June 26, 2018

Sorrel: It’s Tart, It’s Tangy and Full of Benefits

Sorrel is a fascinating herb to add to your food repertoire. It’s slightly tart, tangy, and slightly lemony flavor is appreciated all around the world and is cultivated for a number of uses. Although primarily grown for use in food, sorrel also has a vast array of health benefits. There are a number of varieties of sorrel that grow in different regions of the world, and while many of them have slightly different characteristics and associated health benefits, they are generally the same. Some of sorrel’s benefits include: Improves eyesight Slows the aging process Reduces skin infections Strengthens immune system Improves digestion Increases […]
June 20, 2018

Eat Early and Fast Late to Improve Blood Pressure

A pilot study conducted at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center shows that eating all your meals by midafternoon and fasting the rest of the day improves blood sugar control, blood pressure and oxidative stress, even when people don’t change what they eat. “Ours is the first study in humans that shows consuming all of your calories in a six-hour period provides metabolic advantages compared to eating the exact same amount over 12 hours or more, even if you don’t lose weight,” said study co-author Dr. Eric Ravussin, Pennington’s associate executive director and director of the Nutrition Obesity Research Center. “Our data also indicate that our […]
June 20, 2018

What Superfoods Are in Your Latte? 5 To Look For

Though the recipe for a latte follows the same formula—X ingredient(s), plus dairy or non-dairy milk alternative, and of course, espresso—the combinations to create the perfect latte are endless. What’s coming down the pike are superfood lattes, or the milk of choice mixed with a superfood ingredient that offers specific health benefits. You might have stumbled upon some of the more popular or visually arresting sensations; if you haven’t yet, check them out on Instagram because you will be seeing more of them. During a three-month period at the end of 2017, #roselatte occurrences grew just over 11 percent; #tarolatte, 12 […]
June 19, 2018

What’s for Breakfast? Good Morning Tacos!

Spicy and filling breakfast tacos have one advantage everyone loves: You can eat them quickly, with your hands. Eggs are a natural filling, but the sweet potato–black bean combo is an eggless protein option. Plus, they are gluten free. Fast Breakfast Tacos 3 Ways Here are three delicious options for breakfast tacos: Sweet potato, black bean and crema fresca: Peel a small sweet potato, and cut into 1-inch chunks. Cover, and sauté in olive oil until soft. When nearly done, measure out 2/3 cup and return to pan (reserve remainder for another use). Add ½ cup cooked black beans to […]
June 12, 2018

Potassium Helps Lower Your Blood Pressure

Most people you talk to about high blood pressure say, “I know, I know. I need to cut back on salt.” That’s correct. Few, however, are aware that potassium also plays a key role in the fight against high blood pressure. Who cares? We should, says the American Heart Association (AHA). High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke — sometimes called a heart attack in the brain — that can lead to serious disabilities or death. We could prevent 80 percent of strokes, says the AHA, primarily by keeping our blood pressure in check. A normal blood pressure (now […]
June 12, 2018

Two Cups of This Improves Memory in 30 Days

I make a point to read a lot of research findings on many common foods and nutritional products that will boost heart health.  But, many people don’t know that your heart health is directly linked to your brain health.  As such, I came across the findings of a recent study that showed that a common food already found to boost heart health a few years ago is now being credited for improving brain health – specifically memory.  Let me tell you about it. The Heart Doctor’s Rx for Good Brain Health It’s generally accepted amongst doctors and medical researchers that […]
June 12, 2018

Study Finds Fish-Oil May Guard Against Alzheimer’s

Since many of my patients and readers have entered the over 65 age bracket, or will in the near future, I always like to
June 12, 2018

French Oak Wood Extract Aids Flu Recovery

The May 2018 issue of The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness published the finding of
June 12, 2018

Can We Change Our Minds About Psychedelics?

New York Times bestselling author Michael Pollan was in Pasadena last week to discuss his latest book, How To Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence. Sponsored by Vroman’s bookstore, Pollan spoke to a full house at All Saints Church. His talk was moderated by author Michael Haskell Smith. Pollan, named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2010, is the author of seven previous books, including Cooked, Food Rules, In Defense of Food, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, and The Botany of Desire, all New […]
June 12, 2018

7 Time-Saving Tips for Family Meals

You can’t make every meal from scratch—and that’s okay. With a hectic family schedule and little
June 5, 2018

The Power of Calcium

Of all of the minerals required by your body, its need for calcium is the greatest. Interestingly, calcium is the fifth most abundant mineral in the human body and in the earth’s crust. Calcium, an electrolyte, is best known for its role in bone health, but it’s also necessary for circulation, nerve transmission, hormonal secretion and muscle function. For these processes, only a small amount of calcium is needed, and it’s obtained from your body’s largest reservoir: bone. You Really Do Need Calcium for Your Bones Calcium is a major component of bones and teeth. A deficiency can result in osteopenia […]
May 29, 2018

Snazz Up a Salad With Sage & Snap Peas

Put a little more spring and some snap (peas) into your next salad with this tasty recipe! Tender basil leaves available on young spring plants add mild flavor and vivid color to the fabulous, nutrient-loaded vinaigrette. Sage-Breaded Chicken, Spinach and Snap Pea Salad Ingredients: 1 egg (lightly beaten) ¼ cup sour cream ¾ cup Italian-flavored bread crumbs 1½ tsp. ground sage 1 lb. chicken tenders 5 ounces baby spinach 2 cups snap peas (chopped) 2 cups strawberries (sliced) 2 avocadoes (thinly sliced) ¼ cup roasted unsalted almonds (chopped) ¼ cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves (snipped) FOR THE WHITE BALSAMIC […]
May 23, 2018

A Healthy Diet Can Help Treat Depression

A healthy Mediterranean diet may not only help treat depression, but also can save consumers and patients