In a very large study (188,000 people!) of how various flavonoid antioxidants may impact blood pressure, researchers found that study subjects who consumed the most anthocyanin antioxidants were less likely to be diagnosed with high blood pressure. Anthocyanins are the pigments that give the stunning red/purple/blue colors to fruits and veggies like berries, beets, red […]
Cabbage is one of the healthiest vegetables nature has given us. It is super low in calories and filled with cancer-fighting agents called isothiocyanates. Purple cabbage has the added benefit of anthocyanin pigments that quiet inflammation too. Here is one of my favorite recipes for this amazing veggie: Black Skillet Red Cabbage Serves 6 This is […]
What we eat and how we sleep are linked. That was the conclusion from a study evaluating diet and insomnia status in a large group of post-menopausal women. For this study 53,069 women kept food diaries and reported their sleep status at baseline and at the end of three years. The results? Women who consumed […]
In an “enlightening” scientific study, scientists found that people much prefer the golden glow imparted by eating lots of carotenoid-rich vegetables versus sun-tanned skin. It is well-known that the yellow/orange/red carotenoid pigments found in produce like sweet potatoes, carrots and tomatoes can build up in your skin if you eat them regularly. In this particular […]
An evaluation undertaken to assess the impact of diet patterns on the development of hip arthritis found fruits and vegetables were generally protective with the allium group of veggies showing the most effectiveness. The study included a careful assessment of the dietary habits of over 1,000 subjects along with x-ray analysis of their joints. The […]
The science linking diet to brain function is growing by the day and totally captivates me. Thanks to a new double blind, crossover clinical trial, we have evidence that even a single meal high in saturated fat can compromise focus and concentration. For this study scientists carefully monitored the focusing ability of 51 women fed […]
Get into the simple, tasty and super-healthy habit of adding herbs to your summer favorites. Herbs add flavorful intrigue to almost any dish (which means we can cut back on added fats, sauces, and salt) and are virtually exploding with a seemingly endless array of beneficial phytochemicals. Here are my favorites: Parsley – This refreshing […]
A compelling body of published studies have repeatedly linked belly fat (visceral fat), particularly in middle age, to a greater risk of dementia. Thanks to a series of carefully conducted lab studies in mice, for the first time scientists have identified at least one specific way belly fat damages brain cells. Here is what they […]
Past studies have consistently shown that one of the quickest and most effective ways to boost immunity is to move your body. Underscoring the potent germ-fighting power of exercise – a study found that the most fit individuals get less frequent colds and when they do get them, they are milder and don’t last as […]
To take full advantage of broccoli’s powerful immune-boosting/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 […]
Get into the habit of making your own salad dressings and forget the store-bought brands. It’s simple, quick, healthier, cheaper, and tastes so much better. My go-to is… (Blend these together with a fork!) extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup) apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup) brown mustard (1 big spoonful) curry (1/2 tbsp) honey (2 […]
Although poor sleep can impact cancer risk through a number of obvious mechanisms, scientists speculate that its drain on the immune system (your body’s anti-cancer and anti-infection system) is likely the most significant factor. A stunning (headline news) report from the January issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine hammered home how essential sleep […]
