Dr. Ann

People who are still consuming coconut oil, as a supposed “healthy fat,” should think again. In a new review analysis of 16 previously published studies, scientists found that the use of coconut oil was tied to a substantial increase in LDL (bad) cholesterol, placing people at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Relative to the […]

In a first of its kind study, German scientists report that excess salt significantly impairs immune function. The scientists first conducted an experiment in mice, feeding the mice a high salt diet and assessing how the high salt diet impacted neutrophil function. Neutrophils are critical immune cells that target dangerous bacteria. They found that mice […]

If you love beets, you will love this salad. Ingredients 1 bunch beets, washed, trimmed, and greens saved for another use 1/2 English cucumber, chopped 1 box (5oz. clam-shell) Earthbound Farm’s herb lettuce blend Dressing: ¼ cup plain yogurt Juice of 1 lemon 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp red wine vinegar 1 […]

Kick start your day with one of my three favorite healthy breakfasts: A bowl of steel cut oatmeal mixed with 2 heaping tbs of 100% canned pumpkin topped with a small handful of chopped pecans or walnuts, a liberal dash of cinnamon, 1 tbs of wheat germ and a tsp of dark brown sugar or […]

Both black and green teas are exceptionally healthy beverages.  Black, green, oolong and white tea all come from the same plant – Camellia Sinensis – Their differences are created in the fermentation process.  All varieties are loaded with super potent antioxidants called catechins.  The robust antioxidant activity of tea is the source of its health […]

If you are looking for a delicious way to kick up your immunity, enjoy more shitake mushrooms. That was the exciting conclusion from a clinical trial conducted to evaluate the effects this exotic, hearty mushroom has on immune function. For this study the researchers had 52 adults consume a daily four-ounce dose of shitake mushrooms […]

To take full advantage of broccoli’s powerful immune-boosting/cancer-fighting compound, sulforaphane, eat it raw, lightly cooked (steam 2-4 minutes), or pair it with some mustard, arugula, radishes, brocco-sprouts or wasabi. All of these simple strategies boost the formation and absorption of the “active” form of sulforaphane. It only takes 3-5 weekly servings of broccoli to reap […]

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 […]

Shake some cinnamon on your morning cereal, yogurt, oatmeal, or right into your cup of coffee for a tasty and easy way to improve your glucose and cholesterol metabolism. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that study subjects who added a bit more than a teaspoon of cinnamon to a rice […]

Get into the habit of making your own salad dressings and forget the store-bought brands.  It’s simple, quick, healthier, cheaper, and tastes so much better. My go-to is… (Blend these together with a fork!) extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup) apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup) brown mustard (1 big spoonful) curry (1/2 tbsp) honey (2 […]

To fully leverage all of the glorious goodness in your vegetables – be sure to eat them along with some form of healthy fat. Fat improves their flavor and texture, but most importantly serves as a vehicle for transporting their fat soluble phytochemicals called carotenoids, from the digestive track into the bloodstream. Carotenoids are one of the most revered […]

The total number of known chemicals used intentionally in the packaging, storage, and processing of our foods exceeds 4,000 and the standard toxicology analysis required to be performed on them does not evaluate their capacity to disrupt our hormones.  So play it safe and eat Mother Nature’s REAL foods and avoid man-made processed foods.  (Epidemiology […]