Sticking to a paleo diet can be difficult during the holidays. Between pies, sweets and gluten-heavy dishes, paleo dieters are left with few indulgences at parties and feasts. Here are five paleo-friendly flours that can make awesome alternatives to traditional, carb- and gluten-heavy all-purpose flour. Almond flour Also known as almond meal, almond flour is made from skinned almonds that are ground into a fine flour that can be great for baking. Not only is this ingredient great for paleo dieters, it’s a readily available option for those abstaining from gluten or avoiding too many carbs. Almond flour maintains an […]
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition which is estimated to impact about 20% of Americans each year. It’s a serious form of depression, which can range from mild to severe, and last anywhere from 3-6 months. While the direct cause of SAD hasn’t been proven, deficiencies in sunlight and vitamin D, and the disruption of our circadian rhythm that comes with wintertime are major factors in the development of SAD. Since a lack of sunlight is a major part of SAD, it makes sense that more people are affected by the condition in the north; an estimated 10% of people in […]
You’re coming down with that tickle in your throat and a bit of fatigue – possibly getting a cold. As viruses like the flu rage on this winter, do you reach for the herb echinacea to help boost the immune system at the first sign of trouble? If so, you’re not alone. A perennial flowering plant related to sunflowers, daisies and ragweed, echinacea is native to the Rocky Mountains in the U.S. It was originally discovered and used by Native Americans who passed it along to early settlers and its medicinal uses were then taken back to Europe. It is […]
Eating out and binging on fast food is a common problem, which may upset bowel movements. Keep your digestive system calm by consuming a bit of fennel seeds, ginger, yogurt and papaya, say experts. Nutritionist and dietitian Nmami Agarwal and Mehar Rajput, nutritionist and dietitian at Fitpass, have listed a few digestive saviors: Ginger It’s a wonderful overall healthy herb that aids digestion, reduce inflammation and heartburn. This not only relaxes but also soothes the intestinal track. Have a sip of ginger water with few drops of lemon after every meal and feel the benefit of the wonder herb. Fennel seeds […]
You may see it listed on labels as calendula but better recognize its common name: marigold. These decorative yellow and orange annual flowers are native to Asia and southern Europe. They have a history of medicinal use and calendula is the common name found in supplement form. The main active components that may be health promoting in calendula are antioxidant triterpenoids and flavonoids. In a lab setting, calendula has shown antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antiviral effects. This extract can lower blood pressure as well as blood sugar. It is sedative and aids in wound healing when applied topically. Preparations […]
As cold and flu season comes to an end, you may breathe a sigh of relief but keep in mind that a strong immune system is key any time of year. Every day our immune systems protect us against viruses, bacteria and rogue abnormal cells that could even lead to cancer. Antioxidants and vitamins like vitamins A, C, D, E, selenium, and zinc are one crucial piece of the immune picture as are foods with fiber that support a healthy gut microbiome. Here is the ultimate FoodTrients® list of the top 50 foods that boost the immune system to keep […]
Who doesn’t love pesto, the uncooked sauce most associated with the city of Genoa in Northern Italy? The pesto most of us have tried is made with fresh basil that’s been pounded and mixed with super-diced garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, then blended with extra virgin olive oil. Basil pesto imparts a beautiful green color on pasta and is a great spread on Italian bread. The dark green basil leaves are nutritional stars, because they are full of compounds that stabilize blood sugar levels and antioxidants that help protect cells from free radical damage. The garlic in pesto contains allicin, […]
When most people think of inflammation, they think about swollen joints and arthritis. That said, limiting the amount of inflammation in your body might not be on your radar screen at all, especially if you don’t have joint problems. But inflammation is way more than arthritis, and reducing the amount of inflammation your body encounters should be on everyone’s radar. When any unwanted invader (such as a virus or bacteria) enters your body, inflammation is the body’s first line of defense. White blood cells are soldiers in the inflammation army, and they protect your body when it’s attacked. This is […]
Today Johnson & Johnson, one of the largest multinational manufacturers of consumer packaged
As awareness of gluten issues grow, more and more people – including seniors – are being diagnosed with celiac disease and gluten allergies. While learning to live a gluten-free lifestyle can be daunting to anyone, it provides unique challenges to seniors over age 65. Here, we address some challenges seniors going gluten-free may grapple with. GETTING DIAGNOSED WITH A GLUTEN SENSITIVITY Once considered a disease that affects mainly children, doctors now know that gluten issues can affect anyone at any age. But for older people who may be grappling with other health issues, getting a proper diagnosis can be tricky […]