All Posts by Denise Reynolds

We already know that fiber is good for your cholesterol levels and may be protective against colon cancer. Now University of Illinois has studied the effect of fiber, particularly soluble fiber, on its ability to strengthen the immune system.

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One of the first questions almost every new vegetarian is asked has to do with getting enough protein by only eating plant foods. Meat is not the only source of protein, and it is a misconception that vegetarian diets cannot meet a person’s daily requirement for all of the essential amino acids.

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Calcium is an essential mineral for many different functions in the human body. In fact, it is the most abundant mineral in the body. Of course, the best-known role of calcium is in the structure and strength of the skeletal bones and the teeth. Some of its lesser-known functions include cell metabolism, muscle contraction, and nerve impulse transmission.

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There are many reasons to choose a plant-based diet, but probably one of the most beneficial reasons is for your own personal health. A vegetarian diet, or even a “less-meatarian” diet, can have many positive health effects.

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The term vegetarian means different things to different people. Although the word technically describes someone who does not eat meat, there are many interpretations and views about what a vegetarian actually is.

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If you suffer from arthritis, you are probably tempted to reduce the amount of physical activity that you participate in because of the pain and the fear of further damaging your joints. However, research and clinical practice shows that this is actually counterproductive, and doing some form of daily exercise — even mild — can significantly improve your arthritis symptoms.

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Since ancient Aztec and Roman times, couples have been searching for aphrodisiac foods to boost their love lives. The word “aphrodisiac” comes from the name of the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. The best part of “love foods” is that most of these are healthy.

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According to the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, the blueberry has the highest antioxidant ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capability) of all the commonly eaten fruits in the United States. This property makes the blueberry one of the best fruits for fighting disease. Many recent studies have found beneficial links to a variety of health conditions as well, making the blueberry a true super-fruit.

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A new study from the University of L’Aquila in Italy has found that the yellow Indian spice saffron may help significantly in reversing age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, a condition that affects the majority of humans as they age and is a major cause of blindness in the elderly.

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Salt has recently been a hot topic of conversation since New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg has taken on the seasoning in a personal mission for healthier living. The city’s health department is helping to coordinate a nationwide campaign called the “National Salt Reduction Initiative” to reduce the sodium content in the US food supply by 25%.

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