The Most Nutritious Foods to Add to your Diet Today!

After a brutally hot summer it has been such a treat to experience the recent cooler weather. One of my favorite aspects of the cooler months, and something that I’m reminded of every year as we start that transition towards fall, is that certain foods become even more tasty than in the warmer months.

As the weather cools, it becomes the very best time of year to incorporate leafy green veggies – spinach, kale, collards, chard, cabbage, bok choy, mustard greens, escarole, etc. – into the diet. These veggies taste the best this time of year; they get sweeter as the weather gets colder, and actually are best after the first frost!

Greens: Why should we eat them?

Despite the widely divergent dietary theories you may have come across in your own research and reading, one area that every nutritionist, registered dietitian and other health professional can agree upon is that we should eat more vegetables. And I’d have to add my own voice to that recommendation as well…while perhaps getting a little more specific.  Continue reading “The Most Nutritious Foods to Add to your Diet Today!”

Read More

PMS and B Vitamins: New Study

According to a new U.S. study published in the online edition of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, boosting your intake of foods rich in B vitamins can significantly lower the odds you’ll suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

PMS is a collection of symptoms affecting women in their reproductive years that generally appear within 2 weeks prior to their period. Symptoms of PMS can vary greatly and may be emotional, psychological or physical in nature. Some of the more common symptoms include abdominal pain, headaches, breast tenderness, bloating, irritability, depression, tension, anxiety, lack of energy, angry outbursts and withdrawal. A whopping 95% of women in their reproductive years experience at least some of these symptoms each month. In 5% of women, these symptoms are so severe that they negatively impact their health, ability to function at work, and the quality of their relationships with others.

In the study, U.S. researchers followed 6,000 healthy women for 10 years during which time they were asked about their diet, supplement use and presence of PMS symptoms. After 10 years, 1,057 women were confirmed to have PMS.

A high intake of two B vitamins from foods – thiamin (B1) and riboflavin (B2) – was associated with a significantly lower risk of developing PMS. Continue reading “PMS and B Vitamins: New Study”

Read More

Non-Dairy Foods for Healthy Bones

Many people fear that if they are unable to eat dairy products, they will not be able to get enough calcium in their diet. Rest assured that you can get plenty of bone-building nutrients from a wide variety of non-dairy foods. Bones need a myriad of nutrients beyond calcium, such as vitamin D, phosphorus, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, protein, magnesium, healthy fats, zinc, manganese, and boron. Here are some examples of bone-nourishing foods:

1) Vegetables (provide calcium, vitamin K, vitamin C)

  • Leafy green vegetables: kale, collards, mustard greens, arugula, bok choy, parsley, watercress, mesclun, spinach, Swiss chard, turnip greens, dandelion greens, beet greens
  • Broccoli, cabbage, carrots, zucchini, acorn or butternut squash, celery, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts

2) Protein (supports collagen)

Read More

Supplements You Shouldn’t Live Without

This past Friday, Dr. Oz told his viewers what supplements he takes. Not surprisingly, they align very well with what Village Green Apothecary has been saying for years. He particularly targeted women over 40. The supplements he recommends  are:

1. Mutlivitamin: Only 1% of the population gets enough essential nutrients from diet alone, so a comprehensive multivitamin/mineral should be part of everyone’s routine. Divided doses are better because you get the most out of them.

2. Calcium: Important for muscles, teeth and bones, many women are not getting enough of this important nutrient. Add magnesium to calcium and you have an important foundation for strong bones. The best way to get calcium is a combination of food sources and supplements. Continue reading “Supplements You Shouldn’t Live Without”

Read More

Osteoarthritis and Strontium

“I have spinal osteoarthritis and suffer from miserable back pain. What can I do to ease the pain?” According to Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, author of Pain Free 1-2-3!, 1200mg of calcium and 400 mg of magnesium are very important. Studies have shown that getting calcium and magnesium from a combination of foods and supplements is the best way to keep your bones strong. However, Teitelbaum also recommends the mineral strontium.

Osteoarthritis in the spine occurs when the cartilage surrounding the spine’s joints begins to deteriorate, causing pain when the bones rub over the roughened cartilage. A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that 640 mg of daily strontium significantly reduced back pain by building bone density (and even prevented arthritic progression).

For additional pain relief, 400mg of willow bark is recommended. For more information on these supplements, contact Village Green Apothecary at 800-869-9159.

Read More

Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
    read more..
  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
    read more..
  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
    read more..
  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
    read more..
  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
    read more..
  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
    read more..
  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
    read more..
  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
    read more..
  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
    read more..
April 2024
S M T W T F S
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
282930