Function of Phytonutrients in Plants Colored pigments in plants are produced to protect them from pathogens, predators, and climate conditions. They attract pollinators Contribute to the plants’ sensory characteristics, color, and nutritional value. The chlorophyll (green...

In my opinion, white vegetables don’t get enough time in the spotlight. Unlike the red, orange, and green groups, their white counterparts are often overlooked for not being as “healthful”. Hopefully, this post will change some minds and be a reminder that ALL fruit and vegetable color subgroups...

Where Carotenoids are Found Naturally occurring plant pigments. More than 650 types exist in nature. These pigments are found in nearly all fruits and green leafy vegetables. The common carotenoids found in human’s due to consumption include, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-...

Eat Red, Blue, and Purple Foods for Better Health The function of Anthocyanins in Plants Colored pigments in plants are produced to protect them from pathogens, predators, and climate conditions. They attract pollinators and act as antifeedants (adversely...

I view my home as a sanctuary, a place that I can unwind and practice self-care. Over the past year, it has also become a second office and gym. If you have kids, your home was likely serving as a classroom as well. Some of our homes are on triple duty, and that sense of sanctuary may have been...

June is here! This is perhaps my favorite time of the growing season because peaches will be popping up soon at my local farmers’ market. They will be in full swing come July and August. Peaches are a special treat and have always been one of my favorite fruits. I just love everything peach from...

Today we’ll be talking about brain health in honor of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month so if you have a brain, this information is for you! Your brain is the most complex organ you have and it’s always changing. This process is called brain plasticity. The brain is able to grow new...

Happy National Nutrition Month®! This is a great time of year to reevaluate your eating pattern to determine if it’s working for you. Are you getting the healthful foods you need to live your best life? An eating pattern represents all of the food and drink choices you make from...

Are you looking for a quick breakfast that packs the protein? Plant-based proteins can help you build muscle and provide heart health benefits to your meals, snacks and even beverages! These recipes incorporate organic tofu but you can easily add other plant-based proteins that you enjoy. Firm or...

Are you tired of the same old breakfast every morning? It’s time to turn over a new leaf! If you’re looking for a fresh start to your day with protein, healthy fats, and an abundance of vitamins and minerals then look no further. Breakfast salads are an easy and delicious way to fill up on fiber...

The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults consume 1.5–2 cups of fruits and 2–3 cups of vegetables per day. Despite these recommendations, recent data show low consumption. Only 1 in 10 US adults eat the recommended amount of fruits or vegetables each day. This number is...

Diabetes will likely cause changes in your life and your food choices, but with proper care, most individuals with diabetes can take charge of their health. Making wise food choices to manage blood glucose will help prevent negative health outcomes such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease...

Spring is underway and many of you have probably been doing some spring cleaning in your home, closets and yards but what about your kitchen? As we shed our winter clothes for sandals let us also consider shedding some of those warming winter foods for items that keep us satisfied, light and...

Instead of saying 'diet', I like to use the term 'eating pattern' which refers to the quantities, proportions, variety, or combinations of different foods and beverages that are habitually consumed over a long period of time. Dietary patterns can help predict health later in life. The...

July is perhaps my favorite month. I love the summer heat, the cookouts, festivals, fireworks and all of the fresh food from the garden. It's also my birthday month so...what's not to love?! My herbs are in full force right now and it's a great time to maximize their use in the kitchen. I like to...