Canola Oil as Good as Statins For Lowering Cholesterol
Canadian scientists in 2014 found consuming canola oil was equivalent to taking 20mg of statins for controlling cholesterol levels. In this randomized controlled study, they fed 141 people (who were also type 2 diabetic) a loaf of bread high in canola oil (31 grams of oil per 2,000 calories) every day, as well as a…
Is Cancer Preventable?
Is there a way to modify our lifestyle to lower our risk of cancer? According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2019, cancer claimed the lives of 606,880 people in the United States alone, and there was an estimated 1.76 million new cases of cancer diagnosed. Worldwide, cancer is one of the leading causes of…
Diet Secrets of the Gladiators
Imagine a group of gladiators eating dinner. What do you see? Your brain probably conjures up images of men with big knives sitting around a large wooden table. Dinner is a pig on a spit roasting over an open fire and legs of lamb, still on the bone. After all, if common dietary knowledge is…
Bone Broth – Separating Fact From Fiction
The belief that broth is a healing agent for various maladies has persisted for centuries. Lately, in conjunction with the rise in popularity of the Paleo diet, bone broth has experienced a tremendous jump in acclaim and has been touted to have amazing healing properties. Among these are an improved immune system, stronger bones and…
The Truth About Bone Broth
The belief that broth is a healing agent for various maladies has persisted for centuries. Lately, in conjunction with the rise in popularity of the Paleo diet, bone broth has experienced a tremendous jump in acclaim and has been touted to have amazing healing properties. Among these are an improved immune system, stronger bones and…
Discover The Breakthrough Formula For Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
Did you know that the leading cause of blindness in America is from type 2 diabetes? So are amputations. Every 6 minutes, someone in America gets an amputation because of diabetes. As well, diabetes type 2 is the leading cause of kidney disease and dialysis treatment. And at least 68% of diabetic people 65 years…
No More “Managing” Or “Controlling” – Type 2 Diabetes Can Be Reversed
(Disclaimer: The claims made in this article are backed by many recent, peer-reviewed, scientific studies. However, as with anything, results may vary based on many factors.) Chances are that if you don’t have diabetes yourself you know someone that does. Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in our nation and it’s not getting…
We Sit Down With Plant-Based Doctor And Autoimmune Disease Cookbook Author, Dr. Joyce Choe
The journey to combating a health issue can be a challenging task; from overwhelming differing nutritional advice to those who doubt your lifestyle choices. Plant-based board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Joyce has been there, and she’s always had an eye for health! Her vision is to help others successfully transition their diet, with key regards to health…
Essential Amino Acids 101
What Are Amino Acids? Amino acids are the “building blocks of proteins”. Our bodies use amino acids for important functions such as breaking down food, repairing bodily tissues, growth, and for energy. They’re also essential for producing hormones and neurotransmitters. Amino acids are what is left after proteins are digested. Our bodies need 20 amino…
How To Stop The Sugar Addiction Cycle
Do you have a sweet tooth? Or sweet teeth? The fact is, our cravings are often linked to emotional stress that leads us to “stress eat”. Maybe you struggle with occasional sweet cravings, or you have a sugar addiction. Either way, I can attest to the fact that overcoming a sugar addiction is possible.…
Nutrient Deficiency: A Trigger For Mental Health Disorders
Looking for ways to improve your emotional and mental health? Food plays a bigger role than you may think! When I learned the strong connection between the mind and our digestive system, it inspired me to take charge of my health. Wrong eating and drinking habits negatively impact our thoughts and actions. Unrestrained appetite and…
You Know Why To Go Plant-Based, Now Here’s How
“Given the right conditions, the body can heal itself” (How Not to Die). Pioneering physicians in lifestyle medicine, Nathan Pritikin, Dean Ornish, and Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr. took patients with advanced heart disease and put them on the kind of plant-based diet followed by Asian and African populations who did not suffer from heart disease. They…
The No-Diet Diet: Plant-Based Eating
There are a plethora of diets available that it can be easy to become confused—there is the Atkins diet, ketogenic diet, the Zone diet, Weight Watchers diet, South Beach diet, low-carb diet, the Dukan diet, and so many more. Eating healthy shouldn’t be confusing, and it should be easy to incorporate as a lifestyle, and…
The 4 Best Ways To Avoid Heart Disease
Risks are everywhere. Every time you drive, you’re risking a car accident. Each time you have a conversation with someone, you risk a misunderstanding. In nearly everything we do, we taking a risk. Risks are unavoidable – they’re just a part of life – so the question boils down to what you do with those…
Weekly Roundup: All Things Pumpkin
It’s hard to resist the spirit of this time of the year. Something about autumn feels less commercialized than the other seasons, especially the upcoming red-and-green one. Maybe it’s because we’re growing weary of the constant heat of summer, or the frantic but exciting whirl of transitioning our kids back to school, or maybe it’s…
What’s The Big Deal About Protein?
Especially for those of us working in the health and wellness field, we hear this word so many times that it’s lost its meaning. Even for those who aren’t involved with health on a professional level, “protein” is plastered on so many advertisements, social media, and grocery store products. But despite its ubiquity, do we…
P.L.A.N.T.S.: An Acronym Of Hope For Medical Professionals And Their Patients
Our Uber driver drove us up to a huge, high rise hotel, overlooking the sparkling San Diego Bay. Out of the Uber stepped me and my two co-passengers, Cindy & Carol, two medical doctors from the Sacramento area. We happened to share the same flight and happily agreed to share the Uber since we were…
2 Landmark Studies That Found Life-Changing Benefits In The Plant-Based Diet
The general definition of a “plant-based diet” means eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds and avoiding animal products like dairy, eggs, meat, and seafood. Some might define it as having minimal animal products, but it really depends on where you are in your health journey and what you’d like to work towards.…
How Epigenetics Can Change Your Health Destiny
Does the thought of living a healthy lifestyle ever seem overwhelming to you? There are so many things to remember, so many new habits to form. Have you ever wanted a simple solution? Wouldn’t it be great if you could just flip a switch to turn health on or to turn disease off, just like…
The Surprising Story Of How Drug Reps Helped Me Improve My Doctor’s Health
Pharmaceutical sales representatives or “drug reps” have the job of visiting doctors’ offices to discuss their new medications, improvements to medications, how they work, and insurance coverage of their company’s medications. These drug reps schedule lunches for the office and give presentations during lunch breaks about new drugs that are intended to improve patient outcomes.…
Misleading Food Labels And How To Navigate Around Them
Have you ever seen these terms on your food packaging? “Wholesome” “Made with real fruit” “Fresh” “Low-carb” “Natural” “Free” “Simple” “Artisanal” “Farm-fresh” “Local” All of these food labels are actually unregulated, making it easy for food producers to make it seem like their products are a lot healthier for us than they actually are. That’s…
New Study Proves Lifestyle Changes Really Do Transform One’s Health
Is it worth it to live a healthy lifestyle? Many times, we shy away from choosing healthier options because they’re unfamiliar, or they don’t seem as instantly gratifying as a bag of chips or can of soda. Sometimes, it’s just easier to grab a quick and unhealthy snack rather than taking the time to make…
What’s Your Passion, And How Will You Apply It?
Show up on Friday at noon with a knife, apron, and closed-toed shoes. These were my instructions should I choose to accept them. Well, of course I did and so the next two days quickly became two intense and inspiring days.. Even before it all began, I knew I was in for an educational and…
Is A Plant-Based Diet Good For Your Skin?
We’ve all made our “healthy” New Year’s resolutions at some point in our lives, right? For most of us, it only lasts a few months (or days) into the year, but others turn their resolutions into their lifestyle. Whichever category you fall into, we all have room for improvement. Let’s say we fall into the…
How We’re Being Pushed To Consume Dairy, Even Though We Know Better
In grocery stores – less dairy Have you noticed that dairy products have come into question lately? Billboards displaying celebrities with milk mustaches are no longer ubiquitous. The dairy aisle of grocery stores now consists largely of dairy-free milks, yogurts, creamers, and even cheeses. What’s going on? Are we waking up to the fact that…
Turmeric: The What, The Why, And The How
Whenever I go into the pantry of a chef’s kitchen or even a seasoned home cook, I look at the spices that are on the spice rack and my non-culinary self gets a little lost in all the available jars. (When going into a plant-based diet, flavorful food is something that needs to be balanced…
The Surprising Secret To Weight Loss
If you’re like most people, you’re probably familiar with common weight-loss tricks: Always eat breakfast. Bypass fried and fatty foods. Boost your intake of fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water. But you may not realize an often-overlooked secret to weight loss and health: fiber-rich foods. Fiber is an essential part of any diet, but…
How Humble Legumes Can Prevent Chronic Disease
I grew up being taught to understand the nutritional benefits of the foods I ate. I was fortunate to be able to understand why I didn’t eat meat or dairy products, outside of the occasional cheese pizza that our family would order on a busy day, or when dad cooked for us. My parents always…
What’s The Connection Between Diet And Alzheimer’s Disease?
Through witnessing the effect Alzheimer’s has on a family member’s emotional wellbeing and their path to slow mental deterioration; spurred my desire to pursue a degree in preventative care. As a young person, I used to wonder how a patient got this disease, and if there was a solution to prevent it. Most cases of…
We Love Tofu And Here’s Why You Should Too
Tofu’s been around for a long time; actually, it’s been around for over two thousand years. It’s been a dietary staple in many Asian countries because of the wide availability of soybeans, which tofu is made of, and is growing more popular in the west. Multiple theories exist about the origin of tofu, one of…
Ever Wonder What Happens In A Whole Foods, Plant-Based Restaurant Kitchen?
Do you remember how you felt on your first day of school? The butterflies in your stomach? Spending hours the night before, picking out the just-right outfit? Feeling excited to see your friends? Having been out of school for quite some time now, it had been a long time since I felt that way. But…
A Plant-Based Solution To The Alarming Diabetes Epidemic
A recent study has found that 1 in 8 people are predestined to contract type 2 diabetes by 2045. These findings are astounding. If obesity levels are left unaddressed, global rates for disease will rise from 9% to 12%. The desperate need to prevent these numbers from becoming a reality has brought the plant-based diet…
That Time Chef Gordon Ramsay Said, “Vegans Aren’t Crazy After All”
Yes, Gordon Ramsay, the chef known for disparaging and strongly disagreeing with vegan food went on the hit TV show Masterchef and created a (beautiful) vegan dish. It was a vegan cook-off against his longtime friend and Riverdale actress Madelaine Petsch, who’s been vegan since she was 14 years old. On the show, both Chef…
Springtime Allergies? Say “No” To Dairy
Most of us have a love-hate relationship with spring, am I right? The season brings some of the very best weather of the year to be outdoors. Whatever your hobbies are, the soft, cool breeze coupled with warm sunshine motivate us to take time to enjoy outdoor actives and even invite friends to join. For…
Making The Paradigm Shift From Drugs To Diet
Approximately 17.5 million people with heart disease are qualified to use statin medication i.e. atorvastatin, pravastatin, and simvastatin. This equates to most men over 60 years old and most women over 65 years. Many are unaware that, by utilizing the correct portions of fruits and vegetables per day, they can decrease their cholesterol by 35%…
“Eat Your Vegetables,” How To Get Our Kids To Actually Do It, And Like It!
“Eat your vegetables.” As kids, we must have heard this at least half a dozen times every week. It came to us as a command, so we probably begrudgingly moved another limp green bean around on our plate, and nibbled at an end until we heard it again: “Eat your vegetables.” The “eat your vegetables”…
The Western Perspective; How Has Modern Food Shifted Childhood Health?
Our children are living in a modern world and they are consuming “modern food.” How does “modern food” play a role in childhood health? Is it affecting them positively? Industrialization leads to poorer quality foods Usually, technological progress and industrialization lead to an economic boom but can this be a negative point when we apply…
Weekly Roundup: A Plant-Based Wedding
We’re talking weddings in this Weekly Roundup, because it’s spring, because love is in the air, and because I’m getting married next week! It’s just around the corner and my fiancé and I are feeling anxious to finally be declared husband and wife. As we’ve spent the last six months planning the big day, the…
Why The USDA Is Being Urged To Make The Plant-Based Diet A Priority
It was an early morning in corporate America, many of the employees of a large, well-known insurance company were rushing to their departments; some had taken the time to grab a coffee, while others had skipped breakfast that morning to take a health screening test. I had volunteered for a team that would check the…
Weekly Roundup: If You’ve Ever Been Asked, “Where Do You Get Your Protein?”
If you’re not a vegetarian or vegan, you probably don’t have a shuddering or roll-of-the-eyes reaction with this question. In fact, you’ve probably never even been asked this question! Lucky you. This is probably the most laughed–about and aggravating question that vegetarians and vegans get, especially when they first make a decision to go on a…
Weekly Roundup: Welcome, Spring!
March 20 marks the first official day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. If we were to get scientific about things, the first day of spring is actually called “the spring equinox,” equinox meaning the length of day and night are almost equal. It’s the point at which the Northern Hemisphere tilts towards the sun,…
Weekly Roundup: In Honor of the 7th International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition
This weekend, a few of us at Life & Health are packing up our things and heading to our favorite Blue Zone (i.e. longevity hot spot) Loma Linda, California, where a veggie burger sits proudly on the McDonald’s menu and where a third of the residents are Seventh-day Adventist, a Christian faith that is particularly…
Evidence That A Whole Foods, Plant-Based Diet Reduces Weight and Medication Use
Over 60% of Americans are overweight and 2 billion people worldwide are suffering from this malnourished, i.e. “over-nourished” condition. A raised body mass index (BMI) is associated with many forms of cancers, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnea, shorter life expectancy, lower quality of life, and cardiovascular disease. Personally, I consider this to be…
The Ethical Universe: Where Are We Really At?
This was a short speech given at NAVS Summerfest in 2003. Several people have requested copies, hence the old post. Have you ever considered what a perfectly ethical universe might look like? It would undoubtedly be a place of goodness and peace, where life is supported and cherished; where kindness and compassion are the fabric…
If The Marshall Islands Can Reverse Diabetes, You Can, Too
“The diabetes time bomb has been ticking for 50 years, and it’s been getting louder. Despite the warning, successive generations of world leaders have largely ignored the threat.” – International Diabetes Federation (IDF) President-Elect Martin Silink According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in eight American adults had diabetes in 2014. If…
What’s Food Got To Do With Diabetes?
Nancy Baughn had tried everything. She counted carbs and weighed her food. She checked her blood sugars and visited her doctor. But after an eight-year battle with type 2 diabetes, those blood sugars were only getting worse. “I had two friends with diabetes and they were already on kidney dialysis and starting to lose their…
Why Go Plant-Based? The Reasons Are Interconnected
You may have noticed that, in the past couple decades or so, vegetarianism and particularly the plant-based diet have become somewhat “cool.” Nowadays, there tend to be more plant-based options on restaurant menus than “salad” or “garden burger.” 100% plant-based restaurants like the Native Foods Café chain re rapidly gaining in popularity among omnivores and vegetarians alike.…
Weekly Roundup: Food For A Happier 4th of July
There’s an aspect of the holidays that makes me…sad. I mean, I’m all about the big family get-togethers, the extra chairs pulled up to the dining table, the reasons to turn lunch into a picnic at the park—what’s not to love? Well, there’s the food: so extravagant, so indulgent, and in such excessive quantities that…
What’s The Big Deal About Kale, Anyways?
I just had to share this email I received minutes ago from Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s mailing list! I am an avid fan of his, to the point that I taught a whole class on his latest book Super Immunity at my local hospital. So what’s all the hype for these days…..? Nutrition scientists have shown…
Vegan-ish, Week 10: Roasted Almond Butter
Nuts are a great gateway into plant-based foods for meat-eaters who crave protein. Almonds are an excellent source of fiber, protein, fat and vitamin E. Products like almond butter and almond milk have become increasingly popular, but they definitely come with a hefty price tag. Let’s see if making it at home is as simple…
Vegan-ish, Week 9: Tofu Thai Curry
My wife grew up vegetarian, so when we started dating Thai food was a great common ground for us when it came to picking restaurants. It’s also one of the cuisines that has, in my opinion, some of the tastiest plant-based dishes. Thai curries are bursting with flavor and should hit all the notes, so…
Vegan-ish, Week 7: Kale & White Bean Soup
My wife and I have been making a concerted effort the past few years to bring our own lunch to work instead of eating out. Always looking for a good accompaniment to a sandwich or a salad, we found that soup is a great way to go. I had success in Week 1 with the…
Vegan-ish, Week 6: Simple Basil Pesto
Italian food is one of my absolute favorite cuisines and I’ve been lucky enough to eat pesto at some amazing restaurants all around the world. A good pesto will be fresh and bright in flavor and should feel clean and light. Let’s see how this one stacks up. THE COOK Like most Italian foods, pesto…
Vegan-ish, Week 5: Citrus Cream Biscuits
Time to try a dessert! Citrus cream biscuits called out to me from the pages of “From Plant to Plate” as I am a notorious lover of all things biscuit. For me, the ideal biscuit, sweet or savory, is pleasantly buttery and crispy on the outside, but still light and fluffy on the inside. The…
Vegan-ish, Week 4: Garlicky Potato & White Bean Mash
I love making mashed potatoes. Whenever I’m assigned this tasty side for Thanksgiving dinner, I make sure I have three things: cream, butter and cheese. Today’s recipe calls for none of those things. Be still, my beating heart. THE COOK My favorite way to roast garlic is to slice a head of garlic in half,…
Vegan-ish, Week 3: Roasted Beet And Carrot Salad
When I was picking recipes for this series, I had no intention of choosing a salad. After all, creating a vegan salad isn’t much of a feat. But when I stumbled across this recipe for a roasted beet and carrot salad, I knew I had to try it because it was a take on one…
Vegan-ish, Week 2: Mujaddara
Described by the cookbook as “nutty and earthen,” mujaddara are Lebanese lentils. My experience with lentils doesn’t go beyond soup and Indian curry so I took this on hoping to find another potential dish to add to my repertoire. THE COOK While not a difficult dish, I have to say this took a lot of…
Vegan-ish, Week 1: Italian White Bean Soup
Italian white bean soup is a comfort-food classic. There are obviously many iterations of the dish, but the key features are chicken broth, some kind of aromatic herb and, of course, beans. This particular recipe calls for rosemary so I’m looking for that to shine through. I’m also looking forward to seeing if this recipe…
Vegan-ish: Introduction
Growing up, I only knew a handful of people that were vegan. But nowadays, veganism has infiltrated the public psyche in a way I never would have predicted. Loads of celebrities — Jessica Chastain, Ariana Grande and Woody Harrelson, to name a few — tote the vegan lifestyle. Professional athletes are also switching to plant-based…
How To Eat Healthy When You’re On The Go
Eating out can quickly throw a monkey wrench in your health plan. But don’t despair. With a little planning ahead, you can be a defensive diner while still enjoying your favorite restaurants. Tips for Eating Out Avoid super-sized portions Share your food Skip dessert Put half the meal in a takeout container before you start…
Principles of Healthy Eating: Low Carb and High Protein Diets
Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, stroke or diabetes are the main causes of death in many parts of the world including both developed and developing countries. These diseases are largely the result of our lifestyles, especially smoking, a diet based on refined products, devoid of certain vitamins and mineral salts, phytochemicals and dietary…
Principles of Healthy Eating: Meat
Healthy diet is one that is based exclusively or primarily on a variety of unrefined foods of plant origin. Interestingly, although our principles of a healthy diet are based on an increasing number of studies, dietary habits often do not follow prudent dietary recommendations. In western societies, mainly Europe and North America, meat intake has…
Principles of Healthy Eating: Nuts and Seeds
Consuming a variety of nuts and seeds daily constitutes another principle of healthy eating. Nuts played a significant role in human nutrition from prehistoric time. One of the oldest texts that mentioned nuts is found in the Book of Genesis. “Take some of the best fruits of the land in your vessels and carry down…
Principles of Healthy Eating: Fruits and Vegetables
Consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables every day is the second principle of a healthy diet. Just as was the case with whole grains, the value of fruit and vegetables was already recognized in antiquity. In ancient Egypt it was common for people to have their own garden, in which the Egyptians cultivated their…
Vitamin B12 and Vegetarian Diets
Vitamin B12 (B12) is essential in the synthesis of all new cells and maintenance of myelin, a coating of the nerve pathways. B12 deficiency is a worldwide problem. A deficiency may result from inadequate intake, malabsorption or a genetic mutation. Depending on the study, 11 to 94% of vegetarians were reported as having a deficiency.…
Should My Children Take Vitamins?
Should my child be taking a vitamin? As a pediatrician I’m asked this question frequently—and for good reason. The vitamin industry is now a multi-million dollar business with need-creating advertisements splashed all over venues parents frequent. It can be hard to know what to believe. Well, should your child be taking vitamins or not? The…
Calcium in a Vegan Diet
Most people equate calcium with milk. While milk does contain calcium, there are many people who wish to avoid milk products for other health reasons. Are there any sources of calcium for those of us who do not drink milk? There sure are, other excellent sources of calcium are green vegetables, legumes, tofu, calcium-fortified fruit…
Chicken and Obesity
Most people have a general idea of how healthy different meats are in comparison to each other. Cold cuts, sausages, and bacon are among the worst, red meat lies somewhere in the middle, while fish and poultry are considered the healthiest. At the very least, most consumers know that white meat (such as chicken or…
Millet
No, it’s not just a food for birds. Millet, technically a seed rather than a grain, is comparable to oatmeal in its health benefits and versatile like rice in its flavor and texture. Fluffy, creamy, and versatile. What’s there not to love? Disease/Ailment High blood pressure Type 2 diabetes Breast cancer risk Constipation Health benefits…
Lima Beans
Often referred to as the “butter bean” due to its creamy texture and delicate flavor, these beans are exceptional for encouraging good health at any age. They come in a variety of different colors and are a great vegetable protein that can be complimented with a grain to provide a complete protein source. Not to…
Leeks
Leeks are related to garlic, onions, scallions, and shallots in the allium vegetable family. They can easily be mistaken for jumbo-sized scallions, having a small bulb that extends to green, flat leaves. Similar to the other allium vegetables, leeks have many health benefits that can improve many health conditions such as those related to inflammation…
Lentils
Lentils—a humble legume worthy to be praised. Packed with protein and iron, lentils are an excellent addition to any vegetarian or non-vegetarian diet. Even though these legumes grow in pods with only a couple beans per pod, they are extremely inexpensive and have an array of different varieties to choose from according to your liking.…
Kiwis
While they may have an unattractive outer skin that is brown and fuzzy, the inside flesh is an unexpected surprise. The flesh is bright green and smooth with tiny black seeds speckled in the center. Kiwis provide more vitamin C than oranges and are a great tropical addition for any fruit salad or smoothie. Disease/Ailment:…
Lemon
These citrus fruits have many health benefits that are mainly due to their high vitamin C content. In addition to their health benefits, lemons are an excellent flavor enhancer in many dishes and can be added to garlic honey tea as a cold remedy. Disease/Ailments: Cold, flu Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid arthritis Atherosclerosis Heart disease Cancer prevention Health…
Kale
People have gone crazy for kale. Look at the nutritional benefits and you’ll understand why!
Your Life and Health – Vitamin B12
Anyone eating a plant-based diet has surely been the recipient of this question. No matter what your diet looks like, it’s important to know the answer
Grapefruit
Big, juicy, tangy, and full of vitamin C, grapefruit is great at supporting the immune system
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is one of the richest omega-3 plant foods. However, because the nutrients are encapsuled in a strong outshell, flaxseed must be ground to gain the omega-3 health benefits. Flaxseed also retains water and thus gives soluble fiber benefits for optimal colon health. Disease/Ailments: Cardiovascular disease Atherosclerosis Arrhythmia Elevated cholesterol Cancer prevention Digestive disorders Chronic…
Fennel
A common ingredient in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine known for its licorice-like flavor
Cranberries
These tart, glossy, scarlet berries are famous for treating urinary tract infections
Corn
Corn is a good source of vitamin C and manganese, two conventional antioxidant compounds
Are You Getting Enough B12?
The big question for vegetarians and vegans. Are you getting enough?
Cauliflower
A vegan chef’s secret ingredient, cauliflower is much more versatile than it may look
Cashews
The humble cashew, possibly one of the most important ingredients in plant-based cooking
Buckwheat
Commonly thought of as a grain, buckwheat is actually a fruit seed that is related to rhubarb and sorrel. They are similar in size to wheat kernels but feature an unique triangular shape. Buckwheat is a great alternative to rice or other grains such as wheat for those who are gluten-intolerant. Disease/Ailments: Elevated cholesterol High…
Brussels Sprouts
A member of the cruciferous vegetable family, Brussels sprouts are thought to be native to Brussels, Germany, after which they are named. While they have an unique flavor profile that many may find bitter, when cooked perfectly, these little cabbage heads have a crisp, dense flavor that will leave you hooked. Plus, Brussels sprouts provide immense health…
Broccoli
Actually a member of the cabbage family, broccoli is a delicious, edible flowering head packed with nutrition
Brazil Nuts
These big creamy tree nuts have a host of health benefits in addition to making a great base for vegan gravies
Wheat Bran
Bran, the outer shell of a wheat grain, is very nutritious and necessary for making tasty bran muffins
Blackberries
During the summer blackberries grow all around the Life and Health offices, learn more about their health benefits
Beets
Beets are a highly nutritious root vegetable that contains unique pigment antioxidants. Beware: it will stain anything it comes in contact with. Beets are known for their high sugar content that is processed to make beet sugar. Disease/Ailment: Cardiovascular disease Birth defects Colon cancer Chronic inflammation Health benefits: Anti-inflammatory: The phytochemicals betanin, isobetanin, and vulgaxanthin…
Basil
This fragrant, delicious herb is used around the world in a variety of dishes. Learn about its amazing health benefits
Bananas
Sweet, creamy, and versatile. Bananas can be made into bread, ice cream, and much more!
Asparagus
Asparagus is one of the lowest calorie foods due to its lack of fat and very low carbohydrate content. Interestingly, it is one of the vegetables with the highest protein content. Shortly after consuming asparagus you’ll notice your urine has a unique odor. This is due to the asparagine, an active substance that forms part…
Apricots
Apricots are among the same species as prunes but are quiet different in flavor and appearance. These bright, orange fruits are fuzzy and carry a sweet aroma. Apricots are rich in nutrients that are particularly important for developing and maintaining healthy eyes. Disease/Ailment: Eye Diseases Anemia (iron dependent) Disorders of the skin and mucosa Digestive disorders…
Apples
Known as the “queen of fruit”, apples are the 4th most produced fruits after grapes, bananas, and oranges. Apples come in a wide range of colors, types, and flavors. In addition to its wide variety and versatility in cooking, it is extraordinary in its dietary and therapeutic properties. Disease/ Ailment: Diarrhea Constipation Hypertension Chronic eczema caused…
Amaranth
This “pseudo grain”, a seed that is often confused to be a grain due to its similar uses and nutritional value, is gluten-free and jam-packed with minerals. Each amaranth plant contains hundreds of seeds making it easily accessible and cultivated. Amaranth contains more protein per cup than brown rice, bulgur, or quinoa. In addition to the seeds, the leaves…
Alfalfa Sprouts
While some avoid alfalfa sprouts due to its bitter taste and coarse texture, they’re a great nutrition-packed addition to salads and sandwiches. They are particularly high in vitamin K and contain phytochemicals called saponins that are responsible for many of its healing properties. Disease/Ailment: Hemorrhage Anemia Constipation Diverticulitis High cholesterol Atherosclerosis Osteoporosis Rickets Arthritic Rheumatics Health benefits:…
Acerola
These bright, red berries may not look like a storehouse for vitamin C, but they contain about 50 times more than lemons!
Why Eat Plant Based?
For thousands of years the answers have remained unchanged. Discover why
What Does the Future Look Like for Vegetarianism?
Nowadays, its seems many more people are becoming vegetarians or vegans. What does the future look like for vegetarians? We recently had the privilege of attending the 6th International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition (ICVN) at Loma Linda University. There we spoke with Claus Leitzmann Ph.D, an internationally recognized expert on nutrition. Here’s his opinion on…
If Everyone Became a Vegetarian, How Would Our Earth Be Impacted?
Today we hear a lot of talk about taking care of our earth. However, many people do not realize the great, positive impact a vegetarian diet can have. We recently had the privilege of attending the 6th International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition (ICVN) at Loma Linda University. There we spoke with Claus Leitzmann Ph.D, an…
What Are the Benefits of Being on a Vegetarian Diet?
Many people have heard that they should follow a plant based diet. Especially in the wake of films such as “Forks over Knives,” people are wondering: What are the benefits of a vegetarian diet? We recently had the privilege of attending the 6th International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition (ICVN) at Loma Linda University. There we…
Why Do B12 Recommendations Vary so Widely?
All nutritionists recognize that Vitamin B12 is essential to human health, but why do the recommended intakes vary so widely? We recently had the privilege of attending the 6th International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition (ICVN) at Loma Linda University. There we spoke with Claus Leitzmann Ph.D, an internationally recognized expert on nutrition. He was more…
Is Vitamin B12 a Concern for Vegetarians and Vegans?
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient vegetarians and vegans may have trouble obtaining from their diets, but is it something we should really be concerned about? We recently had the privilege of attending the 6th International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition (ICVN) at Loma Linda University. There we spoke with Claus Leitzmann Ph.D, an internationally recognized expert…
Does Your Reason for Becoming Vegetarian Affect Your Nutrition?
Historically, there have been many reasons that people follow vegetarian diets. The reasons often include ethical, environmental, religious, and health concerns… but how does this affect your nutrition? We recently had the privilege of attending the 6th International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition (ICVN) at Loma Linda University. There we spoke with Claus Leitzmann Ph.D, an…
How Has the Perception of Vegetarianism Changed?
Throughout history there have been many vegetarians, but we have only recently discovered the benefits of such a diet. How has this changed people’s perceptions? We recently had the privilege of attending the 6th International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition (ICVN) at Loma Linda University. There we spoke with Claus Leitzmann Ph.D, an internationally recognized expert…
How to Get Enough Protein If You Are Vegan
Any vegetarian/vegan has surely heard this question before. Here’s the answer once and for all
The ABC’s of Vegetarian Nutrition
Simple answers to common questions about vegetarian nutrition
Dietary Clarity
With the web being a smorgasbord of crisscrossing opinions, it’s nearly impossible to figure out which diet is best for you.