1025 results found for: Blood Pressure

Chia Seed Southwestern Fettuccine

Most Americans are probably familiar with chia pets—clay pots shaped like animals that you fill with chia seeds and water.  The chia seeds sprout and grow green “fur” on the clay pot.  Few people who own those chia pets, however, realize that chia seeds are not only edible—sprouted or not—but they’re also wonderful for your health. The ancient Aztecs of Mexico began eating unsprouted chia seeds over 500 years ago. In the Mayan language, “chia” means “strength.” The tiny seeds come in white or black varieties and are native to Mexico and Guatemala. Today, Mexicans drink chia frescas: chia seeds stirred […]

Healthy, Hearty, and Now Savory Oatmeal

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 […]

Are Vegetarian Diets Healthy?

Today, many people have adopted a vegetarian diet or are considering a switch. Reasons range from disease prevention to concern for the environment. A typical vegetarian diet not only has less saturated fat and cholesterol than a meat-based one, but it also provides a number of beneficial plant polyphenols, many of which have only been recently identified. However, there are some potential deficiencies to consider as well. Below, we’ll explore the possible pitfalls and how to avert them if going “meatless” is your thing. First, Let’s Define Vegetarian A vegetarian diet technically contains no animal products, but a number of people who […]

Got Sore Joints? 2 Nutrients Can Help

The old saying, “You are what you eat,” couldn’t be more true in regards to your bones or joints. That’s why I’ve been telling my older patients to pay more attention to their diet to preserve their joint health and stay active.  This is backed up by recent research that has shown that certain dietary factors play a bigger role in aging joint health than previously thought. Specifically, there are 2 joint-powerhouse nutrients I’ve been telling my patients to add to their diet.  Here’s why they’re so helpful in keeping older joints moving and pain-free. #1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Carry More Weight […]

What’s for Lunch? Pack FoodTrients To Go

By Grace O Everyone is busy, which makes grabbing fast food or convenience foods so tempting at lunch time. There are many days that I have to go from meeting to meeting without any time to stop for lunch, so I find myself eating on the run. When I do have time, I’m always interested in checking out new dishes and new restaurants, but that can lead to way too much temptation. When it comes down to it, I know that if I’m to make the best choices for my mind and body, I should take my own advice and […]

It’s National Cholesterol Education Month

Before biting into that juicy steak, take a moment to think about your cholesterol level. Is it high? High cholesterol usually has no symptoms but can increase the risk of heart disease. The month of September has been designated as National Cholesterol Education Month. It’s the ideal time to have your levels checked and then take steps to bring your levels down if necessary. What is cholesterol, anyway? Cholesterol is a waxy substance that circulates in the blood. It is found in animal foods including butter, meat, cheese and eggs. In addition to the amount absorbed from food, bloods levels […]

Spicy Foods Can Help You Live Longer

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 […]