Eat Nuts, Lose Weight

by Kelley Herring

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A recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders evaluated the effects of an almond-enriched diet versus a complex-carb enriched diet for weight loss.

The 24 week trial included 65 adults who were either overweight or obese. Half of the participants in the study ate a low calorie diet plus 84g/day (about 3 ounces, daily) of almonds or a low calorie diet plus their choice of complex carbohydrates. Both groups consumed the same amount of calories and protein.

At the end of the study, the almond-eaters enjoyed a 62% greater reduction in weight, 50% greater reduction in waist circumference and 56% great reduction in fat mass compared with the group consuming the complex carbohydrate alternative.

Enjoy a handful of almonds as a snack, or try one of our delicious nutty recipes at the Healing Gourmet website.

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Extra Pounds? Blame It On Bacteria!

Did you know that an imbalance of the natural bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract can promote weight gain? It's true! The flora – or natural organisms that reside inside your gut – rely on you to feed them the right foods.

Learn how to get back to balance eating delicious, nutrient packed foods in Your Body's Ecosystem.

Click here to learn more...

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Avocados: A High Fat Liver Protector

by Kelley Herring

Love avocados? New research shows this decadent, high fat fruit may help to protect your liver.

Researchers at Shizuoka University in Japan fed 22 different fruits to a group of rats with liver damage caused by galactosamine, a powerful liver toxin. The researchers then measured the changes in specific liver enzymes which indicate damage.

Of the 22 fruits, the avocado had the most potent liver-protecting activity, boasting 5 specific compounds that appear to be active in reducing liver damage. Hirokazu Kawagishi , the study leader says "Besides offering taste and nutrition, avocados seem to improve liver health. People should eat more of them."

Don’t be deterred by avocados high calorie, high fat profile. Their fat is the heart-healthy monounsaturated variety and the “alligator pear” provides a laundry list of potent nutrients including antioxidant vitamins E and C, glutathione, lutein and zeaxanthin. If that’s not enough —they’re also high in fiber and potassium, and provide a good amount of folate, to boot.

So go ahead and slice avocados onto salads, fold into wraps and mash into guacamole. You’ll delight your taste buds, and protect your liver, too.

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A Jarring Fact about Canned Foods

Do you eat canned food? If so you’re being exposed to a dangerous cancer-causing compound called bisphenol-a (BPA). This dangerous compound is used in the liners of cans. And it leaches into your food - especially acidic foods like tomatoes.

Just two companies make BPA-free can liners. Learn which brands you should choose to stay away from BPA! See p. 29 of Smart Cooks Age Better.

Click here to learn more...

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Olive Oil: Just a Drizzle to Fight Diabetes

by Kelley Herring

Do you savor golden-green olive oil, drizzled over vine-ripe tomatoes, roasted veggies and colorful salads? If so, you may be helping to guard against one of the most prevalent degenerative diseases - diabetes.

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

After a three-week, high saturated fat diet, 31 subjects with impaired glucose tolerance - also known as pre-diabetes - were put on a “Mono” (primarily monounsaturated fats) or “Poly” (primarily polyunsaturated fats) diet for eight weeks.

The study, conducted at the University of Kuopio, Finland, found that those subjects with higher amounts of oleic acid, a monounsaturated from olive oil, and alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid, had the most improvement in fasting plasma glucose. examined the relationship between specific fatty acids in the blood and how the body metabolizes glucose.

For years we've known that monounsaturated-rich olive oil, common in the Mediterranean diet, helps to reduce inflammation and heart disease risk. Now you can add diabetes protection to olive oil's long list of reputed health benefits.

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A Tablespoon of This Tasty Condiment Reduces Blood Sugar Levels Up to 35%!

Adding just a tablespoon or two of this yummy ingredient to a carb-rich meal was found to reduce post-meal blood sugar by 25-35%!

Learn about this ingredient – plus a dozen more – that reduce your body’s glycemic response on p. 21 of Your Guide to Living a Low-Glycemic Lifestyle.

Click here to learn more...

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