Dr. Ann

Apparently the sky’s the limit when it comes to physical activity and heart health. In the largest and most accurate study of its type to date, scientists concluded that the more we move, the lower our chances of developing cardiovascular disease —with no ceiling effect, meaning more is better.  For this study the physical activity level […]

  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 […]

September 23, 2019 • Heart Health

Women Take Heart

Heart attacks remain the leading killer of women – killing more women than the next 5 causes of death combined.  Additionally, heart attacks tend to be more deadly in women vs. men.  So it was especially good news and incredibly empowering that a provocative study in the Archives of Internal Medicine (October 2007) reported that women could […]

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 […]

For adults, especially those over the age of forty, resistance physical activity is essential to maintain health.  Resistance physical activities include lifting weights, yoga, and using bands.  Benefits are numerous and include maintaining metabolism (preventing weight gain), reducing cardiovascular risk, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, maintaining strength and functionality, increasing bone density and […]

Over the past week, I read several important study findings looking at omega 3 fats in children, and all of them really grabbed my attention. Omega 3 fats are “essential” fats that play a critical role in brain, cardiovascular, and immune health. Here are the study highlights. I hope they will grab your attention too!   […]

Cardiovascular researchers recently presented some alarming and ominous scientific findings that should be a huge wake up call for all of us, especially parents. For the report, scientists evaluated the presence of seven cardiovascular risk factors in a representative sample of 5,547 American teens between the ages of 12 and 19. The data was particularly […]

Even more heart healthy superstar foods for you to include in your diet regularly! Dark Chocolate Pecans – This delectable treat gives your heart the best of both worlds.  Dark chocolate is loaded with the antioxidant flavanols that boost blood flow while pecans are brimming with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, like those in olive oil, that […]

For those of you who want a healthy heart, here are 6 more stellar superfoods: Green Tea – This superstar elixir of good health provides one of the easiest, quickest, and most relaxing ways to infuse your arteries with protective antioxidants.  Antioxidants prevent bad cholesterol from building up in your arteries and keeps arteries functioning […]

Here are 5 great foods that should be on your grocery list if you want a healthy heart: Roasted soy nuts – This crunchy, nutty, great-tasting whole soy food is loaded with heart-healthy goodness including B vitamins, vitamin E, omega 3 fats, and soluble fiber.  Whole soy foods have been shown to lower both blood […]

Previous studies have repeatedly shown that nuts score a perfect 10 when it comes to cardiovascular risk reduction. Although scientific evidence is firmly established for almonds and walnuts, studies on pistachios have been lacking. Thanks to a clinical trial in the September issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, pistachios can triumphantly join the […]

A recent review of the latest studies evaluating garlic’s beneficial effects on blood pressure provided some real artery-opening results. After combining the data from 11 separate clinical trials, researchers found that garlic indeed packs an impressive blood pressure – lowering punch. For folks in the studies that had high blood pressure, the garlic reduced the […]