raspberries Archives - Amazing Health Advances

From Coffee to Dark Chocolate, the Many Health Benefits of Polyphenols: ‘Dramatic Anti-Cancer Effects’

AHA Publisher — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 07:00:55 +0000

Lori Johnson via CBN News – This year marked the first-ever national Polyphenol Day, a day set aside to recognize one of nature’s healthiest nutrients. Polyphenols, found in certain plant foods are considered very good for the body because of the protection they provide from damage that often comes with aging. In addition to fighting the many negative effects of aging, research shows these compounds can also reduce the risk of heart disease and other leading causes of death. Dr. Steven Gundry, a leading cardiovascular surgeon who specializes in nutrition and the treatment of elderly patients, told CBN News he recommends a diet rich in polyphenols. “Some of these compounds are now recognized as having dramatic anti-cancer effects,” he said. “And I actually use the power of polyphenols in most of my clinic for the active treatment of people with cancer, metastatic cancer, who are inoperable.” In fact, Dr. Gundry pushed the designation of national Polyphenol Day to build interest and knowledge. He said people can find these compounds in their local grocery store if they know what to look for. He says many foods containing polyphenols can be found in the produce department or the frozen food section. “Right now blackberries and raspberries have the highest polyphenol content of any of the berries, that’s followed by strawberries,” he explained. “Traditionally we’ve always thought of blueberries as a great source of polyphenols, but blueberries have actually been bred for sugar content so now blueberries are a little bit down the scale of where you’d find polyphenols. The exception is if you find wild blueberries or tiny blueberries.” Dr. Gundry says when shopping, make sure to go to the aisle where olive oil can be found. It contains high amounts of polyphenols. However, since there are so many different brands, choosing the right olive oil can be confusing. “The more bitter olive oil, the kind that makes you cough, or kind of burns, that’s a sign of the polyphenol content,” he said. Believe it or not, Dr. Gundry says polyphenol-rich foods can be found in the candy aisle in the form of dark chocolate. Like olive oil, Dr. Gundry says the more bitter the better. That means choosing one with the highest percentage of cacao. “Extra dark chocolate has tons of polyphenols. But beware: milk chocolate, which is preferred by Americans, all the polyphenols have been taken out to make it taste good,” he said. Black coffee also does more than give you a morning pick-up, explains Dr. Gundy. “A fascinating study shows people who drink five or more cups of coffee per day have a very low incidence of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s,” he said. “And it turns out it’s the polyphenols that have that benefit.” Some, but not all, teas also score high. “And it really doesn’t matter whether it’s green tea or black tea, but herbal teas aren’t loaded with polyphenols,” he said. Dr. Gundry recommends using spices liberally because most of them, even ordinary black pepper, can help. “Sprinkle them on your salad, on your fish, your chicken,” he said. “You can get polyphenols every day without worrying about it.” By increasing the consumption of polyphenols in foods and beverages, spices, and supplements, research shows we can lower our risk of disease. To read the original article click here.

The post From Coffee to Dark Chocolate, the Many Health Benefits of Polyphenols: ‘Dramatic Anti-Cancer Effects’ appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Gluten-Free Homemade Berry Tart Recipe

AHA Publisher — Tue, 25 May 2021 07:00:46 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – Berry lovers, rejoice: Spring is finally here, and that means goodbye to frozen winter fruit and hello to fresh, juicy berries. I have the perfect way to celebrate these delightful little fruits: this fresh berry tart recipe. Just the word “tart” can be enough to send even experienced cooks fleeing from the kitchen, but have no fear — this berry tart is super simple and allows all the berry flavors — such as benefit-rich blueberries — to shine through. Because the fruit tart crust has to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, this is a terrific recipe to prep the night before. Try taking this to your next barbecue — just be ready to share the recipe! What Is a Tart? Simply put, fruit tarts like this fresh berry tart are dishes baked in pastry shells without a top that often contain jelly, custard and/or fruit. Some tart recipes call for all types of decadent — and sometimes unhealthy — ingredients, but fruit tart recipes can be healthy and easy to make. As you probably guessed, this berry tart is one of the healthier fruit tart recipe choices out there thanks to the healthy berries and gluten-free flour, which are just some of the stars of this recipe: Mixed berries: For this recipe, I like to go with a mix of blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. Each of berries is high in vitamin C, manganese, vitamin K, magnesium and many other essential nutrients. Berries are antioxidant powerhouses as well, and they can do everything from protecting against disease to aiding digestion, brain health, weight loss and so much more. Gluten-free flour: My opting for gluten-free flour, you are less likely to deal with digestive issues, and of course, it makes this berry tart recipe good for those with celiac disease. Maple syrup: Instead of adding unhealthy sweeteners or loading up on extra sugar, maple syrup makes for a healthy, natural sweetener to give this dessert a little something extra. Maple syrup nutrition has a relatively low glycemic score, provides antioxidants and can combat inflammation. Butter: Opt for grass-fed butter to ensure you get the healthiest, safest version. It provides healthy fats and is less processed. Eggs: Eggs provide a strong protein punch, and cage-free, free-range eggs ensure you get the highest-quality eggs available. How to Make Berry Tart We’ll start by mixing together the berries and jam and letting them hang out in the fridge. Then, using a food processor or blender, cut the butter into the flour. Once the butter is evenly dispersed, add in the eggs and nutrition-rich maple syrup, and stir it all up to combine. Shape the dough into a ball, and wrap in plastic. Place in the refrigerator for at least an hour — overnight is fine. When you’re ready to get the berry tart going, preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, and line a tart pan with parchment paper. Press the dough into the pan gently, and slide into the oven. Let the dough bake for about 20 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned around the edges. Once the pie crust has cooled to the touch, pour the berry mixture into it. Before diving in, top this beautiful berry tart with my homemade Coconut Whipped Cream. This is a fantastic recipe when berries are in season. Take advantage, and make this berry tart recipe soon! Gluten-Free Homemade Berry Tart Recipe DESCRIPTION When you have fresh, juicy berries, you should try making my gluten-free Berry Tart. It’s easier than making a pie and just as delicious! INGREDIENTS For the filling: 4 cups fresh mixed berries 10 ounces all-fruit jam For the crust: ½ stick butter 3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour 2 eggs 2 tablespoons maple syrup INSTRUCTIONS Mix together berries and jam. Cover and refrigerate. Cut the butter into the flour with a pastry blender or food processor. Add eggs and maple syrup to flour mixture and combine. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight. Preheat oven to 425 F. Press dough into a parchment-lined tart pan and bake for 20 minutes or until crust is done and lightly brown around the edges. Allow the pie crust to cool to room temperature. Pour berries into tart crust and serve with coconut whipped cream. NOTES This recipe allows you to decide which type of berries you want to include in the mix. I usually opt for a combination of blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, but you can customized to your preferred taste. If you don’t have gluten-free flour on hand, you can use regular all-purpose flour if gluten isn’t a concern for you. The whipped cream topping is optional. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

The post Gluten-Free Homemade Berry Tart Recipe appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Keto Zone Lemon Berry Spritzer (Non-Alcoholic)

AHA Publisher — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 07:00:49 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – If warmer weather has you wanting a new summer drink, we’ve got a delicious non-alcoholic, low-carbohydrate spritzer for you: Keto Zone Lemon Berry Spritzer. Not only will it keep you in the Keto Zone, but it will also deliver great nutrients that promote whole-body health. What’s more, it’s a beautiful and perfect choice for a brunch. Get ready for sparkling refreshment to brighten your day. Make our Keto Zone Lemon Berry Spritzer! Keto Zone Lemon Berry Spritzer (Non-Alcoholic) Ingredients: 1/2 cup fresh raspberries 1/2 cup low-carb sweetener such as erythritol (or your favorite) 1/4 cup water 1/2 cup lemon juice (bottled or fresh) sparkling mineral water Instructions: First, make the Keto Zone simple syrup: In a small saucepan, place raspberries, sweetener of choice, and water. Heat on high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, then mash berries using a potato masher. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Using a fine-mesh sieve, strain liquid into a bowl or jar. Press as much liquid as you can out of the berries using the back of a spoon against the sieve. Discard any remaining berries or use them for another application. Add lemon juice to the berry mixture, stir to combine. To serve, pour 2 tablespoons of this keto syrup into the bottom of a glass. Add ice, and pour sparkling water over the ice. Garnish with a lemon slice and/or fresh berries. Enjoy! Optionally, try different berries such as blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, or blackberries. Add basil leaves, mint, or other herbs when making the keto simple syrup. 10 Amazing Health Benefits of Keto Zone Lemon Berry Spritzer 1. Lemon Juice Offers Many Nutrients in a Low-Carb, Low-Calorie Juice Lemons contain powerful nutrients, packed in a low-carb, low-calorie fruit. In fact, the juice from ½ lemon contains just (1): 6 calories 2 grams carbohydrates 0.1 gram protein 0 grams fat 0.1 gram dietary fiber 10.8 milligrams vitamin C (18 percent DV) In this low-carb package, you’ll also receive a small amount of thiamin, folate, pantothenic acid, calcium, magnesium, and copper. Together, these nutrients provide the many benefits of lemons benefits listed below. 2. Berries Have High Levels of Antioxidants Berries are one of the best antioxidant sources in the human diet. Whether blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or cranberries, their distinct color indicates high levels of antioxidants. The antioxidants in raspberries fight oxidative stress in the body, which can reduce oxidized cholesterol and damage from free radicals. 3. Lemons Support the Immune System Let’s start with Vitamin C in lemon juice. This water-soluble vitamin has been linked to immune health, and a reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress. In fact, one review showed that adequate vitamin C could reduce the duration of common colds and respiratory infections (2). It may also reduce and/or prevent malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia. 4. Berries Support Digestive Health with Fiber Like many fruits and vegetables, berries offer soluble and insoluble fiber, which is great for cholesterol, digestion, and more. Their insoluble fiber give your digestive tract a good workout so it stays in good shape. The soluble fiber reduces cholesterol, promotes immune function, helps balance blood sugars, and supports digestive health. 5. Lemon’s Citric Acid Fights Kidney Stones Lemons contain powerful citric acid. This acid can increase urine volume and help prevent kidney stones. In one study, 11 kidney stone sufferers drank lemonade for 4 years and experience an almost 90% reduction in kidney stone formation (3) (4). In another study, lemon juice was shown to decrease the calcium in urine, indicating a reduced risk of stone formation (5). 6. Sparkling Water Offers Hydration for the Body Hydration is very important to whole-body health. Every organ in the body depends on adequate hydration, from the brain to the kidneys to the skin. When the weather gets hot and humid, it’s extra important to continually hydrate throughout the day. It can help to drink a delicious variety of summer drinks like this Keto Zone Lemon Berry Spritzer. 7. Lemons Support Heart Health Vitamin C in lemons goes beyond the immune system and can benefit the heart as well. One study showed that increases in fruit and vegetable intake, especially high-vitamin-C options, reduced heart disease by 4 percent (6). Other studies have shown reduced blood pressure with increased intake of lemons (7). 8. Lemon Juice May Fight Cancer Cells Another benefit of lemon antioxidants? They can fight cancer cells. In lab studies, lemon extract has killed breast cancer cells. In other studies, lemon juice has stopped the growth of other types of cancer cells (8) (9). How? It’s hypothesized that lemons’ compound hesperidin and d-limonene have anti-cancer properties. (10, 11). 9. Berries Can Reduce Blood Pressure and Cholesterol In addition to the heart-healthy benefits of berries’ fiber and antioxidants, they go above and beyond for heart health. A recent research review found that 100 grams of blueberries consumed daily, for 14 days, was associated with a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (11). Next, berries support optimal cholesterol readings. In a recent study, researchers found daily berry consumption reduced LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and fasting glucose (12). 10. Lemons Support Healthy, Youthful Skin Lemon juice is a great anti-aging drink option, and can actually improve skin health. Again, it’s the antioxidants fighting the free radicals. Free radical build-up can contribute to aging skin, which results in wrinkles age spots, dryness, and loss of elasticity. Antioxidants, from the outside in, and inside out, may improve this condition (13). In fact, studies have shown that those who suffer from severe acne often have a high level of oxidative stress in the body (14). Bottom Line Every once in awhile, you find a food or drink that tastes great, promotes full-body health, is refreshing and hydration, and keeps you in the Keto Zone. Try our Keto Zone Lemon Berry Spritzer today. And, if you’d like more Keto Zone recipes and tips, join our FREE Keto Zone 21-Day-Challenge! To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

The post Keto Zone Lemon Berry Spritzer (Non-Alcoholic) appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.