Americans love nuts. Their passion has led to an increased consumption by almost 40 percent in the last 15 years. Contrary to the belief that nuts are fattening, nuts are nutritious foods categorized as superfoods. Nuts offer a wide variety of nutrients especially protective of the brain and cardiovascular system. A trio of nutrients in nuts — healthy fat, fiber, and protein — make them a satisfying snack that won’t affect your waistline, assuming the portion size is a handful…
The new year means new goals, and they include a fresh focus on body weight. People trying to lose weight, or not gain weight, are frequently advised to “lay off the booze.” The math is simple: The alcohol molecule releases 40 percent more energy than an equal weight of sugar and is devoid of nutritional value. The biochemistry is clear: The alcohol molecule activates the production of appetite stimulants in the brain, promoting poor food choices and excess food ingestion. …
The term comfort food can be traced back to 1966, when the Palm Beach Post used the term in a story: “Adults, when under severe emotional stress, turn to what could be called ‘comfort foods.’ These foods are associated with the security of childhood, the relief of stress, and euphoric feelings.” Although the identification of particular items as comfort foods may be unique to an individual, patterns are detectable. In a study of American food choices, males preferred warm, hearty,…
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, a bone disease damaging the spongy tissue called cartilage that covers a joint. As cartilage wears away, bones in a joint rub against one another causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness. This degenerative disease impacts nearly 30 million people across the U.S. When searching for an Anti-arthritis Diet, pseudo-science abounds: avoid nightshade vegetables, like tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers; stay away from dairy foods; avoid acidic foods and beverages, but drink apple cider vinegar—which…
The vast variety of breads available in supermarkets and bakeries reflects the unquenchable appetite of Americans for this grain-based food. Breads labeled as “whole grain” appear to be a smart way to add fiber to your diet. Whole grains improve regularity, slow digestion, reduce appetite, improve cholesterol, and prevent spikes in blood sugar — a major driver of obesity, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. A whole grain bread uses the entire grain seed: the bran (an outer layer…
There is universal agreement that chocolate is a feel good food. Chocolate melts in your mouth, releasing its sweet, creamy, cocoa flavor, and the brain follows with a burst of “happy” chemicals. Beyond the sensory joy of eating chocolate, there are claims that chocolate is a healthy food for the brain. Most of us would gladly eat more chocolate if proven to benefit the brain. Several ingredients in cocoa have been proposed to explain the possible cognitive benefits of…
Based on the fact that about two-thirds of the body is composed of water, it seems obvious that consuming water is important for health. Water requirements have been studied for decades. Recommendations are narrowed to two alternatives: Consume a minimum of eight cups of liquid per day or drink to quench thirst. Research now reveals that drinking water when feeling thirsty boosts the brain’s performance in mental tests. Dr. Caroline Edmonds, the author of a lead study, found that reaction…
Holiday food and spirits may have disappeared, but those extra calories can stubbornly remain as body fat. With each new year, an array of diets emerges, promising to restore your former shape. My suggestion? This year, follow a new plan called Intermittent Fasting, that has captured the interest of both dieters and researchers. Intermittent Fasting is a structured program without the drudgery of daily calorie deprivation. Although traditional reduced-calorie diets are certainly science-based, intermittent fasting is a sensible alternative. Studies…
A coffee plant can live 100 years. Could humans extend their lives closer to a century by enjoying a cup — or more — of the brew each day? Coffee beans are seeds of a red fruit called the coffee cherry. Like all plant foods, coffee beans contain more than a thousand healthful chemicals. The benefits of drinking coffee are pretty impressive. The roasted bean has been shown to enhance brain function, increase metabolic rate, and improve exercise performance. Used…
By Dr. Laura Pawlak In a society of anti-bacterial warfare, who would imagine scientists touting the benefits of consuming foods fermented by living microorganisms? The organisms are called probiotics, which means “for life.” Identified on the skin and within the body, these beneficial microbes are part of a community of healthful and harmful micro-organisms called the microbiota. Most probiotics are located in your gut, particularly the large intestine (colon). Probiotics aid the digestion and absorption of food, improve immune function,…