Dr. Ann

In the largest and most rigorously conducted study to date, organic foods came out on top. This new evaluation included an unprecedented 343 peer-reviewed publications comparing the nutritional quality and safety of fruits, vegetables, and grains grown in organic vs. conventional conditions. The researchers noted three very clear areas of superiority for the organic crops […]

Choose those with the deepest, richest color.  The more color, the more beneficial phytochemicals it provides and usually the more fiber, vitamins and minerals too.  The superstars include:  all cruciferous (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kale, collards), carrots, garlic, onions, leaks, sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, tomatoes, winter squash, asparagus, red/orange/yellow bell peppers, berries, cherries, […]

I am personally convinced that you can eat yourself happy or eat yourself sad, but it is great to get some data to back up my beliefs. In an evaluation that monitored the diets of over 2000 adult males in Finland for a period of 13-20 years, those adhering to a “healthy” diet had less […]

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. Roasting also shrinks them in size (because it removes their water), making it easier to consume more in one sitting. Based on […]

No matter how you slice it – all varieties of cabbage are a stellar food for health and vitality. For just 30 calories per cup, cabbage serves up a huge dose of vitamins K, C, and beta-carotene, along with 8 other key nutrients. Like its cruciferous cousins – cabbage is most prized for that terrific trio […]

Beets are striking in appearance and nutritional value. This crimson-colored root vegetable is home to a unique family of plant pigments called betalains. Betalains exhibit strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying capabilities. When you combine beet’s betalains with its mother load of vitamin C and manganese, two other antioxidant workhorses, along with its hit of folate […]

The brain is especially sensitive and demanding when it comes to nutrition, so I wasn’t surprised to see a new report linking fruits and veggies to enhanced mental well-being. For this evaluation, researchers had 781 young adults keep a daily log of the various foods they ate along with noting how they felt using nine […]

In honor of National Food Day (today, October 24th), be sure to watch my short video to learn why you should eat your fruits and vegetables. Hint: It’s for the phytochemicals! Click to Watch RELATED Veggies with Healthy Fat [VIDEO] Roasting Veggies [VIDEO]  

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 […]

CSA stands for “community supported agriculture” and thankfully, this new system for procuring farm fresh local produce is becoming more and more accessible. As a member of a CSA, you pay an upfront subscription to a local farm to receive a weekly or biweekly box of fresh produce. Before I had my own vegetable garden, […]

While carrots are notorious for helping to improve your eyesight, they also contain significant nutritional value and help control disease. Learn more about what a superstar carrots are in this short video: Carrots RELATED Carrot Sesame Burgers [RECIPE]

My Asian Cabbage Salad recipe is to die for and healthy to boot! Makes for a great nutritious lunch or dinner! Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups chopped bok choy or napa cabbage 1/2 cup of shredded carrots 1 seeded cucumber, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced 1/3 purple onion, thinly sliced and chopped 1/2 cup of […]