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 […]
Herbs don’t have television or magazine ads touting their benefits and yet, in many instances, they perform just as well as(and sometimes better than) the pharmaceuticals we constantly hear and read about. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM, who is an herbalist and the bestselling author of The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan, agrees. In her new book, Be Your Own Herbalist: Essential Herbs for Health, Beauty, and Cooking, she has compiled a complete guide to 31 common and easy-to-grow herbs, and includes ways to incorporate them into your daily life. While pharmaceuticals can be life saving, neglected herbal remedies can […]
By Joel Warner If you’re one of the nearly one in three American adults who suffers from hay fever, you know the miserable symptoms all too well: itchy eyes, runny nose, and serial sneezes. Over-the-counter and prescription medications can bring relief, but also side effects such as sleepiness and anxiety. This year, don’t wait until peak allergy season to fight back against that mountain of wadded tissues. Experts say allergies can work like a “drop in the bucket,” where repeated exposures to various allergens add up gradually until the immune system “overflows,” or rather overreacts, flooding the body with the […]
We’re all familiar with common fruits such as apples, oranges, and bananas, which are delicious and nutritious. Fortunately, the flavors and nutrition that nature offers us are boundless and there are always new tastes to discover. In this post, we’re going to highlight some specifically impressive berries and fruits that come from Brazil, but are relatively unknown here in North America. Almost makes you wonder – are the Amazon forest and its surrounding areas hiding any other nutritional gems? Acai Berries Are a True Superfood Acai berries have gained the spotlight as a super fruit and for good reason. These […]
Type 2 diabetes is running rampant in the United States, if not the world, today, particularly in the Boomer population. It’s one of the 4 diseases associated with aging and leads to the development of 2 of the others. It’s caused by too much refined sugar and carbohydrates in the diet as well as lack of exercise. In addition, deficiency in a certain food group, and its disease-fighting nutrients, can also lead to the development of type 2 diabetes as well as the other diseases of aging. They’re called flavonoids and I’d like to tell you more about the amazing […]
I start creating a recipe only after I find a fruit or grain or spice that has something beneficial to offer
I found the inspiration for this tapenade while at a health spa in Mexico. Of course, I put my own special FoodTrients spin on it to create a great topping for fish and a dip for crackers and bread. The pecans can be toasted or raw. I like to use sundried tomatoes preserved in olive oil. Benefits Pecans contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve your blood circulation by lowering triglycerides, or bad fats. Omega-3s help your skin by reducing inflammation that can lead to accelerated skin aging. Tomatoes, especially sundried, are a rich source of lycopene, an antioxidant […]
After I turned 50, I had my own health issues. I have problems with my knees, which led me to struggle with my weight – working hard to lose it only to gain it back again. But believe it or not, all of the work I have done on FoodTrients and writing The Age GRACEfully Cookbook and The AGE BEAUTIFULLY Cookbook and using FoodTrients ingredients has helped me stay healthy – my cholesterol is normal, all of my bloodwork is normal. I don’t take any medication, I strive to add FoodTrients ingredients to all my meals, which helps me maintain […]