Author: Keith Herman

Liquid Candy

If I had to pick one food or drink[1] that was the worst for health, longevity, and maintaining a healthy body weight, it would be sugary drinks. These include soda, energy and sports drinks, flavored milk, lemonade, fruit drinks, tonic, flavored waters, teas and coffees flavored with sugar or syrup, milkshakes, and frappes. The World […]

Complex Versus Simple Carbohydrates

I am going to try and clear up a misunderstanding about carbohydrates. Some people refer to junk foods, refined grains, and foods high in sugar as “carbs”. This creates a lot of confusion as it is not the carbs in these foods that cause health problems. Carbohydrates are formed by green plants from carbon dioxide […]

The Cause of the Obesity Epidemic?

In my previous articles we looked at how fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and oily fish are the healthiest foods.[1] They reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and chronic kidney disease. To make educated decisions about choosing healthy foods it is important to also […]

The Most Important Nutrient Americans Are Deficient In

Most people have heard about the substances we are eating in excess, such as added sugar, salt, saturated fat, and dietary cholesterol. But not as many are aware of the nutrients we need desperately to consume more of. Each version of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans describes “nutrients of concern.” These are the nutrients we […]

Isothiocyanates, Isoflavones, and Phytosterols: Cruciferous Vegetables and Soy Foods

This is part four of why the phytonutrients in plants are so beneficial to our health. Two of the nutrients we will look at in this article are found predominantly in cruciferous vegetables and soy. Cruciferous vegetables are often called the most powerful food for protecting from cancer, and some argue we should avoid soy […]

Polyphenols in Blueberries, Purple Grapes, Chocolate, Coffee & Tea

Phytonutrients are the nutrients found mostly in plants that are not classified as vitamins. Last time we reviewed the carotenoids, especially lutein and zeaxanthin. Now let’s look at polyphenols and how they are silently guarding our health. Polyphenols are one of the most researched categories of phytonutrients and are the most abundant antioxidant in the […]

Phytonutrients, Part II: Carotenoids and Eye Health

Last time we looked at what phytonutrients are. Now let’s start digging into some specific phytonutrients and how they improve our health. Carotenoids Carotenoids are the yellow, orange, and red colorings made by plants. There are more then 750 naturally occurring carotenoids. The most common carotenoids in the North American diet are alpha carotene, beta […]

The Invisible Nutrients Silently Guarding Your Health – Phytonutrients

In my previous articles we looked at how a diet rich in plant foods will reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, chronic kidney disease, cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. But how do fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds improve our health? I am more motivated to eat healthy foods […]

The 4 Most Important Foods to Improve Brain Health and Reduce your Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

In my last article[1] we looked at the healthiest foods according to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and Global Burden of Disease (GBD), but these organizations did not optimize their recommendations based on brain health. My family pays close attention to this topic as my grandmother suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Many of my friends […]

7 Foods Guaranteed to Make Huge Improvements to your Health and Well-Being