Dr. Ann

Sweet, juicy, and so delicious – peaches are a reservoir of healthy goodness. A cup of this fruit has only 60 calories and provides a super sweet blast of vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and potent antioxidant carotenoids. We already know that peaches are great for heart health, but they may prove to be most beneficial for […]

In an intriguing new report, scientists determined that having a high HDL (good) cholesterol level is strongly associated with a lower risk of cancer.  The data comes from a review of 24 pooled studies that followed cancer incidence and HDL levels.  The researchers found a 36% lower risk of cancer for every 10 point increase in […]

This year I finally got around to planting my very own vegetable garden, and have thoroughly enjoyed both the process and the delicious, super healthy, nutrient-packed veggies it yields. Related content: 5 Skinny Reasons to Include a Salad with Your Dinner  [VIDEO] Getting Your Kids to Eat More Veggies Asian Cabbage Salad  [RECIPE]

As they do every 5 years, the USDA has just released their updated nutrition guidelines for Americans.  Among the “changes” were recommendations for less salt, less saturated and trans fat, more plant-based foods and more seafood. I concur. There was overwhelming consensus among the nutrition experts involved that the overall and primary focus should be […]

Eggplant is my pick for superstar food of the month for June! If you are looking for ways to include this nutrient-packed veggie in your diet, try my delicious and 100% healthy recipe for Eggplant Parmesan. If you are looking for more healthy cooking ideas, you may want to check out my recipes for Blueberry […]

Restrict your intake of the “Great White Hazards” – white flour products, white rice, white potatoes and sugar/sweets. These foods trigger and perpetuate your appetite in addition to adverse metabolic effects. Replace these high glycemic, refined carbs with 100% whole grains and beans. Pump up the volume! Eat as many “big, yet skinny” fruits and […]

Believe it or not, canned pumpkin is one of the healthiest foods on earth..  It is a real example of a “processed food” that is healthier than its fresh counterpart.  Canned pumpkin is fresh pumpkin pureed and then cooked down to remove its water, which both concentrates its nutrients and makes them easier for your […]

Grilled meat, especially red meat is a well known source of 2 cancer-causing agents, namely HCA’s and PAH’s.  HCA’s develop when the muscle proteins of meats are exposed to high heat.  PAH’s form in the black, charred outer portions of grilled meats when the surface fat and juices come into direct contact with the flame […]

In an analysis that included the most comprehensive and authoritative to date, nuts proved their efficacy in improving blood lipid levels.  After pooling the data from 25 separate clinical tests, scientists determined that including up to a third of a cup of nuts dailylowers LDL (bad) cholesterol by 7.4 percent, lowers triglycerides by 10.2 percent, […]

The darlings of the healthy fat world, namely omega 3’s, may prove to be helpful for preventing colon cancer.  In a study including about 1,900 adults, as the intakes of omega 3 fats increased, rates of colon cancer decreased.  Among white study participants, those consuming the most omega 3 fats had half the risk of […]

As a family physician, nutrition expert, and mother of 4, I am delighted to share my top picks for the healthiest snacks for kids. Cut fresh veggies (baby carrots, celery sticks, bell pepper strips, broccoli/cauliflower florets, etc.) – serve along with a “healthy dip” like hummus, low-fat salad dressing, guacamole, or salsa. Low-fat yogurt – […]

Did you know that one of the most powerful dietary strategies available to guard and protect your health is to eat foods that keep the level of inflammation in your body low?  Well, it’s true – because we now know that inflammation is a key driver of almost all forms of chronic disease. Thankfully there […]