Pistachios are a “super food” for health and fitness-focused Americans, according to a new Penn State study that examined the effects of pistachios on multiple cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including cholesterol, blood pressure and inflammation.

A diet rich in pistachios packs a powerful nutrition punch, the study shows. Nutrition experts nationwide are now recommending pistachios as a heart-healthy snack or heart-smart ingredient to incorporate in favorite dishes.

Snacking on pistachios has proved once again to have a positive impact on improving cardiovascular health, helping decrease common CVD risk factors. CVD remains the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S., … read more

Nutritional supplements are increasingly popular as our aging baby boomer population strives to slow the clock.

What people may not be aware of is that they are not merely harmless nutrients. High concentrations can cause dangerous imbalances, and some can react harmfully with common prescription drugs. Knowing that such risks exist, and informing your doctor about every one you take or are considering taking, is crucial to your health.

Many people equate vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional supplements with only positive effects. Because something is sold as a “health food product,” however, does not mean it’s safe.

When these supplements are taken in … read more

Most people have heard of the food pyramid produced by the United States Department of Agriculture.

In recent years the USDA has revised the food pyramid with new, updated guidleines to achieve a healthy, balanced die.

The pyramid is geared especially towards proper nutrition for children. It focuses on larger amounts of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In addition, the pyramid stresses the importance of exercise on a regular basis to improve childrens health.

On the pyramid there are six color coded categories for each food group:

Orange: Grains
Green: Vegetables
Red: Fruits
Blue: Dairy and calcium-rich foods
Purple: Proteins (meats, … read more

A healthy diet is something everyone who cares about their health claims to want, but how do we really get it?

What is a Healthy Diet ?

Developing healthy eating habits isn’t as confusing or as restrictive as many people imagine. The first principle of a healthy diet is simply to eat a wide variety of foods. This is important because different foods make different nutritional contributions.

Secondly, fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, foods high in complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, low in fat, and free of cholesterol should make up the bulk of the calories you consume. The … read more

Finding the right nutrition approach for those living with diabetes can be incredibly challenging.

When someone is diabetic, they are unable to produce or correctly use insulin throughout their body, which is the hormone that is responsible for changing sugar, starches and other food into energy.

This is why it is literally a matter of life and death that a diabetic diet is properly followed.

One of the main goals for a diabetic diet is to lower your weight and maintain it. In addition, the diet is designed to help maintain regular glucose levels in your body. Since diabetes prevents … read more

People involved in bodybuilding often need to approach nutrition from a different point of view then the rest of us.

While most people need to be concerned about limiting the amount of calories they consume per day, bodybuilders must ensure that they take in enough calories to compensate for those that they burn off during their workouts.

Because of this, many bodybuilders find that eating 5-6 meals spread out over the day works better for them then 3 larger meals. But how much should be eaten during each meal? Contrary to popular belief just because bodybuilders need more calories daily doesnt … read more