The Paleo diet plan bases its principles on the eating habits of the Paleolithic era (AKA the Old Stone Age) and promotes foods that could be hunted and gathered during the time period. This means lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Paleo diet recipes limit foods that came about at the age of farming, including dairy…
Legumes are a common ingredient used in a variety of different cuisines around the globe. Not only are they versatile and delicious, but many types are also brimming with health benefits and important nutrients that your body needs. So are beans legumes? Are chickpeas legumes? And what are examples of legumes in addition to these…
There's a pretty good chance that you've seen a mulberry tree or two pop up in your local park, neighborhood or even your own backyard. This tree produces a tart and tasty fruit that looks similar to a blackberry and can be used to sweeten up just about any dish. The mulberry fruit may be…
Classified as both a legume and a fruit, the tamarind fruit is unique in just about every way. From its pod-like appearance to its distinct sour-sweet taste, it's true that there's nothing ordinary about this tasty fruit. The tamarind fruit is a staple ingredient in cuisines around the world. Used to make everything from candy…
With a rich red color and distinct peppery taste, annatto has been used for centuries to enhance palatability and make dishes that pop on the plate. Although food coloring has earned a bad reputation for its potential adverse effects on health, annatto stands apart as a natural way to give foods color and flavor without…
Breast cancer treatment is the most common cause of lymphedema in the United States. Worldwide, it most often occurs due to filariasis (a parasite infection). Experts have called lymphedema "one of the most poorly understood, relatively underestimated, and least researched complications of cancer or its treatment." (1, 2) There are other possible causes of primary lymphedema, including…
Whether you’re replenishing after a workout, trying to build lean muscle mass or just find yourself hungry and need something more filling, bulking up on protein foods might be the answer. But if you can’t stomach eating another steak or cracking one more egg, it might be time to start drinking protein shakes. These shakes…
Believe it or not, there's a very high chance that you, or an immediate family member, has had Epstein Barr virus (EBV) at some point. Many children, teens and adults contract this virus but have no idea, since it doesn't always cause any noticeable symptoms. EBV is considered a prevalent virus in most developed countries, affecting…
Pterostilbene (pronounced terro-still-bene) is a beneficial dietary compound that is found in antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, cranberries and grapes. In both human and animal studies, it has been shown to offer protection against many neurological, cardiovascular, metabolic and hematologic disorders. For example, pterostilbene benefits include protecting against memory loss, high cholesterol, high blood pressure levels and even certain types…
Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. MS affects 2.5 million people worldwide and around 400,000 people in the United States. What are the symptoms of MS and how is it diagnosed? MS symptoms affect each person differently. They can include weakness, numbness, cognitive changes and blurred vision. Currently there…
