Posts in Food & Nutrition
Five Natural Remedies for Hives
Posted on 21st Mar 2023 08:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals
Hives are welts that occur on the skin and cause irritation. They are usually a symptom of an allergic reaction, but there are many potential causes of hives. The good news for potential hive sufferers is the presence of a variety of supplements available that can help you ward off a case of them.
How Activated Charcoal Can Add Sizzle To Your Health
Posted on 14th Mar 2023 08:00:00 in Digestive Health, Food & Nutrition
Activated charcoal is a substance with unique properties. This ingestible form of charcoal can remove toxins that have been ingested orally. There are other unique, potential benefits to activated charcoal as well.
Supplements, Herbs, and Nutrients A-Z: Part 6 (W-Z)
Posted on 7th Mar 2023 08:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Here, we conclude our alphabetical tour through the supplements on the market, focusing on four supplements, each beginning with a W, X, Y, or Z. By reading this blog series, you will have been exposed to a range of unique supplements. In this blog, you will likely see at least one useful product that you have not heard of before. In this list, there are nutrient-rich, plant-based supplements, a dental supplement, and an essential mineral that has a myriad of uses.
An A-Z Look at Nutrients and Supplements, Part V: S-V
Posted on 2nd Mar 2023 08:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Welcome to Part V of our alphabetized summaries of assorted nutrients and supplements, some of which are relatively unknown but worthy of your full attention. Today we focus on those beginning with the letters S through V. As always, before adding any of these to your dietary regimen, be sure to discuss your possible use of any of these products with your personal physician or other healthcare professional. You want to make sure they are suitable for your body and health and won’t clash with any prescription medications you might be taking.
An A-Z Look at Nutrients and Supplements, Part IV: O-R
Posted on 28th Feb 2023 08:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Vitamins & Minerals
Today we continue with our alphabetized summaries of popular and some not-as-well-known nutrients and supplements, this time focusing on those beginning with the letters O through R. Be sure to discuss the use of any of these products with your personal physician or other healthcare professional before adding them to your dietary regimen.
What Are The Benefits of Turmeric?
Posted on 23rd Feb 2023 08:00:00 in Brain and Cognitive Health, Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
Turmeric is a natural supplement with a prominent reputation for its medicinal and health benefits. There are many potential benefits to supplementing with turmeric, including positive effects on inflammation, heart health, and otherwise.
Supplements, Herbs, and Nutrients A-Z: Part 3 (K-N)
Posted on 31st Jan 2023 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals
Here we are continuing our alphabetical tour through the supplements that are available. Some of these you might be familiar with; others you might not know about. Among the benefits to be had with these supplements, you can find reduced inflammation, increased bone density, improved respiratory health, and more. This time we go from K through N.
4 Sweet Sugar Substitutes
Posted on 24th Jan 2023 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Heart & Cardiovascular Health
It is well-known that consuming sugar, beyond a reasonable amount, isn’t healthy. But, why exactly should you limit your sugar intake? And what are the best natural sweeteners to sub for sugar in your diet? Let’s look at some answers to those questions.
Supplements, Herbs, and Nutrients A to Z: Part 1 (A-E)
Posted on 17th Jan 2023 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals
Every now and then we like to feature an alphabetical listing of herbs, supplements, and nutrients that make a handy A-to-Z reference, summarizing their respective benefits and uses. Not only is this a practical (and convenient) means to remind followers of what’s out there in the marketplace, in some cases these alphabetized presentations serve as introductions to products that perhaps you hadn’t heard about. In either case, we are confident there is something for everyone on this list. In this first of six segments of our own version of alphabet soup, we go from A to E.
Supplements, Herbs, and Nutrients A to Z: Part 2 (A-E)
Posted on 19th Jan 2023 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals
Earlier this year we kicked off the latest edition of our alphabetized list of nutritional supplements, a feature that affords us the opportunity to present and briefly summarize a wide variety of items that we believe merit your attention. Some of these you rarely hear about, but should know about. Our first blog in this series covered supplements beginning with the letters A though E. This time, we cover F through J. Before making any of these a new part of your daily regimen or initiating usage to address a specific medical condition, be sure to discuss your situation with a health-care professional.
Recognizing National Folic Acid Awareness Week
Posted on 5th Jan 2023 12:00:00 in Brain and Cognitive Health, Women's Health, Food & Nutrition
In recognition of January’s National Folic Acid Awareness Week January 2-8, it is worth hearing and learning about the role of this compound in the body. Folic acid benefits pregnant and nursing mothers, and their babies. This is in addition to several other benefits described below.
How Do Probiotics Work For Healthy Digestion?
Posted on 14th Dec 2022 09:00:00 in Digestive Health, Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Probiotics are healthy, positive bacteria that can produce benefits to your digestive health. They are useful for anybody wishing to ensure their healthy digestion, and they can be especially helpful for those who are already experiencing digestive issues.
The Power of a Healthy Gut Microbiome
Posted on 6th Dec 2022 09:00:00 in Digestive Health, Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Vitamins & Minerals
Your gut microbiome is the collection of microbes that live in your digestive system. It’s an incredibly complex ecosystem, with over 500 different species of bacteria, viruses, and fungi all playing a role in keeping your gut healthy. Unfortunately, many factors can disrupt the balance of your gut microbiome, leading to digestive issues and other health problems. But don’t worry—there are plenty of things you can do to keep your gut microbiome healthy. Here's what you need to know about improving your gut health.
Nutrients to Curb Ravenous Winter Appetite
Posted on 25th Nov 2022 10:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
If you are like most people, you are finding this holiday season, like you do every year, as an almost unavoidable opportunity to satiate your newly robust appetite for stuffing scrumptious yet filling feasts of food. It seems everywhere we turn, there is another office party, sit-down meal with family and/or other loved ones, or church holiday social offering us yet another chance to stuff ourselves, calorie counts being skipped. Don’t despair, though; for those of us who wish to curb an overactive appetite, certain nutrients and supplements can help you attain satisfaction at the table without being ravenous and overdoing it.
November Is American Diabetes Awareness Month
Posted on 23rd Nov 2022 10:00:00 in Digestive Health, Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Type II Diabetes is a condition that needs to be managed. Some supplements can be instrumental in helping someone with type II diabetes to get control of and perhaps even reverse this condition. Next to proper medical treatment, consider these supplements as the means to help manage type II diabetes.
GERD Awareness Week: What to Be Aware Of
Posted on 21st Nov 2022 10:00:00 in Digestive Health, Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Vitamins & Minerals
It’s no coincidence that GERD Awareness Week coincides with Thanksgiving week. GERD, which is spelled out below, is a disease that can lead to persistent indigestion and heartburn, and what time of year is better known for millions of Americans stuffing their faces and tummies is the fourth week in November.
Mushroom Supplements for the Immune System, and More
Posted on 7th Nov 2022 10:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
A healthy diet component that many people might overlook are mushrooms. Certain varieties of mushrooms have a place in a healthy diet, but not everyone is a fan of them. Fortunately, some of the healthiest mushrooms are made into an oral supplement. Here is a look at what certain mushroom supplements can do for your immune system, and some of their other benefits as well.
Polyphenols and Their Power for Good
Posted on 1st Nov 2022 10:00:13 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
The many plant-derived compounds known as polyphenols are directly responsible for fulfilling certain health benefits. Here is a look at polyphenols, and what some popular polyphenol supplements can do for you.
A Rundown of Turmeric's Many Benefits
Posted on 28th Oct 2022 10:00:17 in Bone and Joint Health, Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health
Turmeric is a spice known for being more than just a unique and flavorful food ingredient, a popular one at that. This spice has a range of proven health benefits, and it stands out as a preventative remedy and lifestyle aid. Here is a look at turmeric and its most prominent benefits.
How Silymarin Milk Thistle Can Benefit You
Posted on 6th Oct 2022 10:00:00 in Digestive Health, Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Silymarin milk thistle is a flowering herb that is touted for having medicinal properties. In this article, we look at this flowering plant and the potential benefits of taking silymarin milk thistle as an oral supplement.
Remedies for Food Poisoning
Posted on 28th Sep 2022 10:00:00 in Digestive Health, Food & Nutrition, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Food poisoning is something that most people experience at one point or another and something you almost assuredly will never forget. It is that awful of an experience, similar to a bad case of stomach flu. Of course, it is not something that one anticipates, at least most of the time. Here we take a quick look at the causes of food poisoning and some excellent natural remedies and supplements that can help someone overcome it or recover from it.
How Iodine from Kelp Can Enhance Your Health
Posted on 16th Sep 2022 10:00:31 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Iodine is a trace mineral that your body requires. Depending on one’s diet, some people are liable to be deficient in iodine, and this can be troublesome for your health. Here we take a look at iodine from kelp, and why this supplement is worthwhile.
How Zinc Can Add Zest To Your Health
Posted on 2nd Sep 2022 10:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Vitamins & Minerals, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Zinc is one of the few metals that is necessary to the body in small amounts, and it is also considered an essential mineral. Here is a look at zinc, what it does in the body, and how you can specifically benefit from supplementing with it.
How D-Ribose Can Be a Healthy Delight
Posted on 31st Aug 2022 10:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
D-ribose is a type of sugar that is commonly produced and sold as an oral supplement. What exactly is this technical-sounding supplement, and what does it do? How might you benefit from supplementing with it? Here, we answer those and other questions.
10 Reasons To Boast About Berberine
Posted on 26th Aug 2022 10:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
Of all herbal supplements on the market, berberine is one of the most well-known. This herb has a lengthy list of potential benefits. Here we take a look at what are some of the most important and most credible touted benefits of berberine.
Enhance Your Dog’s Digestion With Slippery Elm Bark
Posted on 15th Aug 2022 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being, Pet Care, Digestive Health
Slippery elm bark is a natural herbal remedy that has been used for treating ailments in both humans and in man’s best friend—dogs. Here, we take a look at slippery elm and how slippery elm bark can be useful for treating certain ailments in dogs, including as a digestion aid and other uses as well.
Here Are 5 Organic Supplements to Keep On Hand
Posted on 10th Aug 2022 10:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Vitamins & Minerals, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Of all the natural supplements on the market, those considered “organic” can be considered a cut above the rest in terms of health efficacy. This is because of the unique nature of food and supplement products that are classified as organic. Here is a look at what “organic” means for dietary supplements, and five organic supplements that are worth considering.
Supplements That Can Fend Off Body Odor
Posted on 22nd Jul 2022 10:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Body odor is a commonplace occurrence that can be embarrassing when someone nearby catches a whiff.. Health and lifestyle factors influence the occurrence of body odor. Here we take a look at what causes body odor, and some natural supplements that can diminish it.
Get Serious About Celiac Disease With These Supplements
Posted on 13th Jul 2022 10:00:01 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Immune System
Celiac disease is a severe autoimmune disorder in which an individual’s small intestine is damaged by gluten consumption. Here, we take an insider’s look at the disorder, then we look at five supplements that can be beneficial for individuals with celiac disease.
Reasons to Use Berberine When Managing Blood Glucose
Posted on 12th Jul 2022 15:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Heart & Cardiovascular Health
Berberine is a natural chemical sourced from plants and used as a remedy for a number of treatable human conditions. One of the foremost uses of berberine is that of reducing blood sugar levels, which is helpful for individuals with certain health circumstances. Here is a look at this chemical and its worthwhile use in regulating blood sugar levels in your body.
Herbs and Supplements to Address Ulcerative Colitis
Posted on 24th Jun 2022 10:00:54 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Ulcerative colitis is a condition with no known cure. The good news is that it can be managed. Aside from standard treatments and lifestyle measures to at least treat ulcerative colitis, a number of herbs and supplements can help manage it.
Supplements that Support the Lymphatic System
Posted on 16th Jun 2022 10:00:07 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Your lymphatic system is critical for fluid regulation, immunity, and therefore, overall health. In this article, we take a look at the lymphatic system and why it is so important, dietary factors in lymphatic health, and herbs that will strengthen the lymphatic system.
Don't Let Constipation Spoil Your Vacation Trip
Posted on 1st Jun 2022 10:34:36 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Got a vacation planned? Want to be active, and not become bogged down by the effects of untimely bowel troubles? Do you have a history of constipation? If you answered “yes” to any two of these, this article is for you.
Demystifying Body Detox: 6 Herbs and Supplements
Posted on 20th May 2022 10:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Vitamins & Minerals, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
To “detox” involves the process of removing toxins from the body. What does this mean exactly, and for what reasons should we consider doing so? Here is a look at detoxification and what that entails, accompanied by some natural supplements that can promote detoxification.
Five Supplements for Those With Gluten Sensitivity
Posted on 13th May 2022 10:14:46 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Following a gluten-free diet is helpful and even necessary for individuals with certain health circumstances. For those who do so, it is often recommended to supplement with particular vitamins and nutrients to make up for those who might be lacking in a gluten-free diet.
Healthy Mushrooms Come in a Variety of Types
Posted on 11th May 2022 10:00:41 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
Among the wide variety of natural foods common to the American diet, mushrooms are some of the healthiest even if not the most universally liked. A variety of mushrooms are stocked with health benefits and are commonly sold in oral supplement form.
Five Bee Products Generating Buzz
Posted on 3rd May 2022 15:00:08 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Bees, particularly honey bees, produce substances (namely honey) from which humans can benefit. Here is a look at five different bee products, and the uses which we can derive from them.
Breaking Down the Benefits of the Vitamin Bs
Posted on 29th Apr 2022 10:00:03 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
B vitamins are commonly known for their value to your health. But what do they do exactly? And what makes each of them different? In this article, we provide some answers to those questions.
Health Benefits of Green Tea Extract
Posted on 7th Apr 2022 15:40:52 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Vitamins & Minerals, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Green tea is a common, traditional herb that exists in a variety of forms. Aside from brewed green tea, green tea extract is perhaps the most popular alternative. This herbal product has a variety of potential health benefits.
Six T's That Are Terrific for Your Health
Posted on 9th Mar 2022 10:00:47 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Over the last year or so, we have stopped along the way and picked out a letter of the alphabet to feature in one of our blogs specific to herbs and supplements. Today we come to “T.” Following is a list and summary of terrific supplements that begin with “T.” Take a look, and you just might find the ideal supplement specific to your needs, or the needs of a loved one.
Sweeten Your Day With Healthy Sugar Substitutes
Posted on 7th Mar 2022 10:02:43 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Wellness & Well-being
Sugar is one of the biggest contributing factors to disease in the United States. Although it is tasty and easy to find, reducing or getting rid of sugar in your diet is a very worthwhile thing to do. Here is a look at how to do this, and a few different natural sugar substitutes that can satiate any cravings you might have for something sweet.
Want to Curb That Winter Appetite? Here’s How
Posted on 7th Feb 2022 09:54:26 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Vitamins & Minerals
In the winter time, many people find themselves experiencing an increased appetite and/or weight gain that seems inexplicable. It’s as if you wake up one morning and discover a bunch of extra weight looking back at you in the mirror. Well, it’s time to take a look at why that is, and how you can curb these seasonal changes through natural means.
6 Superfoods You Need to Know About
Posted on 3rd Jan 2022 10:00:48 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
In the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, diet is key. It’s common knowledge that foods that are natural and rich in nutrients are much better for the body than highly processed and sugary foods. If you are seeking to round out a healthy diet, then the foods discussed below can make for worthwhile and tasty add-ons to your meals.
5 Great Products That Align with the Ayurvedic Tradition
Posted on 28th Dec 2021 10:00:10 in Food & Nutrition, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Ayurvedic medicine is a traditional Indian system of medicine that is very old. Among other components to this tradition is the use of natural, plant-based remedies. Here is a brief look at this form of medicine, and some natural products that have an Ayurvedic origin.
5 Herbs to Help Regulate Juvenile Diabetes
Posted on 8th Dec 2021 10:00:02 in Food & Nutrition, Children's Health, Announcements & News
Treating and managing Type-I diabetes requires daily doses of insulin and attention. While there is no replacement for treatment, herbal and supplemental remedies have the potential to benefit diabetic individuals. Here are 5 various natural remedies touted for their ability to help mitigate the symptoms and complications of this condition.
4 Supplements That Enhance Healthy Digestion
Posted on 3rd Dec 2021 10:00:08 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Digestion might seem like a simple and automatic process for some, but it can actually be difficult at times. As every body is different, there are certain foods and lifestyle choices that can impact the digestive system is some individuals. However, certain natural supplements can make digestion easier and more conducive to your body's homeostasis. If you want to see an increase in your digestive health and resulting comfort, follow these tips and consider these supplements.
What Is Curcumin and How Does It Benefit Us?
Posted on 24th Nov 2021 10:00:14 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Curcumin is the primary ingredient in turmeric and provides a variety of potential benefits. It’s easy to add to food or take as a supplement. Curcumin has a history of being used as a remedy and contributor to good health. Read these 5 health benefits of Curcumin to see if the supplement might be right for you.
7 Great Kosher Supplements for Your Consideration
Posted on 29th Jun 2021 11:30:11 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals
Eating kosher is something that some Jewish people take seriously. Here is a brief look at the kosher diet, the context and importance of this diet, and some supplements that are considered kosher.
6 Fruit Enzymes to Enhance Your Health
Posted on 27th May 2021 11:37:36 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals
You probably haven’t heard much about enzymes since high school biology, unless you’ve gone out of your way to research them so as to better understand them. No need to do that now – just read on. These substances are common to all fruits and vegetables, and they are essential for various processes in the body.
7 More Helpful Herbs With Unforgettable Names
Posted on 3rd May 2021 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Herbs, which comprise a wide variety of naturally occurring plant-based substances, offer a wide array of potential health benefits. Here we take a look at seven healthy (and mnemonically memorable) herbs which you should consider adding to your diet and/or health regime. Just to note, this is a follow-up to a previous blog on herbs here that also have particularly memorable names.
Meet the Mushrooms, & Know Their Health Benefits
Posted on 8th Jul 2021 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Mushrooms are a classic, sometimes minorly contentious, food in the American diet. Sometimes found on salads and pizza, mushrooms are usually loved or hated. However, they are not often considered for their health benefits, like other colorful plant foods are. Here we take a look at mushrooms and some types that can make for a healthy addition to your diet.
8 Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux
Posted on 19th Mar 2021 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Are you, or someone you know, struggling with acid reflux? This health issue is not uncommon. Fortunately, there are a variety of lifestyle factors that can put you in control of this issue, as well as affordable supplements to help stymie acid reflux.
10 Spices That Are as Healthy as They Are Tasty
Posted on 16th Feb 2021 13:23:29 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Spices are a commonplace and, usually, a cheap way to make your food tasty. Fortunately, these natural ingredients which we so commonly and nonchalantly add to our food often have notable health benefits as well.
8 Natural Ways for Relieving Constipation
Posted on 1st Apr 2021 05:00:00 in Wellness & Well-being, Vitamins & Minerals, Food & Nutrition
There certainly are medical conditions more serious than constipation that can affect your digestive system, but in terms of persistent discomfort and overall annoyance that seems to have a knack for “sticking” around too long, constipation takes the cake. Even if it takes extra long getting rid of that gateau, making it go-go.
8 Natural Remedies for Gingivitis/Periodontitis
Posted on 28th Oct 2020 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Taking proper care of your teeth and gums goes well beyond the recommended two visits a year to the dentist to have your teeth checked, cleaned, and x-rayed. The real work is back at home and involves brushing your teeth after meals and flossing once a day. Yet even those two activities are no guarantee that you will stave off cavities needing fillings and gum disease that starts out as gingivitis and can develop into the more serious issue known as periodontitis.
5 Bountiful Benefits of Blueberries
Posted on 12th Oct 2020 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Blueberries are delicious, generally affordable, and, thanks to modern farming methods, available year-round. They are packed with antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients, making them a great consumable resource for optimal health.
What are the Health Effects of Chlorogenic Acid in Coffee?
Posted on 29th Sep 2020 08:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health
If you are a dedicated coffee drinker (like yours truly), you were probably thrilled the first time you heard coffee might be good for you.
One reason? Antioxidant polyphenols abundant in coffee – chlorogenic acids (CGA) have many rumored (and some well-studied) health benefits.
Is your curiosity piqued?
In this post, I'll zoom into this delightful topic and take a look at the whys and the whats of CGA – grab a cup and let's dive in.
Load Up on Protein to Help Unload that Weight
Posted on 16th Mar 2021 05:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
Much has been researched, devised, debated, and written about denying yourself favorite (but fattening) foods or otherwise taking things away from the dinner table in order to drop pounds. This is so you can boost your self-esteem and confidence to wear what you want to the beach or the office. Crash diets, dry fasting, the Scarsdale Diet, the Slow-Carb Diet: the list of trendy, fad diets is a long one. The irony, though, is that one of the most effective ways to lose weight is by adding something – protein – to your daily menu.
8 Remedies to Get Gout Out of Your Misery
Posted on 10th Dec 2020 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
The name itself, “gout,” sounds like an archaic term, something out of a history book or a Charles Dickens novel, not something you would expect to see or hear about in the 21st century. But gout is still a medical condition that crops up often enough in today’s world. Its symptoms closely resemble what arthritis sufferers experience on a chronic basis, although various treatment options, medications, and home remedies can help make such an arthritic life more bearable – just as it can for gout.
USA Interest in Vitamins a Healthy One
Posted on 26th Nov 2020 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Vitamins in pill, tablet, or capsule form have been an integral part of dietary regimens dating back decades; in fact, our knowledge of vitamins goes back more than 100 years to the dawn of the 20th century, when researchers started to associate the deficiency of certain vitamins with the development of certain diseases and other health conditions. Vitamins obviously have been a part of what man has been consuming for thousands of years, but it is only in recent decades that we have come to fully understand them and their healthful roles in our health, separate from the foods themselves we have put into our mouths.
EGCG in Green Tea – The Secret to its Health Effects?
Posted on 28th May 2020 06:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
It's near-impossible to read an article on green tea without encountering its most famous component. EGCG, or Epigallocatechin Gallate, is a catechin you'll find in large quantities in your cup. Many benefits of green tea you'll read are really due to the this component in the cup instead of the other components.
Your Yeast Problem Could Mean a Weight Problem
Posted on 26th Oct 2020 12:00:00 in Wellness & Well-being, Weight Management, Food & Nutrition
It’s common knowledge that a diet that consistently includes plenty of sugar, sweets and the wrong kind of carbs can make losing weight next to impossible. This is true even if you are an exercise or workout fanatic, and that’s where the mystery deepens, leaving you wondering “Why can’t I lose weight just from burning all those calories?” The answer might be that you have a yeast problem, and this tale of woe is as much for the guys as it is for the gals.
Fasting Done Right Can Expedite Weight Loss
Posted on 17th Sep 2020 05:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Wellness & Well-being
Fasting is not about starving yourself; it is about exercising strict control over your eating habits for brief periods, and preferably with a health-care provider’s guidance. We’re not talking about a religious-oriented fast, either, but one in which you are in total control of what and when you eat, which can sometimes mean being ‘on’ some days and ‘off’ on others.
Add Some Spice to Your Healthy Life
Posted on 5th Jun 2020 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
When it comes to eating, herbs and spices can make things remove the plain or even drab, and add a touch of fascinating. It turns out they can also keep you healthier. If you don’t usually cook, then you might not think much about herbs and spices. Therefore, it might come as a surprise that simple, dried plant matter could be just as beneficial to your body and its systems as they are to your taste buds.
8 Supplements That Meet the Needs of Older Men
Posted on 20th May 2020 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
If you are a man over the age of 50, it is natural for certain changes to take place as a result of the aging process. Physiologically, your body is not the same as it was when you were younger. Wisdom and worldly knowledge are commonly accrued traits of an older male, but so are other not-so-positive traits, typically within the physical aspect of things such as strength and endurance, but sometimes within the mental aspect as well.
The 6 MVPs (Most Valuable Products) for Immune Health
Posted on 6th Aug 2020 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Your immune system is the primary mechanism by which your body defends against harmful bacteria and viruses that might invade it. This is a crucial, but sometimes taken-for-granted, system that is constantly working in your body. As we all know, the common cold, the seasonal flu, and a myriad other foreign agents can sap your energy, and expose you to very uncomfortable symptoms, or worse.
Seed Yourself to a Healthy Diet
Posted on 27th Aug 2020 03:46:34 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
Seeds are good. Naturally, as the beginnings of plant life, many types of seeds are packed with vital nutrients that contribute to the organic processes that sustain life. As explained at health.harvard.edu, seeds are good sources of healthy fats, fiber, plant-based proteins, and a wide variety of other helpful nutrients. Given this variety of good nutrients, seeds provide a variety of potential natural health benefits.
Can a Detox Diet Work for Weight Loss?
Posted on 5th May 2020 06:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Wellness & Well-being
Detoxification is a process many people use to expel unwanted toxins from their bodies, following a regimen that closely resembles what others might call a “cleansing.” In short, detox diets typically involve drinking plenty of water and eating some fruits and vegetables, in effect drastically cutting calories for a short period of time to enhance their body’s health and maybe – as a bonus – drop a few pounds in the process.
How to Beat Cravings While Losing Weight
Posted on 11th Aug 2020 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Wellness & Well-being
There’s more to losing weight than planning a diet and necessary lifestyle changes, and then hunkering down with discipline and willpower to enact your grand scheme. It is also about following through while avoiding traps and obstacles along the way that can trip you up and send you back to square one. One of those trip-ups is a craving, such as reaching for that pint of your favorite multi-flavored ice cream or just good old-fashioned pigging out on beer and burgers smothered in condiments.
Signs and Symptoms that Suggest a Mineral Deficiency
Posted on 27th Apr 2020 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Your body isn’t exactly a bastion of gold or silver, but it does contain and rely heavily on an assortment of minerals, a deficiency of which occurs when your body is unable to obtain or absorb the required amount of any particular mineral.
10 Vitamins and Supplements for Cold and Flu Season
Posted on 1st Nov 2022 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Children's Health, Vitamins & Minerals, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
The 2022-23 cold and flu season has already been one of the more intense ones in recent history in terms of duration and numbers of cases. As April has arrived, it appeared that the spread of cold and flu was still was affecting many Americans, most notably various strains of influenza.
How to Prevent or Treat Stomach Ulcers
Posted on 8th Sep 2020 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Stomach ulcers, known in the medical field as peptic ulcers, are a fairly common occurrence. According to one 2016 study, per cochranelibrary.com, about 10 percent of all people experience a peptic ulcer at some point in their lives. However, per mayoclinic.org, nearly 75 percent of people who develop some form of peptic ulcer never experience noticeable symptoms.
12 Foods and Supplements for Sex Drive Sizzle
Posted on 3rd Nov 2020 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
There are many things we need to think about when it comes to maintaining good health, and sometimes we lose track of one area of our health while obsessing with another. Like when you focus on a new weight-loss regimen – even one based solely on diet – and months go by before you suddenly realize you’ve neglected your oral hygiene or your energy level has taken a dip. A real wakeup call is when you notice weeks have gone by since you have been intimate with your loved one; your sex drive is lacking the sizzle.
How to Make Sure Your Diet Has Sufficient Protein
Posted on 23rd Jun 2020 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Of the three macronutrients (two of them being carbohydrates & fats), the one most commonly touted for its health benefits is protein. Protein is an absolutely essential nutrient for your body’s overall function. You might know protein as something that builds muscle, but it actually serves many different critical functions. Because it is so essential, it is necessary to make sure that you consume a proper amount of protein on a regular basis.
Preventive Health Care Requires Personal Accountability
Posted on 27th Mar 2020 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
When the topic is preventive healthcare, the conversation typically steers toward what measures healthcare providers – such as physicians, hospitals, etc. – can do to help us stay healthy and avoid illness, injury, or infirmity. Notice, though, that each of those three words beings with an ‘I,’ which is appropriate. Ask yourself: “What can I do?” Preventive healthcare is as much your duty as it is a doctor’s or hospital’s. Make this your new motto: “I am also responsible for my own health.”
Calcium and Its Immune System Support Role
Posted on 23rd Mar 2020 05:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Even as winter gives way to spring and temperatures start to climb, cold and flu season continues to linger, putting our immune systems to the test. Count calcium among the assorted vitamins and minerals that each play a role in supporting our immune system, as calcium appears to have a part in activating the immune system’s cells, per National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Healthy Pico de Gallo Recipe
Posted on 13th Feb 2020 08:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being, Announcements & News
Nothing beats getting fresh salsa, the freshness of the tomatoes, the crisp crunch of the onions, this easy and healthy recipe for Pico de Gallo will be having your mouth watering in no time!
Seared Coconut-Lime Chicken with Snap Pea Slaw
Posted on 11th Feb 2020 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Add some zest to your dinner with this delicious (and healthy) Seard Coconut-Lime Chicken. Packed with some great vitamins and minerals, plus the added benefits of sesame and coconut oils as well. Add some spice to this with an added freash Pico de Gallo to really take this recipe south of the border.
A Quick A-to-Z Guide for Food, Health & Nutrition: Part II
Posted on 13th Mar 2020 06:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Vitamins & Minerals, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Here’s the second half of a handy A-Z reference guide offering an alphabetized assortment of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, supplements, and tips to help you optimize your health and overall fitness.
A Quick A-to-Z Guide for Food, Health & Nutrition: Part I
Posted on 11th Mar 2020 06:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Vitamins & Minerals, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Here’s the first half of a handy A-Z reference guide offering an alphabetized assortment of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, supplements, and tips to help you optimize your health and overall fitness.
10 Home Remedies for Gallbladder Disease and Pain
Posted on 18th Jun 2020 06:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Ask anyone to name as many organs in their body as they can, and it’s not likely that the gallbladder will make it to the top of many, if any, people’s list. Assuming it makes it onto the list at all. But for anyone who has experienced the intense pain of gallbladder disease or gallstones, it’s likely they will never forget what the gallbladder is or what it does.
Healthy Chicken Vegetable Noodle Soup
Posted on 14th Jan 2020 10:06:14 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
You don't have to struggle this winter to find a healthy option for you and your family for dinner. This delicious soup is full of essential vitamins and minerals to get you on a fresh start for the new year. An ideal soup for a cold day or for providing you with another source of fluids during the winter cold and flu season. Try it with your favorite noodle shape to make it fun and mix it up.
Blueberries Are Small but Offer Big Health Benefits
Posted on 16th Jun 2020 06:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Vitamins & Minerals, Vision & Eye Health, Wellness & Well-being
It's well-known that fruits and vegetables are a great starting point for eating healthy. Let’s narrow it down and choose a fruit that is readily available in grocery stores, relatively inexpensive, easily added to many basic courses, and can be eaten in almost unrestrained abundance without fear of a bellyache. We’re talking about blueberries, of course.
What Role(s) Can Copper Play in Your Health?
Posted on 6th Apr 2020 05:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
If everything you know about copper is tied up in images of copper kettles, copper wiring, copper pipes, and copper pennies, you might be surprised to learn that copper is also an essential trace mineral in your body and plays an active role in maintaining and enhancing your health.
12 Ways to Boost Your Testosterone Naturally
Posted on 5th Mar 2020 08:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
One of man’s biggest fears – and this includes women as well, to some extent – is low testosterone. It is a hormone that has been called the “holy grail of male hormones,” and it’s no wonder why. Testosterone not only gives men their sense of vitality, it fuels their sex drive, without which quality of life can become one big question mark – a question mark that becomes more prominent as a man ages and testosterone levels drop.
8 Reasons to Like Bees and Love Their Honey
Posted on 3rd Mar 2020 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Children's Health, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Bees can be a real pest when it comes to invading your backyard barbecue, but they sure do their good deed in providing the goods for people to enhance their health – and they are downright sweet about it. Bee-produced honey has been used for centuries as both a food and a medicine, and it serves its purpose quite well in both regards.
What Are Polyphenols, and What Purpose Do They Serve?
Posted on 24th Feb 2020 08:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
Polyphenols are naturally occurring chemical compounds sourced from plants, providing plants their color and working to protect their host plants from assorted dangers. Those protections also transfer to you when you eat foods with polyphenols. Knowing where to find polyphenols isn’t the issue as such foods are very plentiful, but the willingness to eat those foods and benefit from them is up to you.
Follow the Path to a Healthy Prostate
Posted on 27th Jan 2020 08:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Most men have heard about their prostate’s existence, most likely in a discussion with their doctor. Face it, though, most probably don’t really know what it is or what role it plays in their health. But they need to know. By the time a man is about 25 years old, his prostate has started to grow, possibly leading to one or more of several health issues that could require medical attention. Relatively few men over the age of 70 are immune from a prostate problem of one sort or another that is almost inevitable the older a man gets.
Let Nutrition Clear Up Your Brain Fog
Posted on 23rd Jan 2020 07:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
If you ever encounter a time when your mental powers suddenly seem to go on hiatus, leaving you unable to fully concentrate, at a loss for just using the right words when in conversation, or lacking the ability to think through problems that ordinarily are a snap for you, don’t assume the worst. Don’t think you automatically are suffering from some form of dementia. The solution might be as close as your kitchen.
Eat Your Way to Healthier Skin
Posted on 16th Jan 2020 10:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
You are what you eat, or so we’ve been told countless times, but there is plenty of truth in that statement when it comes to deciding what to put into your mouth relevant to having healthy-looking skin. This might be hard to picture, but the skin on your body encompasses your body’s largest organ, and as such it is exposed to much potential damage from things like sunlight and air pollution. The right food and nutrients can help with that.
Good Nutrition Can Help Keep Gums Healthy
Posted on 2nd Jan 2020 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Two trips a year to the dentist is what health care professionals have recommended for decades, the idea being to keep your teeth strong, healthy, clean, and secure in your mouth. But that’s just the half of it. There’s also the matter of taking care of your gums. If you don’t have healthy gums, you risk health problems that can turn serious, starting with the loss of your teeth no longer properly anchored in your gums.
What You Can Do to Battle the Bloat
Posted on 6th Jan 2020 08:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
A good meal is something to savor and enjoy, especially on holidays such as Thanksgiving. But filling up at the table often comes at a price. And that cost is often that bloated feeling. That’s when you’ve filled your stomach with a hearty meal before you finally push away from the table wondering just how ‘fat’ you’ve gotten and how hard it will be to even stand up. You’re not busted; you’re bloated, and you feel like busting at the belt!
11 Nutritional Solutions for Fending Off Anxiety
Posted on 31st Dec 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Children's Health, Wellness & Well-being
If you’ve ever had a problem with anxiety, whether for a short term or of a more chronic nature, it might be some consolation to know that you are not alone. Anxiety is also often cited as a common accompaniment to the holidays, between preparing big meals, picking out and buying the ‘perfect’ gifts, and hosting a mob of houseguests in and around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. Even thinking about it can stir some anxious thoughts.
Don't Let a Vitamin B12 Deficiency Keep You Down
Posted on 30th Oct 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
There are many health-related symptoms from a vitamin B12 shortage that can come on fairly quickly and ruin your day and perhaps even your week, such as unexplained tiredness, weakness, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, constipation, loss of appetite, and a host of other conditions that can range from annoying to borderline debilitating.
Foods and Nutrients to Bolster Your Sex Life
Posted on 18th Oct 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Ponce de Leon searched for the fountain of youth and Indiana Jones sought the holy grail, but most folks would be content just to search (and, hopefully, find) a better sex life. And that begins with a healthy sex drive, which in turn starts with feeling physically and emotionally healthy. To get to that point, we need to be fueling our bodies properly, and that means consuming the right foods and nutrients.
What Is Lutein, and What Does It Do?
Posted on 2nd Dec 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Vision & Eye Health, Wellness & Well-being
Lutein is a vitamin classified as a carotenoid and apparently with anti-inflammatory characteristics. It has often been referred to as “the eye vitamin” for its ability to prevent or at least slow the progress of eye-related diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
12 Foods That Can Improve the Health of Your Blood
Posted on 27th Nov 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
It’s easy to take the healthy circulation of our blood for granted, even though we know we shouldn’t. In fact, poor circulation is a fairly common problem and it can be caused by several conditions to include peripheral artery disease (PAD), diabetes, obesity, smoking, and Raynaud’s disease.
7 Health Benefits from the Pumpkin Patch
Posted on 25th Nov 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Vision & Eye Health, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Before you start cutting out that jack-o-lantern from that perfectly plump pumpkin you just bought and brought home to wow the kids, pause to think about and savor all the wonderful things that can come out of that big, orange piece of fruit you had always assumed was a vegetable.
What Does It Mean Being Gluten-Free?
Posted on 30th Sep 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
The bombardment of advertising and other messages proclaiming and touting the arrival of “gluten-free” products onto store shelves has seemingly cooled off in the last year or two. Take that as a sign that “gluten-free” has become a routine part of our lives, although the availability of gluten-free products is not routine for one group of people – those who are afflicted with celiac disease, a disease of the immune system estimated to affect about 3 million Americans.
What Can I Do to Detoxify My Body?
Posted on 25th Sep 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
In a sense, your body is like your house, your car, your garage, or your desk. Over time, any of those things get cluttered, and then it comes time to focus on picking up, cleaning up, and tossing stuff in order to get yourself back to a clean state. Just like your entire house and yard has to go through spring cleaning – and fall cleaning can’t hurt, either – your body is always in need of a cleansing of its own, or what we like to call “detoxification.”
How Can Alfalfa Leaves Benefit my Health?
Posted on 16th Sep 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Alfalfa is good for animals and it can also contribute to the healthy well-being of humans. For centuries, alfalfa, is a plant that has been cultivated as a source of feed for livestock because of its exceptional provision of nutrients, minerals and proteins, setting it apart from other feed sources. Its versatility also has made alfalfa a long-time staple as a medicinal herb for people, with its seeds and leaves available in supplement form, although its seeds can also be sprouted and eaten as alfalfa sprouts.
What Are Amino Acids, and What Purpose Do They Serve?
Posted on 16th Aug 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Wellness & Well-being
Amino acids play many critical roles in your body, but they are best known for being what many health experts refer to as “the building blocks of proteins.” Additionally, amino acids, packaged by Wonder Labs in supplemental form as amino acid complex, play a key role in the synthesis of hormones and neurotransmitters. Their use for potentially enhancing mood or boosting performance among athletes likewise make them very versatile.
Going Vegan? Make Sure You Know About These 6 Vitamins & Supplements
Posted on 6th Aug 2019 10:37:35 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Whether it’s a lifestyle or a one-month experiment, more people than ever before are going vegan. Food Revolution Network shares these global statistics as evidence:
- Self-identifying vegans have increased by 600% over the last three years in the U.S.
- GrubHub users chose “vegan food” 19% more in the first half of 2017 than in the first half of 2016.
- "Nestlé, the largest food company in the world, predicts that plant-based foods will continue to grow and … this trend is here to stay.’”
If you’re making the decision to go vegan in 2019, make sure you pay special attention to these six vitamins and supplements for vegans that can be more difficult to get adequate amounts from a plant foods diet.
What Can I Take for Sports Nutrition?
Posted on 14th Aug 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Athletes, perhaps more than any other group of people, are committed to and enthused about – some even obsessed – with learning all they can about nutrition and discovering that winning edge. The field of nutrition in the sports world has become cutting edge, with athletes – mostly those at the professional level – constantly in search of whatever nutrition will help them in their never-ending quest to be bigger, faster, stronger.
What Can I Take and Do for My Thyroid Health?
Posted on 12th Aug 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Your thyroid might not be a pain in the neck, but it is a butterfly-shaped gland that can be found at the base of your neck. Hormones produced and stored by your thyroid primarily function to regulate your growth, repair, body temperature, and metabolism. These thyroid hormones can affect nearly every cell in your body, so, yes, you need to be aware you have such a gland and that it is to be treated with TLC (thyroid loving care).
What Can I Take and Do for My Liver Health?
Posted on 7th Aug 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Your liver plays several important roles in your body, enough so that maybe it’s time to show your liver some love. You can start by eating the right foods, avoiding toxins, and limiting your alcohol intake. All that is so your liver can properly perform its primary missions of removing toxins and medications from your body, while also breaking down (metabolizing) the food you consume.
What Benefits Can I Get from Cinnamon?
Posted on 2nd Aug 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
Many of us are familiar with, and enamored of, cinnamon as a spice. That spice is the finished product of cinnamon that we know best, and one which works well as a sweetener sprinkled on an assortment of food choices ranging from your morning oatmeal and toast to an assortment of dinner desserts (take your pick).
What Benefits Can You Get from Aloe Vera?
Posted on 1st Aug 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
A common lament heard from sunbathers this time of year is that which accompanies the pain of sunburn, which can be excruciating and last a couple days or more. Sunburn victims rightfully seek instant relief, and chances are if you’ve ever dealt with a sunburn, you’ve reached for and used a pain-relieving agent that contains aloe vera.
How Can I Naturally Lower My High Blood Pressure?
Posted on 29th Jul 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Children's Health, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, has a third name, a nickname, familiar to anyone who has the disease or has heard of it – it’s also known as the “silent killer.” That’s because high blood pressure, left untreated and unmonitored, can put a person at heightened risk of a heart, stroke, or even death – even when he or she can’t feel anything wrong with their body. High blood pressure can run silent, and it can kill.
What Are Antioxidants and How Do They Benefit Me?
Posted on 12th Jul 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Children's Health, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Whether you know it or not, and whether you like it or not, your body is always at war, even if you don’t feel it. At any given time and in a variety of places, there is a skirmish going on here, a battle there. Above all else, sometimes agents within your body are engaged in full-blown war – such as “good” bacteria vs. “bad” bacteria, or, for the sake of this conversation, antioxidants vs. free radicals.
Added Dietary Sugar: Sweet Substitutes (Part II)
Posted on 15th May 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
We recently blogged in this space about how sugar can be Public Enemy No. 1 for people who aren’t careful with their diets and consume an excess amount of added sugar (sugar in addition to already comes in their regular diet). Americans as a whole have been eating way too much sugar for too long, and the consequences are showing up in unwanted health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, mental health issues, and even acne problems.
Added Dietary Sugar: Health Risks (Part I)
Posted on 13th May 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Children's Health, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
Sometimes being told what you should be eating in place of what you want to be eating is news you don’t want to hear, and this might be one of those occasions. For those who have a serious sweet tooth and think little of adding sugar to a food item such at any meal, the bad news is this – sugar might be Public Enemy No. 1 – more so even than fat – when it comes to a healthy diet and a healthy you.
8 Superfoods to Cleanse Your Colon
Posted on 1st May 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Now that spring cleaning time is here, consider taking a scrub brush to what’s inside you as well as what’s around you. Today’s subject is your colon, also known as your large intestine (or large bowel). This is the locale where the food you have consumed, and which has been digested in your small intestine, is further broken down by bacteria (to include the healthy removal of moisture) in preparation for leaving your body.
9 Health Benefits That Honey Can Provide
Posted on 26th Apr 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
The enjoyment of consuming honey begins with the premise that it’s best not to picture how it is produced. Simply, bees collect the sugar-rich nectar from assorted flowers; once they get back to their beehives, they repeatedly eat, digest, and regurgitate the nectar. Eventually, they produce the end product we know as honey – a thickish liquid that is food for bees, with a smell, color, and taste contingent on the varieties of flowers being “tapped.”
Eight Ways to Support Your Liver's Health
Posted on 17th Apr 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Your body has an assortment of major organs, the most prominent of which are your brain and heart, and who’s going to debate that? But all of our organs require TLC, and there’s no overstating the important role that your liver plays within your body. It performs a multitude of key tasks, to include breaking down toxins so that they can be properly expelled from your bodies, as well as producing proteins, cholesterol, and bile as well as storing minerals, vitamins, and carbohydrates.
Spring Cleaning: Start with the Cobwebs in Your Head
Posted on 12th Apr 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
So it’s April and as good a time as any to clean out your closets and garage, and maybe start working on that landscaping, right? Spring cleaning time is here, and it’s also as good a time as any to clean out some, if not all, of those cobwebs inside your head. Whether your brain has been cluttered with tax prep or you are a student prepping to cram for final exams, or a senior lifer aspiring to improve memory functions, many of you can always use some cognitive cleanliness and fine tuning.
10 Practical Ways to Curb Your Appetite
Posted on 5th Apr 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Wellness & Well-being
If you want to lose weight – and, be serious, who doesn’t? – there are two major areas you need to focus on: exercise and diet. Stay active on a consistent basis, eat right, and watch the weight drop off. That’s the idea.
Gymnema Sylvestre: What Is It and What Does It Do?
Posted on 14th Mar 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Much of what we see and know about regarding nutritional herbs and supplements dates back hundreds, even thousands, of years, which is proof that our ancestors – regardless your ethnicity – knew what they were doing way back when. Gymnema sylvestre, a wood-climbing shrub native to Indian, Africa, and Australia is among those plants whose robust medicinal properties have stood the tests of time.
Lactose Intolerance: What Is It and What Are the Symptoms?
Posted on 21st Jan 2021 05:50:24 in Food & Nutrition, Children's Health, Wellness & Well-being
Many of us have been told, maybe even programmed, from an early age to embrace milk and other dairy products as great sources of health to, as one old-fashioned ad once said, give us energy to burn. Of course, what’s not to like about milk and its close cousin ice cream, the latter of which to this day is still valued as a tasty treat and popular dessert item?
7 Signs of a Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Posted on 11th Mar 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
For years now, health-conscious people have practically flocked to their local grocery store or pharmacy to load up on vitamin B12, and they have done so for good reason. Of all the “members: of the B complex family of vitamins, and there are lots of them, B12 might be the most important. Simply put, without a sufficient supply of B12 in your body, you would not be able to function properly.
Natural Ways to Help Clean Your Artery Walls
Posted on 8th Mar 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
Just like keeping the oil changed in your car to keep engine parts properly lubed or taking the right steps at home to make sure your drains don’t get clogged, it’s important to live a healthy life aimed at keeping your arteries cleaned. That latter point is a life-and-death proposition, not to be trifled with.
Klamath Blue Green Algae: What Is It and What Does It Do?
Posted on 4th Mar 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
If you ever get a hankering to go searching for type of superfood that you haven’t tried before, get your adventurous spirit in gear. How about a dip in Upper Klamath Lake in southern Oregon? There, you might be able to get your hands on some of the world-renowned Klamath blue green algae, a nutritional food that contains no less than a dozen vitamins, more than 20 minerals, and an assortment of high-quality protein as well as a variety of essential amino acids.
Going Vegan? Make Sure You Know About These 6 Vitamins & Supplements
Posted on 15th Jan 2019 04:17:40 in Food & Nutrition
Whether it’s a lifestyle or a one-month experiment, more people than ever before are going vegan. Food Revolution Network shares these global statistics as evidence:
- Self-identifying vegans have increased by 600% over the last three years in the U.S.
- GrubHub users chose “vegan food” 19% more in the first half of 2017 than in the first half of 2016.
- "Nestlé, the largest food company in the world, predicts that plant-based foods will continue to grow and … this trend is ‘here to stay.’”
5 Vitamins That Could Be Affecting Your Oral Health
Posted on 1st Jan 2019 12:44:53 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals
Dental hygiene is extremely important to maintain, however, with many foods containing a high sugar content as well as being highly acidic this can have a huge impact on our teeth. Although the damage to your teeth may sometimes be hereditary, a number of professionals, from a London dentist to your local clinic, are available to help you combat the problems you could be experiencing. However, what if we told you a way that you could prevent the problem? Here we are going to give you some top tips for vitamins that could be affecting your oral health.
Resveratrol -- Its Sources, Benefits and Uses | Featured Product
Posted on 7th Feb 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
We all know all too well that drinking and driving don’t mix, that there’s not much good to be gained by drinking too much alcohol. Drinking a moderate amount of red wine, though, can apparently be a boon to our health, starting with how it seems able to protect brain function and lower blood pressure – and that isn’t all.
How A Lack Of Vitamins & Minerals Can Lead To Hair Loss
Posted on 31st Dec 2018 03:00:08 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals
When it comes to how we eat and drink, very few of us are keeping up the balanced diets we’re regularly encouraged to adopt. For this reason, nutritional deficiencies are on the rise and while these can cause a number of different health issues, one of the most common side effects is hair loss. While the world is adapting to this growing issue with new treatments, from a hair transplant in Turkey to hair growth supplements, understanding just why you might be losing your hair and whether this is due to a vitamin or mineral deficiency is crucial to finding the right solution.
The Best Vitamins and Supplements for Truck Drivers
Posted on 18th Jan 2019 04:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
The life of a big rig truck driver (18-wheelers) is not one conducive to good health. It is, in fact, a profession more conducive to bad health, or at least developing it over time. The challenge is even greater this time of year, when about half the country is wrapped in wintry conditions, and cold and flu season is in a heightened state. Plus truck drivers live life fast – fast trucks, fast food, and fast sleep wherever you can catch a wink before resuming the long haul.
Folate/Folic Acid -- Its Sources, Benefits and Uses | Featured Product
Posted on 9th Jan 2019 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
If you are one of the many who confuse the terms folate and folic acid, you are forgiven. That’s because you haven’t done anything wrong. Essentially, they are one and the same – sort of. Folate, otherwise known as vitamin B9, is one of many essential vitamins, and it is naturally occurring, found in many types of foods. Folic acid is the synthetic version of folate/B9, used to fortify foods and also a key ingredient in nutritional supplements.
Bee Pollen for Anti-Aging and Energy Boosting?!
Posted on 21st Jan 2019 07:56:22 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Pollen is typically something you try to avoid, right? Scratchy throat, stuffy nose, dry eyes. No thanks. When it comes to bee pollen, however, the tables turn. This is one type of pollen you may actually want in your body!
While bee pollen doesn’t get all the buzz that “big name” supplements like Vitamin B receive, this product is humming along just beneath the radar. Discover some of the incredible potential benefits of bee pollen and other bee-derived ingredients below…
Kosher-Certified Supplements: What, Why & How!
Posted on 31st Dec 2018 06:34:39 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals
You take vitamins and supplements because you want to be the healthiest version of yourself, right? So, why settle for just any supplement when you can take kosher-certified supplements? At Wonder Labs, we believe in providing your family with the highest quality products possible, which is one reason why we offer a wide array of kosher-certified vitamins and supplements.
5 Reasons For Some Vitamins, Herbs and Minerals Before Hitting the Gym
Posted on 20th Dec 2018 12:17:22 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management
I bet many people would walk right away from exercising if they were told that exercising leaves some of their tissues broken or injured. Hard as that may be to swallow, it’s the frank way to explain the internal technicalities that make exercises beneficial. Talking about misconceptions, hypes and exaggerations, health and fitness comes only second to love and relationships.
Cinnamon | Reap the Benefits for Your Health
Posted on 21st Dec 2018 07:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
To anyone who has a sweet tooth and has longed for a ‘miracle’ food that is not only sweet and tasty but also healthful and beneficial (and low on calories) need dream no longer. There is such a consumable – cinnamon – that in fact has been around for thousands of years and which provides a plethora of potential health benefits that sound almost too good to be true. But it is true.
Cayenne Pepper | Reap the Benefits for Your Health
Posted on 14th Dec 2018 08:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
What’s there not to love about cayenne? It’s a pepper that adds a splendid kick to almost any meal (even breakfast, in some cases) and which doubles in its other world as a therapeutic compound with thousands of years of practical use and dozens of uses ranging from treating heartburn and delirium to going head to head with sore throat and hemorrhoids. Not to mention (but we are, anyway) it can also do a number in helping to cleanse the body as a detoxifying agent.
Make Vitamin B12 a Dedicated Focus of Your Daily Diet
Posted on 5th Dec 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
If you follow a healthy, well-rounded diet that includes meat, fish, yogurt and raw milk, you probably don’t have much to worry about when it comes to having sufficient vitamin B12 in your system. Without a steady supply of B12, though, you could be dealing with debilitating symptoms such as chronic fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, shortness of breath, mood changes, poor memory, and even poor dental health.
Your Body Could Use an Occasional Detoxification
Posted on 4th Dec 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Count the number of times you’ve heard the expression “You are what you eat.” OK, so you can’t. Too many. While the saying has a lot of truth to it, good or bad for your sake (depending on how you structure your diet – assuming there IS structure to it), there’s more that goes into this subject, and by that we mean what goes into your body. Your body is a magnet and receptacle for many things, not just what you eat, and therein lies the danger – the bodily accumulation of toxins through various environmental factors.
If You're Anemic, Here's What You Can Do About It
Posted on 18th Dec 2018 04:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
At this time of year, with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, to include all the shopping, partying, and traveling, it’s easy to find yourself tired, worn down, and ready for a horizontal perch on the sofa. Maybe you feel blasé, devoid of energy, not sure how you’re going to be able to make it – and this is during restful moments, away from the hubbub. Worse yet, this seriously rundown feeling isn’t going away, and you don’t know what’s up.
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: What's Going On?
Posted on 19th Dec 2018 04:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
One of man’s (and woman’s) greatest fears is hair loss – that is, loss of the hair that starts out growing atop your head. Theories abound as to what causes hair loss, ranging from excessive wearing of ballcaps or ponytails to driving convertibles with the top down to too many shampoos, but more likely it’s a combination of factors based more in science than myths. No, experts say, frequent brushing or towel-drying of your hair won’t turn you bald overnight.
Complications of Diabetes for Your Health
Posted on 27th Nov 2018 06:17:31 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Each year, 1.5 million Americans of all ages are diagnosed with diabetes. This disorder of the metabolism is diagnosed in three different types: type 1 diabetes, in which most people diagnosed with this are born with it, type 2 diabetes, which develops through a number of external factors, and gestational diabetes, which is diagnosed in pregnant women. A woman diagnosed with gestational diabetes has a greater chance for later development of type 1 or 2 diabetes, and her child could have a higher risk of diabetes as well.
What Is an Ulcer and What Can You Do About It?
Posted on 26th Nov 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
There’s nothing like the sight of sticky mucus to make us grimace or get grossed out, but when it comes to the health of our stomach – and our overall health at that – sticky mucus is a good thing. When our stomach is healthy, it is coated in a layer of that stuff, but when an unwanted toxin eats away at it, possibly resulting in a painful and sometimes bloody open sores, you likely have what’s known as an ulcer. Some are tiny and others over an inch long, but once we get them, the immediate goal becomes getting rid of them.
What Is MTHFR Mutation and What Does It Mean?
Posted on 5th Nov 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Health, nutrition, and supplementation together cover a myriad of topics, and there are times that such discussions have the look and feel of a science fiction novel. Such as when the subject turns to gene mutation, in this case MTHFR mutation, a gene variation that can affect how successful your body is in metabolizing folate and folic acid, both of which are forms of vitamin B9 that play key roles in many key bodily functions.
Got Brain Fog? Here's How to 'Lift' It
Posted on 2nd Nov 2018 07:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Many of us have on occasion been hit with brain fog, a temporary condition in which we have trouble concentrating or remembering things, perhaps even feeling a sense of haziness that tells us we aren’t hitting on all cognitive cylinders. Our minds feel clouded. Staying focused suddenly becomes a challenge, and processing information becomes a chore.
How to Make Halloween as Healthy as Can Be
Posted on 29th Oct 2018 10:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Children's Health, Wellness & Well-being
Whether you call it Halloween, Harvest Fest, Trunk or Treat, or whatever, October 31 – this coming Wednesday – is one of those times of the year where kids (and, yes, plenty of adults, too) can load up on all the candy and other sweets they want without being subjected to the usual guilt trip.
If We Made Supplements Out of Almonds
Posted on 22nd Oct 2018 07:32:51 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals
When it comes to a nutritious, energy-packed snack, it’s hard to do better than the almond. When you snack on a handful of raw almonds (just say, “No,” to the salted and honey-glazed varieties!), you aren’t just getting an energy boost; you’re also fueling your body with much-needed vitamins and minerals.
The Best Supplements for Healthy Hair
Posted on 27th Oct 2018 07:29:46 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Dry hair. Brittle hair. Thinning hair. Going, going, gone hair.
When it comes to hair, most men take the wash-it-and-forget-it approach. However, your hair is very much “alive” and responsive to your diet and the chemicals and detergents it comes into contact with. From damaging shampoos to chlorinated pools, your hair can be exposed to a lot of harsh chemicals that result in… well… rather lackluster locks.
Infographic: Essential Vitamin Benefits and Other Things to Know
Posted on 10th Oct 2018 07:37:50 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals
There are 13 essential vitamins all-in-all. Do you know what they are? Do you know if they are water soluble or fat soluble? What's the difference? Do you know how much you need as compared to your spouse? What about the best natural source of getting the vitamins in your food diet? Or, what about signs you should look for in the event you think you might have a deficiency in one of these essential vitamins? Well, it's all right here in this infographic created by the folks over at medalerthelp.org.
Play It Smart When It Comes to Brain Food
Posted on 15th Oct 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
https://www.wonderlabs.com/blog/how-does-nutrition-affect-mental-healthAsk anybody if they are all in for eating their way to a healthier brain and a boost in mental acuity. No doubt a lot of hands would be raised in affirmation. Of course, you would then have to explain to them that this doesn’t mean just pigging out indiscriminately on your smorgasbord of favorites. It actually calls for being selective in what you eat and, in most cases, in the right quantities.
Pumpkin Seeds Can Sprout Health Benefits for You
Posted on 18th Oct 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
With Halloween just a couple weeks away, what better way to conclude this three-part series on nutritional seed supplements by carving out some time to talk about pumpkin seeds? One good thing to know about pumpkin seeds right off the bat is that they are alkaline-forming, per care2.com, which means consumption of them can go a long way toward balancing out your body’s pH levels in a world full of acidic foods. Think, for example, gooey or hard candy that will make its ways into millions of kids’ trick-or-treating bags.
Flaxseeds Can Sprout Health Benefits for You
Posted on 12th Oct 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
In this second of three blogs in our impromptu good-things-come-in-small-packages series of nutritional seeds, we turn our gaze to flaxseeds, which have been around for a long time – as in 6,ooo years long! These small seeds – which can be found in brown, tan, or gold-colored varieties, are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids known as alpha-linolenic acids (ALA) and can fight the good fight for good health on several fronts, such as blood sugar, heart disease, digestion, skin complexion, cholesterol, and hormones.
Chia Seeds Can Sprout Health Benefits for You
Posted on 11th Oct 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
When planting a garden, such as the one in your backyard, it is imperative that you have the right seeds in hand to make it possible to plant, nurture, and harvest a nice assortment of vegetables for the family dinner table. Ditto for your body and an assortment of nutritional seeds. As small as they are, such seeds can be indispensable for your health; it’s just a matter of knowing which ones can do what, and then being sure to include them as part of your daily dietary regimen.
Multiply the Health Benefits of Vitamin B-12 and Omega-3
Posted on 8th Oct 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health
Consider this the nutritional supplement version of combining two favorites – peanut butter and chocolate – into one, and producing a whole that apparently is better than the sum of its parts. While this isn’t about Reese’s peanut butter cups, it is about the beneficial effects you can get from supplementing with vitamin B12 and omega-3 fish oils at the same time.
If We Made Supplements Out of Pistachios
Posted on 2nd Oct 2018 10:14:42 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals
Let’s just say we’d cover a lot of the basics. Pistachios are rich in many critical nutrients that provide the body with energy and reduce inflammation. Rich in nutrients, pistachios are also rich in history. So, if we tried to break down the pistachio into its individual components, what would we find? The chemical picture might look something like this…
Never a Bad Time for Healthy Aging Strategies
Posted on 28th Sep 2018 08:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
September is Healthy Aging Month, and even though the month is drawing to a close, there’s never a bad time to be thinking about healthy aging and what you’re going to do about it in the coming years. That’s regardless how old you are right now. They say it’s never too late to start a new hobby or learn a new skill; flip that philosophy, and you can say it’s never too early in life to be thinking about and preparing for your future health, especially once the gray hairs start popping up.
What's It Like Having 30 Billion Good Bacteria?
Posted on 13th Sep 2018 17:04:35 in Food & Nutrition
In the words of Carolyn, a Wonder Labs probiotic customer, “I didn't know there was help for that sluggish achy feeling […]” You know the feeling, right? Countless people can identify with feeling tired and living with chronic digestive problems. Now, an increasing number of people are turning to probiotics for healthy digestion, immune system support and other related disorders. Many people, like Carolyn, are discovering how 30 billion good bacteria – in the form of a probiotic/prebiotic blend – can improve energy levels and digestive health!
Getting a Handle on Cholesterol
Posted on 17th Sep 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
For most of our lives we have been taught to think of cholesterol as a bad thing, an enemy to our long-term health and happiness. Too much cholesterol in our bodies, we are told, makes us a walking time bomb, and we don’t even feel it. Well, yes, too high a level of cholesterol in your body can be hazardous to your health, specifically, your heart health, but let’s take a deeper dive on the subject and see exactly what we are dealing with, and perhaps take some of the “fear” out of this touchy subject.
What Does 'Standardized' Mean on Ingredient Labels?
Posted on 27th Aug 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
When it comes to buying food and other groceries, it’s good to know what you are buying and what it’s for in regard to your health and nutrition. That includes nutritional supplements. It’s also nice to know if what you are planning to buy is the real thing and if it meets a quality standard that assures us we are getting what we think we are getting. That’s where standardization of product comes in, and that’s why product labeling is so important.
Going for the Gusto with Gut Health
Posted on 28th Aug 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
When it comes to your overall health, all roads lead to and through your stomach. That’s where your gut is, and it is in your gut where trillions of bacteria reside. That’s nothing to be afraid of. In fact, there are what is known as good bacteria and there are bad bacteria, and a core philosophy of staying in good health is making sure the former outnumber the latter.
Menopause Signs & Side Effects, and Help from Nutrition
Posted on 23rd Aug 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Menopause is one subject that gives pause to women and their health-care providers when it comes to discussing women’s health. For middle-aged women – as well as a few younger and some older – it is the nearly inevitable condition that awaits when a woman’s ovaries quit releasing eggs and menstruation comes to a gradual halt.
'W' is for Weight Management: Health, Nutrition & Supplements A to Z
Posted on 15th Aug 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Wellness & Well-being
So, your goal in life right now is for weight loss, but you’re not having a whole lot of success keeping it off? Maybe it’s time for a paradigm shift in your mindset, or a shift to making weight management your goal. Think of the latter as a more reasoned way to not only lose the weight but to keep it off, and keep it off for the long haul.
Meet Chlorella: Another Superfood to Embrace
Posted on 10th Aug 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Periodically in this space we write about various “superfoods,” ones that pack a wallop nutritionally and can tackle an assortment of health-related issues, making us feel better inside and out. Most of the time when we discuss such superfoods, we talk about stuff that is above ground or at least in the ground when it gets harvested. Today, we’re going to stick our heads in the water, and below the surface we see a type of freshwater algae known as chlorella. Yeah, it’s worthy of “super food” status as well.
Flavonoids: What Are They - Where Are They From - What Do They Do?
Posted on 9th Aug 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Announcements & News
For years we have been reminded by well-meaning folks to be sure to eat our fruits and veggies, and there is a good health-related, scientific reason for this. Fruits and vegetables are the most abundant food source of flavonoids, which are responsible for the vivid colors of fruits and vegetables and, even more importantly, are characterized by their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune system-bolstering properties.
There's Plenty to Like about Lycopene
Posted on 7th Aug 2018 06:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Vision & Eye Health, Wellness & Well-being
If you like tomatoes, then chances are you like lycopene, whether or not you even know what lycopene is. Well, glad you asked. Lycopene is a red pigment that can be found in assorted red fruits and vegetables. That includes tomatoes, which, as strange as it may seem, have been classified as both a fruit and vegetable.
RDA, DV (Daily Value), AI, UL... What Does It All Mean?!
Posted on 31st Jul 2018 12:39:07 in Food & Nutrition
“Supplement Facts,” it says in big black letters. Okay, I get that. “Serving Size. Alright, I’m still with you. But then… things start to get… strange… Is it a foreign language? Some mysterious code transmitted by scientists in white lab coats who haven’t seen the light of day in weeks?
'S' is for Sweeteners: Health, Nutrition & Supplements A to Z
Posted on 6th Jul 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Many of us, and hopefully most (if not all) of us, are learning more and more each year about what to put in our mouths and what to leave just where it is. One of the hardest parts about all this, though, is knowing what to do about sugars and sweeteners. Everyone has a dietary weak point (or soft spot – take your pick), and for many of us that starts and ends with sweets. That ranges from taking your pick from among desserts on the buffet people to your preference for what to add to your next cup of coffee.
A Look at Omega-3 Sources Other Than Fatty Fish
Posted on 5th Jul 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Not everyone is a fan of fatty fish or any other kind of seafood, for that matter, but we all can benefit, especially heart health-wise, by sticking to a diet that includes ample omega-3s. The question then becomes: how can we get a good supply of omega-3s without eating fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, or sardines?
Citrus Fruits a Boon to Our Immunity
Posted on 18th Jun 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
A big part of maintaining good health is having a strong defense system, and the one we have inside our bodies is nothing to be trifled with. Still, we are under attack pretty much 24/7 from a variety of potentially harmful agents such as viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens that can make our life miserable if they break through our defense and land a proverbial punch.
Vitamins, Minerals, Adaptogens and Herbs, Oh My!
Posted on 13th Jun 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Over the years and several times on a weekly basis, we aim to fill your cup, mug, or bowl with a wealth of knowledge about health, nutrition, and supplements. There is a lot to cover, and research and trends are always broaching new subjects to be looked at. Over time we delve into hundreds of vitamins, minerals, herbs, adaptogens, nutrients, etc. and how they all relate to our general health and bodily functions. It all can be a bit overwhelming.
An Apple a Day Is Still Sound Advice
Posted on 11th Jun 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Apples are still the apple of many eyes, but let’s be real – apples don’t have the same pizzazz or panache of some of the more flamboyant fruits that are trending nowadays. Some of those more fascinatingly fashionable fruits that have nudged apples out of the dietary spotlight include blueberries, strawberries, papaya, avocados (yes, they’re fruits), and guavas.
'P' Is for Probiotic/Prebiotic: Health, Nutrition & Supplements A to Z
Posted on 12th Jun 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
It has long been said, mostly in jest, that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Let’s expand on that a bit, and get real about it. The way to a man’s or a woman’s heart, immune system, skin, brain – whatever bodily system or organ you wish to name – is through the stomach. That’s because of the vital role our gut bacteria play in affecting our overall health, and this is where probiotics and prebiotics go to work on our behalf.
Keep Your Digestive System Healthy with Papaya and Pineapple
Posted on 6th Jun 2018 12:00:00 in Wellness & Well-being, Vitamins & Minerals, Food & Nutrition
Trends are an ongoing thing in health and nutrition. One recent trend is the growing belief that our gut and digestive health play a central role in determining our overall health. How our gut goes, so goes the rest of our body. Think of your gut and digestive system as the core of your health processes, sort of like nuclear power plants with their nuclear cores.
Licorice Root: One of the Sweetest Adaptogens Around
Posted on 2nd Jun 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
There are times that being a health-food nut is like being a kid in a candy store, and that’s all good (at times). Take licorice root, for instance. Also known as “sweet root,” licorice root has often been used over the years as a sweetener for some candies and beverages. Better yet, it has been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years as one of many adaptogens – herbs, or healing plants, that are a staple of natural medicine for their ability to balance, restore, and protect the body.
7 Reasons Why You Need Borage Oil In Your Life
Posted on 1st Jun 2018 05:35:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals
With its rough prickly leaves, borage may not look like the kind of plant that’s going to make your life more comfortable. But this annual herb – when processed into a highly concentrated oil – has some incredibly powerful benefits that have been respected since before the first century.
5 Supplements You Need TODAY for Dry Scalp!
Posted on 31st May 2018 07:31:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals
If your itchy dry scalp is still lingering, it’s time to take action and do something about it. There are many factors, in addition to cold air, that can cause dry scalp, including stress, certain shampoos and hair products, and dietary deficiencies.
In addition to switching up hair products, many people are turning to vitamins and supplements for dry scalp! Here are a few of the best vitamins for dry scalp.
5 Things To Do for Better Bone Health (Osteoporosis Awareness Month)
Posted on 28th May 2018 08:28:15 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month. If you’re like most people, bone health isn’t high on your priorities list. After all, as long as your posture is good and you aren’t suffering fractures from minor falls, you’re fine… right?
Unfortunately, more adults are susceptible to injury resulting from osteoporosis than you might expect.
Keeping Grapes Handy Is a Healthy Strategy
Posted on 30th May 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
The Grapes of Wrath was a literary classic, but that’s not important in this context. What is important are the grapes of health, those small berries that come in an assortment of colors – including red, green (“white” grapes are actually green), black, yellow, pink, blue (Concord grapes) and purple – and which provide a wide variety of health benefits.
'O' Is for Organic: Health, Nutrition and Supplements A to Z
Posted on 4th Jun 2018 11:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Buying organic was once a grocery shopping choice left to a few, forward-thinking folks with a hankering for healthy food and a willingness to go against the grain. They skipped past traditional grocery stores and went straight to little-known health-food outlets to buy their food, getting a healthy head start on the rest of us.
These Fruits Provide a Berry, Berry Good Fruit Punch
Posted on 5th Jun 2018 06:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Subsisting on a diet of nothing but berries might seem a realllll stretch, and it is, as it’s doubtful that any nutritionist or other health expert would ever recommend it. But a closer look at the variety of berries and their benefits afforded us – not to mention what all the other fruits and vegetables of the world can do for us – tells us that there is a lot of good to come from a steady consumption of berries, even if just as a supplement to our main courses.
What Is Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) and What's It For?
Posted on 11th May 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Over the last couple of months, we have been featuring in this space a series on the various B-complex vitamins. Now we come to what might be the most complex of the B vitamins when you consider all the significant roles it plays in maintaining and, as needed, improving our health.
'M' Is for Mushrooms: Health, Nutrition & Supplements A to Z
Posted on 4th May 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Mushrooms are fascinating plants, not just because of the myriad health benefits they provide as a “superfood” of sorts, but for the “starring” roles they have played in children’s literature (i.e., “Alice in Wonderland”) and in the expanded minds of hipsters from the psychedelic ‘60s and ‘70s drawn to “magic mushrooms” and their hallucinogenic properties from a substance known as psilocybin.
Fruit for Your Health (Not Just an Apple a Day)
Posted on 2nd May 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
An apple a day may (or may not) keep the doctor away, but the odds go up in your favor if you eat an assortment of healthy fruits daily. Start with a variety of berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, bilberries, and blackberries. Better yet, there are many fruit-based nutritional supplements worth getting your hands on, and that means not having to find berry bushes to pick from (although that can be fun, too.)
'K' is for Kosher: Health, Nutrition & Supplements A to Z
Posted on 13th Apr 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Eating “kosher” isn’t just a religious practice for Orthodox Jews, it also is practiced by many non-Jews looking to eat healthier and maybe even lose a few pounds along the way, as it involves a carefully prescribed means of choosing healthy foods and properly preparing them for consumption.
The Benefits of Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and Where to Get It
Posted on 29th Mar 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals
There are many supplements on the market that can do one or maybe even a couple of things well in benefiting our health. Then there are some that can apparently accomplish many things well. One of the latter is vitamin B3, also known as niacin, which is often recommended by personal physicians as an over-the-counter remedy when advising patients with high cholesterol and at risk eventually for heart disease.
The Benefits of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) and Where to Get It
Posted on 22nd Mar 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals
If you’re feeling low on energy these days (and maybe that’s the last thing you need with spring starting to sprout), then it could be your tank is running low on vitamin B2 (also known as riboflavin). Our bodies need a daily intake of vitamin B2, a water-soluble vitamin that has a significant role in energy production and is an essential nutrient in our diets.
The Benefits of Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) and Where to Get It
Posted on 19th Mar 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Vitamin B1, also known as thiamin, is considered an essential nutrient for our bodies because tissues need B1 to function properly. It is a water-soluble nutrient, and it plays a key role in helping our body turn consumed food into energy – that is, it metabolizes it, thus working to fuel our engine . . . to keep us running on down the road, so to speak.
'G' is for Gluten-free: Nutrition, Health and Supplements A to Z
Posted on 14th Mar 2018 06:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
We can add gluten to the list of things “we didn’t know we were supposed to be afraid of,” thanks in part to media and marketing messages that have hammered home a clear-cut message: gluten is not good for us or our health. We see this on food packaging, cereal boxes, and TV commercials, warning us to steer clear of this protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale.
Sources of Polyphenols Are Abundant
Posted on 16th Feb 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
It has often been said that “What you don’t know won’t hurt you,” but we found it smarter, safer, and healthier to take the approach that “What you do know can help you.” That’s the case with polyphenols, about which we have been learning much more in the last decade or two, and that is polyphenols can help us, healthwise for sure, and in a variety of ways.
Can You Guess the 4 Critical Nutrients the American Diet Lacks?
Posted on 13th Feb 2018 11:02:18 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management
Do you know what “SAD” stands for? If you guessed, “seasonal affective disorder,” you get a point. But today we’re looking at a different SAD… The Standard American Diet. SAD is far too common here in the U.S. where “three out of four Americans don’t eat a single piece of fruit in a given day, and nearly nine out of ten don’t reach the minimum recommended daily intake of vegetables”.
'D' is for Detox: Health, Nutrition & Supplements A to Z
Posted on 15th Feb 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
About every 3,000 miles or so, we get the oil changed for our car or SUV, the idea being to keep our vehicles running clean and smoothly. We do what the instruction manual tells us to do, or we risk car problems. Our bodies beg for the same sort of treatment. This entails getting rid of routine waste as well as harmful toxins, and for that there has to be a will and a way.
The Power of Polyphenols
Posted on 7th Feb 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Polyphenols are plant-based compounds that occur naturally and can be found in an assortment of fruits and vegetables, as well as in some cereals and beverages. Per National Institutes of Health (NIH), fruits such as grapes, apples, and cherries (and count in blueberries as well) contain up to 200-300 milligrams of polyphenols per 100 grams of fresh weight.
12 Pre-Workout Supplements for a Performance Boost
Posted on 6th Feb 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
Regardless what kind of physical workout you are planning to do tonight, tomorrow, or next Tuesday, chances are you could use a little boost to help get you going – or to keep your motor running at optimal performance. Eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of rest at night are key to great workouts, but oftentimes you need more, and this is where nutritional supplements can help full in the dietary gaps. We all have them, even if we think we don’t.
'B' is For Bee Products: Health and Nutrition Glossary A-to-Z
Posted on 5th Feb 2018 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Bees can be chubby, hovering annoyances at backyard barbecues or Sunday afternoon picnics. Sometimes they can even be a real pain, as in “Be careful where you stick that stinger.” But there’s a good side to the bee story as well. You might even call these fuzzy, brown or black and yellow bugs health nuts in a roundabout way/ That’s in the sense that a variety of their by-products are known to provide health benefits for humans. Remember that next time you suffer or, better yet, ward off a bee sting.
Enzymes Break Down and Process Food During Digestion
Posted on 29th Jan 2018 11:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
The more we know about how our bodies really work, the more amazing these wondrous human mechanisms make themselves out to be. Take digestion, for instance. There’s more to it than sticking food in our mouths, chewing it and then letting it fuel our bodies before what’s left over departs our bodies as waste.
The Best Vitamins and Supplements to Support Stomach Health
Posted on 19th Jan 2018 10:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Considering the amount, as well as the types, of food we put into our mouths over the course of a week, it’s almost shocking that many of us go months or even years without suffering from stomach ailments. Our stomachs are a great repository of all things good and bad that we consume, which means that some of the best work we can do on behalf of our health is finding the right supplements and vitamins to stick into our stomachs to support our health.
8 New Year's Resolutions for a Healthy 2018
Posted on 30th Dec 2017 10:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Wellness & Well-being
So, you’re sick and tired of making New Year’s resolutions year after year, only to break them long before January gives way to February? Or, maybe you’re just sick and tired, period, and in need of some easy-to-reach pick-me-ups that will leave you feeling fit, strong, and healthy for 2018. Here are eight resolution suggestions to grab onto and make a go of once you finish ringing in the New Year. Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2018!
The Best Vitamins and Supplements to Support Ears and Hearing
Posted on 5th Dec 2017 10:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
More than 350 million people around the world suffer from moderate to severe hearing loss. The sources of such loss include loud noises, infectious diseases, aging, and the use of certain drugs. Not surprisingly, it has been estimated that about 50 percent of these hearing-loss cases were avoidable, per articles.mercola.com. Hearing-protective devices could have been worn, and in some cases dietary habits over time could have made a difference.
The Best Vitamins and Supplements for Male Reproductive System
Posted on 7th Dec 2017 10:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
This is the desire of every adult male who wishes to engage in sexual activity: that he always be at the peak of his sexual prowess without worry of lost stamina, erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, or any other condition that might lead to diminished performance in the bedroom. The good news for men is that they need not leave their sexual reproductive system to chance, that they can do something about it through good nutrition buoyed by the right vitamins and supplements.
Beetroot Getting Attention for Ability to Lower Blood Pressure
Posted on 4th Dec 2017 11:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Wellness & Well-being
Maintaining healthy blood pressure (BP) or lowering BP that is already elevated is a task that can be targeted by a variety of fruits and vegetables. One of the veggies earning a solid reputation in that regard is beetroot. Numerous studies are now showing that beetroot, like several other plant foods, appears to lower the risk of numerous conditions to include heart disease and obesity.
What Vitamins Should Weightlifters Take for Gains?
Posted on 30th Nov 2017 08:10:20 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals
If you’re looking to build muscle, you’ve probably found no shortage of protein powder and creatine resources. But it can be a little more difficult to find the best vitamin and mineral supplements for weightlifting. Of course, having the right supplements is essential for building muscle, turning food into useful energy, and protecting your overall health.
Don't Let a Protein Deficiency Get You Down
Posted on 29th Nov 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
We need our protein. It is essential to our well-being because it is the building block of our muscles, skin, hormones, and enzymes, while also playing a key role in our body’s tissues. A protein deficiency can be the forerunner of numerous health issues, and not consuming enough protein in our diets can cause subtle, unwanted changes in our bodies over time.
Make Thanksgiving Dinner a Nutritious Feast
Posted on 22nd Nov 2017 17:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Regardless where or with whom you plan on consuming that great annual feast known as Thanksgiving dinner, surely you would like to savor your meal and enjoy your company without busting your pants or blowing up any healthy diet you’ve just started. Well, there might be a way to have your turkey and eat it, too (along with all the fixings) without stuffing your body with a week’s worth of calories in two hours or less.
These Fungi (In Every Grocery Store) Can Boost Your Immune System
Posted on 14th Nov 2017 10:52:03 in Food & Nutrition, Immune System
Maybe “fungus” isn’t the first word that comes to mind when you think of your health. However, many fungi available in your local grocery store have been found to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and help the body fight off viral infections.
It’s time to rethink mushrooms! Check out these four immune system-boosting mushrooms (including at least one you’ve heard of and maybe even incorporated into your own cooking: the shiitake mushroom).
Probiotics Benefit More Than Just Digestive Health
Posted on 17th Oct 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Eating bugs may be a way of life for castaways in survival mode or special-forces military types on extended-training exercises, but in normal everyday life it’s not for the squeamish. Or is it? The consumption of probiotics, available in food and supplement form, involves eating bugs (millions of them) in the form of bacteria that benefit our gut health, otherwise known as our digestive system.
Vitamins and Supplements that Support a Healthy Integumentary System
Posted on 15th Oct 2017 11:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
The largest organ in the body is quite possibly one you haven’t heard of before, at least when it’s called by its correct name. That’s the integumentary system, which weighs between six and 10 pounds, covers a total surface area of about 18-20 square feet for adults, and consists of our skin, hair, nails, glands, and nerve receptors. There you have it – the integumentary system – a name for several body features that, collectively, you didn’t even know had a name, let alone that they comprised a ‘system.’
What's the Ketogenic Diet and What's in It?
Posted on 11th Oct 2017 10:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Wellness & Well-being
The ketogenic diet is a low-carb diet often compared to the Atkins diet, as both are based on a drastic reduction in carbs consumption. Per webmd.com, the main premise of the ketogenic diet is to get more calories from protein and fat, and fewer from carbs – which means cutting out sugar, soda, pastries, and white bread, for starters.
Planting the Right Seeds for Our Best Health
Posted on 2nd Oct 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
We’ve heard it said lately that the best way to lose weight, improve our cardiovascular health, fend off viruses, etc., is not so much through physical exercise as it is by making healthy changes to our diet. You know, emphasize foods with an abundance of antioxidants, fiber, and protein, and go easy on the sweets, fat, and calories.
Foods to Eat or Avoid to Prevent Acne
Posted on 29th Sep 2017 16:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Acne, otherwise known as pimples, is one of the most common dermatological conditions, affecting millions of young adults worldwide – and a relative handful of older adults as well. Assumptions about a possible link between what we eat and the appearance of acne on young people’s faces, as well as other body locales such as the upper back, have long been bandied about, based on nothing much more than anecdotal hearsay.
Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice for Good Health
Posted on 29th Sep 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
OK, truth be told, this post doesn’t offer much that involves putting sugar and good health in the same sentence, but it sounded nice in the title. When it comes to herbs and spices that can promote good health as well as add a nice touch to a three- or four-course dinner, much can be said without mention of sugar. Modern science is only now catching up to what some cultures have known for centuries, that many spices possess amazing health benefits.
Osteoporosis Symptoms and Supporting Healthy Bone Structure
Posted on 25th Sep 2017 15:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
It’s easy to think of our bones and bone structure as nothing but hard substance, out of sight (beneath our skin, of course) and able to take care of itself, only to be tended to when we suffer a fracture or break. The truth is, our bones, to include our teeth, are living tissue in need of our constant care through ingestion of proper nutrition. Any deficiency in such care or nutrition – think calcium and vitamin D, for starters – can mean development of osteoporosis.
Diet and Nutrition: From A to Z
Posted on 7th Sep 2017 11:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals
Knowing what foods to eat and which supplements to take to optimize your health can be overwhelming. Let us help break down some of that for you. Here’s an alphabetized summary of 26 healthy foods and supplements to keep/put on your list. Let this be your guide to smarter grocery shopping and better health:
Berberine Can Help Solve Digestive Issues
Posted on 4th Sep 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Considering the wildly mixed bag of foods we cram into our mouths – almost anything goes, from spicy to fatty to sugary to all points in between – and, in many cases, the volume of some ingestions, it’s a wonder our stomach and gastrointestinal (GI) system don’t scream, punch, or kick back at us more than it does.
The Sirtfood Diet: Healthy Craze or Just Plain Crazy?
Posted on 1st Sep 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management
If you are looking to kickstart a weight-loss program with almost-guaranteed success right out the gate, and if you like chocolate and/or wine and/or coffee, and if you have three weeks to spare, then maybe there really is a diet program out there that might appeal to you. There really is such a diet, and it goes by the name of the Sirtfood Diet. Celebrities like singer Adele swear by it – or at least eat by it.
Natural Ways to Lower High Blood Pressure
Posted on 30th Aug 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health
It’s an old story but one that bears repeating if you want to grow old: high blood pressure, or hypertension, has been called the “silent killer” because its symptoms are rarely noticeable. However, that is not to say that hypertension is a death sentence. A variety of medications effective in lowering blood pressure (BP) are available. Better yet, there are natural alternatives that have proved useful in reducing BP to healthier levels.
Nutrition That Works Well Before a Workout
Posted on 29th Aug 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
A great dietary plan isn’t just about what you eat, it’s also about when you eat. We all know the drill about not eating too late into the evening, as a full stomach can disrupt sleep patterns and throw our metabolism out of kilter. Then there’s the issue of timing our meals or snacks to optimize our workouts, whether it consists of cardio, weights, a combination of both, or Plan D.
Foods That Are Good for Fighting Inflammation
Posted on 25th Aug 2017 16:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Immune System
Inflammation on or inside our bodies is like almost anything else – too much of anything can be bad for us. Don’t be confused by that, especially if you’re thinking that any bodily inflammation is bad. It’s not; inflammation is usually our body’s healthy and immediate response to many types of unforeseen injuries and other afflictions that hit us.
Foods High in Protein Belong High on Your List
Posted on 16th Aug 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Foods and blender concoctions packed with proteins were once thought to belong solely to the domain of bodybuilders and elite athletes. Not anymore/ All the rest of us are quickly finding out that foods high in protein can work wonders for the overall health of the common man and woman, as well. Food marketers and stores have caught on, and now the rest of us can go grocery shopping looking for and finding protein-packed consumables suitable for almost everyone.
Three Key Components of Omega-3 Fish Oils
Posted on 1st Aug 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
If you’re looking for a “go-to” food worthy of being included in your weekly diet plan, you could do a lot worse than to make fatty fish – think salmon, mackerel and tuna – a part of your regular fare at the lunch or dinner table. In fact, consider it a requisite. A deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in such fish, is a leading preventable cause of death in the United States, per nutraceuticalbusinessreview.com.
Healthy Energy Snacks to Revive Your Day
Posted on 7th Jul 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
It happens to all of us at one time or another during the day, sometimes even more than once. Maybe it’s late morning with lunch more than an hour away. Or it’s mid-afternoon and the bluesy blahs are settling in, the needle on our energy gauge about to hit zero. These are the times we need a healthy snack to restore our zip, but the question then becomes, what? What’s a healthy, energy-boosting snack that will lift us up and carry us through to the next bell?
Foods That Are Potent Disease Fighters
Posted on 3rd Jul 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
Poor diets and the cheap, low-quality (but tempting) foods that comprise them are often the source of diseases that befall us. Processed foods; foods coated with pesticides; foods loaded with sugar; foods packed with fat; foods high in calorie count and low in nutritional value – all these and more are often the culprit for what ails us. It only seems appropriate that if foods are the “bad guys” when it comes to sickness and disease, that we should turn to “good guy” foods to bail us out of disease prison.
Why Can't I Lose Weight?
Posted on 29th Jun 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Wellness & Well-being
Trying to lose weight is like trying to grip a wet and slippery bar of soap – the harder you squeeze, the faster it gets away from you. A lot of weight-loss plans or diets fail because of the instant-gratification conundrum: we want to lose X number of pounds now, even when we know in our heads that any viable plan or diet requires planning, patience and perseverance, yet many of us still won’t see immediate results and will abandon it faster than a New Year’s Resolution.
What is AMPK and What Does It Do?
Posted on 27th Jun 2017 10:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Wellness & Well-being
When it comes to inducing healthy and effective weight loss, there are a lot of theories and gimmicks floating around. AMPK is no theory or gimmick, however. It’s the real deal. Short for adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, AMPK is an important enzyme that, when activated, is effective at cranking up our metabolism and burning fat.
Adjusting Your Diet for the Summer Heat
Posted on 26th Jun 2017 10:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Summer is officially here, although warming temperatures beat the official start of summer to the punch in much of the country. The heat is here. If you haven’t done it already, it’s time to tweak your diets and menus to accommodate the heat and your body’s need for regular hydration to counter increased fluid loss through sweating. On top of that, most weight-conscious people see summertime as the right time to drop excess pounds, something to keep in mind when picking out what foods to eat.
Heavy Metals Are Showing Up in Our Food Supply
Posted on 21st Jun 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Heavy metal might be music to the ears of some people, but in terms of human health it can mean bad news when too much of it shows up in our diets. Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements with a high atomic weight and a density five times or more that of water, per the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Their presence in our food supply often surpass safe limits, and human exposure to them can greatly harm our health.
Omega-3 Fights Alzheimer's by Increasing Blood Flow
Posted on 16th Jun 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, have been shown to reduce or even eliminate blood vessel blockage by remove existing deposits and preventing new deposits from forming. Essentially, by thus improving blood flow within our bodies, omega-3 can bolster our overall health in several areas, to include possibly reducing the chances of our developing Alzheimer’s disease.
What's the Difference Between Probiotics and Prebiotics?
Posted on 14th Jun 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Probiotics and prebiotics sound a lot alike but they are not the same, and yet they can serve a complementary function in helping to keep us healthy. Got that? Or, better yet, gut that? Both probiotics and prebiotics are involved in maintaining good gut health, oftentimes combining forces on behalf of our gastrointestinal system by making sure there is a healthy balance of good bacteria to bad bacteria – preferably more of the former.
Is There a Connection Between Nutrition and Depression?
Posted on 12th Jun 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
What we think or feel can be determined by what we eat. Nutrition has been shown to be a key factor related to our thought processes and emotions. This is especially true as it relates to mental disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (ICD).
What Are the Best Ways to Boost Metabolism?
Posted on 1st Jun 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Wellness & Well-being
What little most of us know about the human body’s metabolism – without the help of a scientific manual – is that a fast metabolism is more conducive to losing weight than a slow metabolism is. That’s good to know for those of us looking to shed a few (or more than a few) pounds. The question is, how can we boost our metabolism without risk to our health, and perhaps even enhance our health in the process?
How Bone Health Is Related to Nutrition
Posted on 1st Jun 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
It’s tempting to think of our bones as strong and nearly indestructible, but they need love, too, as well as plenty of good nutrition. Think of it this way, when we feed ourselves, we also are feeding our bones, and it takes more than just calcium to keep them healthy and structurally sound. And, no, our bones are not as strong as we might like to think. Anyone who has suffered a fracture knows that all too well.
What's Driving Obesity Rates for U.S. Women?
Posted on 31st May 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Weight Management, Wellness & Well-being
Two-thirds of American adults are either obese or overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The obesity rate among women in their 40s and 50s has risen to 42 percent compared to 38 percent among middle-aged men. Across all adult age groups, in terms of obesity rate, women are at 38 percent compared to 34 percent of men – the obesity rate for women is on the rise, while it has plateaued for men.
What Do Minerals Do in the Human Body?
Posted on 30th May 2017 10:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
Minerals are inorganic materials found in rocks and soils, and our bodies wouldn’t be able to survive without them. Of the more than 100 known minerals in existence, at least 18 of them are essential to our good health. Seven of them are classified essential minerals, also known as “macro-minerals”: calcium, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, sodium and chloride.
Why Cinnamon Is Good for Diabetics
Posted on 26th May 2017 15:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Something sweet to eat ordinarily is a no-no for diabetics, but cinnamon can be a delicious exception to the rule. Sprinkled onto your morning cup of joe or bowl of oatmeal, cinnamon adds a nice sugary, sugar-less freshness. It’s not only a great sugar substitute for what you eat or drink, cinnamon also may alleviate symptoms of diabetes, to include lowering elevated blood-sugar levels while still if long-sought sweet pop of flavor.
How Does Nutrition Affect Mental Health?
Posted on 23rd May 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
In times of stress, sadness or anxiety, many of us will grab the first thing edible that looks good, and we eat it, giving ourselves a brief respite from what troubles us. “Comfort food” we call it, although it has no long-term benefit. Over time, though, our nutritional habits – what we eat – can affect our brain health, for better or for worse. This is what’s known as the “food-mood connection,” as familydoctor.org puts it.
Seven Essential Minerals for the Human Body
Posted on 19th May 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Heart & Cardiovascular Health, Vision & Eye Health, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
We humans and our bodies have a nifty reciprocal arrangement. We, of course, need our bodies to do the things we want and need to do in our lives, such as getting around, performing our jobs and skipping rope, just for starters. In turn our bodies need for us to take care of them by feeding them with nutrients that they are unable to produce for themselves. Those nutrients include the inorganic substances found in foods, known as minerals.
Nutritional Needs for Older Adult Women
Posted on 17th May 2017 01:10:08 in Food & Nutrition, Immune System, Wellness & Well-being
The life expectancy of American women continues to rise because of factors such as better health care and nutrition, as well as self-awareness as women find out for themselves what they can do to enhance both. Women increasingly are living into their 80s and 90s, some even past the century mark. That presents new challenges, as older adults are often at greater risk of nutritional deficiencies, per The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Can Skin Problems Be Related to Poor Nutrition?
Posted on 18th May 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
One popular axiom of nutrition is that we are what we eat. That might not be truer than in how our food choices can determine the health and condition of our skin. What we include in our diets and therefore put into our mouths can play a direct role in maintaining healthy skin and steering us clear of problems such as dry skin, acne, wrinkles, sun damage, psoriasis and rosacea, among other conditions.
What's the Difference Between Vitamins and Supplements?
Posted on 16th May 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals, Wellness & Well-being
“Vitamins” and “supplements” often are used interchangeably in everyday speech when it comes to discussing health and dietary concerns, but the truth is they are not one and the same. The line between vitamins and supplements sometimes gets blurred; both are ingestibles involved in regulating or improving our overall health. It’s important to know, though, the difference between the two to ensure that you use them properly without going to excess.
Nutritional Needs for Older Adult Males
Posted on 15th May 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
Aging is the process through which we journey to supposedly reach the “golden years.” But joining the ranks of the elderly can be anything but golden if we don’t pay strict attention to our diets and make sure our nutritional needs are properly met.
15 Foods That Are Good for Diabetics
Posted on 24th Apr 2017 10:00:00 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Many myths exist about what sorts of food are “safe” for diabetics to eat and which ones they should stay away from at all costs. Such care and concern are understandable. People with diabetes are almost twice as likely to develop heart disease as nondiabetics, and they run a greater risk of someday developing mental health conditions. In this regard, it has long been assumed that diabetics must avoid sugar at all costs, but that isn’t necessarily true.
Cinnamon May Be Sweet Way to Regulate Blood Sugar
Posted on 24th Mar 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
Diabetics and prediabetics know that a key to managing their long-term health is managing their blood-sugar level. That usually entails discriminant consumption of sweets daily, among other healthful considerations such as exercise and medication. It is with some irony that one food item known for its sweet taste as a confection could be beneficial to people with high levels of blood sugar.
12 Steps to 'March' Through National Nutrition Month
Posted on 9th Mar 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
Every now and then it makes sense to push back from the dinner table and take a good, hard look at what you are eating. Is what you are putting into your mouth nutritious, and is it conducive to long-term good health? Just think of the benefits if we took such an inventory once a year; like, say, in March, and did something about it.
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week Runs Through March 1
Posted on 28th Feb 2017 09:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
Information about eating disorders. How to deal with eating disorder. What causes eating disorders. How to help someone with an eating disorder. There are several myths and assumptions about eating disorders that have consumed health experts for years, and a few questions remain unanswered. For example, what is the root cause of eating disorders – there are several such illnesses – and how can eating disorders be treated if not cured?
How To Control Blood Sugar Naturally
Posted on 13th Feb 2017 16:46:33 in Food & Nutrition
The National Institute of Health, the World Health Organization and others believe that people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes often lack adequate levels of many vitamins and minerals and that is a consequence of poor eating habits. Supplementation can correct some of these deficiencies and help restore normal blood sugar levels. They also complement a healthy diet and exercise. 7 supplements that have shown promising results for maintaining proper blood sugar levels: Berberine, chromium, resveratrol, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin D, magnesium and silymarin milk thistle.
12 Foods to Help Keep You Hydrated
Posted on 7th Feb 2017 15:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
We all want to be healthy and stay that way, manage our weight properly and keep our bodies operating with tiptop efficiency. In order to do that, we must stay hydrated. That means drinking plenty of water every day. How many times have we heard it: we should be sipping through at least eight glasses of water daily, no matter how tedious it can seem at times.
To Bee or Not to Bee: Make Raw Honey a Healthy Choice
Posted on 31st Jan 2017 10:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
Having trouble sleeping at night? Looking for another source of energy for the big race? Allergies got you down? That nagging cough won't go away? On and on that list goes, and as you might have guessed, there is one substance out there that can tackle all those issues, and more, even if it takes its sweet time getting the work done.
Ignorance of Folic Acid Is an Act of Folly
Posted on 4th Jan 2017 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
Quick! A show of hands for everyone who knows what folic acid is and what role(s) it plays in our health. Anyone?
A Diet Rich in Fiber Keeps Things Moving
Posted on 26th Dec 2016 03:54:31 in Food & Nutrition
When choosing what you are going to eat every day, and how and when you are going to eat it, think of your digestive system as a sort of assembly line. You want to be sure that your eating choices and habits will keep that assembly line humming right along, and that what comes out the other end—yes, we are talking about bowel movements—is what you want to have coming out. If there are any glitches or hang-ups along the way, that's when things can get dicey for you, and uncomfortable.
Pros Outweigh the Cons When It Comes to Protein
Posted on 16th Dec 2016 17:00:21 in Food & Nutrition
Proteins are good, that much we know without much instruction needed. It's even a word that rolls nicely off the tongue—"PRO-teen." It has such a great sound of positivity to it. As it should.
We hear about protein and see it mentioned a lot in advertising across all media, and many of us, especially those of us who work out a lot (pumping iron, anyone?), associate it with those delightful-looking shakes we see hard-bodied guys and gals pouring down the hatch. The stuff practically sells itself. As it should.
Gluten-free Is More than Just a Trendy Term
Posted on 13th Dec 2016 16:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
At first for the unwitting among us, it sounded like a fad cooked up to con masses of people into spending billions of dollars on a whole new category of food—gluten-free food that would be healthier and safer than anything else on the market. Healthier, that is, for anyone with celiac disease, whatever the heck that is, right? Well, yeah, except this has turned out to be no fad, and it addresses a disease with symptoms triggered when eating food with gluten in it.
What Are The Benefits Of Wheatgrass Powder
Posted on 7th Oct 2016 14:15:56 in Food & Nutrition
We have been repeatedly reminded that incorporating fruits and vegetables into our daily diets is essential for our health, happiness and disease resistance. Here's the thing, though; in this hectic rush-rush world where amenities such as packaged meals and snacks of dubious nutrition come across better suited for our 21st century lifestyle, it's not always easy---or to use the more diplomatic term, "convenient" to get our daily dose of fruits and vegetables.
Add Wheatgrass to List of 'Super Foods' Worth Checking Out
Posted on 7th Dec 2016 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
For decades, it has been drilled into our heads that fruits and vegetables are key components of our daily diets, that we should never leave home without them, that they are indispensable to our health, happiness and ability to fight off viruses and diseases.
Eating Nuts for Our Health Not a Nutty Idea
Posted on 30th Nov 2016 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
The holiday season is here in full throttle, putting us smack-dab into the festive time of year when we find ourselves eating more food than usual—some of it even good for us!
Blueberries Could Help Stave Off Dementia
Posted on 8th Nov 2016 09:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
If the thought of someday developing dementia has you concerned, now is as good a time as any to add blueberries to your grocery list—if you haven’t already. Recent research has shown that regular snacking on blueberries, beginning in middle age or earlier, could prevent dementia from developing as you get older. This is what scientists reported in March 2016 at the National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS), held in San Diego.
How B12 Could Help Your Furriest Family Member
Posted on 13th Oct 2016 16:47:21 in Food & Nutrition
Is your pet the most optimistic member of your family, too? Why wouldn't he be? We care for their every need, much like our own children. We give them shelter, sustenance and affection. In return, they gift us with their own special brand of unconditional love.
How Does Your Diet Stack Up Against Recommended Guidelines?
Posted on 16th Feb 2016 08:30:00 in Food & Nutrition
No matter how many blogs, magazine articles and books you read about maintaining a healthy diet, it can take a lot of discipline to get all of your required vitamins and minerals on a day-to-day basis. Add to that the challenge of our hectic lifestyles, it’s no wonder many of us grab meals at a drive-through window.
That challenge is reflected in a study that showed that 87 percent of Americans aren’t eating the 2 to 3 servings of vegetables recommended by the federal government on a daily basis. And that fast food? According to one study by Do Something, one out of every four Americans is eating fast food every day.
Some of the nutrients your diet most likely are missing include calcium, magnesium, fiber, Vitamin D, iron, folic acid, Vitamin A and potassium.
So, what does a healthy diet look like?
Something Special About Fish Omega-3's
Posted on 28th Aug 2015 06:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
Any time you can keep a straight face while working 'whale blubber' into the discussion, you know you might be on to something. And anyone who has ever reaped health benefits from the omega-3's present in fish oil realizes they might be on to something when it comes to choosing effective nutritional supplements off the shelf.
According to webmd.com, fish oil supplements are typically made from an assortment of fish types, including mackerel, herring, tuna, halibut, salmon, cod liver and, yes, whale blubber with some seal blubber thrown in. Don't take that to mean that taking a modest dose of fish oil a day means running a risk of excessively expanding that mass just above your beltline. This isn't about blubber, no sirrreee, but about ingesting what some health experts claim can be helpful to our well-being.
Mushrooms Nothing to Get Mushy About
Posted on 21st Aug 2015 06:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
When it comes to the psychedelic world of 'mind expansion,' 'cosmic consciousness' and all that sort of stuff, certain mushrooms have long been a go-to choice among free spirits in search of hallucinogenic substances.
'Magic mushrooms,' as they are known, have their share of devoted consumers, whose main goal in life obviously isn't good nutrition. Don't lose heart about mushrooms, though. When it comes to healthy eating and health benefits, many species of mushrooms are available (and safe), with the choices in grocery stores and supermarkets now plentiful if you are willing to shop around some.
Sweets Are Not Taboo For Diabetics
Posted on 10th Aug 2015 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
A long-held belief about diabetes is that anyone who has any form of the disease should avoid sweets at all costs and in every circumstance; it's bad for them and would increase the already-elevated levels of glucose floating around in the bloodstream. More recent research, however, says that sweets eaten in moderation are okay, as long as the diabetic person carefully follows a healthy, well-balanced diet that consists of several carbohydrates (fruits, veggies, beans, etc.), protein (poultry, fish, dairy products and some meats) and a limited amount of fat. It should also be low in cholesterol, salt and added sugar, according to familydoctor.org.
Take heed, though, diabetes sufferers: this is not license for you to chase a healthy, low-cal and leafy lunch salad with a triple-scoop sundae smothered in hot fudge and a box full of melt-in-your-mouth glazed donuts hot from Krispy Kreme. It does, however, crack open a door behind which diabetics for years have punished themselves with a self-imposed sweets moratorium without an end in sight.
Bone Broth Tagged as Trending Health Drink
Posted on 9th Aug 2015 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
It has long been known as something good for what ails you, something to sip or slowly spoon from a bowl whether you are nursing a nasty cold, battling back from a bout with energy-sapping stomach flu or just in need of something to calm the nerves without creating bodily chaos when trying to crawl out of bed the next morning.
We're speaking, of course, about that age-old elixir, broth, which it seems has been around since the beginning of time, our moms using it as part of their TLC to get our juices reflowing in the right direction. Various forms of broth, also known as stock, bouillon or consommé, actually have been around for hundreds of years, a form of which – bone broth – has emerged in the last year as the newest "re-innovation," reportedly even rivaling the likes of Starbucks as being on the cutting edge of honest-to-goodness hip.
Folic Acid a Must for Women Thinking Pregnancy
Posted on 29th Jul 2015 18:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
A woman has a lot to think about when planning a pregnancy and having a baby. There's the usual stuff such as career considerations and taking time off from work, crossing alcohol off the grocery list, window shopping cribs, buying new clothes to accommodate her own gradual growth of girth, and picking out boy's and girl's names to have at the ready to discuss with her husband.
All of that is the easy stuff that can be handled sometime today, tomorrow or next week, but there is one item on the to-do list that she cannot do without, and it calls for immediate action. If she isn't already doing so, it's time to supplement her regular eating plan with a daily dose of folic acid. It is something that moms-to-be can't afford to be without.
Citrus Fruits Take a Public Relations Hit
Posted on 26th Jul 2015 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the produce section at the grocery store, word comes of a potential link between citrus fruit and malignant melanoma of the skin, as reported in late June 2015 by various media.
This isn't exactly shark-in-the-water stuff that begs closing down the beaches (or the produce section), but it is something to be concerned about until, and if, we ever get the all-clear signal.
Popularity of Chia Seeds Continues to Sprout
Posted on 27th Jul 2015 06:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
Chia seeds are a relatively new nutritional craze, or so you thought. What many folks might not know is that these edible seeds, which come from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, found in abundance in southern Mexico, have been around for several thousand years, dating back to the ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures. The small black and white seeds were consumed for their energy-boosting qualities, which makes sense when you realize that these little buggers contain healthy doses of omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants and calcium.
Clearly, chia seeds epitomize the notion that good things come in small packages. According to NutritionData.com, a one-ounce serving (137 calories, 72 from fat) provides a full 42 percent of the recommended daily value (RDV) of dietary fiber as well as 18 percent of the RDV for calcium. High-fiber diets have been shown to not only decrease pressure and inflammation in the colon while promoting regularity for a healthy digestive tract, it also could aid in weight loss by helping you to feel full longer.
We All Scream for Ice Cream
Posted on 23rd Jul 2015 12:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
We are a nation that loves our ice cream. According to the International Dairy Foods Association, more than 10 percent of all the milk U.S. dairy farmers are producing goes into making ice cream, in turn making ice cream beri, beri good for business. In some ways, ice cream can be beneficial to our health, as long as we eat it in moderation – hint, a big bowl filled to the brim with scooped ice cream, whether it be plain vanilla or one of Ben and Jerry's creatively-named concoctions, goes well beyond moderation.
Here's the good nutritional news for ice cream lovers: A Sharecare editors' blog posted at blog.doctoroz.com says that women who consumed a daily helping of full-fat dairy products, to include ice cream, gained less weight than those who didn't (source: the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition). The blog also references a Harvard study, as reported in a publication titled Human Reproduction, that women eating full-fat ice cream at least twice a week were 38 percent less likely to have ovulation-related infertility.
Milk Choices Require Discerning Shoppers
Posted on 14th Jul 2015 00:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
Choosing which kind of milk to buy can be as tricky as buying a car for the first time. You go into the store (or onto the lot) thinking you know exactly what you want, until you see all the choices and start having second (and third and fourth) thoughts.
This isn't like the old days where milk was milk, from the cow and pasteurized, and it magically appeared in bottles left on your front porch by the truck-driving, uniformed milkman. Those were the days; today, it's just a daze, trying to pick the right milk fit for you and your particular health or diet considerations.
Before Gorging on Hot Dogs, Consider Their Content
Posted on 10th Jul 2015 00:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
One of the biggest sporting events of the year took place over the Fourth of July weekend, and a new champion was crowned, ending the eight-year reign of a legendary competitor who many consider to be the sport's greatest hot dogger of all time.
No, this isn't about Serena Williams at Wimbledon or Jordan Spieth capturing yet another major golf championship. We're talking about Joey Chestnut, whose eight-year streak of winning the Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York came to an end at the hands – and mouth and stomach – of Matthew "Megatoad" Stonie, who crammed in and gulped down 62 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, two more than Chestnut was able to inhale.
Cinnamon May Be a Flavorful Boon to Your Health
Posted on 7th Jul 2015 00:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
Count cinnamon among those rare consumables that defy the adage that says for anything to be good for you, it has to taste awful, or at best not very good. Cinnamon is one of those spices that for thousands of years has been identified and embraced as beneficial to our bodies in many ways. Plus, it adds a nice touch when sprinkled on coffee or lattes, toast and donuts, a combination which for many of us, including, we assume, some police officers, constitutes a breakfast of champions.
Chinese botanical textbooks, according to foodfacts.mercola.com, have made mention of cinnamon dating back more than 4,700 years, and its biblical references are numerous as well. Found on the branches of wild trees growing in areas such as the Caribbean, South America and Southeast Asia, cinnamon's bark is not only good for our bite (mostly in powdered form), it serves a multitude of medicinal purposes as well. In medieval times among physicians, those benefits included providing relief for coughs, arthritis and sore throats.
Picking Berries Is Choosing Wisely
Posted on 3rd Jul 2015 00:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
In recent weeks in this space we've made mention of summertime fun at the beach, on the golf course or at some other familiar playground. Let's not limit ourselves, however; there are different types of things we can do to get the most out of the hazy, lazy days of summer. Like picking (and eating) berries, for instance.
Who among us at some point hasn't come across patches of raspberries, strawberries or blackberries, and then gone and retrieved a basket for picking and collecting them? Maybe we can't resist the impulse and gobble them down right away, or we take them home to be served later that day as a vanilla yogurt-covered dessert, or perhaps they get baked in a pie by Mom or Grandma to be served at the dinner table.
Staying Focused Means Concentrating on What You Eat
Posted on 1st Jul 2015 00:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
It's mid-morning on a Monday, a fresh new work week, and already you're having trouble focusing. You’ve been at your desk about two hours, and you're slaving away on your computer. A half-dozen distractions are pulling at you, however, and none have anything to do with work productivity.
Your work email inbox is filling up, you're dying to check the notifications on your Facebook page, it's been 15 minutes since you let that personal phone call go to voicemail, that restless night of so-called sleep has drained your gas tank, the boss just dropped by to tell you she has moved up the weekly status meeting by 30 minutes and your stomach is growling. All things considered, your concentration level is kaput and your mind is in disarray.
Eating Bananas Isn't Just Monkey Business
Posted on 23rd Jun 2015 00:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
As the old saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. The same could be said of at least one other such wonder fruit: bananas. A banana a day provides its tasty share of health benefits in helping our bodies ward off illnesses and other pesky annoyances, meaning bananas deserve a spot alongside apples in the fruit hall of fame.
Bananas can be as good as gold whether your main concern is controlling blood pressure, finding a yummy late-night snack to help make you sleepy or devising a sensible dietary regimen to help you lose weight. And that's just for starters.
The Right Foods Can Put Us in the Right Mood
Posted on 14th Jun 2015 00:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
In laymen's terms we call it comfort food, those delectable edibles that can turn a sad day into a glad day by providing us a respite, even a brief one, when things otherwise aren't going our way. Chocolate, for instance. Who in a moment of stress or anxiety hasn't craved a big bowl of chocolate ice cream or a sinful piece of chocolate cake with the frosting dripping off your fork? Even a chocolate bar will do in a pinch.
Good thinking! Actually, a plain chocolate bar, especially one made from dark chocolate, isn't such a bad idea for a needed mood swing. Science, and good taste, are on our side. According to Woman'sDay, a recent Swiss study found that a 1.4-ounce piece of dark chocolate can lower the levels of cortisol and catecholamines – stress hormones – in our body. That reduces feelings of anxiety, giving us a chance to bounce back from going a couple of rounds with an angry boss or whoever.
Eating Fish a Healthy Choice ... Most of the Time
Posted on 10th Jun 2015 00:00:00 in Food & Nutrition
All fish are not created equal, and some are healthier to eat than others. That's something to keep in mind when contemplating cuisine consisting of water dwellers.
Many Americans weaned on traditional staples such as red meat and poultry (i.e., chicken) are now looking at fish as a dietary alternative presumably lighter on calories and leaning to good cardiovascular health. Eating and enjoying seafood can be an acquired taste for many, but one they got hooked on fish, fish enthusiasts are as eager to whip up a tasty fish-centered recipe at home as to dine out for the convenience of gobbling down a plate of mustard-broiled salmon or grilled trout almandine.
Let Spinach Put Some Pop(eye) in Your Diet
Posted on 1st Jun 2015 17:05:59 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Those of us of a certain age don’t have fond memories of as kids coerced into eating spinach, especially when it meant staring at that icky, yucky green stuff passed off as hot lunch in schools decades ago. All that started to change, though, once we were exposed to its positive attributes via the superhuman exploits of a squinty-eyed, canned-spinach-guzzling cartoon sailor man by the name of Popeye.
Now that we reside in the ultra-health-conscious 21st century, spinach in its various cooked or raw states not only has become edible to us overgrown kids, it has emerged as a dietary superstar. This is in a world where terms such as iron; vitamins K, A, C and D2; folic acid, manganese and magnesium – all found in spinach – ring familiar to health-savvy parents, health care professionals and nutritionists alike.
Don't Let Constipation Ruin Your Trip
Posted on 1st Jun 2015 16:59:33 in Food & Nutrition, Wellness & Well-being
Finally, you're headed out the door on that long-awaited vacation to a bucket-list destination. Plane tickets, wallet/purse, keys and phone in hand? Check. Rental car and hotel/cabana reservations? Check. Clothes, toiletries and phone charger are packed; mail delivery is on hold; several house lights are left on; and the security system is armed. Miraculously, everyone else is set and ready to go, too.
All is going well until you get a day or two into the trip and it dawns on you that you haven't, to put it delicately, been to the bathroom outside of No. 1 for a long time. You feel bloated, perhaps cramping around the waistline, generally feeling out of sorts. You realize you have constipation, and chances are you aren't alone.
Blandness as a Breakfast of Champions
Posted on 27th May 2015 16:00:51 in Food & Nutrition, Children's Health
Ask the kids what kind of cereal they want from the grocery store, and their answers will include almost every concoction of sugar-coated morsels imaginable.
The last thing you want to do when shopping is make the wrong choice(s), although there is one right choice that is a healthier alternative, even if the young ’uns won’t see it that way at first. Think about reaching across the cereal aisle and buying one of those big canisters of oatmeal, the kind where you can pour bowl after bowl each morning without fretting over the amount of sugar and corn syrup being pumped into their growing bodies.
