Browse Category: Nutrition
One of the newest “diets” to grace the medical scene is that of the Anti-Inflammatory Diet. It is really less a diet just to lose weight and more a lifestyle change. This is especially important considering inflammation is the cause of so many dangerous health conditions. Below, we examine just what it is and what principles it’s founded upon.
May is "Older Americans Month"!When the golden years come you can still make the changes necessary to live a healthier life. One of the biggest things that can impact these healthy changes is the vitamins and minerals you give your body. It is always best to give your body its necessary nutrition through food but it is also beneficial to take supplements to make sure you are getting enough of everything you need.
In this day and age, it’s hard to get away from eating packaged foods . . . at least every now and then. As hard as you may try to eliminate packaged and processed foods from your diet, sometimes it’s unavoidable. Luckily, you can be smart about choosing these kinds of foods if you have the knowledge to identify the really unhealthy ones. Keep reading for some tips on how to survive in a “packaged foods world.”
While you probably know that you need to have a fiber-rich daily diet for optimum health, you may not know exactly what that means. Recent studies even prove this, with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) indicating “that most of us don’t even come close to the recommended intake of 20 grams to 35 grams of fiber per day.” Instead, most people get about half of this recommended amount. Below, we examine this topic more closely.
The acai berry has been known for its amazing benefits for health concerns, such as heart disease, diabetes, poor sleep, digestive disorders, and arthritis, as well as for its powerful anti-aging properties and effectiveness in aiding weight loss. But lately certain acai products have come under fire by the Better Business Bureau due to false claims and lack of promised results. What’s the real story behind the acai berry? The following article will set the record straight about this superfruit and its numerous health benefits.
Industry Watchdog/Washington Post Investigation Brings Down Old Leadership
Despite your efforts to “choose healthy,” your kitchen may be packed with foods that are harmful to your health. Modern Americans have so many different processed foods at their disposal, it can oftentimes be difficult to discern the good food from the bad food. In addition, fresh fruits and vegetables can bear significant risk, especially through germs, pesticides and animal virus. Keep reading to find out some of the hidden threats on your kitchen shelves.
Staying fit and healthy is certainly no easy task. There are so many pieces to abide by: eat right, take your vitamins, get enough sleep, exercise, and on and on. However, new studies suggest that even if you do all that you may still be prone to more fat tissue than the next guy. Why? A deficiency in Vitamin D.
Have you heard of the so-called “Junk Food Tax”? Some experts believe that taxing unhealthy foods such as potato chips and ding-dongs could actually have a significant impact on America’s current obesity problem. And there’s some scientific evidence to back it up. Let's take a closer look at this potential answer to the rising obesity epidemic.
If you’re on a diet and think that the less fat you eat, the better, think again. Not all fats are bad for you—in fact, your body needs fats to maintain proper cell functioning, regulate body temperature, and to help you absorb and store essential nutrients. But it is true that not all fats are created equal. So . . . how can you tell the difference? Keep reading to find out.
There are many genetically modified foods available from your local grocer . . . but are you aware of the “interests” behind these foods? When visiting the supermarket one thing is for sure: it is important to examine your purchases carefully. However, even with knowledge and vigilance it may not be possible to avoid them all; genetically modified foods are everywhere. Keep reading to find out more about the GM foods lurking on your shelves.
The following article has been contributed by Margaret Lewin, MD,FACP and Medical Director of Cinergy Health.March is National Nutrition Month, but even as we roll into April, it’s essential to think about good nutrition ALL YEAR LONG! Let’s look at spring’s glorious choices of fruits and vegetables and plan to E.A.T. R.I.G.H.T.!
Myths, tall-tales, urban legends . . . call it what you like, but there are some “stories” out there that just don't hold water when put to the test. The same applies to food! Just because you’ve read or heard for years that a food has certain properties, doesn’t mean it’s true. Below, uncover the facts about some commonly-held beliefs.
Sodium is a known health problem for many Americans. It is proven that diets high in sodium cause numerous heart attacks, strokes, and deaths annually. If a person reduces the salt in their diet by 3 grams daily, they will reduce their risk of the fatal deaths. In fact, the reduction of sodium is comparable to smokers quitting, weight loss and lowering cholesterol, and could save an estimated 92,000 people every year.
For the secret to a longer, happier, and healthier life, look no farther than your local grocery store. That’s right—superfoods are high in antioxidants and have anti-aging and disease-fighting properties. What’s more, they are low in or completely free of harmful trans fats and refined sugars, which can contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes, and other health conditions. Let’s take a look at eight essential foods you should be adding to your shopping cart . . .
We all know how important certain foods are in keeping us healthy, but there are two things you'll see in nearly every cupboard that continually get a bad rap: salt and sugar. Just how dangerous are these elements when it comes to your health? The answer might surprise you! It seems one (or both) are contained in almost everything you eat, and just the thought of eliminating one or the other from your daily regimen may send some people into a state of panic. But if you knew what these two elements are really doing to your body, you might reconsider.
When you’re trying to eat a healthier, more well-balanced diet (perhaps as part of your New Year's Resolution?), replacing your usual fare with main course-sized salads seems like the best way to go. After all, they’re filled with good-for-you produce, so there’s no way you can go wrong . . . right? Well, maybe not. Read on to learn the truth beyond some of most common salad myths.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has often been in the news, with the possibility of being linked to certain health conditions ranging from migraines and anxiety to IBS and reduced brain function. However, the FDA maintains that MSG is generally safe for people to ingest and food producers to add to their products. Despite the FDA’s claim, several scientists and doctors continue to explore the possible links between MSG in the food supply and its effects on health. One issue of recent interest is the link between MSG and the current obesity epidemic. Is there a connection? Let’s take a look. . .
Probiotics is a term you likely keep hearing more and more, particularly in the health field. You’re hearing it for good reason . . . because of the many positive health effects simply by adding probiotics to your diet. Probiotics, also known as the “friendly” or “good” bacteria, have been the subject of many recent studies and research programs. One study of particular interest is the effect probiotics and prebiotics have in treating or preventing eczema in infants at high risk for this condition.
Cooking well-balanced meals on a regular basis can be a challenge, especially when it’s easy to fall into a rut of the same old recipes or give in to tempting flavors that don’t do your waistline any favors. But there are simple steps you can take to make sure you’re making the healthiest meals possible. Read on for some tips on how you can cook for better health.