There is nothing new about the advice to “eat your greens.” Most likely we heard it from our moms. Most recently, we have heard it from nutrition experts, especially with the emphasis on plant-based eating. To me, the most compelling reason is this: high consumption of leafy green vegetables is linked to a lower risk of dementia.

Erythritol has been in the news a lot these past few weeks because of its possible link to heart attack and stroke. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is used to add bulk to sugar substitutes like stevia and monkfruit sweetener. It is also used to reduce sugar in Keto products. Is all the media attention cause for alarm? Let’s look at the facts.

This week's Smart Bite was inspired by a webinar I attended with Annie Fenn, MD, and Lisa Genova, PhD. Annie is the founder of The Brain Health Kitchen and author of a fabulous new cookbook. Lisa is a neuroscientist, author, and one of the Top 50 Influencers in Aging. Here is what Annie and Lisa had to say about the Four F’s of brain health.

A new study is underway at my alma mater, the University of Southern California (USC), to learn more about the secrets of SuperAgers. These are individuals who have not simply lived longer, but have lived to an old age with the mental, physical, and social state of a much younger individual.

As we kick off the new year, I wanted to share a few of my favorite books, including health books, cookbooks, and fiction. 

We hug other people when we are happy, sad, glad, or trying to give comfort. In fact, hugs appear to be a universal way to express “I care about you” and “you matter.” But why does a hug feel so good?

There is scientific evidence that certain dietary components may play a role in promoting a good night's sleep, or preventing it.

It’s no surprise that social relationships are good for our health. What is surprising, according to a new 2022 study, is this…

Music is a proven and powerful way to regulate our mood and help us feel better. Beyond these benefits, emerging research shows that music can play a pivotal role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

The global healthy snacks market is nearly $86 billion US dollars and is expected to reach more than $108 billion in the next five years. This represents packaged foods that met the US government regulations for "healthy," at least until a new FDA ruling.

There are a host of reasons for low back pain, but a new observational, longitudinal study (1) published in 2022 shows that stress may play a key role, especially in light of the pandemic.

We might expect feelings of joy to be tied to major, happy events, but joy doesn't work that way. It comes in a whisper when we can simply pause and reflect, and have a moment or two of gratitude.

We bemoan fat cells for many reasons, but in reality, they play a very important role in our well-being.

The internet is an increasing source of health education, but a great proportion of this content isn’t based on real medical evidence.

In the past, keeping older adults safe at home was the sole responsibility of family or professional caregivers. However, advances in technology are increasing both safety and independence for older adults while offering peace of mind for their families.

Read inspiring stories that remind us of this truth: we are never too old to do hard things.

We don’t typically think of balance as a health indicator, but a recent study showed that the ability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds is an important clinical marker for increased longevity (1). Learn about the key findings from this 2022 study.

Tying our shoes is second nature, although let’s face it—as we get older we may need to bend over a little more to reach our feet. No big deal, right? It IS a big deal if you are one of 44 million Americans with osteoporosis.

The idea behind a Joy Break is simple: just get up and do some type of movement that you enjoy. This is a quick break, no more than a few minutes. Don’t think of it as exercise, because that will most likely take the joy out of it.

My favorite go-to lunch in the summer is the Jar Meal. Fill a 16-oz Mason Jar with a combination of fresh vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and additional protein (if desired) for an easy and portable make-ahead meal.