By Zachary Shahan •
August 25, 2009
Did you know that whole grain products, such as whole grain cereals and popcorn, are extremely healthy and not only for their high fiber content? These common breakfast and snack foods are rich in antioxidant substances, of which fruits and vegetables were generally considered to be our only really significant source until now. These antioxidants, called “polyphenols,” can also be found in wine, tea leaves, coffee, olive oil, walnuts, and chocolate. However, not to the same degree as in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These polyphenols may be the leading way to reduce risk of cancer and heart disease.
By Gina Munsey •
July 31, 2009
It’s nearing May in the heart of Japan’s Nishio area, and beneath the cover of carefully arranged netting, row after row of brilliant jade tencha tea plants are gradually hidden from the sun. As the sunlight fades and the plants retreat into the shade, growth of the plants’ leaves slows, allowing the chlorophyll and antioxidant content to increase.
And under this shaded refuge, Japan’s number one organic matcha is tenderly nurtured. Only the newest small leaves are harvested. After undergoing a gentle steaming process, the tiny leaves are kiln-dried and stone-ground into the AOI (Ah-oh-ee) Tea Company’s prized green matcha powder.
Matcha, which can be enjoyed a variety of different ways, offers a wealth of fantastic health benefits, including antibacterial and antiviral properties.
By Cate Nelson •
June 15, 2009
Think a romantic meal of beef tenderloin with a side of potatoes sounds delicious? Maybe with a nice Bordeaux? Perhaps it does (especially if it’s grass-fed beef!), but it may decrease your chances of conception.
A new study shows that men who want to be fathers should increase their intake of fruits and veggies and decrease their consumption of fatty foods like red meat and creamy dishes.
Men who ate healthy diets not only had faster sperm, they had more sperm in their semen. It was both a quality and quantity effect.
Dr. Jaime Mendiola of the University of Murcia, Spain said of his research:
In this study, we have found that people who consume more fruits and vegetables are ingesting more anti-oxidants and this is the important point.
We saw that, among the couples with fertility problems coming to the clinic, the men with good semen quality ate more vegetables and fruit than those men with low seminal quality.
There are obviously many factors that influence fertility, and this is only one.
By Lucille Chi •
June 15, 2009
Nothing heralds summertime to me quite like watermelon. Reminiscent of childhood picnics and parties, this sweet, pink, fleshy fruit always cools me down on hot days. Did you know that watermelon:
- helps with inflammation?
- may help prevent asthma when eaten?
- is concentrated with amazing antioxidants?
- prevents colon cancer, diabetes and arthritis from developing?
- happens to be a a great internal cleanser as it’s more than 90% water?
- is a great source of vitamins A & C?
- contains beta carotine?
- has a high lycopene content?
- aids in free radical elimination and may prevent cancer formation?
By Liz Thompson •
April 17, 2009
We are thinking about our skin now more than ever, with sleeveless tops, shorts and (shudder) bathing suits on the horizon. There are many things you can do to get the bod summer-ready. Starting with, of course, a healthier diet and picking up where we left that exercise program last fall. As for the skin, a little self tanner goes a long way, evening out skin tone and giving you a nice glow.
To have truly healthy skin from the inside out you absolutely have to think about what you are feeding it. Be sure you are using skin care and cosmetic products that are safe (free from harmful ingredients) and right for your skin type. But don’t stop there, your diet definitely shows up in your complexion.
By Amy Bell •
February 21, 2009
Every year more than 500,000 people die from cancer in the United States alone.
Many researchers and cancer specialists believe that up to 60% of those deaths can be prevented if Americans adopt healthier lifestyles.
According to Rachael Stolzenberg-Solomon, a researcher at the National Cancer Institute,
“The easiest and least expensive way to reduce your risk for cancer is just by eating a healthy diet.”
Here is an overview of ten important cancer fighting foods to include in your diet on a regular basis:
By Amy Bell •
February 15, 2009
When researchers at Tufts University analyzed 60 fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant capacity, blueberries came out on top.
This wonderful little superfood is not only delicious, but also packed with phytonutrients that help neutralize free radical damage in the body.
Here is a simple and delicious recipe to help include more blueberries in your diet:
(This recipe is easily made vegan by substituting vegan margarine for the butter, soymilk for the milk, and making sure to use vegan sugar.)
By Lucille Chi •
February 9, 2009
The olive tree contains great symbolism. We all know and love the beautiful branches depicted in art, the delicious olives, and olive oil naturally, but did you know that olive leaves are medicinal and healing? Olive leaf extract comes from the leaves of the olive tree, and the leaf contains antioxidants as well as antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory healing properties.
Recorded history of olive leaf’s medicinal use dates back thousands of years, as it was used by the ancient Egyptian and Mediterranean cultures as a medicine and health tonic. Olive leaf is the first botanical cited in the Bible as well. Now modern natural medicine has rediscovered the healing leaves of the olive tree.
These days, olive leaf is known in science worldwide to be anti-aging, and an immunostimulant, that can also act as a natural antibiotic. In fact it was recently proven that an extract made directly from fresh olive leaves was shown to have an antioxidant power almost double green tea extract and 400% higher than Vitamin C.
By Amy Bell •
January 24, 2009
Black, green, white, and oolong teas all come from the same plant known as Camellia Sinensis.
The more processing the leaves of the plant undergo, the darker they will turn. (Green and white being steamed quickly, black and oolong being dried and fermented.)
Regardless of the processing method, brewed tea not only tastes good, but can have many health benefits as well;
- Tea contains antioxidants. Antioxidants can help slow down the aging process, and help cells regenerate and repair. Many studies suggest antioxidants also assist our bodies in preventing cancer.
What if you could promote peace, foster a multicultural world, support local artists, help underdeveloped countries thrive and save the planet just by eating deliciously rich and organic chocolate candies?
Well, thanks to Sarah Endline, the creative genius and cacao bean extraordinaire behind sweetriot, you can. Oh, and did I mention that the chocolate candies are actually good for you, and rich in health benefits? I know it seems to good to be true, but Behind the Burner gave me the amazing chance to speak with Sarah who shows us how a sweet tooth and a passion for change can make anything possible.
By Derek Markham •
November 9, 2008
Take your health and beauty to the next level with superfoods!
From dietitians to raw food gurus, superfoods have been promoted as the fountain of health and youth.
While I can’t vouch for the fountain of health and youth claim, I have experienced the extra vitality that comes from eating these nutrient-dense foods.
There is no formal definition for the term superfoods, but they are generally described as being especially nutritious, with bio-active compounds and special health benefits not available from other foods. Superfoods are the foods with high levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants, and they possess a superior nutritional profile.
Adding some of these foods into your diet is one more way to support your body’s natural health and beauty.
