Dr. Ann

Canned pumpkin provides the highest concentration of carotenoids of all foods. Carotenoids are special plant-based antioxidants that keep our hearts, eyes, and skin healthy while lowering our cancer risk. Canned pumpkin is fantastic for weight control because it is high in fiber and low in calories. Given its remarkable nutritional firepower, it is a food […]

Carotenoids are plant-based pigments known for their robust antioxidant power as well as their brilliant orange to reddish hues. Here are the foods that contain the most carotenoids… Carrots Orange/yellow/red bell peppers Apricots Collard greens Kale Acorn squash Sweet potatoes Spinach Pumpkin Tomatoes (especially canned tomatoes) * The orange hues from the carotenoids in collards, kale and spinach […]

If you are looking for a tasty and easy way to get even more nutritional oomph from your salad veggies, then look to eggs. That was the conclusion from a study that sought to find out if adding cooked eggs to a salad would increase the absorption of a prized group of veggie-based compounds called carotenoids. For […]

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 […]

If you want an easy way to cut your risk of type 2 diabetes, go for more orange and green veggies! In a study that followed the dietary habits of over 37,000 Europeans for a ten-year period, those consuming the most carotenoids, specifically alpha and beta-carotene, cut their risk of type 2 diabetes up to 22 […]

As someone who has a strong family history of breast cancer and as a member of Prevent Cancer Foundation‘s scientific advisory board, I want to share my top food picks for maximizing breast health. Beans/Lentils – This category of food is uniquely high in several nutrients important for breast cancer protection, including fiber, folic acid, and phytoestrogens […]

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

We already know that fruits and veggies can help us look, feel, and stay younger, and now, thanks to some nifty new science, we can also add sexier to that fabulous list. In a first-of-its-type experiment, scientists set out to evaluate how skin coloration impacts the perception of “facial attractiveness” as well as mate selection. […]

As a professional wellness expert and speaker, I consider maintaining a youthful and healthy appearance a “required” part of my job description. Here are my top 3 skin health secrets. I eat a heaping tablespoon of organic canned tomato paste (Muir Glen brand) each day – usually right off of the spoon. Canned tomato paste is a […]