Browse Category: Nutrition
Published: March 18, 2010
Myths, tall-tales, urban legends . . . call it what you like, but there are some “stories” out there that just don't hold water when put to the test. The same applies to food! Just because you’ve read or heard for years that a food has certain properties, doesn’t mean it’s true. Below, uncover the facts about some commonly-held beliefs.
Published: March 18, 2010
Sodium is a known health problem for many Americans. It is proven that diets high in sodium cause numerous heart attacks, strokes, and deaths annually. If a person reduces the salt in their diet by 3 grams daily, they will reduce their risk of the fatal deaths. In fact, the reduction of sodium is comparable to smokers quitting, weight loss and lowering cholesterol, and could save an estimated 92,000 people every year.
Published: February 15, 2010
For the secret to a longer, happier, and healthier life, look no farther than your local grocery store. That’s right—superfoods are high in antioxidants and have anti-aging and disease-fighting properties. What’s more, they are low in or completely free of harmful trans fats and refined sugars, which can contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes, and other health conditions. Let’s take a look at eight essential foods you should be adding to your shopping cart . . .
Published: February 01, 2010
We all know how important certain foods are in keeping us healthy, but there are two things you'll see in nearly every cupboard that continually get a bad rap: salt and sugar. Just how dangerous are these elements when it comes to your health? The answer might surprise you! It seems one (or both) are contained in almost everything you eat, and just the thought of eliminating one or the other from your daily regimen may send some people into a state of panic. But if you knew what these two elements are really doing to your body, you might reconsider.
Published: January 21, 2010
When you’re trying to eat a healthier, more well-balanced diet (perhaps as part of your New Year's Resolution?), replacing your usual fare with main course-sized salads seems like the best way to go. After all, they’re filled with good-for-you produce, so there’s no way you can go wrong . . . right? Well, maybe not. Read on to learn the truth beyond some of most common salad myths.
Published: December 24, 2009
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has often been in the news, with the possibility of being linked to certain health conditions ranging from migraines and anxiety to IBS and reduced brain function. However, the FDA maintains that MSG is generally safe for people to ingest and food producers to add to their products. Despite the FDA’s claim, several scientists and doctors continue to explore the possible links between MSG in the food supply and its effects on health. One issue of recent interest is the link between MSG and the current obesity epidemic. Is there a connection? Let’s take a look. . .
Published: December 21, 2009
Probiotics is a term you likely keep hearing more and more, particularly in the health field. You’re hearing it for good reason . . . because of the many positive health effects simply by adding probiotics to your diet. Probiotics, also known as the “friendly” or “good” bacteria, have been the subject of many recent studies and research programs. One study of particular interest is the effect probiotics and prebiotics have in treating or preventing eczema in infants at high risk for this condition.
Published: December 17, 2009
Cooking well-balanced meals on a regular basis can be a challenge, especially when it’s easy to fall into a rut of the same old recipes or give in to tempting flavors that don’t do your waistline any favors. But there are simple steps you can take to make sure you’re making the healthiest meals possible. Read on for some tips on how you can cook for better health.
Published: December 17, 2009
With all the buzz surrounding unhealthy artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame, you may be searching for an “alternative” way to “sweeten the deal” when it comes to your favorite foods and drinks. Agave has long been promoted as just that alternative, but is it really better for you?
Published: December 17, 2009
As we move, like it or not, into the cold, flu and strep throat season, there is good reason to consider getting more probiotics or “good guy” bacteria into our bodies. You can take probiotics supplements (ask an informed practitioner to make a recommendation) or look for yogurts and kefirs at the market. Let's revisit the importance of probiotics with this popular blog post.