Tea consumption, particularly that of green tea is becoming more and more popular for its health benefits. Green tea contains a class of bioactive substances known as catechins, which include epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechin gallate, and gallocatechin gallate. Together with caffeine, EGCG is thought to be the most important pharmacological agent in green tea, and is thus being studied in several models of disease, including weight disorders. Doriane Richard, a PostDoc in Francesco Visioli’s lab of “Micronutrients and Cardiovascular Disease” at the prestigious Pierre et Marie Curie University in Paris investigated the potential of green tea to control body weight and blood lipid profile in mice that were prone to be severely... [Read more]

Plums– and other stone fruits such as nectarines and peaches– are giving blueberries a stiff competition in the super-fruit category. Apparently, the antioxidant content of one relatively inexpensive plum is approximately the same as that in a handful of more expensive blueberries. Preliminary in vitro trials in the lab also demonstrated that the phytonutrients in plums inhibited breast cancer growth. Photo Credit: Texas AgriLife Research photo by Dr. David Byrne [Read more]

It’s the love-month of February! Planning to prepare some special treats for Valentine’s Day? You can’t go wrong with this! Bittersweet Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cupcakes combine superfoods such as honey, chocolate and raspberries! Not for those counting calories, certainly, but delectable, and antioxidant packed! Ingredients • 8 oz. 60% cocoa bittersweet chocolate, divided • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 cup butter, softened • 3/4 cup pure honey* • 2 large eggs • 1 cup buttermilk • 1/2 pint raspberries Directions Preheat oven to 350°F. 1. Cut 2 ounces of chocolate into 18 pieces; set aside. Place 6 ounces of coarsely... [Read more]

For all the athletes out there, check out this list of top Health and Nutrition Blogs for Athletes, covering all the blogs you could probably need: from fitness and training, blogs written by athletes, diet and nutrition, sports medicine and more. Thanks to the folks who compiled the list for including Eating Fabulous! [Read more]

It’s Superbowl Weekend! What’s on the menu? Guacamole dips all done? If you’ve got your guacamole dips recipes all sussed out and you think you’ll have excess avocados, how about whipping up an Avocado Caesar Salad? Or some Avocado Pasta for something more filling than just chips? Or — and this sounds yummy– an Raspberry Avocado Smoothie as a refreshing drink for the morning after (but not for those with hangovers I guess). Contrary to popular myth, avocados have been documented to actually help ward off cardiovascular disease, as well as Alzheimer’s Disease and cancer because of its high antioxidant content. It also contains lutein that help maintain clear vision by protecting against eye disease such... [Read more]