Substitute For Sugar

DELAWARE—A recent study conducted at the University of Delaware found several natural substitutes for sugar that also had great health benefits.

The researchers noted that sugar is associated with numerous health issues, which include obesity, diabetes, and a recent study showed an increased risk of death from these illnesses.

The study analyzed several natural sweeteners, and came up with the following list, including their health benefits:

1.      Stevia: has zero calories and has shown to help prevent diabetes, heart disease, and digestive problems. It is great to add to coffee, or tea.

2.      Honey: has a low glycemic index, which helps with weight loss. In addition, honey is rich in antioxidants, helping prevent sickness.

3.      Agave: This is a good substitute for diabetics. It has also been shown to help boost the immune system and lower the risk of cancer.

4.      Maple syrup: This also has shown to help boost the immune system, promote heart health, and lower the risk of cancer.

5.      Brown rice syrup: This is gluten and wheat free.

If you are interested in some of these health benefits, you should consider substituting sugar for these natural sweeteners.

Have a great day. 

Boost Your Heart And Brain

NEW YORK—A recent study conducted at Colombia University found 5 nutrients that help prevent heart disease and cognitive decline.

It is noted that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US , it’s the cause of 1 out  of every 4 deaths. In addition, they noted that by the time you reach age 80, there is a 50 percent chance you will be suffering from some form of memory loss.

The researchers analyzed several previous studies that looked at foods that help prevent heart disease and brain decline; they found the following 4 nutrients to have the best health benefits regarding your heart and brain:

1.      L-Carnitine (200 mg): This amino acid is found in red meat, chicken, and cheese. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent damage to the brain associated with age-related memory loss.

2.      Omega-3 fatty acids (100 mg): studies have proven these help prevent heart disease by lowering cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammation throughout the body. They can be found in fatty fish (salmon), edamame, walnuts, and eggs.

3.      Resveratrol (50 mg): This can be found in grapes (red wine), nuts and berries. It has been proven to help open up arteries that lead to your heart, which enables your heart to pump blood without strain that could cause heart problems.

4.      Vitamin D (800 IU): Studies have shown that low vitamin D levels are associated with heart problems as well as a higher risk of memory loss. Vitamin D can be found in dairy, sunlight (in moderation), fatty fish (salmon, tuna), orange juice, and egg yolks.

If you are interested in preventing heart disease or lowering your risk of cognitive decline, you might want to consider adding one or more of these 4 nutrients to your daily diet.

Have a great day. 

Oatmeal Health Benefits

PENNSYLVANIA—A recent study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania and published in the Journal of Nutrition found that oatmeal may be the healthiest breakfast option.

The study analyzed a group of mice, it is noted that their bodily functions are very similar to humans. They were split into two groups; one group consumed whole grain oats (found in oatmeal) and the other consumed low bran oat flour (not in oatmeal).

The team found that the group that consumed the whole grain oats gained 14.6% less weight throughout the entire study, compared to the low bran oat group. In addition, they found that the whole grain oat group had significantly better insulin production, lower blood sugar levels, and lower cholesterol levels compared to the bran oat group.

According to the American Heart Association: In addition to oatmeal, the following foods are also rich in whole grains and have great health benefits:

·         Whole wheat flour

·         Whole cornmeal

·         Brown and wild rice

·         Whole Oats

·         Popcorn

If you are interested in receiving some of these health benefits, you might want to consider adding oatmeal or other whole grain options to your daily diet.

Have a great day. 

Powerful Spices. For Healthy Living

CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS —A recent study conducted at Harvard University found several herbs and spices with great health benefits.

The study analyzed previous studies that looked at health benefits associated with different herbs or spices, the researchers found the following 6 herbs/spices with powerful health benefits:

1.      Cinnamon: Helps lower blood sugar levels due to the high amount of antioxidants that fight off inflammation, which is also associated with reducing the risk of diabetes.

2.      Sage: Helps improve brain and memory function, especially for people with Alzheimer’s disease.

3.      Curcumin: this is the spice that gives curry its yellow color. It is strongly anti-inflammatory, which helps prevent or fight off chronic illness’ (Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis)

4.      Cayenne Pepper: the active ingredient called capsaicin within cayenne pepper helps reduce appetite, increase fat burning, and also may help prevent cancer.

5.      Ginger: Studies have proven 1 gram can successfully treat nausea from chemo, morning sickness, and sea sickness. In addition, it also helps fight inflammation associated with colon cancer, and arthritis.

6.       Garlic: Research has shown that garlic helps fight off sickness, including the common cold. In addition, garlic helps lower cholesterol levels by 10-15% and significantly helps reduce blood sugar levels.

If you are interested in some of these health benefits, you might want to consider adding these herbs and spices to your daily diet.

Have a great day. 

Probiotic Rich Foods & High Blood Pressure

CAMBRIDGE , MASSACHUSETTS —A recent study conducted at Harvard University and published in the journal Hypertension found that consuming foods rich in probiotics could help prevent or control high blood pressure levels.

The study included 550 participants; they were split into two groups. One group consumed foods rich in probiotics and the other group consumed foods that were not rich in probiotics. The researchers compared blood pressure levels to the amount of probiotics consumed.

The team found that on average those who consumed the foods rich in probiotics had a reduction of 3.56 points in their systolic (top number) blood pressure level and a decrease of 2.38 in their diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure level.

According to WebMD, the following foods are rich in probiotics:

·         Yogurt

·         Sauerkraut

·         Miso Soup

·         Soft cheeses ( gouda )

·         Sourdough bread

If you are interested in preventing or controlling your high blood pressure levels, you might want to consider adding foods rich in probiotics to your daily diet.

Have a great day. 

Coffee And Heart Health

OKINAWA, JAPAN —A recent study conducted at the University of Ryukyus and presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions found that drinking a cup of caffeinated coffee could help improve heart health.

The study analyzed 27 participants, each participant drank one five-ounce cup of either regular or decaffeinated coffee. After, the researchers measured their finger blood flow (measures the body’s small blood vessel function). They also looked at the participants’ heart rate, and blood flow.

The team found that the participants who consumed a cup of caffeinated coffee had a 30 percent improvement in blood flow over a 75-minute period compared to the participants who drank decaffeinated coffee. In addition, they also found that consuming caffeinated coffee improved blood vessel function, while the heart rate levels were similar for both groups.

According to lead researcher and cardiologist, Masato Tsutsui M.D., Ph. D.:

"This gives us a clue about how coffee may help improve cardiovascular health."

According to Mayoclinic.com, caffeine has its benefits when consumed in moderation. They recommend drinking no more then 2 cups of brewed caffeinated coffee per day.

If you are interested in improving your heart health, you might want to consider adding coffee to your daily diet.

Have a great day. 

Hypertension? Eat Watermelon

TALLAHASSEE —A recent study conducted at Florida State University and published in theAmerican Journal of Hypertension found that eating watermelon could significantly reduce high blood pressure (hypertension).

The study included 13 participants who suffered from high blood pressure. The researchers followed them for 12 weeks; the participants were divided in half. One group consumed watermelon, while the other group did not.

The team found that those who consumed watermelon significantly lowered their blood pressure levels, compared to those who did not consume the watermelon.

According to the researchers:

“Consuming natural foods can independently help to lower blood pressure and facilitate risk reduction to prevent potentially fatal chronic illnesses including stroke and cardiovascular disease.”

;If you are interested in preventing or lowering your high blood pressure, you might want to consider adding watermelon to your daily diet.

Have a great day.