It’s hard to believe that chocolate is considered by some as a heart-healthy choice, but chocolate’s main ingredient—cocoa—seems to reduce heart disease risk factors. Cocoa beans contain flavanols, and flavanols offer antioxidant protection that reduce cell damage in heart disease. Other benefits of flavanols include improving vascular function and helping to lower blood pressure. In one study, researchers found that adults who drank a specific cocoa beverage rich in flavonols for four to six days improved their blood vessel function. And in another study, people with high cholesterol were given either a standard snack bar or a snack bar enhanced...
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is necessary in the body in order to build healthy cells, but too much cholesterol—high cholesterol—may increase the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol is found in the lipids, or fats, in the blood. High levels of cholesterol may result in fatty deposits within blood vessels, and these fatty deposits hinder the flow of oxygen-rich blood through arteries.
While cholesterol problems may be caused by genetics, there are other risk factors that can also lead to high cholesterol, including diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, poor diet, and smoking. The good news related to other risk factors is that you can...
Vitamin A
Vitamin A, a fat soluble vitamin, offers many benefits, including good vision, maintaining healthy mucus membranes, skeletal and soft tissue, skin, and teeth. And research has suggested that vitamin A may aid in development and growth, may improve immune function, may prevent some types of cancer, and may reduce the mortality rate from measles.
In foods, vitamin A is found in two forms: retinoids (retinal, retinol, and retinoic acid) and carotenes. Retinoids are found in animal liver, butter, eggs, some fortified foods, and whole milk. Carotenes—which can turn into a form of vitamin A—are found in dark-colored plant foods such...
Vitamin K
Vitamin K—a group of fat soluble compounds known as naphthoquinones, including vitamins K, K1, K2, and K3—is best known for its healthy blood clotting ability. One example of healthy blood clotting is when someone gets a simple cut and the bleeding stops via sufficient blood clotting to close the wound. Vitamin K helps keep blood clotting at just the right levels—not too little and not too much. Two signs that may indicate a deficiency of vitamin K are excess bruising or nose bleeds, and those most at risk for a vitamin K deficiency include those with alcohol dependency and people...
Food Allergies101
If you have or someone you know has a food allergy, you know how important it is to monitor what foods are consumed. From specific foods to food labels, it’s imperative to make sure you do not eat a foodstuff that will trigger an abnormal physiological response to your body.
When the body responds to a food allergy, symptoms generally happen within a few minutes to several hours after exposure to the allergin, and the following responses may take place: GI symptoms, such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea or vomiting; hives; itching in the mouth and/or swelling of lips and tongue;...
Harmonious Honey
Besides being incredibly delicious, naturally sweet honey offers a variety of health benefits. Since ancient times, honey has been used as a food and as a medicine, and in 2008, speakers at the First International Symposium on Honey and Human Health shared findings on the likely benefits of honey:
Honey has been shown to be a more effective cough suppressant for children ages 2 to 18 than dextromethorphanHoney has been found to boost immunityHoney may improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity compared to other sweetenersHoney may promote better blood sugar controlSome honey possess a large amount of friendly bacteriaHoney...
Health Benefits of Dairy
Dairy does do a body good! Dairy foods are an excellent source of several essential nutrients (including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, protein and vitamin D) that work together to help protect bones. Just three servings every day of low-fat or fat-free cheese, milk or yogurt can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Research has shown that when consumed as part of a healthy diet, dairy foods improve overall diet quality and may help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
One way to improve and maintain healthy bones is to meet the daily requirements for calcium and vitamin...
Healthy Pasta, Please!
From hot and hearty lasagna to creamy and rich fettuccine Alfredo, many pasta dishes are considered quintessential comfort foods. And the good thing, for people who are watching their waistlines and caloric intake, there are just as many healthy pasta dishes that showcase incredibly fresh ingredients that offer many health benefits.
There are several ways for you to enjoy healthy pasta dishes. Instead of using “regular” pastas, you can use whole wheat pasta varieties. And you can use farm fresh ingredients such as spinach, peppers and zucchini. For a quick and healthy pasta dinner, cook 1 pound of whole wheat...
Palate-Pleasing Healthy Appetizers
The next time you throw a dinner party, you should consider healthy appetizers to kick off your gathering. Appetizers are a great way to whet one’s appetite for what’s to come, and when appetizers are kept healthy you don’t have to worry about your dinner guests getting full before the main meal. When menu planning think fresh produce and low fat ingredients.
Here are three healthy appetizers that will please everyone’s palate:
Apple Slices with Goat Cheese: In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese and 1 tablespoon honey. Spread ½ teaspoon of the goat cheese-honey mixture...
Fresh Meal Ideas
During summer, farm fresh fruits and vegetables are plentiful, and there’s no better time to take advantage of their high nutrient content than when they’re at peak of season. Celebrate cream of the crop produce with these healthy fresh meal ideas:
Gazpacho - Make a tasty watermelon gazpacho with watermelon, cranberry juice, cucumber, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, mint leaves, parsley, lime, sherry vinegar, and minced jalapeno pepper. Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C, a very good source of vitamin A, and a good source of magnesium and potassium.There’s no better time to enjoy the refreshing tastes...
