Dr. Ann

In as little as two weeks, a daily dose of a sugary beverage can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in healthy young subjects. That was the riveting conclusion from a clinical trial that is the first to show a direct dose-response relationship between sugary beverage consumption and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. For this […]

  Beans – Beans are the most underutilized economic superfood. This humble nutritional powerhouse of a food group is worthy on many fronts particularly for appetite control, healthy metabolism, cardiovascular health, and brain health. Strive to include a serving in any form and in any variety each day.     Dark Leafy Greens –   Dark […]

Fiber’s reputation as a nutritional hero continues growing. In fact, fiber may be the real fountain of youth. That was the upshot of an Australian study that followed the diets and health statuses of over 1,600 adults for a ten-year period. At the beginning of the study all of the study subjects were age 49 or older and […]

Artichoke Hearts – Even right out of the can or jar, this drably colored veggie rivals berries with its supreme antioxidant power—providing 8 times more than oranges! They are also a great source of vitamin C and fiber, including a special form of fiber called inulin that nourishes the growth of the “good” bacteria in the […]

In a groundbreaking new study scientists have identified a quick and easy way to lift mood and improve outlook—simply smile, even if it is a fake smile! For this study scientists had study subjects induce a fake smile by holding a pen between their teeth, forcing their facial muscles to move as they would in a real smile. The […]

Eating healthy, even if you are obese, offers life-saving benefits while eating poorly, even if you are lean, can be deadly. That was the sobering conclusion of a new study from Sweden. For this study, scientists monitored the diet quality and weight of 79,023 Swedish adults whose diet quality and body weights were monitored over […]

In the largest and most comprehensive study to date, scientists confirmed the power of fish oil supplements to protect us from heart disease. For this in-depth review study, scientists combined the results of 40 previously published clinical trials evaluating the impact of fish oil omega 3 fats, DHA and EPA, on cardiac events. The review included over […]

Mushrooms are very low in calories, containing just 20 per half cup. Mushrooms are a source of key nutrients including B vitamins, copper, potassium, selenium, and even vitamin D. Mushrooms are high in antioxidants, in many cases offering more than most vegetables. Mushrooms are home to a unique family of compounds called polysaccharides, which are […]

To get the most from your extra virgin olive oil (EVOO): Purchase those in dark colored bottles or tins that have the “harvest date” stamped on the label (this signifies freshness and quality). Store it in a dark, cool location and turn it over quickly – at least by two months. Use EVOO as your […]

Revered for its stunning color, unique texture and savory flavor – eggplant is brimming with healthy goodness.  It’s a great source of fiber, especially soluble fiber that can lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar, along with several other key nutrients including potassium, manganese and B vitamins.  It is super low in calories (only 27 in […]

Only 3% of kids and 8% of adults in the US consume the minimum recommended three servings of whole grains daily. Including whole grains in your diet is one of the tastiest and most effective ways to reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, many cancers, and obesity. For best results include 3 […]

There is perhaps no other food that has received more spin than soy!  Here are the facts based on my understanding of the science: Whole soy foods have an exemplary nutritional profile, i.e. they are very, very nutritious. o       Provide high quality, (“complete”) inexpensive vegetable protein that is naturally low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free. […]