Have you had your turmeric yet this week? In a recent post, I talked about the neuroplastic possibilities of curcumin (a brain-boosting chemical in turmeric) for slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. Did that convince you to start eating it? If not, consider this my second attempt. Slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease isn’t the only benefit from eating turmeric. We were curious and so did a PubMed search. We came across so many other important studies on curcumin that we had to share some of them with you. Let’s start with some more brain benefits. A randomized, controlled study…

What foods could strengthen your memory, improve your problem-solving ability, and make you an even better multi-tasker? In short, can any foods help to improve your brain power? Are there foods that would increase the size of your brain? Studies suggest that omega-3s help brain function, specifically visual memory and executive function, including problem-solving, multi-tasking and abstract thinking. In a new study published in the February 28th volume of the journal Neurology, researchers from the UCLA-based lab of Zaldy S. Tan, MD looked at the role of Omega-3 fatty acids in influencing brain power and overall brain health. They took…

I have to admit, I didn’t grow up eating curry. It just wasn’t a mainstay in the New England diet, and my parents still aren’t much into trying new foods. And while this follows the whole “you can’t teach old dogs new tricks” thinking, anyone who doesn’t at least try curry, or more importantly, turmeric, is possibly missing out on some pretty spectacular health benefits. Turmeric is a spice used in various dishes in many Asian and Middle Eastern countries. The reason that turmeric is so important is the derived chemical, curcumin. Curcumin has been implicated in numerous studies as…

Thanksgiving is almost here. It’s a time for celebration and thankfulness, but it’s also a time of year when people who are trying to be careful about their weight can feel quite vulnerable. In a recent conversation with John La Puma, MD, he shared some suggestions he gives to his patients around the holidays. It’s a fresh (and doable) approach to the Thanksgiving meal that will allow your patients to participate socially without feeling anxious about (or destroying) their diet. Three ways to approach this year’s holiday meal: One is that you start or end the meal with a walk,…

Last week, we asked for the best (and most entertaining) excuses that you use when you’re putting off healthy eating . . . and we heard some great ones. Not only were they creative, there were more than a few that we could really relate to. We’ll get right to it. First, our runners up are….. “It doesn’t count if you eat it standing up.” Lara “My power went out and I had to eat the ice cream before it melted. . . even though it was breakfast time.” – that was by our very own Christina at the office…

I’m sure you’ve neeeeeever used an excuse to go off an intended diet, but maybe you know of someone who has? (wink) There are so many reasons why people resolve to make a change, start a diet, and then completely blow it off. “It’s the holidays, why not indulge a little?” “But my aunt doesn’t bake her apple pie everyday…” “Tonight’s so-and-so’s party, it’s a special occasion!” “Just one little treat this afternoon won’t make a big difference…” “There are people out there who are starving…how can we let this food go to waste?” “Everyone else is ordering dessert…” What’s…