February 25, 2014

Fried Meat May Raise Risk of Diabetes

Toxic chemicals found at high concentrations in fried and grilled meats may raise the risk of diabetes and dementia, researchers say. US scientists found that rodents raised on a Western-style diet rich in compounds called glycotoxins showed early signs of diabetes, along with brain changes and symptoms that are seen in Alzheimer’s disease. The findings matched what the researchers saw in a small number of older people, where those with higher levels of glycotoxins in their circulation had memory and other cognitive problems, and signs of insulin resistance, which precedes diabetes. The results are tentative, but if confirmed by other […]
February 18, 2014

Why Diet ALWAYS Matters

Virtually every day, we’re all bombarded with advice about our diets. We’re told which foods to eat to have more energy, reduce our cholesterol, lower our chances of a heart attack, reduce our risk of getting cancer … yet once someone is diagnosed with cancer, these recommendations often fall by the wayside. Though defying both common sense and good science, some cancer patients are still hearing “eat whatever you want, you need to keep up your strength,” by their physicians. And, this holds true even when their dietary choices are loaded with saturated fats and refined sugars! At the Block […]
February 11, 2014

Cooked: A Natural History of Transformation

  In Cooked, author and activist Michael Pollan explores the previously uncharted territory of his own kitchen. Here, he discovers the enduring power of the four classical elements—fire, water, air, and earth—to transform the stuff of nature into delicious things to eat and drink.  Each section of Cooked tracks Pollan’s effort to master a single classic recipe using one of the four elements. Apprenticing himself to a succession of culinary masters, Pollan learns how to grill with fire, cook with liquid, bake bread, and ferment everything from cheese to beer. Cooking—of whatever kind, everyday or extreme—situates us in the world […]
February 4, 2014

Cinnamon Improves Liver Enzymes

The February 2014 issue of the journal Nutrition Research described the outcome of a trial conducted by Iranian researchers which revealed a benefit for cinnamon in men and women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease includes steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and can result in death if left untreated. The trial included fifty men and women between the ages of 20 and 65 years with NAFLD. Participants were randomized to receive two 750 milligram capsules of cinnamon or a placebo daily for twelve weeks. Blood samples collected before and after the treatment period were analyzed for […]
January 28, 2014

5 Best New Gluten-Free Snacks

If you follow a gluten-free diet religiously (which for most of you is an absolute must), you’ll know that new gluten-free snacks are a fun find. Luckily, they’ve become a lot easier to find, but for the gluten-free veteran, it still never fails to excite. And if you’re new to a gluten-free diet, you’re likely navigating your way through the discovery process and are lacking a strong list of snacks you can fall back on. Well, we’re here for you. Periodically, we just can’t help but talking up our newest and favorite gluten-free snacks. And today is another one of those […]
January 21, 2014

Fat in Your Diet – Do You Know The Real Skinny?

When I talk to my patients about ways to protect their heart, and general health by eating more good fats and avoiding the bad fats – they’re often confused.  One patient said, “Aren’t they all bad?”  You can’t blame his response though, for the last few decades, “fat” in the diet has been blamed for everything from heart disease to cancer to many other conditions in-between. In the last several years though, health researchers have come to learn that all fats aren’t created equal.  Not all are bad and, some are even good and necessary for your good health.  So I’d like […]
January 14, 2014

FDA Allows Untested Chemicals in Food

Why do Americans enjoy a lower quality of life and health than people in most other high-income nations? The answer may lie in the foods we eat. In countries like the United Kingdom, average life expectancy is 81 years, and 97% of the people say they are satisfied with the quality of their water. Or in Australia — voted two years in a row by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development as “The Number #1 Happiest Country in the World” – life is better for its citizens. One would think it would be a national priority to make sure […]
January 7, 2014

Obesity and Weight Loss

A startling 60 – 75% of the adult population in the United States is overweight or obese (American Heart Assc. 2012). Around the world, the prevalence of obesity has nearly doubled from 1980 to 2008 (Stevens 2012).
January 7, 2014

5 Foods to Lead Your Gluten-Free Low Calorie Journey

Calories are our main source for energy, yet when we’re forced to start eating a gluten-free diet, we can face a new set of challenges where calories are concerned. For one thing, pre-packaged foods that are gluten-free can also be very high in sugar, meaning they have a lot of “empty” calories. Let’s take a look at how to determine the total number of calories you need each day. Then we’ll provide you with 5 gluten-free foods to base your low-calorie diet around. The Basal Metabolic Rate: How to Calculate Your Caloric Needs How many calories do you need each […]
December 24, 2013

Higher Fiber Intake Leads to Lower Cardiovascular Risk

The results
December 23, 2013

Royal Jelly: A Superfood Fit for a Queen (or King!)

In the world of alternative medicine, the health benefits of some products can get hyped as “superfoods” and are all the rage for a while.  Then, it seems they fade away when they become replaced by the newest craze.  But some “superfoods” truly stand the test of time both in the health benefits they offer and their stability of popularity over the years.  I’d like to tell you about one of these products – a superfood fit for Queens (and Kings!) – whose health benefits you can depend on. This Superfood Gives Your Health The Royal Treatment Bees have been […]
November 11, 2013

Is Farm-Raised Fish Safe?

Q. I have seen a lot of conflicting information about the safety of farm-raised fish. I stopped buying farm-raised salmon years ago because of the concern. How does farm-raised trout stack up to other fish in terms of nutrition and safety? Where does most of the supply come from in USA? A. Unfortunately, this issue is a moving target.  Exponential growth in aquaculture and the pressure to control costs means that procedures are constantly evolving.  If watchdog groups make enough noise about a safety or nutrition concern, the industry often changes practices in response.  So, something that was a concern […]
November 6, 2013

Researchers Agree – These Foods Boost Longevity By 30%!

I’ve always told my patients they need to get more antioxidants – substances that fight aging – through fruits, vegetables and other foods.  But, there’s more to the anti-aging picture than just antioxidants.