Your Brain On Sugar...is it really a drug?

You had a bagel for breakfast....and now it's 10:30 am, and like a junkie you're already craving more food. Well.....scientist say that that drug comparison… might not be far off. A study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition says refined carbs like sugar, corn syrup, or white flour for instance, could trigger food cravings that are similar to the cravings experienced by drug addicts. The study which looked at men ranging from overweight to obese, hypothesizes that the sharp drop in blood sugar after eating cookies or chips, may not only make you hungrier, but also makes the idea of eating, more rewarding and pleasurable to your brain. David Lugwig who coauthored the study, pointed out that these foods "hijack the highly evolutionarily based reward system, putting it into overdrive."  Our bodies break down carbohydrates into sugar or glucose and when we eat refined carbs, it causes our blood sugar to spike. Where as if we eat something like vegetables, it takes a long time to break down…slowly raising our blood sugar. Lugwig and his colleages gave 12 participants one of two identical tasting drinks. One contained corn syrup and the other corn starch. The corn syrup based drinks caused a rapid rise in blood sugar levels in test subjects, who then reported being very hungry after their blood sugar levels crashed. Scans of their brains showed activation in their reward and addiction regions. 

Earlier this year, another study done, showed rats who easily became addicted to cocaine also apparently became addicted to high-fructose corn syrup.  Study author Francesco Leri said "We have evidence in lab animals of a shared vulnerability to develop preferences for sweet foods and for cocaine.  There is now convincing neurobiological and behavioral evidence indication that addiction to food, is possible."  Previous research has also shown that when animals get "hooked" on sugar, taking it away can lead to symptoms that look like withdrawals in addicts. That's something to think about when you're standing in line at Starbucks.

Delight In Those Omega 3's!

Omega-3 fatty acids are a naturally occurring fat in particular foods and they have far reaching health benefits.  Studies suggest they help fight heart diseases and help protect against depression, dementia, cancer and arthritis.  The health benefits can differ greatly from one source to another. So the best place hands down to get your omegas-3's is the fatty fish and cold water fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines etc.  If you prefer not to eat fish you can get the acids through a fish oil.  However because there are some toxins in the ocean you need to make sure that it is molecularly distilled for purity or certified free of mercury and PCB's. If you don't wish to eat a meat based source, the next best place would be the plant based foods such as walnuts, canola oil, soy beans, chia seeds and flax seeds.  

A healthy body can manufacture the components of Omegas-3's, but your body needs to add something to that form to get the components that you need because of it's imperfect form.  Flax oil, flax seeds or hemp seeds are easy to work with because they have a neutral taste. The flax seeds you have to grind up to make all the good stuff  bioavailable when you eat it. The chia seed however is digestible and all you have to do is sprinkle 1 or 2 tablespoons on your oatmeal, fruit smoothie, or in your pancake batter.

Omega 3's are one class of essential acids meaning that we HAVE to have these in our diets. And these are not so easy to get because there aren't too many dietary sources of them...meaning the oily fish. We need these in adequate amounts everyday for optimum health and it's not just for physical health but for mental health as well. Omega-3 fatty acids come in more than one form. The types found in fish, called DHA and EPA, have been studied most extensively and appear to have the strongest health benefits.  Both are necessary but DHA is the main constituent of cell membranes in the brain. DHA molecules are long-chain fatty acids. They're fluid and flexible.  They become part of the membrane of the brain cells and work at synapses, where the chemical signals jump from cell to cell.  And it appears that if you've got inadequate omega-3's in the diet and you're not getting enough DHA, it leaves the brain susceptible to all sorts of problems. It turns out that Omega-3 deficiency is a significant cause of depression. And it affects all kinds of depression such as bipolar depression, unipolar depression,  postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder. 
When M. Elizabeth Sublette, MD, PhD, of the New York State Psychiatric Institute and her team of researchers reviewed 15 trials involving 916 participants, they concluded that supplements with at least 60% EPA improved depression symptoms. Their meta-analysis was published online in the September 2011 issue of theJournal of Clinical Psychiatry. A Canadian study published in the August 2011 issue of the same journal found that a similar 60/40 ratio of EPA/DHA eased depression somewhat in people with depression who didn’t have anxiety disorders.

“The human brain likely benefits from a combination of EPA and DHA since they occur together in nature and both have apparent benefits for depression and suicide,” Mischoulon notes.

• Omega-3s help some aspects of bipolar disorder. In an analysis led by researchers from Australia’s University of Melbourne, Mischoulon and colleagues concluded that omega-3s could have a significant effect on bipolar depression but not on bipolar mania.5

• Low omega-3 levels are associated with suicide and self-harm. In response to increasing rates of suicide in the military, researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently found that low blood levels of omega-3s were widespread and raised suicide risk by as much as 62%. The study was published online in the August 2011 issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

“A previous placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that 2 g of omega-3 fatty acids per day reduced suicidal thinking by 45% as well as depression and anxiety scores among individuals with recurrent self-harm,” says researcher Capt Joseph R. Hibbeln, MD, acting chief of the Section of Nutritional Neurosciences at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics in a press release from the NIH. He and other study authors concluded that “ensuring adequate omega-3 nutritional status is likely to benefit, and unlikely to harm, people at risk for suicide.”

• Omega-3s help menopausal depression. When 20 menopausal women with major depression took 2 g of EPA plus DHA daily for eight weeks, 70% found their mood improved, and 45% found their depression went into remission. Mean scores on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale fell from 24.2 to 10.7. And the study participants enjoyed a bonus—fewer hot flashes—according to researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital in the March 2011 issue of Menopause.

• Omega-3s improve depression during and after pregnancy. Low-dose DHA/EPA supplements lifted major depression for 15 pregnant women in a 2006 study published in Acta Neuropsychiatrica. Other research has found that women with higher intakes of omega-3s after pregnancy are at lower risk of postpartum depression.6

In a small 2006 study published in the January issue of Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 16 new mothers with postpartum depression took 0.5 to 2.8 g of EPA/DHA daily for eight weeks. Depression scores dropped about 50% in all groups. The researchers say that lifting postpartum depression is good for mothers and their babies: “Children of affected mothers may experience impaired attachment, and [postpartum depression] may adversely affect behavioral and cognitive development. Some women refuse medications during pregnancy and/or breast-feeding because long-term effects of antidepressants on the infant are unknown. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is associated with health benefits and is an attractive potential treatment.”

Making sure that you're getting an adequate omega-3 intake is a good way to treat and prevent depression as well as many other health benefits.

Cut Out The Whites!! Lose Weight Fast!

A for sure way to lose weight fast….is to cut out the whites! What does that mean? 
Eliminate foods that have high calorie and high fat content in your diet. Getting on a treadmill for 30 minutes, wether you are briskly walking or jogging, will burn calories fast. You can easily burn 300 calories and if you run at a descent pace, you can burn a lot more. The logic is…you can easily burn calories with a good workout, but you CAN NOT burn Fat grams so easily. If you eat a big mac it will take you days of intense working out to burn off that sandwich. If you ask for the big Mac without the cheese and the special sauce you reduce 38fat grams. See the picture? So stay away from these and you'll lose pounds quick.

Bread

Sour cream

Dairy Cream

Mayo

Ranch or any cream based dressing or soup

Cream Cheese

Tortillas

Rice

Sugar

Butter

Cheese(this would include the cheese that is any other color as well...nice try ;))

The lower the fat grams in your meal... the easier it is to LOSE FAST. I try to keep that fat gram number below 10 grams with every meal which is a whole other blog entry. But for now…just eliminate the whites and you'll shed those stubborn pounds faster than with any other grueling diet! Trust me…it works for me every time!!

Here are some good examples  to help you gage calories and fat grams: 

THE BAD:

The regular-size Tuna Melt Deli Sub, loaded with mayo and cheese, contains more fat than most people should eat in a day. It weighs in at 1,220 calories, 94 g fat, 19 g saturated fat, and 1,370 mg sodium. If you choose the large size, you'll get 1,740 calories, more than most women need in an entire day. The fat jumps up to 135 grams.

Arby's Roast Turkey Ranch & Bacon Market Fresh Sandwich has bacon, turkey, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and Ranch sauce -- all adding up to a colossal 810 calories, 36 g fat, 10 g saturated fat, and a shocking 2,270 mg sodium. "Market Fresh" has a healthful ring, but the fat and calories put this sandwich closer to a greasy burger and

"Crisp" is a red flag for high-fat, fried food. And the Tender Crisp Chicken Sandwich is a classic example of fried chicken on a bun slathered with creamy, high-fat dressing.  It tops out at 800 calories, 46 g fat, 8 g saturated fat, and 1,640 mg sodium -- more calories and fat than a Whopper with cheese.

The Signature Chipotle Chicken on Artisan French Bread contains 830 calories, 37 g fat, 12 g saturated fat, and 2,180 mg of sodium.  That's the daily sodium limit for healthy adults. The special sauce, bacon, and cheddar help turn chicken, a lean type of protein, into a calorie bomb. Unfortunately,  many of the hot panini, signature, and café sandwiches hit the 700-900 calorie range.

The Asiago Ranch Chicken Club Sandwich can turn a quick lunch into a fatty affair that lingers on your hips.  Wendy's tops their breaded, fried filet with 3 strips of bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo for  660 calories, 33 g fat, 9 g saturated fat, and 1,650 mg of sodium. If you swap the mayo for honey mustard and go grilled, you can slim down this club sandwich to about 510 calories.

THE GOOD:

Keep your personal calorie count low with the 6" Black Forest Ham Sandwich or one of Subway's many other 6-inch sandwiches with 6 grams of fat or less. The restaurant shines in low-calorie choices: roast chicken, roast beef, club, turkey breast, turkey breast and ham, veggie delight, or sweet onion chicken teriyaki.  Top them with lots of veggies to keep them in the range of 230 - 380 calories. 

The Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Wrap pleases the palate without plumping your waistline. Each flour tortilla contains grilled chicken, shredded cheese, and lettuce for 250 calories, 8 g fat, 3.5 g saturated fat, and 650 mg sodium. Ranch or chipotle versions have just a few more calories. Add a fruit and walnut salad, chock full of apples, for 210 calories and a meal under 500 calories.

Wendy’s Ultimate Chicken Grill Sandwich boasts only 360 calories, 7 g fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, and 1,110 mg of sodium. This simple yet satisfying sandwich of grilled chicken, lettuce, and tomato is topped off with tangy honey mustard instead of slathered with high-fat mayo -- for a dietitian's delight. 

Go Nuts... for Almonds!

Remember this important fact: Accelerated aging is directly related to high blood glucose levels. Just as many foods cause our blood sugar and insulin levels to spike, certain foods actually help to stabilize blood sugar. One of those foods is the almond. So small yet has such power to heal the body! 

A team at the University of Toronto reported that eating almonds can decrease our glycemic (blood-sugar) and insulin responses to high-carbohydrate meals (Jenkins DJ, et al., 2006), the factors that increase appetite. The researchers noted that there was a reduction in the markers of free radical damage in the volunteers' blood, attributed most likely to the very high antioxidant content of almond skins.

In another study conducted at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University in Boston, Mass., scientists found that when the volunteers ate the full dose of almonds, their concentration of two biomarkers of oxidative stress--plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and urinary isoprostanes--were significantly lowered. MDA decreased by nearly 19 percent compared to the start of the study in the full-dose almond group. Isoprostane decreased by 27 percent in both the almond groups when compared to the control period, suggesting a possible threshold effect for that biomarker.Treatments consisted of a "full dose" of almonds, defined as 73 grams daily (about 2.5 ounces), a "half-dose" of almonds plus a half-dose of muffins, and a full-dose of muffins as a control. The subjects consumed a low-fat background diet and were counseled on strategies to maintain weight and to consistently follow their usual exercise routines throughout each test phase. The findings were that there are antioxidant benefits in eating almonds. 

So go nuts! A quarter cup of almonds contains almost 8 grams of protein. That is more than an egg, with 5.5 grams of protein. The are also are easier for the body to digest providing the necessary fiber for your body, leaving you feeling fuller longer.

Feed Your Skin!

You can eat your way to younger looking skin by keeping it healthy! To help your skin maintain a healthy glow,  reach for foods that are rich in Vitamins A, C, E and B5….nutrients that will help soothe and moisturize your skin. 

So pile these foods on your plate. They pack nutrients essential for healthy skin and are proven complexion perfecters!

Avocados are my all time favorite. Not only are they are versatile when it comes to recipes…they give the best skin! The oils in the avocado will work internally by softening your skin. Along with providing free radical protection at a cellular level, the vitamin C in avocados, help maintain firmness and elasticity. Oleic acid is the primary fatty acid found in avocados and has many benefits such as maintaining moisture in the skin.
We have all heard that Olive Oil is holy grail of foods because it has been proven to fight heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes. So it's not really all that surprising to hear that it can make your skin beautiful. It's anti-imflammatory properties make it particularly useful....and it's abundant supply of antioxidants help moisturize the skin. Reach for the "extra virgin" or "cold pressed".

Not only do Tomatoes taste great…they are a great source of lycopene which reduce free radicals in the body and help retain moisture. It is also known to protect agains sunburn when consumed daily.

 Eggs are an obvious choice for breakfast, but not necessarily the first food that jumps to mind, when feeding the skin. Believe it or not eating eggs, will make you glow! They are rich in Vitamin A, which influence cellular production in your skin. One large egg provides you with 0.04 mcg of copper which boosts the production of elastin, keeping your skin strong and healthy.

Seeds and almonds are loaded with vitamin E.  Vitamin E contains high levels of antioxidants that protect skin from UV free radicals and guard the outer membrane, resulting in healthy cells. As a consequence those healthy membranes hold water in, keeping the skin hydrated. Walnuts are also a a good choice for feeding your skin. They are a rich source of Omega-3s, which help put shine in your hair and aid in make skin smoother and younger looking. 

Beans and legumes are an excellent protein source. Consuming these will help with cell damage repair. During digestion, protein breaks down into amino acids, helping speed up the repair and regeneration of skin cells and collagen.
So what are you waiting for?  Start feeding your skin…reach for these foods and hydrate your skin from the inside out!

Red Gold From The Sea!

Celebs like Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, and Sex And The City star Kim Cattrall, have all admitted  to eating a high salmon diet to knock years off of their appearance. And if anything can do it…the anti-inflammatory rich in Omega-3s cold water fish, can. 
The experts claim that we should consume fatty fish, one to two times a week, for its cardio protective properties. Studies have shown the impact that omega-3 fatty acids have on curbing tumor development in certain cancers. Science Daily reported that Docosahexanoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oils, has been shown to reduce the size of tumors and enhance the positive effects of the chemotherapy drug cisplatin, while limiting its harmful side effects. The rat experiments provide some support for the plethora of health benefits often ascribed to omega-3 acids. 
It is however, important to know the origin of the salmon you are consuming ….Is it farm raised or is it harvested in the wild from Alaskan waters? You shouldn't assume that environmentally controlled conditions like "salmon farming" ensures purity and safety. Highly regarded Dermatologists, Dr. Nicholas Perricone suggests eating salmon several times per week and that your choice should be wild salmon not farmed. This is because wild salmon from Alaska, grows without antibiotics, pesticides, growth hormones, synthetic coloring agents and genetically modified organisms. Alaska's management of Fisheries is ecologically correct. All Alaskan salmon live in their natural habitat in the waters of the North Pacific where they reach adulthood at their own pace, eating natural foods like squid, zooplankton, shrimp and other marine life. They swim free on the high seas and then return to the streams on their own schedule. The salmon fish in Alaska are wild….there are no salmon farms in Alaska. Salmon farming was prohibited by the Alaska Legislature in 1990 to protect Alaska's wild fisheries from potential problems that could potential affect the populations of bears, Eagles and other species of birds and mammals. 
A prominent and ecologically motivated resource for obtaining wild Alaskan salmon is Vital Choice Seafood. Vital Choice was started by Randy Hartnell, a 20-year veteran Alaskan fisherman who utilizes his extensive knowledge of the Alaskan fishing industry to locate and provide the finest quality wild salmon available. Providing both canned and frozen products, Hartnell has filled a niche market with his Wild Red Alaskan sockeye salmon which he markets in convenient prepackaged flash frozen or canned form. For consumers, the ability to have wild Alaskan salmon delivered to your door translates into dietary convenience and versatility. On an ecological note, if ever there was a respectful way of harvesting animal protein for human consumption in a sustainable manner, it would be Alaska’s commercial salmon fisheries, which are the chief economic force behind the protection of wild salmon. Salmon are not harvested until they are nearly ready to spawn. Salmon do not spawn until they are ready to diet. “If you want to save wild salmon, you have to eat wild salmon,” says Hartnell. totalhealthmagazine.com/blog

Born With A Silver Spoon!

For thousands of years, silver has played an essential role in safeguarding human health. The phrase "born with a silver spoon in one's mouth" often  refers to the wealthy and is traced back to the 14th century. In days when peasants were dying in large numbers from plagues and illnesses, the rich and affluent would give their babies a silver spoon to suck on to boost the immune system. This is a partial reason why the wealthy didn't die, when plagues were killing off most of the population. They could afford better sanitation and silver spoons...the peasants could not. 

I was first introduced to Colloidal Silver 5 years ago when I woke up one morning with excruciating pain, and grey and white spots on the back of my bright red throat. I was speaking at an event that ran 10 days the following morning, and was desperate for a quick solution. My good friend suggested I go to Whole Foods and purchase a bottle of Colloidal Silver, and gargle with it every half hour. Because I had no other options I complied! And, boy was I glad I did. Within four hours of the half hour ritual, the spots disappeared and the pain subsided. The following week was not easy by any means, but it saved me from extreme discomfort and most importantly…I was able to honor my speaking engagement. 

I have since used Colloidal for many ailments, and have been declaring it's holistic healing power to family and friends. Those who have tried it are singing it's praises as well . Here are the different ailments and conditions it has proved effective with for me, over the years.

The list is long….

Food Poisoning- Cramping subsided after 10 minutes of ingesting

Cold and Flu-I  begin taking it when feeling a bit under the weather or have been around someone who has been ill. I always use when traveling or flying to boost immune system.

Infections- Will clear them right up

Hives from Allergic reactions- Taken orally and topically for this and will sooth inflamed hives 

Scrapes and Burns- Apply topically; will dry and heal quickly 

Pink eye- One drop in each eye will instantly turn bloodshot eyes into crisp clean white…Also removes itching instantly

Ear infections- Have used it on both of my dogs and have had success….Apply 5 drops in the infected ear twice a day until healed(takes roughly a week) 

Pimples, blackheads and cysts- Aplly topically and will see results within a day

Fever blister-What usually takes 3 weeks to heal...with colloidal 3 to 7 days….

Tarter & Gum irritation- I use as mouthwash in the morning after brushing and at night before going to bed. My dentist noticed a huge difference in tartar build up after this regimen. I then used it to brush my dogs teeth and tartar was visibly reduced in 1 week. Healed their gingivitis and bad breath as well.

Food Allergies- I was experiencing reactions to almost anything I'd eat and after taken it orally for a week the hives stopped.

There have been negative effects associated with this holistic remedy, but I have yet to see any and have been using it for 5 years or more. I do however try not to take it unless I have to. I did all the research and believe the brand Sovereign Silver is the safest because of it's characteristics. It is the only brand I have used to date.

Smallest average particle size ever seen - 0.8 nm (nanometers) / 0.0008 microns / 8 Angstroms - confirmed by Univ. of Miami Medical School Click here.  96% actively charged particles - confirmed in a University of Miami study. Click here. Safe low concentration of 10 ppm (parts-per-million) - confirmed at an FDA approved laboratory. Click Here for Acute Toxicity Study.  Made from 99.99% pure silver - confirmed by 3rd party assay. Click Here.  Made with ultra-pure, medical-grade water (the only other ingredient). Crystal clear and virtually tasteless.

Tea The Skin Protector!

Green and Black Teas have been shown to prevent skin cancer in mice (wether the teas are consumed or applied topically in extract form to the skin). But a new study is one of the first to confirm this link in people. Epidemiologist from Dartmouth Medical School surveyed 1,466 people with non melanoma skin cancer and 715 people of similar ages who had not developed the disease about their life long tea drinking habits. Daily tea consumption was associated with a 20 to 30 percent decrease in skin cancer risk. The participants who had been drinking tea the longest, or who had at least 2 cups per day, showed even greater protection. The researchers could not pinpoint the type of tea responsible but both green and black teas contain antioxidants that help fight UV-induced damage, says the lead investigator, Judy Rees. Tea did not appear to protect people who had gotten multiple sunburns, she adds, so some protection remains paramount!
By Kristin Sainani

Cellulite and Nutrition!

I really enjoyed this article By Dr. Perricone, renowned certified Dermatologist......

Cellulite and Nutrition
Aging does not just take place on the face. As the body ages we see changes that include the loss of muscle tone in conjunction with the addition of body fat, particularly in the abdominal area, on the legs and on the arms. This excess body fat is directly attributable to two factors. The first is the loss of insulin sensitivity, the second the elevation of cortisol (the death hormone) levels in conjunction with a decrease in the life or youth hormones, testosterone, estrogen, human growth hormone, etc. We must avoid swings in blood sugar, which can cause the storage of fat and a break down of muscle tissue.

Patients often ask me if eating particular foods can prevent or lesson the appearance of cellulite. Ideally, if you make anti-inflammatory foods the basis of your daily diet, this will ensure low body fat, maintenance of muscle mass and healthy, radiant, firm skin.

I recommend a three-tiered approach to enhance skin appearance and optimize overall health: 1) nutritional supplements 2) topical anti-oxidants; and 3)a daily anti-aging diet  that minimizes sugary, starchy foods in favor of the following anti-inflammatory fare:

• Fatty cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, which are rich in protein, DMAE, and Omega fatty acids.
• Colorful fruits—especially blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries and cantaloupe.
• Non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, cabbage, leafy greens, artichokes, asparagus, onion, and red-yellow peppers.
• Healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil, nuts and seeds, avocado

These foods and beverages act as natural anti-inflammatories and help to maintain normal levels of insulin and blood sugar. Above all, avoid starchy, sugary foods and beverages as well as those containing high fructose corn syrup which will 'super size' you in no time as this substance increases the appetite and converts to fat more rapidly than any other sugar.

It is also important to drink plenty of pure, non-carbonated spring water throughout the day (6 to 8 glasses). You will enjoy an extra benefit if you add a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Lemon is rich in bioflavonoids and vitamin C (anti-inflammatory anti-oxidants), and acts as a natural diuretic to help the body shed excess water. Lemon is also a natural detoxifying agent, and many experts believe detoxifying the body helps eliminate the lumpy and bumpy appearance of cellulite.

Many of my patients also find that regular use of topical DMAE decreases the appearance of cellulite on legs, thighs, and upper arms DMAE is an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, nutrient-like substance that occurs naturally in our bodies. I recommend applying DMAE rich lotion in advance of any special event, and before donning short pants, skirts, dresses, or a bathing suit. Many people find that their skin adopts a healthier, smoother appearance with remarkable rapidity—often, in as few as 10 to 15 minutes. 
For the original article click here.

Garlic...Nature's Wonder Drug!

The health benefits of garlic have been appreciated and used since primitive times.  And if you aren’t already using garlic in your daily life, then you will likely stock your kitchen with it after reading all it has to offer. 

Garlic has been recognized for fighting cardiovascular disease, and strengthening the immune system to help your body fight the common cold and even cancer. Studies have shown that it can reduce atherosclerosis and fat deposition, normalize the lipoprotein balance, decrease blood pressure, produce anti-imflammatory benefits, and function as an antioxidant to some extent.

In a study performed by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, , Scientists found that after extracting juice from garlic and adding small amounts of it to human red blood cells…. those cells immediately began emitting hydrogen sulfide.

The power to boost hydrogen sulfide production may explain why a garlic-rich diet appears to protect against various cancers, including breast, prostate and colon cancer, say the study authors. Higher hydrogen sulfide might also protect the heart, according to other experts. Although garlic has not consistently been shown to lower cholesterol levels, researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine earlier this year found that injecting hydrogen sulfide into mice almost completely prevented the damage to heart muscle caused by a heart attack.

Garlic also contains allicin, a compound thought to increase blood flow to the sexual organs.  Which is why some experts believe that garlic is a very powerful aphrodisiac. Allicin is also recognized for it's potential weight loss benefits, antibacterial and anti fungal properties. By consuming a crushed fresh garlic clove, you get between 2,500-4,500 mcg of allicin per gram.

Garlic has also been used successfully for a variety of skin disorders Pimples clear up when used topically several times a day.  

A recap:

• is anti-bacterial (includes bacteria which have become antibiotic-resistant!)
• is anti-viral
• is anti-fungal
• is anti-inflammatory
• may help improve iron metabolism
• is a good source of manganese, selenium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6
• supports heart health by lowering triglycerides and total cholesterol
• keeps blood pressure in check
• may help reduce the formation of fat cells
• heals hives and acne

So you must agree that Garlic isn't just a tasty seasoning to add aroma, and taste to your dishes for cooking.....it is clearly a superfood for your health.

Ten Miracle Foods You Must Have In Your Diet!

According to Dr. Perricone, a board certified dermatologist, these 10 foods are extremely important and must not be absent from your diet. They provide fiber, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. Consuming these foods will help regulate metabolism, lower cholesterol, burn body fat, and protect your organs from toxins. They are the following:

Acai is a palm tree in the Amazon that grows purple berries filled with antioxidants, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Studies show that this little berry is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world! The fatty acid in this berry resembles that of Olive Oil.

The allium family of vegetables includes:
Garlic which reduces toxins, lowers blood pressure, lessens the risk of the hardening of arteries. 
Onions boosts the immune system, reduces the risk of diabetes, and certain cancers. 
Leeks stabilizes blood sugar. 
Shallots, Chives and Scallions all help lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure and improve the immune system.

Barley is the most beneficial grain. It is known to lower blood cholesterol, protect against cancer, slow starch digestion, and provide high concentrations of tocotrienols

Beans and lentils are a low fat sources of protein. In addition to being rich in fiber , they are a good source of potassium, folic acid, flavonoids and flavonals (which exert antioxidant activity 50 times greater than vitamin E).
Buckwheat seeds are high in fiber and protein. They have more protein than rice or wheat and are low on the glycemic scale, meaning it does not adversely affect your blood sugar level. Buckwheat also improves colon health.

Green Foods are the Blue Green Algae, Barley Grass and Wheat Grass which all help boost the immune system and have cancer fighting qualities.

Hot Peppers have an anti-inflammatory effect also contain the antioxidant producing flavonoids, twice the amount of vitamin C found in citrus fruits. They will speed up your metabolism and are great for heart health.

Unsalted nuts and seeds, such as walnuts and flaxseed, help lower your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and cancer. They also reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging, according to Perricone.

Vegetables sprouts have a high enzyme content, chlorophyll, vitamin C and protein. 

Yogurt and kefir contain probiotics which are live microorganisms that aid in your digestion and boost your immune system.

Fat Fighting Fats!

Body fat literally affects our appetite, energy, and the way that our body protects against disease. Being  extremely selective in our food choices will help take an effective anti-inflammatory approach to dieting. But completely cutting out fat isn't the answer...it is replacing bad fat with good fat that will win the battle against the bulge.

Like carbohydrates and protein, fat is an essential nutrient. This means that your body requires it for key functions, such as absorbing the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. "Fat is also an important energy source and is vital for keeping your skin and hair healthy and smooth," says Bonnie Taub-Dix, R.D., author of "Read It Before You Eat It". Even more surprising: Research is revealing that eating the right fats can actually lower your risk of diabetes, heart disease and obesity, and improve your cholesterol levels. That's because all fats are not created equal, Dr. Hu points out. It's not the total amount of fat in your diet that affects how much you weigh or whether you're at risk for heart disease, according to rigorous studies from the past decade. What matters is the type of fats you choose.

Stick to Omega 3 rich foods and avoid sugary starchy foods that will send your blood sugar levels soaring. Remember that excess insulin and high blood sugar will always store fat and accelerate aging. Healthy fats play an important role in managing your moods, fight fatigue, and even control your weight. Cold Fish such as Salmon, Halibut, Anchovies, Snapper, Bass, Bluefish, Trout, Herring, Mackerel, or high-quality cold-water fish oil supplements are essential fatty acids that will always help eliminate toxic fat.. Canned albacore tuna and lake trout can also be good sources, depending on how the fish were raised and processed. These Omega 3 fatty acids are know to ease arthritis, joint pain and inflammatory skin conditions. Protect against memory loss and dementia. And reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer.  Other good fats are Olives, Almonds, peanuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, cashews, avocados, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, sesame, and pumpkin seeds, white meat chicken or turkey, low fat cheese, yogurt, vegetable oils, and hazelnuts.                                                

Essential fatty acids are those that our body can not make on it's own and but is necessary so we must obtain them from our food. It's not hard to add essential fatty acids to your current diet. All it takes is a conscious effort on your part to do it.

Protein..How much do you need??

We all agree that protein is essential for our bodies. It is needed for stamina, muscle strength, and to nourish and satisfy every living cell in our brain and body. It affects organ function, bones, and even the collagen and elasticity in our skin. It even indirectly contributes to the regulation of blood glucose levels that affects insulin release. Without it....we can drive our bodies into an accelerated aging mode.
So how much of it do we need?
According to Mark Tarnopolsky, M.D. Ph.D who studies exercise and nutrition at McMaster University in Hamiltion, Ontario....a 180 pound man who works out regularly would need 80 grams a day. A highly trained athlete would need 0.77 grams per pound of body weight.
According to the Tara Dellolacono, a nutritional spokesperson for Cliff Bar, women need between 50 and 60 grams of protein a day. It should account for about 20 to 25% of they're total calorie intake.
But what exactly does that mean? Are we talking avid strength trainer here or the average gym member who gets on a treadmill for 30 minutes, 3 times a week? 
After an hour of sifting through the data, and interpretations to try to come up with a simplified answer. ......I stumbled upon a genius little tool provided by the University of Maryland Medical System. The Protein Calculator!!  By entering my age, height and gender, followed by my estimated activity level and it calculated my required daily Protein intake at 67 grams per day! What's yours?
http://www.healthcalculators.org/calculators/protein.asp

Eat For The Glow!

When I began modeling as a young lady, I learned a lot about being healthy. The mother agency who worked hard to manage and groom their models...looked after us and made sure we were up to par on physical fitness and looks....as to book jobs. They were adamant about this "Miracle" eating regimen that gave good skin and a great physique. I was young, with naturally dewy skin and a fast metabolism, so I didn't quite believe the hype. UNTIL that is... I saw the most shocking transformation ever. One of the newer models they had brought on, was slightly over weight...for agency standards...but most importantly, had noticeably bad skin. I remember questioning the agency's  purpose, because she just didn't look like the models I'd seen running around the agency. In any case... she was put on the same supposed "Miracle Diet" and the grooming began. It hadn't been 3 weeks when I saw her again, and I was ASTOUNDED by the biggest metamorphosis on any human I'd ever seen. And I am not talking about her weight either...yes she got thin.....but her skin had miraculously transformed from this, bumpy inflamed surface, to skin so perfect....that she looked like a porcelain doll. 
Well this supposed "Miracle"diet is pretty simple, and it is what I preach to my clients and on this blog. People ask me every day... how I look so young for my age. When I was 30 I looked 20, and now that I'm 40... I look 30! I'm here to tell you it's not genes and it's not rocket science. Eat a diet high in antioxidants, good fats, greens, and lean protein.....low in bad carbs, sugar and salt....and you'll be flaunting that dewy luminous skin that the super models rock. A great physique and healthy mind are all an added bonus. Check for updates on how to make the transition from the diet you know now, to the diet celebrities and super models use and love.

Retinoids....Oh How I Love Thee!

I get bathetic when I talk about this genius invention. These Vitamin A derivatives are the only topical treatment actually proven to regenerate collagen. Retinoids control crucial cellular processes, and suppress inflammation (my favorite topic). Decades of Clinical Research show that they speed up cell turnover to smooth wrinkles, fade sunspots, improve texture, reduce blackheads and minimize pores. Ranella Hirsch from the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons claims there is profound data to show that "if you use it for 20 years your'e going to look a whole lot better than someone who doesn't."

Albert Kligman, a dermatologist at the University of Pennsylvania discovered Retin-A for the treatment of acne in 1969. By the mid 1980's the patients he was treating for acne reported they're wrinkles diminishing. He then began studying Retin-A's anti-aging effects. "Since the span beginning of history we've been interested in curing wrinkles, and there have been a million concoctions to reduce them, but for the first time we had evidence that something really worked."

In recent years, Retin-A has been joined by Renova, which also has tretinoin as it's active ingredient but comes in a more moisturizing form. The future of the retinoid family looks promising. "We are constantly learning more about how amazing this stuff is!" says Leslie Bauman, director of the University of Miami Division of  Cosmetic Dermatology. 
Case in point…even retinol, the over the counter vitamin-A derivitive, improves wrinkles, roughness, and overall skin aging. 
Check out Allures recommendation on some great over the counter choices. 

L'ORÉAL PARIS REVITALIFT CLINICAL REPAIR 10 SPF 20 DAY

WHAT SETS IT APART:Compared with other L'Oréal Paris products, it has more retinol (the company would not disclose the exact levels), plus SPF 20.

THE DOCTOR SAYS:"Especially noteworthy is the inclusion of an SPF in this retinol-treatment product," says dermatologist Ranella Hirsch. "And at $24.99, it's a good bang for your buck."

ROC RETINOL CORREXION SENSITIVE NIGHT CREAM

WHAT SETS IT APART:
RoC's time-released formula slows absorption of retinol into the skin, limiting redness and dehydration.

THE DOCTOR SAYS:
"Their studies report that 96 percent of women with previous sensitivity to retinoids experienced no redness or irritation," says Hirsch. "That is like catnip to a dermatologist." $22.99

SKINMEDICA TRI-RETINOL COMPLEX ES

WHAT SETS IT APART:
With a high concentration of retinol (1 percent), this formula delivers the punch of its prescription-only counterparts. The vitamin-A delivery system minimizes the odds of irritation—a boon for those with sensitive skin. It gradually helps skin look more radiant and refreshed.

THE DOCTOR SAYS:
"This is similar to tretinoin, which is available only from a doctor," says Day. "It gets results comparable to a prescription product." 

LA ROCHE-POSAY REDERMIC [R] INTENSIVE ANTI-AGING CORRECTIVE TREATMENT

WHAT SETS IT APART:
Lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA) exfoliates so the retinol can penetrate more easily.

THE DOCTOR SAYS:
"The LHA creates less of a barrier, so the skin can soak up more retinol without added irritation. Plus, it's paraben-free for those with allergies," says dermatologist Doris Day. $55.95