Dr. Ann

I consider beans the most underutilized and under-appreciated superfood.  Here are 8 reasons to include them in your diet every day. Beans have megawatt nutritional power.  They provide a vegetable protein, more fiber and folate than any other food, potent antioxidants, and several key minerals. Beans fill you up without filling you out.  Their high […]

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 […]

    Spring has sprung and so have asparagus. Tender, green and so delicious, asparagus is a delicacy that you can enjoy with the promise of improved vitality.  Like other green vegetables, asparagus is overflowing with nutrients-providing twenty-two vitamins and minerals and an equally impressive list of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant phytochemicals. And of course, all of this […]

Broccoli is bonafide healthy food megastar. This non-starchy, cold weather veggie is chock full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, yet ridiculously low in calories. Even more remarkable, broccoli is home to over 150 health-promoting phytochemicals, including sulforaphane, now world famous for its anti-cancer prowess. Because I know that “volume” is a powerful appetite suppressant, broccoli […]

Here are 10 simple ways to boost the nutrition of your favorite dishes and meals with great- tasting extras in less than 10 seconds.  1.  Add 1-2 TBS of toasted wheat germ or shelled hemp seeds (hemp kernels) to your morning cereal, oatmeal, yogurt or smoothies. Both have a slightly sweet, yet nutty flavor and are […]

Like true nuts, peanuts (which are actually legumes) can rightfully claim superstar food status. In a new report that followed the diets and health status over a five to twelve year period of more than 200,000 racially diverse adult study subjects, those consuming the most peanuts were up to 21 percent less likely to die […]

They provide “complete” (all the essential amino acids) protein that is gentler on your bones, your digestive system, and the environment. They provide all the essential fatty acids including a big hit of those precious omega 3 fats. They provide a comprehensive package of minerals including lots of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. They are […]

Eggs are an under-appreciated economical superfood. Here are 8 reasons to enjoy them as regulars in your diet. Eggs have the highest quality protein of all foods. In fact, eggs are used as the “reference standard” for evaluating a food’s protein quality. Eggs, particularly omega 3 fortified eggs, contain healthy fats. Eggs provide all the B vitamins. […]

If you enjoy your yogurt like I do, you will be pleased to know that in addition to getting a nice dose of several critical nutrients like calcium, zinc, potassium, B vitamins and those awesome beneficial bacteria (probiotics) – yogurt may help lower your risk of high blood pressure. In a study that followed the […]

  If you are looking for a delicious and proven means to lower your bad cholesterol levels-eat more avocados! In a new clinical trial that compared three different diets (low-fat with no avocado, moderate fat with no avocado, and moderate fat with one avocado a day) those consuming the moderate fat avocado diet hands down […]

Of all whole grains, quinoa has the best overall nutritional profile. It is loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber. Quinoa provides complete protein – which is very rare in the plant kingdom. Quinoa is uniquely high in two highly prized and super potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, kaemferol and quercetin. (Even more than in berries!) […]

Brown rice is a classic example of a physically intact whole grain and a far superior choice than white rice.  Unlike its refined white counterpart, brown rice contains the full package of wholesome nutrition Mother Nature intended for us, and will not spike up your blood sugar level.  The refining process that turns brown rice […]