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 […]
Asparagus may be a finicky vegetable, but there are lots of reasons to eat it. It has lycopene, which lowers cancer risk, aids cognitive function, and promotes prostate health. Asparagus also contains Vitamin C, which helps the body resist infection, prevent cataracts, and regenerate tissue. Asparagus is a source of the soluble fiber inulin, which can suppress your appetite. There’s also an array of B vitamins in this popular vegetable, including B1, B2, B3 and B6. It also encourages digestive health and contains vitamin K, which acts as a natural diuretic. On top of that, along with vitamin K, asparagus […]
An article appearing on August 21, 2017 in Nature describes research conducted at the University
WASHINGTON – An unregulated cancer-causing industrial solvent, which is also a hidden impurity in
If you’ve been following a regular workout regime, you deserve applause. I try to walk and swim as often as I can. Whether you run a few times a week, hike on the weekends or go to the gym, regular exercise is one of the most reliable ways to live a healthier life. Whatever kind of workout you practice, there are foods that can help you make the most of any exercise routine. Even though there are performance-enhancing supplements, eating the right foods is the most reliable way to build muscle and recover efficiently from workouts. Some of my favorite […]
In an article published on September 14, 2017 in Nature Communications, Temple University researchers reveal an explanation for the life extending effect of calorie restriction. Jean-Pierre J. Isaa, MD, and colleagues discovered that restricting the amount of calories consumed slows the aging-related rate of change of the epigenome, which consists of proteins and other compounds that can attach to DNA and control its action. The team is also the first to demonstrate that the rate of epigenomic change is associated with lifespan. “Our study shows that epigenetic drift, which is characterized by gains and losses in DNA methylation in the genome over […]
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 […]
If you don’t live in California or the Southwest, you may not be familiar with jicama (HEE-kah-mah), a large root vegetable that comes from Mexico and South America. Featuring a thin but tough brown skin and sweet, crunchy, white flesh, jicama is also known as Mexican potato or yam bean root. It’s eaten raw, diced up in salads, baked, steamed or even fried. It has a texture and taste similar to a cross between an apple and a turnip. Not only is jicama delicious and versatile, but it also contains plenty of healthful benefits that make it an excellent nutritional […]
Chronic liver disease appears to be promoted by taking stomach acid blockers known as proton pump inhibitors, according to a study led by University of California San Diego researchers. The drugs, including such best-sellers as Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid, change the population of gut microbes. This leads to overgrowth of a bacterium that causes liver inflammation and cell death, the study found. The study was published in Nature Communications. It was performed with mouse models, healthy human volunteers, and data from chronic alcoholics. Bernd Schnabl, M.D., was the study’s senior author. Cristina Llorente, also of UCSD, was first author. Proton pump inhibitors are the most effective […]
There are a couple of ways to look at Mexican ‘superfoods’. First, if you eliminate the tortilla chips, full-fat cheese and beans cooked with lard, much of the basics of Mexican cuisine are quite healthy. Beans (cooked, but not refried) and rice, fresh seafood, chicken, lean beef, tomatoes and avocados are all highly nutritious foods that provide plenty of benefits. And many of these foods qualify as ‘superfoods’—nutrient dense and high in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals and protein. The other way to look at Mexican superfoods is to seek out indigenous foods that have been staples of the traditional […]



