This unique and exquisite flower offers a lot of healing properties. Did you know that an artichoke is a cluster of many budding small flowers that come together with many bracts (individual leaves)? They congregate to create an edible base that we call “the heart.” The leaves have a slightly woody taste and can be… Read more »
Nutrition
Seasonal eating is en vogue. Between the coveted White House vegetable garden, numerous food-related books, and sustainable restaurant menus, our world is being re-educated on how eating locally grown, in-season foods is beneficial for the planet, your health, and your wallet. Historically, eating with the seasons was the only survival option humans had. After the… Read more »
“Bone broth isn’t just broth, and it isn’t just soup. It’s concentrated healing.” — Kellyann Petrucci, ND When I first heard about bone broth, I was a little baffled. I did not understand how someone could drink bone broth on its own and say it makes a difference to his or her well-being until I… Read more »
Sometimes we feel all of our efforts to stay in shape and eat healthily during the summer are slowly trumped by temptation of the holiday season’s treats and sweets. Sugar can be the single ingredient in our diet that separates us from our skinny jeans. Since we would all like to have our cake and… Read more »
New York Times bestselling author Danielle Walker has a lot to celebrate in her new cookbook Celebrations, a collection of tasty holiday recipes she’s reformulated for those who live the Paleo lifestyle. Walker’s story is an empowering example of taking control of your body and health through nutrition. In her early twenties, she suffered an… Read more »
Yes, pomegranates are back in season from September to November. This light and colorful dark pink fruit can be used in multiple ways from juicy fresh pods and dry seeds to freeze-dried powder or juice form. In India, we do not let any part of this yummy deliciousness go to waste, as there are nutrients… Read more »
It seems straightforward. Calories in equal calories out. If we eat less and exercise more, we’ll lose weight. NOT TRUE! The truth is: Eating calories isn’t the same as burning calories. When you eat sugar and refined carbs (bread, pasta, crackers, chips, cereals), an increase in the hormone insulin occurs. This hormone fuels fat cells… Read more »
I cannot believe I had never tried this vegetable before I came to the USA, and I must say I have tried quite a variety of exotic fruits and vegetables in my time. I know the local folks out here must know this amazing vegetable. Yes, I am talking about the fresh, juicy root vegetable,… Read more »
As you may recall, my most recent article discussed weight gain associated with alcohol intake during menopause (I Need a Drink, Desert Health May/June 2016). While the article was enlightening, writing it did nothing to burn the extra twenty pounds I’ve accumulated through this hormonal roller coaster that is “middle-aged.” So, I found myself faced… Read more »
Fasting, the complete abstention from food and beverages other than water, has been practiced for millennia because of its physical and spiritual benefits, as well as out of necessity in times of food scarcity. Positive effects of fasting include initiating cellular repair, reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure and glucose. Fasting also increases longevity, prevents… Read more »
Obesity is rising steadily around the world. More than one-third of American adults are obese. Of even more concern is that obesity quadrupled in teenagers in the last 30 years. The role of environmental chemicals in obesity, and obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, has garnered increased attention. Medical experts have… Read more »
There are plenty of reasons why grains can impact your weight loss goals, aside from gluten. We are aware of the obvious benefits of swapping burger buns for whole grains or gluten-free options, but often grains, and wheat in particular, are overlooked as a hidden cause of resistant weight loss. Let’s take a look at… Read more »
What do you get when you bring together a medical doctor and a Ph.D. in nutrition? You get a breakthrough diet based on the consumption of smart fats. That’s right, a diet based on eating fats that are actually good for you. Originally, Steven Masley, M.D., and Jonny Bowden, Ph.D. disagreed on the most beneficial… Read more »
In the cycle of traditional Chinese medicine, springtime is associated with the organ of the liver. And just as you might undertake spring cleaning in your home, this is a good time of year to consider a liver cleanse to remove stagnation that has built up from winter inactivity and holiday overindulgence. The liver is… Read more »
Green smoothies are addictive especially when you make them at home where you can tweak the flavors and health benefits to your liking. Adding pineapple provides bromelain for achy muscles, cinnamon cuts the taste of heavy greens and helps stabilize blood sugars, avocado creates a smooth texture while providing healthy fats, nuts add the chew… Read more »
Denise Minger is curious, tenacious, witty and smart. She graduated summa cum laude with a major in English and aspirations of becoming a college professor. Her passion is writing and in school she was drawn to classes that culminated in 40-page research papers because she “deeply enjoyed producing them.” But upon graduating, life took a… Read more »
Vitamin D is a nutrient present in almost every single cell in the body. It is primarily used to regulate calcium and mineral uptake, mineral metabolism, and bone growth. However, the abundance of vitamin D in the body’s cells indicates it has much broader actions than may be entirely known. One main role of vitamin… Read more »
Recently, I was privileged to train with a leading brain specialist who repeatedly reviewed with our team that the brain always does the best it can with the resources it has available. She demonstrated clinical examples how water intake, excellent nutrition, sleep, and listening to body cues alter brain function. Brain disorders affect 1 in… Read more »
It’s the start of a new school year, and parents are faced with the same challenge: how to prepare healthy, easy, and nutritious school lunches every day. Healthy school lunches do not need to be time consuming, or expensive. The key to creating nutritious lunch options is staying well stocked and thinking ahead. Maintaining a… Read more »
The fitness industry is flooded with supplements that claim to make you stronger. There are websites, magazines, books and of course, your friends to show you the way to more muscle. The problem is that many of these supplements are not healthy for the average gym guy and may even contain illegal performance-enhancing ingredients. Some… Read more »
