Sugary beverages can wreck your health. According to the most comprehensive and authoritative review of published science to date, Harvard scientists determined that drinking as little as one to two servings a day of a sugary beverage was tied to significant health risks. Among the most compelling were a 35 percent greater risk of heart […]
Like true nuts, peanuts (which are actually legumes) can rightfully claim superstar food status. In a new report that followed the diets and health status over a five to twelve year period of more than 200,000 racially diverse adult study subjects, those consuming the most peanuts were up to 21 percent less likely to die […]
The diminutive blueberry may be a powerhouse food for cardiovascular health. That was the conclusion from a new clinical trial that tested if a daily dose of blueberries could lower blood pressure. For this study 48 women with mild to moderate high blood pressure were given the equivalent of one cup of blueberries daily in the […]
If you enjoy your yogurt like I do, you will be pleased to know that in addition to getting a nice dose of several critical nutrients like calcium, zinc, potassium, B vitamins and those awesome beneficial bacteria (probiotics) – yogurt may help lower your risk of high blood pressure. In a study that followed the […]
The perils of eating too much salt extend far beyond high blood pressure. That was the conclusion of a new, systematic review undertaken to assess the impact of diets high in sodium on key areas of bodily function. According to research noted in the study, excess salt (sodium) essentially functions as a toxin in […]
If you are looking for a delicious and proven means to lower your bad cholesterol levels-eat more avocados! In a new clinical trial that compared three different diets (low-fat with no avocado, moderate fat with no avocado, and moderate fat with one avocado a day) those consuming the moderate fat avocado diet hands down […]
In a remarkable testament to the personal power we all hold to control our health destiny, scientists recently determined that four out of five heart attacks could be prevented by healthy living. For this study, researchers carefully followed the diets and lifestyle practices of 20,721 Swedish men between the ages of 45-79 over an 11-year […]
Think that putting on a few pounds is harmless – think again. In a sobering new study presented at a recent scientific meeting, researchers demonstrated that gaining as little as five pounds is enough to drive up blood pressure, particularly if the weight is gained in the belly. For this eight-week study, scientists had […]
A healthy HDL level (>50) is associated with less risk of heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s and colon cancer. Follow these simple strategies to raise your HDL (good) cholesterol level. (Mine is 93!) Lose weight if overweight. Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (brisk walking) most days of the week. (Talk to […]
In a new report published in the American Heart Association’s journal, Hypertension, consuming probiotics as part of a healthy lifestyle appears to significantly lower blood pressure levels, especially in those with hypertension. The analysis combined the results of nine previously published clinical trials and found that regular consumption of probiotics for eight weeks or longer lowered […]
Many Americans do not achieve optimal levels of dietary potassium. Here are my top strategies for boosting your intake of this critical nutrient. Include beans in your diet each day. Consume plain non-fat or low-fat yogurt in your diet each day. Use tomato sauce or paste (low sodium) regularly in your recipes and dishes. Snack […]
All varieties of nuts are off-the-charts great for you, but walnuts deserve special mention. Here are 5 reasons to eat more of them. Walnuts offer unrivaled cardiovascular protection. Walnuts are an excellent source of those hard to find plant-based omega 3 fats. Walnuts are uniquely high in a special form of vitamin E, gamma-tocopherol, revered […]
