting in indigestion and heartburn, which can awaken you and keep you up when you’re trying to sleep. Eat small portions to include two meals and two snacks, eating every two […]
Probiotics have formed a vital part of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern diets for thousands of years, in the form of fermented milk and vegetable products such as yogurt and pickles. They are credited, in part, for the relatively low rates of