Health Blog

By: Amanda Miller MS, RN Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a type of polyphenol, a plant based compound known as a catechin. These types of plant compounds are best known for their protection against cellular damage caused by free radicals (1). Free radicals are highly oxidized, damaging particles that can lead to inflammation in the body. Antioxidants like catechins and polyphenols found in plant compounds can help to limit the damage free radicals may cause (1). This allows EGCG to be a major contributor to reduced inflammation, and in the prevention of chronic disease caused by inflammation such as heart disease,...

By Bren Boston, M.D. I am always searching for ways to get my kids to eat more vegetables. Beets are a good option because they are naturally sweet and they are an enticing magenta color. Add to that the health benefits of beets:  they are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and betaine, an anti-inflammatory nutrient that helps protect cells from environmental stress. And when I mention to my kids that beets are a source of sugar, they hop on board. You can make this salad dairy free by eliminating the cheese or adding crumbled tofu in its place. Ingredients: 1.5 cups...

Just getting psyched is not enough. Both commitment and skills are necessary to make changes and follow through on them. Naturally, the first step is to really nail down your goal and expectations. Your goal should be clear and measurable and realistic – not drop 30lbs in a month or stop being angry with your children. With regard to expectations, people do not magically change overnight, so plan to spend a few months of focused effort to create lasting change. Goals that focus on stopping a behavior are harder to achieve than goals focused on increasing a healthy alternate behavior. So set up reasonable, clearly defined, long-term, and health promoting goals.