BEANS

  Article courtesy of Donna Hargrove, D.O., Nutrition Editor   Want to lose weight? Eating more beans can help you achieve that goal. Beans are very nutritious, loaded with fiber, low in fat, cholesterol and calories, inexpensive, have a very long shelf life and are very filling, thus satisfying. There are so many varieties that…

THINK GREEN!

Article courtesy of Donna Hargrove, D.O., Nutrition Editor If you could get your hands on something non-pharmaceutical positively shown to lower cholesterol and prevent many cancers like colon, lung and prostate, would you take it? This “product” is available and has been for thousands of years. What is it?

ONIONS

Article courtesy of Donna Hargrove, D.O., Nutrition Editor More than apples, an onion a day may well keep all the doctors away! As it turns out, onions are a super food for health and cancer prevention.

POTASSIUM

Article courtesy of Donna Hargrove, D.O., Nutrition Editor What is potassium and why do we need it? If you have had a GI illness or have been doing a lot of exercise, someone may tell you to increase foods rich in potassium. Why do these things cause your potassium to decrease? Where do you find…

APPLES

Article courtesy of Donna Hargrove, D.O., Nutrition Editor Will an apple a day keep the doctor away? It appears there may be a lot of merit to this statement. The health benefits of eating a daily apple have been known for a long time but mainly because it is a fresh, fibrous fruit. In the…

Vitamin B-12

Article by Donna Hargrove, D.O., Nutrition Editor Vitamin B-12 is a water soluble vitamin with a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the formation of blood. It is one of the eight B vitamins and the most complex. It is normally involved in the metabolism of every…

Principles of the Mediterranean Diet

Following the principles of the Mediterranean Diet has shown to prevent or reduce the risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and obesity. The Mediterranean diet incorporates the basics of healthy eating — plus a splash of flavorful olive oil and perhaps a glass of red wine — among other components characterizing the traditional cooking style…

Quinoa

Quinoa (pronounced “keen-wah”), is an ancient grain dating back to 3000 B.C, which has recently been rediscovered.  Native to the Andean region of South America, the Incas were the first to recognize its value to increase the stamina of their warriors. Quinoa is the seed of a leafy plant in the same family as beets,…

Fidget for Your Health!

Remember being somewhere and having a parent or relative tell you to “stop fidgeting” and sit still, you’re driving me crazy! Unintentionally they may have set in motion a behavior, sitting still, that may be seen as “good manners” but in fact may contribute to heart and respiratory morbidity and thus a threat to our…

Almonds

Article courtesy of Donna Hargrove, D.O., Nutrition Editor A Handful Can Make A Difference A little goes a long way when it comes to almonds, the most nutrient-dense nut ounce-for-ounce.  A one-ounce serving of almonds (about 23) is an excellent source of vitamin E and magnesium, a good source of protein and fiber, and offers…

Barley

Article courtesy of Donna Hargrove, D.O., Nutrition Editor A Healthy Heart Solution Barley isn’t just for soup anymore.  This grain makes an excellent choice as the starring ingredient in main courses, side dishes, breakfast fare and more.  In addition to its versatility, barley is a nutritious food that’s high in fiber and low in fat. …

The Plant Sterol Story: Using Food Choices to Help Manage Cholesterol

Article courtesy of Donna Hargrove, D.O., Nutrition Editor Plant sterol research has been building since the 1950’s.  The foundation is solid and the experts agree – plant sterols can play a role in cholesterol management.  In fact, over 140 studies have shown that plant sterols can significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels.  The FDA considers the…

Cholesterol

Article courtesy of Donna Hargrove, D.O., Nutrition Editor Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in all your body’s cells. It’s an important part of a healthy body because it’s used to form cell membranes, some hormones and is needed for other functions. But a high level…

C-Reactive Protein

Article courtesy of Donna Hargrove, D.O., Nutrition Editor What is C-reactive protein (CRP)? C-reactive protein (CRP) is a blood test marker for inflammation in the body. CRP is produced in the liver and its level is measured by testing the blood. CRP is classified as an acute phase reactant, which means that its levels will…

TOP 12 FOODS THAT LOWER CHOLESTEROL

Top 12 Foods That Lower Cholesterol 1. Whole grains and oats: A 5 year Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study showed that people whose diets contain the most whole grains had the healthiest carotid artery walls and slowest progression in artery wall thickness, or artery blockage which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. 2.Blueberries: Pterostilbene, a…

Alcohol Consumption and Cardiovascular Disease

Information and sources in the following article are derived from an article originally published on the Harvard School of Public Health web site. For the entire body of research and references go to http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/alcohol-full-story/index.html. Moderate alcohol consumption, defined as 1 drink for females and 2 drinks for men, has been extensively studied in relation to…

FAT FACTOIDS

Article courtesy of Donna Hargrove, D.O., Nutrition Editor What’s Good About Fat? Fat supplies essential fatty acids (EFAs).  They are essential because your body is incapable of producing EFAs, known as linolenic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, so it must be derived from food.  In addition, fat carries vitamins A, D, E, and K, known as…

Alcohol’s Effects on the Risk for Coronary Heart Disease

Alcohol’s Effects on the Risk for Coronary Heart Disease Kenneth J. Mukamal, M.D., M.P.H., M.A., and Eric B. Rimm, Sc.D. Kenneth J. Mukamal, MD, M.P.H., MA, is an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School, and associate physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts. Eric B. Rimm, Sc.D., is an associate professor of…