Posts Tagged ‘Chocolate’

Dark Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

June 28, 2016 Written by JP

It’s cool, chocolatey and undeniably good for you! Of the three claims I just made, the first two probably won’t raise any eyebrows, but the latter one may ruffle a few skeptical feathers. After all, ice cream isn’t something you’ll find on most lists of wholesome dietary options. Even health food store varieties are probably best enjoyed as an occasional treat if only because of their sugar content. Today’s culinary creation is an exception to the status quo.

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

Prescription 2016: Better Brain Function

February 8, 2016 Written by JP

One of the ironies of life is that we are often called on to perform at our very best during the busiest, most stressful times. This is understandable from a pragmatic, rational standpoint. Simply put, we do what’s required as best we can. But, that’s not to say that there aren’t tools available to help our brains adapt to such intense challenges.

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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Memory, Nutritional Supplements | 61 Comments & Updates

Better Blood Pressure

January 28, 2015 Written by JP

Unless you have very high or low blood pressure, you probably don’t think a lot about the the blood pressure spectrum. As an example, a significant number of people have higher-than-normal blood pressure, but not high enough to treat with medication. This is typically defined as “prehypertension” and is marked by blood pressure ranging from 120-139 systolic and 80-89 diastolic. If you consistently have blood pressure in this range, you may well be a candidate for using a variety of natural options to drop your readings into the “normal” category of 120/80 mmHg or less. However, I want to point out that in some instances having higher than normal blood pressure may actually be advantageous. For instance, some research has found that higher blood pressure may actually reduce the risk of balance issues, dementia and all-cause mortality in seniors. So, when in doubt, consult with a cardiologist to determine what’s right for your unique circumstance.

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Posted in Heart Health, Nutrition, Nutritional Supplements | 50 Comments & Updates

Chronic Cough Alternatives

June 1, 2014 Written by JP

The so-called “common cold” usually comes and goes in an expected, generic manner. You’re congested for a few days, you sneeze and your throat aches for a week tops. In most cases, it’s not a big deal and requires little or no medical intervention. But, for some, a lingering cough can stick around long after the cold exits stage right. There are several reasons why this typically occurs including bacterial infections, chronic irritation of the airways and/or overuse of nasal decongestant sprays – more than three days.

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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Children's Health, Nutritional Supplements | 11 Comments & Updates

Natural Products Expo West 2014 Part Three

March 25, 2014 Written by JP

My third and final installment of news from the Natural Products Expo West focuses on a category of products known as “functional foods”. Basically, these are beverages, ingredients or packaged foods that are fortified with nutrients, phytochemicals and pre- or probiotics. In essence, they’re a hybrid of dietary supplements and healthy foods. The idea is to take an already wholesome food and increase its therapeutic potential by adding ingredients that aren’t normally present.

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Posted in Food and Drink, Memory, Nutritional Supplements | No Comments;

Chocolate Talk with Dr. Eric Ding

March 14, 2012 Written by JP

The integration of natural medicine and rigorous science is becoming increasingly evident in the current medical landscape. Dr. Eric Ding exemplifies the philosophical shift that is presently underway. For starters, he has allopathic credentials that are beyond reproach: graduating Johns Hopkins University with Honors in Public Health and Phi Beta Kappa, then going on to become the youngest student at Harvard to complete a dual doctoral program in epidemiology and nutrition. Dr. Ding is now a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and Women’s Hospital, and is also the director and founder of the non-profit Campaign for Cancer Prevention.

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Posted in Food and Drink, Heart Health, Interviews | 12 Comments & Updates

Dr. Jonny Bowden Interview Part Two

February 3, 2012 Written by JP

There’s a lot more to cardiovascular health than just blindly following your doctor’s instructions about what to eat and what medications to take. In order to receive the highest quality of care, you need to ask informed questions and stay up-to-date on the latest scientific data – just in case your physicians are behind the times. A prime example of this recently made the news. A meta-analysis in the current edition of The Lancet recommends that blood pressure be taken using both arms rather than just one. The reason is explained in the authors’ concluding statement: “A difference in SBP (systolic blood pressure) of 10 mm Hg or more, or of 15 mm Hg or more, between arms might help to identify patients who need further vascular assessment. A difference of 15 mm Hg or more could be a useful indicator of risk of vascular disease and death.”

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Posted in Heart Health, Interviews, Nutritional Supplements | 4 Comments & Updates

Brewing Better Health

December 16, 2011 Written by JP

Peek inside the Healthy Fellow kitchen pantry and you’ll find an assortment of dried leaves and powders that are intended for brewing or mixing with hot water. And, now that Winter has finally taken hold, I’m putting them to use on a daily basis. But, my pantry selections aren’t just predicated upon preference and taste. I’m also factoring in the latest science about their relative health benefits.

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Posted in Diabetes, Food and Drink, Heart Health | 2 Comments & Updates

Diet Saver Shakes

April 7, 2010 Written by JP

In a perfect world we could control all of our dining choices. But the reality is that we’re sometimes placed in situations that effectively sabotage the best laid dietary plans. This isn’t an issue for all people, but it does impact a rather large segment of the population that’s trying to lose weight or otherwise improve their health. In such instances, one can always exercise abstinence. However there’s another resource available that can help minimize the consequences of occasional decadent meals. Read more »


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Posted in Diet and Weight Loss, Food and Drink, Nutrition | 6 Comments & Updates

Nutrition Myths February 2010

February 19, 2010 Written by JP

I’m going to end this week by engaging in some good ol’ fashioned mythbusting. Have you ever heard a doctor emphatically state that you should never combine nutritional supplements and conventional cancer treatment? How about all those so-called experts who tell you that eating lots of fat will put you on the fast track to chronic disease. Are they as right as they think they are? I’m sure many of you have been made to believe that skin care creams sold by dermatologists are more effective than those you can buy at your local supermarket or the cosmetics counter of your pharmacy. Let’s put that notion to the test. Finally, can we at least agree that chocolate is fattening? I mean come on! Everybody knows that! It’s time to reconsider what we’ve been taught and take a closer look at what the real scientists are actually trying to tell us. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Nutrition, Nutritional Supplements | 11 Comments & Updates

The Healthiest Brain Foods?

December 31, 2008 Written by JP

Time for a pop quiz. I’ll ask you a question and you select the answer that you believe is correct.

Question: What three foods have recently been associated with better mental performance?

a) fruits, whole grains and vegetables

b) coffee, fish and olive oil

c) chocolate, tea and wine Read more »


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Posted in Memory | 2 Comments & Updates

Hot Cocoa Power

December 11, 2008 Written by JP

Let’s go back in time ten years. It’s 1998 and you and I are playing a guessing game. The topic is: What will be the hottest health food in the year 2008? I’m not sure what I would have guessed. But I’m fairly confident that neither of us would have guessed that food would be chocolate. Read more »


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Posted in Food and Drink | 10 Comments & Updates