You may have heard of omega-3s before, but what exactly are they? Omega-3s are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid that play a key role in keeping you healthy. Let’s break down what that means. While many people may hear the word “fat” and immediately think of it as a negative, we actually need fat… Read more
Iron is an essential mineral the body needs to keep one’s blood healthy. It is a major component of hemoglobin which is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the tissues of your body. Without this oxygen delivery, the body cannot function properly. Other roles of iron in… Read more
Calcium is the most prevalent mineral in the body and is essential to overall health. You may have heard that calcium helps our bones and teeth, but it also is essential for our nerve and muscle function too. The main way we get calcium is by eating calcium-rich foods, but if we do not eat… Read more
Phytonutrients are compounds within plant foods that contribute to their coloring and are part of the plant’s immune defense system. While phytonutrients are not essential to the human body, they are very beneficial because they act as antioxidants and prevent damage to our cells. Phytonutrients work to offset the damage caused by free radicals, which… Read more
Looking for ways to add flavor to your meals without adding salt or refined sugars? Read along for easy and simple tips to spice up your meals and recipes. Limiting sodium and added sugars can promote overall health. Too much sodium can increase blood pressure and have negative cardiovascular effects. Excess added sugar may lead… Read more
Is “food for thought” more than just a catchy phrase? It turns out that nutrition may be an important modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive decline. In the past, there was a focus on individual nutrients and their effects on dementia. Now, the focus has switched to dietary patterns as… Read more
Wondering what you should eat after a workout? This answer may vary slightly depending on the specific activity and your goals; however, there are some general recommendations surrounding post-workout nutrition. Whether you are training for a big race, walking your dog, or pumping that iron, a post-workout snack is important! Why It Matters Our bodies… Read more
Lentils have been part of diets across the world for thousands of years; they are one of the earliest crops that we domesticated. Lentils come in many forms, but the most common types found in the U.S. are brown, green, red, and black lentils. They are also very affordable when purchased dried and cooked at… Read more
Commonly mistaken as lentils, split peas are peas that grow in a pod from the plant. Their processing includes drying, removing them from their pods, and then being split in half, hence the name. On the other hand, lentils are the seeds of a small plant. Both offer great nutritional value. Split peas can be… Read more
Walnuts are versatile and nutrient-packed nuts. They can be used in recipes or as their own snack and have been recommended in a variety of heart-healthy diets. Walnuts Pack a Punch In just ¼ cup of walnuts, you will get more than a day’s recommended amount of heart-healthy omega-3 fats. Omega-3’s have excellent heart and… Read more
