Gardening for Health

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By: Amanda Schroeder We all know that eating more fruits and vegetables is good for our bodies; they provide essential minerals, vitamins and fiber. A diet rich in plant foods can reduce your risk of diseases like stroke, heart disease and certain types of cancer. The fiber found in them also normalizes your bowel movements and prevents constipation. The USDA recommends that you fill half of your plate with fruits and veggies at each meal and, for some of us, that can be a challenge. Growing your own… Read More →

Micronutrient Monday: Let’s Talk about Iron!

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By: Amanda Schroeder Iron is an important mineral found in both animal and plant foods. It functions as part of the hemoglobin in our red blood cells, which takes the oxygen from our lungs and disperses it throughout our entire body. In other words, it helps our muscles store and efficiently use the oxygen that we breathe. Since utilizing oxygen is such a vital process, it is important to have enough iron flowing through your body. Are you getting enough? Anemia is the result of consuming inadequate amounts… Read More →

Weekly Health Links

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By: Wren Fair Curious about the health benefits of coconut based products? Discern fact from fiction here. Though the weather may indicate otherwise, it is officially fall in central Texas! Read about how to use pumpkins and their weight loss benefits! It’s important to replace calories from saturated fats with calories from healthy fats and whole grains to have an impact on heart disease risk. Find out why from the Havard Health blog. Salt may be “getting an unfair shake” in the nutrition world. The Huffington Post reports… Read More →

Fiber: The Original Superfood

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Author: Wren Fair What do kale, blueberries, and flaxseeds have in common? They are all of course “superfoods” because even small servings of these foods provide a high concentration of beneficial nutrients. Another overlooked commonality is that these foods and many other health promoting foods are high in fiber. Fiber, often associated with bran cereals and supplements like Metamucil, can be found in all plant foods and is essential for optimal health. As the indigestible roughage of plants, fiber helps food move through our digestive system and plays and important… Read More →

Weekly Health Links

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Author: Wren Fair Spicy food lovers rejoice! A new study has found that more spicy food in the diet translates to a longer life and a lower risk of many chronic diseases. Not a breakfast person? You may want to reconsider! Listen to this short podcast from Harvard researchers who examine the health impacts of regularly skipping breakfast. How well do you know veggies? Take the MyPlate vegetable quiz and find out! As the weather cools down you may be planning a camping trip or other outdoor adventure…. Read More →

Are You Hungry or Just Thirsty?

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By: Kelly Kleiman Did you know that the cues for hunger and thirst are the same?  The same part of your brain interprets signals for both hunger and thirst.  Many times when you think you are hungry, you may only be thirsty. The signs of hunger include feeling weak, irritable, and moody.  You will also notice your stomach rumbling.  Hunger comes on gradually, not suddenly. The signs of thirst or dehydration may mimic hunger, but can also include dry eyes, headache, and dizziness. The best way to identify… Read More →

Weekly Health Links

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By: Wren Fair CNN reports on foods that have been proven to be just as effective as the leading medicines in treating different ailments. It turns out that bananas can pack quite a nutritional punch. Read about the fruit that some have said is unhealthy and causes weight gain. Ever wonder about probiotics and how to incorporate them into your diet? Take a look at this probiotic overview from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Struggling with arthritis related joint pain? Check out these 5 exercises…. Read More →

Hummus: The Versatile and Flavorful Summer Snack!

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By: Jillian Randall Hummus is a healthy snack to be enjoyed at any time! Hummus is packed with essential nutrients and contains a hearty serving of protein and fiber. The olive oil used in hummus is a great source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamin E and healthy monounsaturated fat. Hummus is easy to make, just throw all the ingredients together into a food processor or blender and run until smooth. Tahini is sesame seed paste, which helps hummus maintain its smooth texture, but can be conveniently replaced with peanut butter or left… Read More →

Weekly Health Links

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By: Wren Fair Think you are cutting calories by choosing to dine at a full service restaurant instead of a fast food joint? Think again! A home cooked meal is by far the least caloric option for dinner tonight. Find out how to get the biggest nutritional bang for your buck with strategic food pairings with this story from NPR. The new USDA dietary guidelines address sustainability for the first time. Here are 5 tips on sustainable eating from the Havard T.H. Chan health blog. The NY Times… Read More →

Stay Hydrated This Summer!

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By: Chelsea Couch Texas summers bring high temperatures and make staying hydrated important for Texans of all ages. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of dehydration, how to treat it and how to prevent it. There are levels of dehydration from mild to severe. People experiencing mild dehydration may present some or all of the following symptoms: Dry, sticky mouth Sleepiness or tiredness Thirst Decreased urine output Few or no tears when crying Dry skin Headache Dizziness or lightheadedness If someone suffers severe dehydration they… Read More →