Nuts for Nuts

Nuts are great for a heart healthy diet. I love nuts, particularly almonds. I eat them almost everyday. They are a great portable healthy snack that is easy to eat anywhere. Most studies have shown that nuts lower LDL in the blood which is one of the primary causes of heart disease,. Walnuts and almonds are particularly beneficial to for heart health. Nuts contain unsaturated fats that lower bad cholesterol. They are one of the best available sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts also contain lots of L-arginine, a substance that studies suggest improve the health of artery walls by making them more flexible lowering the risk of blood clots. Nuts also contain fiber which may help prevent diabetes, lower cholesterol and helps with satiety. They are also a good source of vitamin E.  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nuts/HB00085

Super Cinnamon

Recent studies by the US Department of Agriculture have found significant benefits associated with the consumption of cinnamon.  Cinnamon contains powerful antioxidants and has been shown to decrease risk factors for developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Specifically, there are certain water soluble compounds found in the bark of cinnamon that have superior health benefits. These compounds significantly increase sugar metabolism in the body’s fat cells. 95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2. This means their body’s insulin does not work efficiently. The compounds found in cinnamon could help this population because they work through insulin to make it work much more efficiently. Here is a link to the USDA that contains a video reporting on the research.  http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/video/vnr/cinnamon.htm

Go Green Tea

Research on the health benefits of green tea has been ongoing for over a decade. Current research suggests that drinking green tea reduces risk for cancer and heart disease. Also, it has been linked to helping lower cholesterol, burn fat, prevent diabetes and stroke. Furthermore some studies suggest it may play a role in preventing dementia. Some researchers and medical professionals remain skeptic to the benefits of green tea because most studies were performed outside of a lab. However, most medical professionals agree that green tea has numerous health benefits because it contains important compounds and antioxidants. Most notable is a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). You can learn more about the health benefits of green tea at http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/health-benefits-of-green-tea 

Helpful Honey

Currently honey is the focus of much research. One particular area of research is the benefit eating honey has in treating wounds. Honey contains antimicrobial properties and has been shown to speed up healing wounds by stimulating wound tissue. It also helps wounds heal by promoting a moist wound environment. Scientists are also doing research using honey to promote faster recovery in cancer patients after surgery.

You can read more about the benifits of honey at http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-animal-products/organic-honey/health-benefits-of-honey.html

Healthy as Hummus

Hummus helps make a great healthy snack.  Hummus contains a lot of fat, however, it is good fat, with plenty of Omega 3 in it. It also contains important nutrients, such as iron, vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, and copper. It also contains folic acid, which has been found to prevent birth defects when eaten by pregnant women. Hummus has a low glycemic value. This means it does not raise your glucose levels very quickly which leaves you feeling satiated for longer. Hummus also contains large amount of tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine. These are amio acids that work as mood lifters and can also lead to more satisfying sleep. These and other amino acids found in hummus are essential, which means that your body cannot make them independently. Hummus is a terrific source for these essential amino acids.  Hummus is full of vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. You can find more information and some tasty hummus recipes by going here http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/hummus-recipe-and-health-benefits

Cheers to Cherries

Cherries are a great healthy snack with lots of health benefits. There are two types, sweet cherries and tart cherries. The sweet Bing cherry is the most common variety. Tart cherries are used to make pies, juice concentrate and can also be dried.  Cherries are fat-free and low in calories and sodium. They are high in potassium, Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins. Cherries contain pigments called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are antioxidants that give cherries their dark red color. Tart cherry juice and dried tart cherries are actually more powerful than Vitamin E. Cherries, especially tart cherries, contain high levels of melatonin. Melatonin is an antioxidant that is thought to help slow the aging process, fight jetlag and regulate sleep. Research suggests that cherries could potentially help treat diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. Research also suggests that cherries may help prevent colon cancer and work to significantly reduce pain caused by muscle damage, gout and arthritis. Cherries are also thought to lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Read more about cherries in this article http://www.suite101.com/content/health-benefits-of-cherries-a160877