Dr. Ann

According to a report in Gastroenterology (July 09), Celiac Disease is 4 times more common in the US than it was during the 1950’s. The disease results from an intolerance to the protein gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye. When celiac patients consume gluten, they suffer an inflammatory reaction within the small intestine that can lead to a […]

If shedding some weight via exercise is one of your health goals for the New Year and you want to get the most bang for your time, you would be best served to incorporate aerobic vs. resistance exercise. In a study that marks the largest randomized trial ever undertaken to directly quantify changes in body […]

I recently reviewed all of the studies I had in my files related to dark chocolate, and I am happy to report the following science-based health benefits: Enhances blood flow, including blood flow to the heart and brain Lowers blood pressure Improves the function and health of blood vessels Lowers triglycerides Raises HDL (good) cholesterol […]

In a powerful study that tracked the dietary habits of over 200,000 US adults for up to 26 years, apples and blueberries popped off the page as being supreme foods for type 2 diabetes protection. Relative to the lightest blueberry eaters, blueberry lovers (two or more servings a week) were 23 percent less likely to […]

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the following forms of produce provide the highest pesticide loads. It will be best for your health to buy the organic versions of these fruits and vegetables. Apples Celery Sweet Bell Peppers Peaches Strawberries Spinach Nectarines (imported) Grapes Green Beans Lettuce Cucumbers Blueberries (domestic) Potatoes Stay tuned for […]

If you are looking for a simple way to nurture your happiness and mental well-being – eat your produce. In an uplifting report that followed the dietary habits of 80,000 British adults, researchers uncovered a “surprising” relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and enhanced mental well-being. In this analysis, happiness rose in tandem with the number of […]

I consider wild salmon the healthiest protein on the planet and thankfully this megastar superfood is always conveniently available right from the can. Salmon is a fantastic source of B vitamins, magnesium, and selenium, but is most prized for its rich supply of omega 3 fats and vitamin D. In fact, salmon is one of just a very small handful of foods that naturally contains […]

Not all salads require lettuce. Here is a great recipe for one of my favorite No-Lettuce Salads: Ingredients Serves 4 to 6 -1 red bell pepper, chopped -1 yellow bell pepper, chopped -1 seeded, peeled cucumber, chopped -10 baby carrots, diced -1 avocado, diced -½ to ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese -EVOO (Extra virgin olive oil) […]

To take full advantage of broccoli’s powerful 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 […]

If you are looking for a healthier and more wholesome way to replenish your energy during exercise, you may want to go with the classic snack, peanut butter’s best friend, banana. Sounds like a smart snack to me! Exercise scientists at Appalachian State University’s Human Performance Lab compared eating bananas to drinking a sports beverage as a […]

In a fascinating report that sought to investigate how various natural fats affect satiety (the feeling of fullness) – olive oil came out on top. For three months researchers had study subjects supplement their normal daily diets with 500 grams of low-fat yogurt spiked with one of four fats – lard, butterfat, rapeseed oil or olive oil. […]

All carbonated beverages, including diet brands, are acidic in nature. The acids from carbonated beverages enter your bloodstream and are buffered by calcium. However, if the calcium levels in the bloodstream are inadequate, your bones will supply it. Studies have shown that even modest levels of cola consumption are associated with lower bone mineral density scores. And […]