To optimally support your cardiovascular system, it may be helpful to regularly eat foods that are naturally rich in folate and an omega-3 fatty acid called EPA. Folate primarily protects your cardiovascular system against disease by keeping your blood homocysteine level in check. And though we aren't certain of how EPA reduces risk of cardiovascular disease, a number of studies have found a strong relationship between EPA consumption and a decrease in heart disease. Read more
As I mentioned in my post on eating calcium-rich plant foods to promote optimal bone health, sesame seeds are an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, all of which your body needs to build and maintain healthy bones and teeth. So if you want to ensure that you optimally nourish your bones and teeth as you age, consider mastering the following Asian-style sesame sauce recipe. Depending on how much water you use, this recipe can produce a light salad dressing, a dip for raw vegetables, or even a rich alternative to mayonnaise. Read more
Melamine is a synthetic compound that is traditionally used to make plastics and laminates.
In 2007, melamine was suspected by the U.S. FDA to have tainted pet food, and in September 2008, almost 54,000 infants in China became ill after ingesting melamine that was found in baby formula and milk products; four infant deaths have also been reported. Read more
A 20/20 investigation suggests that fatal car accidents are regularly caused by old rubber tires spontaneously disintegrating on the road. This report focuses on the alarming reality that some new tires that are sold in stores like Wal-mart and Sears may actually be several years old. 20/20's investigation actually found some "new" tires on sale at Wal-mart and Sears stores in the States that were up to 12 years old.
A Canadian-led study on the usefulness of arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knees revealed that many people benefit as much from physical therapy and mild pain relievers as they do from arthroscopic surgery.
The study, whose results were published in the September 11, 2008 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, was conducted over a period of two years, involving 178 men with osteoarthritis. The average age of those in the study was 60. Read more
Until a few months ago, I was under the impression that coconut oil and coconut butter are the same thing. So I was one surprised chap when I tried a coconut butter product made by a company called Artisana.
I now know that true coconut butter is made by carefully blending whole coconut meat - when done properly, the result is a sweet, creamy butter that has the wonderful fragrance of coconut oil, along with healthy protein and fiber that naturally occur in coconut. Read more
Why do some men stray from their marriages, while others seem content to stay with one partner for life?
The answer may come from an unlikely source: the vole. A vole is a rodent, and it comes in several species. Prairie voles mate for life. Mountain voles do not. Research has shown that prairie and mountain voles have different versions, known as “alleles,” of a particular gene (AVPR1A). Read more
In February of 2008, we started a fund raising campaign for a special, not-for-profit organization called Operation Shanti. Located in Mysore, India, the folks who run Operation Shanti are dedicated to empowering the poorest and neediest children and elderly people in their area.
As reported in our first update following the launch of our campaign, our readers responded spectacularly, surpassing our goal within a week. Read more
This article was originally published in May, 2006
It's no secret that breastfeeding provides both a mother and her baby with numerous physical and emotional health benefits.
Unfortunately, some new moms who have every intention of nursing their babies end up switching to formula within the first few weeks of their babies' lives. Read more
Many years ago, a patient of mine who had traveled extensively around the world told me about a group of people he encountered that ate red beets, carrots, and sweet potatoes almost every day to help protect their skin against sunburn. Read more