Posts Tagged ‘Antioxidants’

Chilled Roasted Pepper Soup Recipe

July 20, 2010 Written by JP

When I was a little boy there was one particular food that I simply couldn’t stand. I think most kids have at least one gastronomical nemesis. The odd thing about mine was that it was made up of ingredients that I actually enjoyed in other dishes. For instance, I loved lasagna, pasta marinara and pizza. And ketchup? Fuggedaboutit. I put it on just about everything. But tomato soup was an entirely different story. I could sit at the dinner table for hours upon hours with tears in my eyes and still never finish a bowl. Read more »


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Posted in Nutrition, Recipes | 8 Comments & Updates

Acai Controversy

July 16, 2010 Written by JP

Much of the potential and risk associated with the natural health industry involves the issue of responsibility. Who is responsible for ensuring the efficacy and safety of natural remedies? In terms of oversight, consumers must rely on watchdogs within the natural health industry itself and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, many people feel let down by this agency. That’s why we consumers need to get involved in the process. I think the best way is to become informed about the actual research behind these products rather than the glossy marketing and superficial propaganda put out by detractors and proponents alike. Read more »


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Posted in Diet and Weight Loss, Food and Drink, Nutritional Supplements | 7 Comments & Updates

Mediterranean Stuffed Zucchini

July 6, 2010 Written by JP

Recently, I was having dinner at a restaurant and noticed several types of “stuffed potatoes” on the menu. If you’re unfamiliar, the name basically tells it all. A baked potato is cut open and some of the insides are scooped out and then replaced with a variety of fillings such as bacon, broccoli, cheese, chili and sour cream. The end result can be rather delicious and the price is usually right because it’s quite filling. But since I no longer eat potatoes I quickly moved on to other, more nutritious options on the menu. Read more »


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Posted in Food and Drink, Nutrition, Recipes | 8 Comments & Updates

Asparagus Cancer Cure

February 23, 2010 Written by JP

The Internet is my medium of choice. It’s the primary tool I use to reach the very people I hope to affect in a positive way. However, this same platform is also being used by others in ways that can be hurtful. Sometimes the root of the damage stems from greed. I’m sure you’ve seen online advertisements for products that claim to effortlessly reverse Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease and even extend your lifespan. Fortunately, many people recognize that those sales pitches are hyperbolic at best and downright unbelievable at worst. But what happens when you receive an email from a family member or friend that contains health related information that claims a miraculous medical cure? The person who sent the information obviously cares about you and isn’t asking for any financial compensation. In short, the advice given in such emails is coming “from the heart”. What could possibly be wrong with that? Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Detoxification, Food and Drink | 25 Comments & Updates

Eating Smarter

November 27, 2009 Written by JP

An area in my life that I’m trying to improve on is how I work. There’s an old adage that advises people to “work smarter” instead of working harder. This same piece of advice applies to other sectors of life, including diet. I often find myself speaking to colleagues, family, friends and even strangers about nutrition. If I overhear someone talking about a particular problem, I try to drop a small hint or tip about something natural they can do about it. Most of the time, my input is well received. But it’s also true that some people accept the information with some degree of trepidation. They frequently believe that any meaningful change in diet or lifestyle is bound to be complicated and/or painful. This is simply not the case. What’s more, it is this very prejudice that encourages so many to remain in a self-destructive cycle instead of attempting some basic steps that could possibly revolutionize their health and life. Read more »


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Posted in Food and Drink, Memory, Nutrition | 6 Comments & Updates

Natural Heart Attack Protection

November 11, 2009 Written by JP

Perhaps you’ve seen the series of commercials promoting Lipitor (atorvastatin) while watching your favorite TV shows. Lipitor is a cholesterol lowering medication that, according to the October 2009 edition of the AARP Bulletin, had sales of over $5.88 billion in 2008 alone. Needless to say, that buys a lot of advertising time. One of the major points made in these “heart to heart” adverts is that this prescription drug can lower “bad” (LDL) cholesterol levels by 39%-60%. The implication is that lowering LDL cholesterol can help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But there’s an emerging body of evidence that suggests that another measure of cardiovascular health should come to the forefront when assessing heart attack risk. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Heart Health, Nutritional Supplements | 29 Comments & Updates

Herbs and Spices of Life

August 11, 2009 Written by JP

It’s a happy occasion when I can recommend something that is not only genuinely health promoting, but also pleasurable and simple to enact. Too often, eating a healthy diet can seem complicated and, even worse, not very enjoyable. When we remove all the “bad” things from our diets, sometimes a void is left. One solution is to turn up the volume on flavor by incorporating natural seasonings that are actually good for you. Adding fresh (or even dried) herbs and spices is one of best ways to increase levels of protective antioxidants in our daily routine. There’s also a little known secret contained in many of these savory plants: they’re actually powerful “phytomedicinals” (plant medicines) in disguise. Read more »


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Posted in Food and Drink, Memory, Recipes | 14 Comments & Updates

Fern Extract and Sun Protection

May 4, 2009 Written by JP

Summer is nearly upon us and that means that many us will be spending more time outdoors in the sun. While this is a good thing in many respects, it also increases the likelihood of sun damage and premature aging of skin. Another very real concern is skin cancer. But these risks may be significantly reduced if we protect ourselves from excessive UV radiation during the peak hours of the day and by supporting the body from the inside out.
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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Nutritional Supplements | 12 Comments & Updates

The Natural Polypill – Alpha Lipoic Acid

March 31, 2009 Written by JP

A popular story has been floating around the mainstream media about a so-called “polypill”. It’s supposed to be the next “big thing” in treating heart disease. The pill in question combines several heart medications (aspirin, blood pressure medication and cholesterol lowering medication) in one easy to swallow tablet. This combo product isn’t on the market yet, but it will likely be available in the coming years. What you may not have heard on the nightly news is that there’s been some other promising developments in the world of cardiovascular disease management. The reason you probably haven’t seen these reports is because the “medicine” involved is actually a natural supplement that’s been on the market for many years.
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Posted in Nutritional Supplements | 7 Comments & Updates

Alzheimer’s Disease and Nutrition

March 28, 2009 Written by JP

Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Those two words often provoke a fearful and visceral reaction in many people. I think part of the reason is that when AD strikes there’s really nothing much that can be done to strike back. Today’s blog reports on a new “medical food” that may help those diagnosed with AD to regain some control over their destiny. Read more »


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Posted in Memory, Nutrition, Nutritional Supplements | 9 Comments & Updates