Enlightened Eater

Maintaining cognitive function is a hot topic indeed.  From scientific research and books on the topic to  smart food choices, supplements and tonics,  there is definitely growing interest in how to maintain your smarts. One interesting area of research is the link between insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s disease.  Type 2 diabetes begins with insulin resistance […]

Here in North America, herbs have commonly been used as a way to boost the taste of dishes when cutting down on sodium. But in the Mediterranean diet, the gold standard of eating that’s linked to low rates of many chronic diseases, herbs are consumed in plentiful amounts. Take the Middle Eastern dishes such as […]

May is Love Your Lentils month, when homegrown lentils are celebrated across the country. Canada is the world’s largest producers of lentils. To celebrate the popular pulse, Canadian Lentils has launched “Lentil Hunter with Chef Michael Smith” a new five-part web series. In the series, Chef Michael Smith, Food Network host, cookbook author, nutrition activist, […]

In the Mediterranean region, as with other traditional cuisines, meat was used as a garnish, not as the centrepiece of a meal.  Often it was done for economic reasons – cucina povera – cuisine of the poor in Italy, for example.  But the result was a healthier nutritional profile for the meal with  plenty of […]

Meat has become the preferred fare of choice  for many.  Moderation is no longer their credo as they say, science supports their dietary choices.  In my last post, I pointed to the example of the Wall Street Journal’s (WSJ) piece by Paleo advocate,  Nina Teicholz’s, The Questionable Link Between Saturated Fat and Heart Disease Are […]

What’s the real story here? This weekend marks the return of grilling season. So what’s on your menu? You’re not alone if you now think loading up your grill with meat is a smart nutritional move.  Major media outlets have been profiling various opinions on the latest scientific research on saturated fat. Check out  the […]

  Blueberries offer a potent array of weaponry against a long list of ills including heart disease and stroke, diabetes and cognitive decline. Scientists are now discovering the compounds and  mechanisms at work which defend against disease.  These berries not only protect endothelial function and boost insulin sensitivity but also act as a prebiotic and […]

  Maintaining a healthy endothelium may indeed be the foundation to keeping your arteries in good shape yet it’s a tactic that’s all too frequently left out of the discussion about heart health. Here are  5 smart strategies  that may arm your endothelium with weaponry to fight off assaults: •    Go for healthy fats Research […]