Overweight and obese women who lost weight through diet and exercise lowered the levels of certain proteins in their blood that play a role in angiogenesis, the process of blood vessel growth that can promote the growth and survival of cancer cells (see also Weight Loss). Angiogenesis is a vital function where new blood vessels are formed, for example, during wound healing. Unfortunately, an important part of tumor growth and development is also dependent on having a supply of blood vessels to deliver nutrients and oxygen to allow a tumor to continue to grow. Some researchers have proposed that “angioprevention,” […]
Sometimes I like to have fun with my guests and serve them something a little out of the ordinary. I enjoy seeing skepticism turn to pleasure on their faces when I introduce them to a new food they’d never imagine eating, but once they try it, they enjoy. Prickly pears, also known as cactus pears, are one of those foods. It’s the fruit of the opuntia cactus, which is the one with the paddle-like leaves (also edible, but more on that later). Prickly pears are popular in Mexico, South and Central America, around the Mediterranean and South Africa. In this […]
I’m always counseling my patients on a heart-healthy diet. They’re often surprised to learn that the worst offender is not what they’ve always thought – fat. No, in fact, more and more research has shown that the amount of refined, unnatural sugar in your diet is the real culprit of damaging heart health. So, I’d like to share with you what I tell my patients about the damage that their love of sweets is doing to their heart – and the rest of them. Your Love of Sweets Is Souring Your Heart Health We all like a sweet treat once […]
This probably isn’t the first time you’ve seen information regarding foods and nutrients to support brain function. And if you Google this topic, you’re likely to wind up with a large number of suggestions. Are all of them accurate? Probably not. However, there is a common thread between of the types of foods that are recommended. Most suggestions include increasing plant-based foods, berries, and green leafy veggies while limiting animal foods and foods high in saturated fat. Since there are many foods that fall into the above categories, we won’t cover them all here. Instead, we’ll focus on a few […]
While we knew B vitamins can help fight mental decline in older people with memory problems, new research suggests adding omega-3s to the formula can boost the brain-saving effects. An international team of researchers studied more than 250 people with mild cognitive impairment at Oxford in theU.K. MCI describes a condition in which the brain functions at a lower level than what is normally expected for a person’s age, but not low enough to interfere with daily life. It can often progress to dementia, according to a release about the research from the University of Oxford. The placebo-controlled study included 250 […]
WASHINGTON––For consumers who want to avoid bisphenol A, EWG today unveiled an easily searchable database of more than 16,000 food and beverage items that may come in cans, bottles or jars containing the hormone-disrupting chemical, better known as BPA. The list was compiled from a little-known food industry inventory and is now available at EWG’s Food Scores database. BPA acts like estrogen in the body and is especially dangerous for pregnant women and children in critical stages of development. Independent scientific studies link it to cancer, infertility, diabetes, obesity and brain, nerve and heart disorders, and it’s just been listed […]
I believe that food can be just as effective at fighting aging as the most expensive skin creams. Certain FoodTrients like omega-3 fatty acids and the Vitamins C & E are very good for building collagen, hydrating skin, keeping skin elastic, and helping to build strong nails and hair. Some of my favorite beauty-enhancing recipes from my cookbooks are my Fresh Turmeric Juice, Sweet Potato and Jackfruit Delight, Papaya Salsa, and Salmon Poached in Pickling Spices. So we all know by now that the right foods can help us maintain a healthy weight, keep our arteries unclogged, and reduce inflammation. […]
We hear the term “processed foods” all of the time. “Don’t eat processed foods; eat whole foods” is what is commonly touted by nutritionists, fitness experts, and wellness coaches, including me. But, what are processed foods anyway? Technically, any food that has been changed from its natural state is a processed food. Read on for some critical distinctions you may not have considered that will help you pick the healthiest options for you and your family. Minimally Processed Foods Even fresh foods are processed. Let’s take lettuce, for example. There are two categories of lettuce: head lettuce and leaf lettuce. […]
Women might be able to reduce the risk of breast cancer by eating more blueberries, according to a New Zealand research out Tuesday. A Massey University study in which blueberries were fed to animals as part of their diet found they had a 50-percent lower incidence rate of mammary tumors. “Blueberries contain phytochemicals called anthocyanins, which may be responsible for the health benefits of blueberries,” Dr Janyawat Vuthijumnonk said in a statement. “They reduce free radicals in our system, decrease new blood vessel formation and increase the number of beneficial bacteria – all elements which help in the fight against […]
There is an undeniable link between the head and the heart. Cardiovascular function is associated with brain disorders, and vice versa. Not surprisingly, taurine’s major benefits also involve both the heart and brain. Taurine is listed as a “nonessential amino acid” because since it’s manufactured in the body, it theoretically doesn’t need to be consumed in the diet. However, “nonessential” shouldn’t imply “inessential.” As you’ll soon learn, taurine is quite essential. One of its earliest identified roles involves protection against dilated cardiomyopathy. Insufficient intake of taurine has been linked to the development of this condition, which prevents the heart from pumping […]