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                                        Vitamin C Although vitamins are “vital” nutrients required for life that, in most cases, cannot be synthesized by the body, vitamin C stands out because, in addition to humans, there are few animals that actually lack this ability. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and antioxidant commonly called ascorbic acid. Our bodies neither make nor store vitamin C, so we must obtain it from an external source and replenish it on a regular basis. We can get sufficient levels of vitamin C from our diets—almost all fruits and vegetables contain it. Furthermore, vitamin C is the most widely consumed nutritional supplement. It is available in several forms, such as tablets, capsules, crystals, and drink mixes. When consumed via diet or supplement, vitamin C is absorbed in the intestinal tract and transported via glucose mechanisms. Keep in mind, larg...

    3 Mocktails for Better Health .    4 As the seasons shift, embrace these anti-inflammatory “cocktails”—juices and shakes stocked with nutritious super foods to help maintain your healthy lifestyle. “No matter the kind of diet you may lean toward—vegetarian, vegan, low-carb, no-carb, Mediterranean, Neanderthal, or any other kind of diet—any and all anti-inflammation efforts are well worth it!” says nutritionist and juicing pioneer Cherie Calbom, MS, author of  The Juice Lady’s Anti-Inflammation   Diet.  “You can lose weight on the anti-inflammation diet  and  rejuvenate your body.” Here are a few of Calbom’s tasty and convenient favorites. Antioxidant Power Smoothie 1 cup unsweetened plant milk such as hemp, coconut, or almond milk ½ cup blueberries 1 pear ½ cup baby spinach 1 teaspoon Indian gooseberry extract (optional) 1 tablespoon flaxseed Ice cubes (optional) Add all ingredients to a blender and process unt...

5 Tips for Eating on a Budget Take a meat-break. Many of us, myself included, grew up with meat-centric meals. Although quality-sourced animal foods offer some valuable nutrients, I believe most of us could get by on a lot less meat, opting instead for smaller portions or some meatless meals. Not only does less meat on the plate make more room for gut-friendly plants, but eating fewer animal products is also easier on the earth and your wallet—everybody wins. Consider joining the Meatless Mondays movement, and when you do eat animal products, opt for smaller amounts of those that have been humanely treated and pasture-raised; look for meats free of hormones and antibiotics, preferably organic or fresh from the farmers’ market. Re-think your plate so that meat and poultry are more of a side dish and plants are the main attraction. Build a better, hot breakfast—fast. When my kids were young, oatmeal and buckwheat pancakes were two of our inexpensive yet nutritious breakfast...

                                           Young couple eating strawberries Add More Strawberries to Your Diet While strawberries are one of America’s favorite fruits, many consumers are not aware of the incredible  health benefits . Providing a unique combination of essential nutrients, dietary fiber, and phytochemicals, a serving of eight medium strawberries a day provides more vitamin C per serving than an orange (and 140 percent of the daily value), a good source of fiber (3 grams), folate, and potassium (along with a variety of health-promoting antioxidants), and just 7 grams of sugar. Clinical research suggests that eating a serving of eight medium strawberries a day may improve heart health, help manage diabetes, support brain health, and reduce the risk of some cancers. Strawberry Goat Cheese Toast Toast a slice of whole grain, high fiber bread. Meanwhil...

                                          H ealthy brain food Count on cucumbers Mildly-flavored and refreshing, the humble cucumber turns out to have potent powers to promote brain health. Studies have shown that cucumbers are rich in a flavonoid called fisetin, which prevents memory loss and age-related cognitive decline. Sharpen up the brain by eating strawberries Like cucumbers, these tasty berries are packed with fisetin – as well as with a complement of healthful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenols. Eating strawberries has been shown to cause reduction in memory decline. Grab some grapes to lower brain stress Grapes – especially the purple and red varieties – are high in anthocyanins, antioxidant natural plant pigments that can help fight oxidative stress in the brain. But their most important weapon against cognitive decline may ...