Snacking is as American as Apple Pie – a culturally reinforced behavior that is simply hard wired into our food environment. And while traditional snack choices have largely been nutritional disasters, typically low in the good stuff, like fiber and nutrients, and high in the bad stuff, like excess calories, bad fats, salts, sugar and […]
I am wildly enthusiastic about eating nuts because the science behind this delectable food group is simply glorious. And just when I thought it could not get any better, scientists have uncovered yet another reason to be nuts about nuts. Because past studies had indicated that nuts provide protection against metabolic syndrome (MetS), scientists sought […]
Broccoli and its cruciferous cousins (kale, collards, cauliflower, cabbage) are world-famous for their cancer-fighting prowess and much of their anti-cancer punch is attributed to a plant compound called sulforaphane. The formation of sulforaphane in cruciferous veggies requires the activity of an enzyme called myrosinase. Unfortunately, myrosinase is heat sensitive, so cooking this family of veggies […]
October was breast cancer awareness month but we should keep breast cancer fresh in our minds year-around. As the daughter of a breast cancer survivor and an enthusiastic member the Board of Directors of the Prevent Cancer Foundation (www.preventcancer.org), I want to share my top food picks for maximizing breast health: Beans/Lentils – This category of food is […]
In 2009, 86 percent of all TV adds for foods and beverages targeted at children 11 years and younger were for unhealthy foods. Fast foods were the most frequently featured foods. (Protect your child’s health by limiting TV.) (Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, August 1, 2011) A review of 53 studies looking at sedentary activity […]
Spinach, like other dark leafy greens, is unequivocally a nutrient Goliath – packing in more nutrition per unit calorie then any other food. Spinach’s tender green leaves are home to a whopping dose of vitamins A, C, K and folate, in addition to the minerals iron, calcium, and zinc. Spinach is one of the richest […]
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 […]
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 […]
The healthy image of apples just received a nice polish thanks to a new report. In this first-of-its-kind study, scientists demonstrated that antioxidant compounds in apples called polyphenols can extend the average lifespan in laboratory test animals (in this case, fruit flies) by 10%. In addition to increasing longevity, the apple polyphenols also helped the […]
Dietary fiber scored another health victory when researchers at the National Cancer Institute determined that it may reduce the risk of death from any cause. Past scientific triumphs of this indigestible component of plant foods include: less diabetes, less gastrointestinal disease, less obesity, less inflammation and lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. This study included […]
Ring in the New Year with a renewed commitment to take charge of your health! Here are some simple, yet powerful “healthy resolutions” to place you and your family on the path to optimal wellness. Give yourself an “oil change.” Make extra virgin olive oil your oil of choice for room temperature, low heat and […]
When you make your salad at dinner (which is something you should do every night!), go ahead and make one for your lunch the next day. I can tell you from lots of personal experience – this is a huge time saver. It also builds in a habit that is guaranteed to improve your health […]
