by L Young | Apr 14, 2015 | Blog
How can just one ingredient have an impact on all ages from children to adults, ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, to Alzheimer’s? It’s known as a flavor enhancer to chef’s and a neurotoxin to scientists; MSG. This ingredient was so hidden that it caused me several trips to the ER and having antihistamines on hand until I finally discovered the hidden culprit that left me broken out in hives and unable to breath.
Many of us don’t have the severe allergic reactions I have experienced; however, there are more subtle symptoms the average person wouldn’t know to link to this, that can make all the difference in how we think, feel, and focus each day!
Yes, our food ingredients CAN affect our brain health; just another reason to skip the prepared frozen and packaged foods. MSG or monosodium glutamate is used as a flavor enhancer in everything from Chinese food, fast food restaurants, soy sauce, canned soups, frozen foods, sauces, cheese flavoring (think cheesy chips & mac n’cheese), cold cuts, salad dressings, and even some supplements! Fast food restaurants use it for everything from flavoring in the French fries to spices to coat their chicken and other foods prior to cooking. It’s no wonder so many people are affected.
With this being Autism awareness month, it is a good time to bring awareness to this and other food ingredients that can have a big impact on our children’s brain health, not to mention the impact on us all.
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by L Young | Apr 2, 2015 | Blog
Life challenges can cause our mood to dip, but have you ever slipped into a slump when things are going well? Food is not something many of us think of when our mood is low, but it can be a key ingredient to re-balancing it when there may not appear to be a reason. Feeding our brain is something to keep in mind when meal planning for the week.
Here are 5 key foods to help keep the joy and happy feelings balanced.
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by L Young | Mar 17, 2015 | Blog
St. Patrick’s Day has been my favorite day to get the kids and other non-green lovers to indulge in a tasty green drink! You won’t have to present it as a “healthy” drink, but rather a holiday celebration and even the little Leprechaun’s in your home can find it exciting.
This is a favorite in my household for its burst of spring freshness the fresh mint leaves give, along with the wonderful sweetness of fresh pineapple. Add in greens (for the festive color), avocado for its creamy texture, and both for their amazing blend of vitamin C, B’s, and many other nutrients. Cilantro is packed with phytonutrients and antioxidants, not to mention its detoxifying benefits. Pineapple contains bromelain which is a natural anti-inflammatory; add these with plain Greek yogurt for protein and healthy probiotics and you have an energizing drink for the whole family to enjoy before they set out for the day.
Don’t be frightened away by all the health benefits because it tastes just as good as it is healthy!
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by L Young | Mar 12, 2015 | Blog
This whole grain is not just another healthy gluten free fad. It’s a superfood that was popular over 500 years ago known by the Inca tribes as the “food of the warriors”, and although it is considered a whole grain it is actually a seed. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is known for its versatility, adapting the flavors it’s combined with, packed with nutrients, contains all the essential amino acids (making it a complete protein). The best part, you can enjoy it for breakfast, a side dish, salads, or dessert!
Don’t miss my favorite recipe for those racing days or victory evenings…
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by L Young | Feb 24, 2015 | Blog
If you have ever burned a scented candle and felt its calming effects, or used mint scented soap or body scrub that left you feeling invigorated, then you have experienced the effects of Aromatherapy. The most common use is through essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers, even the bark of certain trees and their healing benefits are endless.
For centuries the more commonly known uses were in perfumes and food products, and now the ancient therapeutic remedies of essential oils are becoming increasingly popular. More recent studies show how certain oils have the ability to reach receptors to the brain, improving mood, sleep, anxiety, all important factors in reducing stress which is one of the top contributors to inflammation.
The wonderful thing about essential oils; each oil can benefit various health and lifestyle issues.
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