Have you ever suspected that you have a thyroid issue? And then you asked your doctor only to be told that your thyroid was fine? I hear this over and over again from patients - they crazy thing, is that usually they are right. There is so much sub-clinical hypothyroidism out there and as a result there are many people, generally women, but sometimes men who are suffering needlessly.
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It goes without saying, organic is always best when you have the option. Choosing raw nuts or seeds and cold pressed unrefined oil is essential for avoiding inflammation.
I am a big proponent of quality ingredients. That is one reason I am very picky about the restaurants I choose - and another reason I usually prefer homemade. You always know exactly what you are getting. AND! It usually tastes so much better!! Here is some pesto I whipped up the other day and have already made it a second time, so thought I would share. Hope you like it!
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IF...You need to make pancakes. And that is a big IF. I try to give my kids eggs or a protein shake most mornings to keep their blood sugar stable. But once a week or so, I will make them pancakes. And I've gotten pretty good at making them healthier. Less likely to cause a sugar crash. In fact, my 11 year old son, Max, stopped eating them for a while because he said he would always get tired a couple hours after eating them.
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While there is no official definition of a "super food," it's widely recognized that these foods pack in mega-doses of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other substances that your body needs! Super foods are known to reduce your risk of chronic disease, promote optimal health, and help you shed unwanted pounds (there's a reason why potato chips don't make the list!).
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Pecans are one of the most sought after nuts around the globe. A cousin of the walnut, pecans are the only major tree nut native to North America. People love pecans for their versatility: They add a sweet, nutty goodness to breads and cereals, stuffing and spreads, salads and side dishes, entrees and desserts. At the same time, they bring a lot of nutrition to the table.
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Although hemp seed comes from the same species of plant as marijuana, it does not contain psychoactive chemicals and it stands on its own regarding health benefits. Hemp is considered "brain-friendly" because it's rich in nutrients, especially omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids - a group of fats the body doesn't make on its own. A healthy ratio of these fatty acids (EFAs) is generally 2:1. Eating hemp seeds provides that balance, which is important for Westerners whose diets typically include more omega-6 fats. These EFAs, plus antioxidants found in hemp, help reduce inflammation, which plays a crucial role in overall health particularly for the heart and the brain.
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The omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are classified as "essential" nutrients for the human because they cannot be made by the body. Hence the term, Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). Since the body cannot make EFAs, we have to acquire what we need from food and nutritional supplements. While EFAs are important to overall health, in this article we highlight their importance to brain health. Fatty acids nourish and protect brain cells and help reduce inflammation. Scientists are actively investigating the role EFAs play in preventing and managing age-related cognitive decline.
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One of the oldest living species of tree, Ginkgo Biloba's leaves and seeds have been used in botanical medicine for thousands of years. Touted as the "brain herb," Ginkgo has received extensive research attention for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and the role they likely play in supporting healthy cognitive function and treating dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
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