by laurel on October 17, 2011
It’s Monday again and I’m back with the “Focus on Food” blog series. Today’s feature is one of my favorite versatile green vegetables: arugula. This dark and peppery green peaks in the fall season when the leaves are thicker and have the most flavor. Fun facts: Arugula, the green also known as “rocket”, stays fresh [...]
by laurel on February 9, 2011
I was feeling romantic last Friday night and picked up some fresh juices, fruits, and liquor to whip up a couple sexy cocktails inspired by Valentine’s Day. Try one of these tasty creations for the 14th, or enjoy them any time you need a sweet treat. Raspberry Champagne Kiss 5 or 6 frozen raspberries 1 [...]
by laurel on September 3, 2010
Vitamin K is such an important vitamin, but we never hear much about it. In your body, vitamin K works to keep your blood clotting normally, prevent bones from breaking, prevent hardening of your arteries, and protect against cancer. A recent Mayo Clinic study found that people who ate lots of vitamin-K rich foods were [...]
by laurel on July 15, 2008
I just read a great article in Body + Soul magazine called “Eat Your Vitamins” (August 2008). The article points out that while you can take a multivitamin to get your daily needs of vitamins and minerals, there’s just something about the real thing in food form. In the article, Amy Howell, a Rutgers University [...]
by laurel on June 25, 2008
A recent study from the American Journal of Epidemiology found that increasing your intake of vitamin K1 may reduce harmful inflammation in your body. As I’ve mentioned on this blog before, chronic inflammation is linked to a slew of diseases including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. Researchers concluded that higher dietary intake and higher [...]
by laurel on August 16, 2007
NPIcenter.com reports that a study published in the journal Cells found that the vitamin K-dependant protein osteocalcin may help regulate insulin activity and reduce diabetes and obesity. According to the article, our bones actually help to regulate our blood sugar levels by producing osteocalcin. The protein secretes a hormone that enhances insulin activity. The two [...]
by laurel on August 8, 2007
Kauai Garden Island News reports that goat cheese and goat milk are a healthier choice than cow’s milk. In comparison, goat cheese is easier on our digestive system and lower in calories, cholesterol, and fat. Goat cheese also contains calcium, protein, vitamin A, phosphorus, vitamin K, thiamin, and niacin. The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine states [...]
by laurel on July 19, 2007
WHfoods.org wrote that foods with a high vitamin K content help your blood clot normally, protect against osteoporosis, and prevent oxidative cell damage. Some vitamin K-rich foods include spinach, kale, collard greens, broccoli, asparagus, basil, parsley, and green beans. You might need more vitamin K if you experience: Excessive bruising/bleeding Problems with digestion, especially malabsorption [...]
by laurel on June 26, 2007
ABS-CBN Interactive reports that the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) said bananas contain natural mood enhancers called tryptophan. This protein is converted to serotonin which helps you relax, improves mood, and makes you feel happier. Bananas also contain potassium*, fiber, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, K, and B6*. *Potassium gives the body energy *Vitamin [...]