Nutrition

Foods to Eat to Help Depression

Many have heard the question posed what came first, the chicken or the egg? But how does that concept apply to depression? It’s well-known that when we’re depressed, our motivation and interest in maintaining a healthy and balanced diet subsides in the same way our energy does. Harvard Medical Students positioned that same question in relation to depression; what came first, depression or a poor diet?… Read the rest

Food Color and Nutrition

In Chinese medical theory, food is considered medicine. Food has qualities and functions biochemically and energetically that target specific organs. Not only that, but the action a particular food takes to benefit that organ in terms of taste, color and temperature is what is included in Five Element theory. Food has a relationship to both the natural elements as well as the organs in the body and balances the elements of fire, earth, metal, water and wood to healthy, generating cycles.… Read the rest

Walnuts and Your Brain

Many people like to add walnuts to food to add some zest and a little crunchy kick, but walnuts are much more than a flavor additive, as they are chock full of healthy properties and have been used in Asia as an overall health tonic and brain booster for years. Let’s take a nutty look at walnuts.… Read the rest

Eating According to TCM: Five Foods for Spring

Spring is a time of renewal, regeneration, growth and energy. The plants and animals awaken from the slumber of the cold winter months. The vital nutrients that have been stored in the roots of the plants and the bodies of the animals, comes to the surface and life becomes more vibrant and fluid. Human beings are no different.… Read the rest

Fermented Foods and Intestinal Health

The modern world is changing every single day. Because of this constant state of change, our bodies are frequently having to adjust. We have a food supply being degraded and depleted of nutritional content, which in turn, causes our bodies to become depleted. Our soil and water is contaminated with antibiotics and deadly fertilizers. All of which become part of the food chain we rely upon.… Read the rest

Don’t Over-do Your Barbeque

Barbecuing in the great outdoors is fun, relaxing and brings people together. But it also means you have to be extra careful when you prepare food.

Some studies suggest that eating food charred by high-heat techniques, such as barbecuing, grilling, frying and broiling, may raise your risk for cancer. To make sure your cookout stays safe:

  • Don’t leave meat or poultry cooking over a high-heat source, like an open flame or hot metal surface, for too long.
… Read the rest

Acupuncture: Not Just Needles

Most people have heard of the field of acupuncture by now, but did you realize the scope of the practice encompasses Chinese medicine, which includes so much more than needles? Let’s explore this ancient therapy.

First of all, the practice of Chinese medicine starts with a diagnosis. The practitioner asks many questions to build a history; this includes the answers to digestion, appetite, diet, sleep patterns, bowel movement urination, pain, lifestyle, and stress level, for example.… Read the rest

Fruit, Nature’s Candy

Fruit is awesome! In addition to being high in fiber and vitamin C, most fruit is naturally low in fat, sodium and calories. Eating more of it as part of a healthy diet may even lower your risk for some chronic diseases. Plus, fruit is a great substitute for sugar in recipes and desserts.

The best time to buy different fruits is when they’re in season and at their peak flavor.… Read the rest

Eat more to gain less

Americans eat a lot more calories today than they did just a few decades ago.

Part of the problem is fast food and super-sized portions. Our food servings have doubled or tripled at restaurants – and even at home.

Another part of the problem is hidden calories in processed food. The addition of sweeteners and preservatives has an increasing effect on our waistlines.… Read the rest

Fruits and veggies the original fast food

Fruits and veggies are the original fast food. They are easy to grab and go and oftentimes, they come in their own wrapper making them convenient to carry along.

Fruits and veggies are low in calories and full of vitamins, minerals and fiber. How important are they to your diet? The United States Department of Agriculture and ChooseMyPlate.gov… Read the rest