There’s more to lowering your risk of heart disease than just watching the fat in your diet. There are many good
Bayfront Health Seven Rivers recently had a seminar titled “Know Your Heart Risks” at the hospital’s
Gluten-free oats are a great source of fiber and protein. Compared to refined grains, oats have a low glycemic score, and they can help boost your immunity, aid digestion and lower cholesterol levels. They also have plenty of benefits, including: Lowering cholesterol — oats contain soluble fiber, which can help naturally lower LDL (‘bad”) cholesterol when eaten several times or more per week. Providing filling fiber — fiber-rich foods take up more space in your stomach while absorbing water, so they help you feel satisfied despite and support weight loss. Improving digestion — many studies show that diets higher in fiber can lead […]
Commonly known as a natural compound that may help treat diabetes, (see Foodtrients® article“Does Berberine Fight Diabetes” ) that’s not all berberine is known for. A bitter alkaloid compound found in several plants including barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape, it can also be important for enhancing the immune system during cold and flu season. Berberine also contains anti-bacterial properties and is often prescribed as a treatment for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). It has a long history of medicinal use in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Medicidally, berberine is used for: Heart failure High cholesterol levels High blood pressure Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) […]
White Bean Soup This hearty vegetarian soup makes a great appetizer or light lunch. I use my Homemade Vegetable Stock as a base, but you can also use store-bought vegetable broth. You can use white cannellini or navy beans instead of white kidney beans. Beans are loaded with protein and detoxifying fiber, which makes them a great ally if you’re trying to manage your weight. Fiber can also help regulate cholesterol and reduce your risk of certain cancers. Swiss chard has cancer-inhibiting carotenoids and vitamin C. Chard is an excellent source of vitamin K, which helps build strong bones. Both […]
Heart attack rates peaked in the United States in 1968. In this era, it was not unusual for a man under age 60 to die from sudden cardiac arrest. A debate raged in the 1960s as to which dietary factors were responsible for the epidemic of coronary artery blockage. One side claimed saturated fat to be a factor because it raised blood cholesterol. They pointed to studies showing that vegetable fat sources such as corn would therefore reduce heart attack risk. These vegetable sources of oil contain high amounts of omega-6 fats. Excessive consumption of omega-6s can create chronic inflammatory reactions. […]
Just 30 minutes of running on a treadmill can reshape damaged heart tissue, researchers have found in a study which proved that exercise could be just as important for heart health as controlled cholesterol and a healthy diet. The findings showed that just a single session of endurance exercise – activities that increase breathing and heart rate such as walking, jogging, swimming – increased the expression of genes that are used to repair damaged DNA and helped remodel heart tissue. “The genes that are important for genome stability are up-regulated in the heart tissue after a single bout of endurance […]
It’s that time of year when the sun sinks too early and you’re ready to light a fire, or at least scented candles. While we might think longingly back on summer and its exuberant offerings of fresh tomatoes, luscious stone fruit and tender baby greens, it’s time to relish in the bounty of winter vegetables. The winter months give us a number of hearty veggies that provide comfort and superb nutrition, not to mention versatility and great taste. I make sure to include a lot of these delicious foods on my winter menus. Here are some of the most FoodTrient-packed […]
This blend of nuts, seeds and spices originated in Egypt as a spread for flat bread or as a dip. Benefits: Nuts and sesame seeds have unsaturated omega-6 fatty acids which are considered heart-healthy. Focusing on unsaturated fatty acids rather than saturated fats can improve cardiovascular health. Coriander seeds contain magnesium (which helps lower blood pressure) and selenium (which protects the heart and regulates blood clotting). Sumac also can help to decrease blood pressure. Cumin has iron which transports oxygen around the body, and manganese which is part of an enzyme that fights free radicals. Yields about 1¾ cups […]
The pandemic touched all of our lives. For some of us, it meant a loss of a former way of life. We missed our friends and our families. We missed going to work or school. We missed graduations, parties, and milestones celebrated. And we lost people we loved. It’s safe to say that most of us have felt some heartbreak in the past two 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 […]