Dr. Ann

In an uplifting study performed by one of my favorite eating behavior scientists, Dr. Brian Wansink, vegetables proved to “make the meal”. We already know that including vegetables at mealtime is a healthy thing to do, but it appears vegetable’s virtues really do extend far beyond enhancing nutritional value with fringe benefits both for the cook […]

Looking for a sweet way to take a big bite out of your risk for cardiovascular disease? Go eat some fruit! In an evaluation that included over 450,000 Chinese adults followed over a seven-year period, those consuming fruit regularly enjoyed a significant reduction in the risk for heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. Study […]

Here are 10 simple, yet powerful things you can do that are guaranteed to place you on the path to optimal wellness. Give yourself an “oil change.”  Make extra virgin olive oil your oil of choice for room temperature, low heat and cold food preparations.  This “make-me-healthier” fat is filled with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory […]

I include fresh garlic in my diet every day. Here are 5 reasons why you should too! Garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic that has antiviral and antibacterial properties. (If I feel a cold or bug coming on, I make a garlic kale salad that has at least 8 cloves of minced garlic in it. […]

When it comes to diet and health, it is the full spectrum of foods you consume that matters the most. In an evaluation from Sweden’s Lund University, scientists documented the awesome, collective health-boosting power multiple great-for-you foods can provide vs. individual ones. For this evaluation, 44 healthy, but overweight study subjects were put on a dietary regime […]

This delicious salad is perfect for quieting inflammation in your body. Serves 4-6 This hearty salad is prefect as a main dish or on the side. Ingredients 2 cups cooked barley 1 15oz. can of beans of choice, drained and rinsed 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 3 green onions, sliced […]

Want to lower your risk of death from any cause, including cardiovascular disease and cancer? Eat an anti-inflammatory diet! In a study involving over 68,000 adults who were followed for 16 years, those who included the most anti-inflammatory foods in their diets enjoyed the following benefits relative to those eating the least: 18 percent less […]

Did you know that one of the most powerful all-encompassing strategies available to guard and protect your health is to keep the level of inflammation in your body low? Indeed, cutting-edge science has shown that inflammation is a key driver of almost all forms of chronic disease. We have known about the direct relationship between inflammation […]

Broccoli can already claim superstar status for cardiovascular and cancer protection, and thanks to an exciting study, fighting arthritis may be added to its disease-busting credentials. In a series of three separate lab experiments, researchers from the University of East Anglia were able to show that sulforaphane, a compound in broccoli, blocks the destructive inflammation […]

Dr. Ann’s Vegetable Lasagna Serves 8 This is one of my favorite ways to get kids that “hate” veggies to eat them! Ingredients 9 lasagna noodles (Barilla “no boiling required” brand is easiest) 1, 8-oz. container of sliced, fresh mushrooms 1 cup pre-packaged shredded carrots 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 3 tbsp EVOO 1, 15-oz. can […]

Fiber has a long list of health benefits. Here are the best ways to get more of this special compound in your daily diet. Consume as many fruits and veggies as possible. The superstars for fiber content include berries (raspberries #1), snow peas, apples, canned tomato products, pumpkin, cauliflower, avocado, spinach, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, […]

As an alternative to sandwiches or salads, or as accompanying side items, here are some additional wholesome, lunch bag-friendly options. Keep the three basic building blocks (smart proteins, fiber-rich carbs, and a calcium rich food) in mind to put together a winning a la carte lunch. -Finger-friendly or cut up fresh fruit—fresh strawberries or blackberries, […]