Dr. Ann

It seems how we communicate can have a decisive influence on improving the eating habits of others. In a new report that analyzed 43 international studies involving either positive or negative nutrition directives, those that focused on “the benefits of eating healthy foods” proved to be significantly more effective than those touting “the harms of eating unhealthy foods.” […]

Eating healthy can be easy, quick, and delicious. Here are 15 foods that prove it (these are in no particular order). 1. Frozen wild Alaskan salmon burgers (I get mine from Costco) 2. Frozen berries 3. Prepared fresh salsas (I love Jack’s brand) 4. Prepared hummus 5. Frozen baby peas 6. Pre-washed, ready to serve, […]

This uniquely flavored Indian spice is both a culinary and a disease-busting treasure. In addition to adding flavorful intrigue to our foods, curry powder is revered for its bountiful supply of the golden yellow pigment called curcumin. Curcumin is arguably the most potent anti-inflammatory fighter in Mother Nature’s arsenal. Given that excess inflammation plays a […]

It is widely recognized that the monounsaturated fats in olive oil are good for the heart, but many people are unaware of the additional goodness provided by this flavorful oil’s rich array of super-charged antioxidant chemicals called polyphenols. These special chemicals have exhibited all sorts of dazzling benefits in the laboratory and now we have […]

I am a big proponent of regularly consuming whole soy foods as part of a balanced diet, and this excellent source of “green” protein just got a huge boost on the heart-health front. In a prestigious NIH-funded study of cardiovascular health involving over 5,000 young adults, those who had the highest daily isoflavone intake (isoflavones […]

Thanks to new labeling regulations passed in 2006, those terribly unhealthy trans fats have made a rapid exodus from the American food supply. But their departure has not been 100 percent, and sadly, they are still lurking in some processed foods. Based on my most recent scrutiny of food labels, this man-made toxic form of […]

Edamame, also known as fresh green soybeans, are a superstar food that are as pleasing to your taste buds as they are exceptional for boosting health. This convenient and readily available “whole soy food” packs a matrix of nutrients and beneficial compounds that place it clearly in the lead position as one of the most […]

Alpha-carotene is a potent plant-based antioxidant that has been associated with a reduced risk of death from any cause. The following list of foods has the highest concentrations. Canned pumpkin Carrots Butternut squash Tomato juice (low sodium) Dark leafy greens (any variety) Tomatoes (fresh, canned, sauce or paste) Cabbage Red bell peppers Tangerines Green beans […]

According to a refreshing report from JAMA (JAMA August, 24/31, 2011), including the “right foods” has a greater impact on lowering cholesterol levels than excluding the wrong foods. It is well-established that reducing “bad” fats (saturated and trans) can lower cholesterol levels, but this clinical trial revealed that regularly consuming foods that contain the natural […]

Are you eating healthy when you dine out? Here are a few surprising facts about foods you may (or may not) have considered healthy choices: Many entree salads have tons of calories, especially when you add full-fat dressing or order them with breaded/fried chicken on top. Relative to most other choices, chili is a reasonably […]

Like other shellfish, shrimp offers a delectable and highly nutritious alternative to meat proteins.  Shrimp is low in calories and saturated fats and brimming with nourishment including B vitamins, vitamin D and a very respectable dose of omega 3 fats.  They are rich in an array of important minerals including zinc, selenium, copper, iron and […]

Any form of cabbage is great for you, but red cabbage is simply stellar.  Like its “green cabbage cousin” it is super low in calories (only 30 per cup), brimming with nutrients (especially vitamins C, K and A), and turbo charged with some of the most powerful anti-cancer compounds ever identified in nature.  What makes […]