Antioxidants, so called because they work to counter free oxygen radicals that can damage cells, take many forms, from familiar vitamins and minerals to lesser-known phytochemicals. Fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods are rich sources. Research shows that the best way to obtain antioxidants is through food, not dietary supplements. This may be in part […]
Author: Jackie Smith
Is Your Olive Oil Heart Healthy?
Olive oil has a deservedly good reputation as a healthful oil, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (specifically oleic acid) and compounds called polyphenols. The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, notably improved cardiovascular health, are attributed in part to the inclusion of less-processed, high-polyphenol extra virgin olive oil–the highest grade. Following are the key differences […]
5 Ways to Fortify Your Immune System
As medical and public health experts around the world continue to warn about the dangers of the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, one message is abundantly clear—if you’re an older adult, you’re at increased risk of severe disease and death if you contract it. That’s because your immune system doesn’t function as well as you grow […]
Get to Know Your Psoas Muscles
Most people have never heard of the psoas muscles, much less know where they are or how to pronounce the name (“SO-as”). Yet problems with these muscles often play a role in hip, groin, and low back pain. There are two of them, one on each side of the body. Each of these long, thick […]
Back Pain Prevention Tips for Golfers
Back pain is by far the most common complaint among golfers. That’s no surprise, considering the unusual stress on muscles and ligaments created by a golf swing: You bend over and your shoulders turn 90, while your pelvis moves only a little as you forcefully twist your spine to produce an explosive rotational downswing (powering […]
Why Menopause Matters
First, some perspective: If we menstruate, it is likely that about half our lives will happen post-menopause. Long time, right? Of course this interval will vary depending on our overall health, genetics (our age at menopause is likely to be similar to our mothers’ and grandmothers’), and many other factors. But the average female lifespan […]
Reduce risk of breast cancer
November is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and since this is the most common cancer diagnosis for American women, we’d like to discuss ways to be proactive about prevention while improving overall wellness. Though it’s common to have the fear of developing breast cancer — with little hope beyond surgery and chemo — there is a lot of […]
10 Reasons Why the Scale is Stuck
So, you took the leap and signed up for a weight loss program. You’re excited to lose weight, feel better and get healthy. But once you get started, it’s a whole different story. While you may feel like you’re doing everything to a T, the scale is stuck and you can’t figure out why. There […]
6 Healthy Root Vegetables You Have to Try This Fall
Root vegetables are the edible parts of plants that grow underground, but these super-nutritious, health foods are finding their way into the spotlight and onto the plates of healthy eaters. Carrots are the most familiar root vegetable—we eat the long, orange bottoms, not the leafy tops. These six other roots are, like carrots, rich in […]
Our Top 6 Fall Produce Picks
It’s officially autumn. And aside from cooler temps and shorter days, with fall comes a healthy harvest of tasty and nutritious produce. From root veggies to fabulous fall fruits, there are plenty of delicious options to fall for this season. Here are our top 6 fall produce picks: start incorporating them into your diet today. […]