Nutrition - Assure a Smile

Beat the Heat with Rooibus Tea: Review and Recipe

There are many perks to living in South Florida. Turquoise waters, soft sandy beaches, and sprawling tropical landscape are just a few. Even the Sunshine State has its downsides, however. One is the heat, which often becomes intolerable during the late-spring, summer, and early-fall months. Stay cool and hydrated during Miami’s hottest months with this delicious recipe for Rooibus tea, loaded with antioxidants and other nutrients known to provide far reaching health benefits.

By admin| 2013-08-05T03:00:34+00:00 August 5th, 2013|Nutrition, Recipes for Healthy Teeth & Gums|Comments Off

Can B Vitamins Help to Prevent Alzheimer’s?

It has been estimated that 5 million Americans suffer with Alzheimer’s disease, the most prevalent of all forms of mental dementia. On a global scale, the condition affects a reported 26 million. At early onset, Alzheimer’s is known to cause memory loss, mood swings, confusion, paranoia, and social withdrawal from both family and friends. The disease can progress rapidly, causing the decline of cognitive functions and even death. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, which makes it vital for young adults to understand the nature of this devastating condition as well as the ways in which it can be prevented.

By admin| 2013-07-31T12:31:32+00:00 July 31st, 2013|Nutrition|Comments Off

80% of America’s Pre-Packaged Foods Are Toxic

In America, consumers do not think twice about reaching for a box of Froot Loops or a six-pack of Mountain Dew soda. In other countries, however, such items are not available for purchase due to the toxic nature of their ingredients. It’s not just cereal and soda that contain controversial and dangerous ingredients, however. According to authors of a new book titled Rich Food, Poor Food, nearly 80% of America’s pre-packaged foods are banned in other countries around the world.

By admin| 2013-07-22T03:00:54+00:00 July 22nd, 2013|Nutrition|Comments Off

7 Reasons to Smile About Chocolate

Silky, sweet, and smooth, chocolate has been adored for more than 3,000 years by cultures from around the world. Though considered by many to be a delicious treat, new research suggests chocolate might be better categorized as a “super food” that is more similar to the blueberry than the cupcake. There are at least 7 reasons to smile about this delicious food, each of which stems from the fact that chocolate is produced from cacao, a special seed that contains powerful concentrations of polyphenols, flavonoids, and anti-bacterial properties.

By admin| 2013-07-15T03:00:46+00:00 July 15th, 2013|Nutrition|Comments Off

How to Avoid Insecticides in Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are more than just delicious. These colorful foods are packed with the vitamins, minerals, and water our bodies need to make us look, feel, and function at our best. Health professionals have traditionally recommended eating about 2-4 servings of fruit and 7-13 servings of vegetables each day, however, that recommendation has nearly doubled in recent years. As Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity make it more difficult for an estimated 1 in 133 Americans to eat certain wheat-based foods, a growing number of individuals are compensating by eating more fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, the use of insecticides and other genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can pose a serious threat to long term health.

By admin| 2013-04-16T08:09:49+00:00 April 16th, 2013|Holistic Dentistry, Nutrition|Comments Off

Should I Take Fish Oil Supplements?

As a rule of thumb, whole foods are the best source of nutrition. Every rule has an exception, however. When it comes to a balanced diet, fish oil is one nutrient that consumers may have no choice but to purchase in supplement form. This is because fish oil is essential in promoting holistic health and well being, yet the body does not naturally produce it. High quality fish oil supplements can also provide the optimal balance of essential oils (omega-3s and 6s), which is something that is lacking in most American diets.

By admin| 2013-03-19T19:22:24+00:00 March 19th, 2013|Nutrition|Comments Off

Is There Aspartame in My Milk?

Today, it’s easy to see if a beverage contains aspartame. In accordance with Federal law, beverages that contain the controversial artificial sweetener must explicitly disclose such information on the label. Soon, however, consumers may not be able to tell which dairy products contain aspartame, and which do not.

By admin| 2013-03-11T14:05:38+00:00 March 11th, 2013|Nutrition|Comments Off

Does Gluten Cause Weight Gain?

Research published in the January 2013 Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry explains that the major factor of obesity is not calories, but gluten. It says that weight gain from wheat consumption isn’t from the calories, but from the gluten proteins that disrupt the endocrine and exocrine systems in the body and alters metabolism causing weight gain.

By admin| 2013-02-18T03:00:45+00:00 February 18th, 2013|Nutrition|Comments Off

How to Avoid Processed Foods

Processed foods are those that are prepared with the intention of being easy to consume. They are more convenient, longer lasting, and sometimes better tasting than 100% natural foods. However, a team of Dutch scientists recently produced a study indicating that processed foods may double your risk of developing colon cancer. At Harvard Medical School, another team demonstrated that processed foods that are rich in high-fructose corn syrup might also cause cancer, as well as obesity and type II diabetes. As the study of processed food and well-being continues, health professionals worldwide are beginning to warn consumers to pay close attention to the ingredients in the foods they eat.

By admin| 2013-02-11T03:00:07+00:00 February 11th, 2013|Holistic Dentistry, Nutrition|Comments Off

Health Alert: Processed Foods May Double Risk of Colon Cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, colon cancer has the second highest mortality rate among all cancerous conditions (i). Each year, an estimated 140,000 or more Americans are diagnosed with colon cancer, making the condition the 4^th most common type of cancer diagnosis. Alarmingly, the rates of obesity and processed food consumption have also risen alongside colon cancer rates. In light of these recent trends, health experts are asking a very important question: Are processed foods contributing to the spread of obesity and cancer?

By admin| 2013-02-07T00:34:16+00:00 February 7th, 2013|Nutrition|Comments Off