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 […]

Parsley offers a treasure trove of nutritional goodness for virtually no calories. In addition to delicious flavor, this refreshing herb is a wonderful source of vitamins A, C, K, and folate, along with the minerals iron, calcium, and potassium. What is most special about this healing herb however is its robust supply of flavonoids. Parsley […]

Roasting is arguably the easiest and tastiest way to prepare your veggies. It preserves their nutrients while concentrating their natural sugars and flavors, which makes them particularly yummy to even the pickiest palates.   Watch the video here! Roasting also shrinks them in size (because it removes their water), making it easier to consume more […]

Eating berries regularly may be one of the easiest and tastiest ways to protect our precious brains. Past studies have already shown that berries exhibit show-stopping antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power – 2 profoundly beneficial factors for brain health. Thanks to a study from the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, scientists identified yet another way berries may play a starring […]

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 […]

As a mother of 4, I know that getting kids to eat their veggies can be a challenge. Here are some tips that have proved effective in my household. Go stealth. Shred veggies (or buy them already shredded) carrots, zucchini, cabbage, broccoli, etc. and add to meatloaf, spaghetti sauce, lasagna, and baked goods like muffins Add canned pumpkin or […]

If you want to add years to your life and life to your years, be sure to be physically active in your 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. We already have a mountain of irrefutable science that high fitness levels reduce the risk of premature death, but scientists had never examined how fitness in mid-life may impact […]

Apples are a standout food for health protection and we can thank their peels for most of their disease-busting prowess. Apple peels are rich in insoluble fiber that aids in appetite control and feeds the good bacteria in our colons. But what really sets the peel apart from its fleshy component is its stunning array […]

Past studies have strongly linked fast food to weight gain, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, and based on this evaluation it seems we may also need to add depression to this list. In a long-term study that involved over 8,500 study subjects, those who consumed the most fast food (hamburgers, hot dogs, and pizza) were […]