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An Orange a Day Keeps Strokes Away

by Paula Gallagher | February 29, 2012

A new study in the journal Stroke has found that citrus fruits, especially oranges and grapefruits, can reduce the risk of strokes. The key to citrus are the flavonoids. Flavonoids are the antioxidant compounds in fruits and vegetables that give them their rich colors—and also many of their health benefits. These benefits are thought to be related to the ability of flavonoids to improve blood vessel function and to their anti-inflammatory effects.

Although more research is needed, it seems eating the whole fruit is definitely preferable to just drinking its juice. Most juices contain fewer nutrients and often contain added sugar. According to the paper, “Given the higher flavanone content of citrus fruits and the sugar content of commercial fruit juices, public health recommendations should focus on increasing citrus fruit intake.” (more…)

Tags: cardiovascular health, flavanoids, stroke
Posted in Diet, Health Concerns |
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Chia Seeds: Why You Should Be Eating Them

by Paula Gallagher | February 28, 2012

Most people are familiar with chia seeds, but what you may not know is that the same seeds that sprout in clay pots are also a very healthy addition to your diet.

Here are some reasons to add chia to your diet (thanks to Cobs Bread Company):

• 15 x more magnesium than broccoli
• 7 x more vitamin C than oranges
• 6 x more calcium than milk
• 3 x more antioxidants than blueberries
• 3 x more iron than spinach
• Highest levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids of any plant
• Rich in fiber
• Gluten-free (more…)

Tags: blood glucose levels, cardiovascular health, diabetes
Posted in Diet, Nutritional Supplements |
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The Magic of Muscles

by Debi Silber, The Mojo Coach | February 27, 2012

Resistance and flexibility training are important to a well-rounded exercise program, but they’re often overlooked.

I’ve seen people frustrated because they’re putting the time in on the treadmill but still don’t look or feel strong and toned. Many of my clients have purposely neglected weight training because they felt they would “get too big.” Without a resistance training program, you really are shortchanging your body and yourself. I’ll explain why.

Have you ever noticed a husband and wife trying to lose weight together? Chances are he’s dropping weight like crazy and she’s struggling each week to lose a small amount. Assuming they’ve both changed their eating behaviors, one of the greatest differences in why he is losing weight at a quicker pace is that she doesn’t have the same amount of muscle mass that he does.

Muscle burns calories just by being there while fat burns very little. You see, the fat we have on our bellies, butts and thighs takes up a lot of space, it’s very content to stay put and it doesn’t need us to fire up our metabolism to keep it in its place. Muscle works very differently. Each pound of muscle burns many calories per hour just to keep it there!

Besides looking more toned and sculpted, muscle is one of the key ways to fire up your metabolism. How can you build some muscle? I’d love to know, comment and share!

Tags: muscles, resistance training, weight lifting, weight loss
Posted in Exercise |
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Sunday Radio Show: Chemical Sensitivity & Environmental Illness

by Paula Gallagher | February 25, 2012

Host Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Dr. Walter J. Crinnion will be discussing environmental toxins, diabetes and obesity, and the connection with farm-raised salmon.

Walter J. Crinnion, ND, is a professor at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine where he is chair of the Environmental Medicine Department. In his first family practice, he specialized in allergies and in treating chronic health problems caused by environmental chemical overload. Then in 1985, Dr. Crinnion started the most comprehensive cleansing facility in North America for the treatment of chemically poisoned individuals. Dr. Crinnion is a frequent lecturer at both naturopathic and allopathic medical conferences and has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals on the topic of environmental overload.

Tune in this Sunday from 10-11am on 1500 AM (WFED) or listen live on the web. Our shows are streamed everywhere.

Last week’s show was on healing Lyme disease. Click to listen.

Tags: chemical sensitivity, diabetes, environmental toxins, farm raised salmon
Posted in Health Concerns, Village Green News |
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Vitamin D Levels in Moms Linked to Baby Language Skills

by Paula Gallagher | February 22, 2012

A new study out of Australia suggests pregnant women who do not get enough vitamin D could be putting their children at risk of language difficulties.

Researchers looked at levels of the sunshine vitamin in more than 700 pregnant women, then measured their children’s behaviour and language development.

They found that the children of mothers with the lowest levels of vitamin D were twice as likely to experience language difficulties, compared to those whose mothers had normal levels of the vitamin.

One of the reasons for low vitamin D levels is the amount of time spent in the sun, or the amount of time NOT spent in the sun. With concern about skin cancer, many women are also wearing sunscreen to prevent skin damage and possible skin cancer.

So, supplementing with vitamin D3 acts as insurance. I personally take 2000IU per day (particularly in the winter) and both of my children take 1000IU.

Tags: baby, vitamin D3
Posted in Health Concerns, Nutritional Supplements |
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