Posts Tagged ‘food’
Avocados are a healthy, creamy, tasty food, whether they sit on top of a sandwich, an omelet or a salad — or become transformed into guacamole. Avocados balance hormones, contain beneficial fats, and feature over twenty vitamins and minerals.
They are a uniquely high source of plant sterols, which is the part of the plant that corresponds to cholesterol in people. Eating plant sterols has been proven to lower cholesterol and increase heart health in several research studies from sources like the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Another key benefit of avocados is their ability to block estrogen absorption in the body. They contain key plant sterols that can reduce excess estrogen. This allows increased progesterone to be present in women and testosterone in men.
Some of the causes of excess estrogen include exposure to toxins and pollutants in the environment, chemical estrogens in plastics, hormones from food, and toxic cleaning products. Eating some avocado regularly can take the edge off the toxic load and provide better hormonal balance.
Increased estrogen levels can lead to weight gain, tiredness, headaches, water retention, breast tenderness and insomnia. Regarding excess weight, one study in the “Nutrition Journal” showed that adding half an avocado to the lunch time meal resulted in a feeling of satisfaction and a 40% reduction in the desire to eat during the 3 hours after lunch.
According to Michael Lam, M.D. who specializes in nutritional medicine: ”Plants contain over 5,000 known sterols that have progesterone enhancing effects. People who eat more wholesome plant foods have a far lower incidence of menopause symptoms because their pre- and post-menopause levels of (hormones) do not drop as significantly.”
The avocado is a pear-shaped fruit that is free of cholesterol and salt and is a high source of potassium. They are high in fiber and also contain lutein, which is a plant pigment that is proven to strengthen the eyes. Eating avocados can help prevent heart disease with its healthy fats that reduce cholesterol in the body. Adding some avocado to meals is a great way to help balance hormones – half an avocado is a good amount.
Avocado oil is another concentrated form of plant sterols that can be used for cooking in any high heat application like stir-fry, bar-b-q or roasting. It also makes a great base for salad dressings and sauces. An avocado in any form is a great food for overall health and particularly good hormonal health.
This news is brought to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, provider of natural health articles and effective natural remedies since 2001. Learn more about the natural sleep aids and natural joint relief products made by Nutrition Breakthroughs.
Welcome to another edition of “Fun Nutrition Facts!” Get ready to be entertained and inspired by some fascinating tidbits about the food we eat. Let’s dive in …
- Peppers Can Help with Pain Relief
Capsaicin is a plant chemical found in the fruit of chili peppers that gives them their burning sensation and sense of heat. Capsaicin is known for its pain-relieving properties. It works by desensitizing nerve receptors and is often used in topical creams to alleviate pain from arthritis and other conditions. Spicy but soothing!
Reference: Anand, P., & Bley, K. (2011). Topical capsaicin for pain management: Therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of the new capsaicin 8% patch. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 107(4), 490-502.
- Cranberries Can Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins – plant chemicals that give the fruit or flowers of plants their red, blue, or purple colors. This plant substance can prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract. This makes cranberries effective in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and they’re also helpful for gum health by preventing oral bacterial from binding together. Enjoy cranberry juice or dried unsweetened cranberries for a tasty health boost.
Reference: Jepson, R. G., Williams, G., & Craig, J. C. (2012). Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (10), CD001321.
- Kiwi Fruit Can Improve Sleep Quality
Eating two kiwis an hour before bedtime can improve sleep quality per recent studies. Kiwis are rich in serotonin and antioxidants (substances that keep cells healthy), both of which can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. Sweet dreams are made of kiwis.
Reference: Lin, H. H., Tsai, P. S., & Fang, S. C. (2011). Effect of kiwifruit consumption on sleep quality in adults with sleep problems. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 20(2), 169-174.
Fun and Health Go Hand-in-Hand
Isn’t nutrition fascinating? From pain-relieving peppers to sleep-enhancing kiwis, these fun nutrition facts highlight the amazing world of food. Each week, we’ll bring you more surprising and inspiring nutritional facts to help you on your journey to healthier eating. Stay tuned!
This natural health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original and effective calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint relief, less aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.
Vitamin C is one of the most famous vitamins as it benefits so many areas of health. It isn’t stored in the body and its highest sources are fresh vegetables and fruits.
Vitamin C strengthens bones and teeth, heals wounds, fights infections, smooths skin wrinkles (by helping to make collagen), and supports heart and eye health.
Especially for a healthy heart, vitamin C benefits have been the topic of research studies for its ability to lower blood pressure and increase the health of blood vessels.
A recent study from research scientist Dr. Caitlin Dow at the University of Colorado at Boulder, focused on 35 obese or overweight adults. These adults are often advised to walk for exercise, but they can find it a challenge to include it in their daily lives.
Dr. Dow’s research found that 500 mg. of time-release vitamin C taken daily, reduces blood vessel constriction as much as walking does.
Overweight and obese people were chosen for the study as they have higher levels of a certain vessel-constricting protein which makes their blood vessels less responsive to blood flow — thus increasing the risk of developing vascular or heart disease. Exercise has been shown to reduce the effects of this protein and to benefit blood vessels.
The University of Colorado study compared the daily use of vitamin C heart supplements to daily walking in a group of 35 sedentary, overweight individuals. Blood flow was measured before and after each alternate remedy.
The results: Daily supplementation of vitamin C (500 mg/day, time-released), reduced blood vessel constriction as much as the walking exercise did. They recommend that Vitamin C supplementation represents an effective lifestyle strategy for this condition.
In addition to this current study, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a review of 29 research trials on people with high blood pressure and concluded that vitamin C has a useful role in lowering it.
This health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a provider of natural health articles and effective natural remedies since 2001. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, as well as Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, aches and pains and stronger hair and nails.
There is a great handy chart on the Nutrition Breakthroughs website that contains some of the top natural remedies.
These are well-known healthy counterparts for many common medications. Add these powerhouse foods to your diet for any of the conditions shown.
An example of one of the most effective natural remedies is (Continue reading to see the chart!) …
—————————–
This natural health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a publisher of nutrition articles and supplier of natural remedies since 2002. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes Sleep Minerals II, the effective natural sleep aid with calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D, and also Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, arthritis, aches and pains, stronger hair, better nails, and more energy.
Is magnesium better than melatonin for sleep? Magnesium has many benefits for good health, one of them being its action as an effective natural sleep aid.
Melatonin supplements are also used as a sleep remedy. These two ingredients have different qualities, different health effects, and different possible side effects.
James F. Balch, M.D., author of Prescription for Nutritional Healing, writes: “A lack of the nutrients magnesium and calcium will cause you to wake up after a few hours and not be able to return to sleep.”
In contrast with mineral supplements, melatonin is a hormone which is produced by the pineal gland, located in the center of the brain. At night or in the dark, the pineal gland naturally releases melatonin to regulate the sleep cycle.
The body produces less melatonin with advancing age and while melatonin doesn’t require a prescription, it’s a potent hormone. It can help with sleeplessness. If too much is taken, it can result in grogginess, dizziness, stomach cramps and make it more difficult to wake up in the morning.
Is it better to take magnesium at night? One of the main symptoms of magnesium deficiency is chronic insomnia, accompanied with with frequent nighttime awakenings. On the other hand, a high magnesium diet has been found to be associated with deeper, less interrupted sleep.
This is per a study done by James Penland at the Human Nutrition Research Center in North Dakota. Another study from the Human Nutrition Research Center found that a magnesium citrate supplement increased sleep quality in adults aged 51 to 85.
Magnesium has hundreds of health effects in the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center web site, inadequate magnesium appears to reduce serotonin levels in the brain. One study found that magnesium was just as effective as an antidepressant drug in treating depression.
In addition, researchers at Stockholm’s Karolinska Institute reported that for every 100 milligram increase in magnesium intake, the risk of developing type-2 diabetes decreased by 15 per cent. Other studies have shown that people with migraine headaches have low concentrations of magnesium in their body.
Mildred Seelig, M.D., the leading medical researcher on magnesium says: “Many people needlessly suffer pain – including … migraines and muscle cramps – because they don’t get enough magnesium.”
Which form of magnesium is best for sleep? A recent study on magnesium for sleep came from the University of Medical Sciences in Iran. Its subjects were 46 older adults, aged 60 to 75, who were experiencing insomnia. However, it’s interesting to note that the researchers recommend their results be extended to all ages of the general population as helpful advice.
In the University study, the subjects were divided into two groups. One group received placebos, while the other received magnesium oxide tablets twice a day (250 milligrams each) for eight weeks.
In the group that was given magnesium, the subjects experienced significant increases in sleep time and sleep efficiency (which is the time spent in bed vs the time spent sleeping). They also had less night time interruptions and fewer early morning awakenings. Magnesium citrate is another form that has been proven helpful for better sleep.
One possible side effect from taking too much magnesium is that the bowels may become too loose or stomach discomfort can occur — at which point less can be taken. If this side effect happens, magnesium should be taken with a full meal or a healthy snack.
Another important nutritional tip that can help to avoid any deficiencies is to balance magnesium with calcium and vitamin D rather than taking it alone. The recommended ratio is 2 to 1 or twice as much calcium as magnesium.
According to the Mayo Clinic, possible side effects of melatonin include stomach cramps, anxiety, irritability, confusion and short-term depression. Melatonin supplements can interact with various medications such as blood-thinning medications, medications that suppress the immune system, diabetes medications and birth control pills. Prolonged use may also inhibit the body’s own natural ability to produce melatonin.
This health news is brought to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs and their natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II. Sleep Minerals II is the original magnesium and calcium based remedy and is known for soothing even the worst, long-term insomnia. It also contains vitamin D and zinc and helps everyone from teenagers, to women with menopause symptoms, to older seniors, to get a good night’s sleep.
Richard P. of Parkville, Maryland says: “The Sleep Minerals are making quite a difference. I was regularly waking up at around 3:00 a.m. and after a few days use my sleep improved quite a lot. I wake up once a night to go to the bathroom, but the great thing is, I then fall back asleep and sleep several more hours. This has been a great improvement.”
Tammy M. of Meridian, Idaho says: “I was plagued with insomnia for five years and desperate for a breakthrough. Nothing has helped me more than Sleep Minerals. I’m so sold on them I could go door to door promoting them. I’m 60 years old and have never slept so soundly.”
For more information, visit Sleep Minerals II.
20 Interesting and Surprising Facts About Canada You Probably Didn’t Know! Mutlu Çiçekler Blog
Posted on: January 18, 2026
I usually repost articles from WordPress writers on natural remedies and good health, but today I’m reposting this blog article from Mutlu Cicekler. The only food-related info in it pertains to maple syrup and Hawaiian pizza, but the Canadian facts are interesting and intriguing!
This health news is shared with you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and the natural solution for joint relief, allergies, pain relief and increased energy, Joints and More.
Magnesium Deficiency in Older Adults May Contribute to Insomnia, Osteoporosis and Diabetes
Posted on: December 24, 2025
A recent Gallup Poll survey reported that magnesium consumption decreases as we age, with 79% of adults 55 and over reportedly eating below the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of magnesium.
In addition, a National Institutes of Health (NIH) fact sheet says that older adults are at increased risk of magnesium deficiency due to their decreased ability to absorb the mineral. The diseases to which the elderly are vulnerable, and some of the drugs used in therapy, also contribute to magnesium loss.
“A potential magnesium deficiency is a matter of concern for many individuals of all ages, but for the elderly, it could be particularly serious,” said Richard Rivlin, M.D., Chief of the Nutrition Division at New York Hospital, Cornell Medical Center.
“The prevalence of heart disease, diabetes and even leg cramps increases dramatically among older persons, and these are all health conditions in which magnesium deficiency has been found,” Rivlin said.
Diabetes
Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health evaluated the dietary intake of specific nutrients for more than 85,000 women and more than 42,000 men, in data supplied over 18 years for the women and over 12 years for the men. They found that the men and women whose diets included the largest amounts of magnesium were the least likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Most of the participants in the study consumed magnesium through foods, such as whole grains, nuts and green leafy vegetables.
Osteoporosis
A lack of magnesium is also associated with osteoporosis. Bone health is supported by many factors, most notably calcium and vitamin D. However, some evidence suggests that magnesium deficiency may be an additional risk factor for postmenopausal osteoporosis. This may be due to the fact that magnesium deficiency alters calcium metabolism and the hormones that regulate calcium. In one study of older adults from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a greater magnesium intake maintained bone mineral density to a higher degree than a lower intake.
Insomnia Remedy
A recent National Sleep Foundation poll found that a majority of older adults (67%) report having frequent sleep problems. This translates to 37 million older adults in the U.S. having some form of insomnia. Particularly for older people, a possible underlying nutritional cause of insomnia may be a deficiency of certain minerals. James F. Balch, M.D., author of Prescription for Nutritional Healing, writes: “A lack of the nutrients calcium and magnesium will cause you to wake up after a few hours and not be able to return to sleep.”
Types of Magnesium
Some forms of magnesium are more digestible than others – an important factor because our digestive enzymes and our ability to absorb nutrients lessen with age. Magnesium citrate is a unique form of magnesium in which the magnesium is bonded with citric acid to make it more absorbable.
Supplements with Magnesium
The combination of minerals included in a supplement and the presence of vitamin cofactors (such as calcium and vitamin D) are key. Formulas should contain a 2 to 1 ratio of calcium to magnesium. The original research on this recommended ratio appeared in 1935 in the Journal of Physiological Reviews. In addition, softgels made with carrier oils allow the minerals to be better absorbed than tablets or capsules.
One formula that has these qualities and is gaining in popularity is Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs. Sleep Minerals II contains highly absorbable forms of the best minerals for sleep and relaxation: Calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D. The ingredients are delivered in a softgel form with healthy carrier oils, providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
Wendy R. of Honolulu, Hawaii says: “My friends know that I’ve had insomnia for a very long time. Surprisingly, I received the Sleep Minerals II and took it and I actually slept. This thing really works. I wanted to say, its funny, but people know I have insomnia and once in a while a co-worker will ask me how I slept. In the past, if I ever got a good nights sleep I’d say “I slept like a baby”, but that’s the wrong analogy. Those little guys get up every two hours. I am actually beginning to sleep like an adult — a much-rested adult.”
Richard Rivlin, M.D. summed up the Gallup Poll survey results by saying: “It is clear that consumers are largely unaware of the role of magnesium — a nutrient that is essential for the function of other minerals like calcium, as well as the normal operation of the heart and muscles.”
For more information, visit the Sleep Minerals II page.
Better sleep is something that millions of people with insomnia are looking for.
Per the American Academy of Sleep Medicine survey results, about 1 in 8 people, or 12% of Americans said they have been diagnosed with chronic insomnia.
What if one of the the keys to restful slumber could be related to what you put on your plate? Recent studies reveal that certain healthy carbohydrates can work wonders for improving sleep quality, helping you fall asleep faster and wake up less often. Here’s a breakdown of the top sleep-friendly carbs and how they benefit your body.
Sweet Potatoes: A Sleep Superfood
Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also packed with sleep-promoting nutrients. High in potassium and magnesium, they help relax your muscles and reduce nighttime cramping. A 2022 study in the *Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine* highlighted that potassium-rich diets can reduce nighttime disruptions, making sweet potatoes an excellent choice for dinner.
Oats: The Comfort Carb
A bowl of oatmeal isn’t just a comforting snack; it’s a scientifically proven sleep booster. Oats are high in melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep cycles, and they’re also a great source of calcium, which helps the brain use the amino acid tryptophan to produce melatonin. Plus, oats contain slow-digesting fiber that keeps blood sugar stable, preventing nighttime awakenings. According to a study in *Nutrients*, calcium is a vital nutrient for improving deep sleep.
Bananas: Nature’s Nightcap
Bananas are a natural sleep aid, loaded with magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C, which supports healthy nerves and reduces stress. They also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes relaxation. Regarding the magnesium contained in bananas, an analysis of several different studies explored the impact of magnesium supplementation on sleep quality. The findings revealed that magnesium not only improves overall sleep quality but also enhances sleep duration.
Brown Rice: For Slow and Steady Rest
Brown rice is a fantastic option for those who wake up frequently during the night. This whole grain provides steady energy and contains GABA, a natural brain chemical known for its calming effects on the nervous system. The Healthline website shared a study showing improved sleep from GABA supplementation. Brown rice is also a good source of the mineral manganese, which promotes strong, dense bones when combined with calcium and vitamin D.
According to the National Council on Aging, brown rice contains many of the B vitamins including B1, B3, B6, and B9. Vitamin B9, also known as folate, is a key player in helping the body produce serotonin and melatonin for a good night’s sleep
Quinoa: Iron for Strong Sleep
Quinoa is a complete protein and a top choice for vegetarians seeking sleep-friendly carbs. In addition to magnesium, quinoa is rich in iron, which supports healthy oxygen flow to the brain and reduces fatigue. A 2023 study in *Advances in Nutrition* found that iron-rich diets can significantly reduce a form of insomnia known as restless leg syndrome.
A Recipe for Restful Nights
Incorporating these foods into your daily meals can pave the way for a relaxing night’s sleep. Whether it’s a sweet potato mash for dinner, a banana-oat smoothie before bed, or a quinoa salad for lunch, these healthy carbs will help you fall asleep better and wake up feeling refreshed.
Supplements for Better Sleep and Good Health
This natural health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original and effective calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II (also containing vitamin D and zinc).
***** Suzanne G. of Tucson, Arizona says: “I am now taking the Sleep Minerals II capsules each night. I have had insomnia for most of my life and the longer I take Sleep Minerals, the better I sleep. The best thing is that I can now get back to sleep if I wake up in the night. It has given me such a sense of peace to know that I now can be well rested during the day. I also find my brain less foggy from lack of sleep. I have tried many products on the market and this is the one that is gold. Thank you so much for producing a quality product!”
Funny Things People Say to Dietitians – Happy Valley Wellness Solutions Blog
Posted on: November 26, 2025
Wow, what a nice post. As I write in my own blogs, balance and eating right for the most part are the important things. If you’re hungry at night, eat a healthy snack. If you want to eat eggs, eat them. If you’re having trouble sleeping, eat more foods with calcium and magnesium in them or take a supplement. To your good health!
This health news is shared with you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and the natural solution for joint relief, allergies, pain relief and increased energy, Joints and More.
Trouble Sleeping? More Magnesium May Help (from Human Nutrition Research Center)
Posted on: November 25, 2025
By Forrest Nielsen
Can’t sleep? You are not alone. Not being able to sleep, or insomnia, is a common complaint, especially among people older than 50. More than half of all people aged 65 years and older have sleep problems.
Not surprisingly, lack of sleep is caused mainly by factors that are more common later in life, such as breathing problems, illness and medications. Yet, scientists have proved that poor sleep is not a natural part of aging.
Five common complaints are trouble falling asleep, waking up, awaking too early, needing to nap and not feeling rested.
Lack of sleep is a health concern because it can cause attention and memory problems, depressed mood and body chemistry changes that foster heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.
A factor getting more attention recently is poor nutrition. A low intake of the mineral magnesium may be one nutritional factor causing sleep problems.
Magnesium plays a key role in the body’s chemistry that regulates sleep. This may be why persons with long-term lack of sleep, or abnormal brain waves during deep sleep, often have low magnesium in their blood.
Some small studies with humans and rats also suggest that magnesium is needed for good sleep. Magnesium treatment increased deep sleep and improved brain waves during sleep in 12 elderly subjects. Magnesium treatment decreased time to fall asleep and improved sleep quality of 11 alcoholic patients who often have a low magnesium status. Magnesium deficiency increased time awake at the expense of deep sleep in rats. Feeding magnesium to the rats restored their sleep patterns to normal.
The diets of many people do not contain enough magnesium for good health and sleep. In 1997, the United States Food and Nutrition Board set the recommended dietary allowance (or daily intake) for magnesium at 320 milligrams for women and 420 milligrams for men between ages 51 and 70.
A national food consumption survey found that many Americans, especially older women, consume less than the recommended amount for magnesium. Another risk factor for low magnesium status in older women is the use of calcium supplements without magnesium for bone health. High calcium intakes can make magnesium deficiency worse.
Perhaps, you have heard or read of the folk remedy of drinking a glass of warm milk before going to bed if you have trouble with falling asleep. This remedy may work for some people because milk is a fair source for magnesium. A glass of milk provides about 30 milligrams of magnesium. This amount of magnesium could be the difference between a deficient and adequate magnesium status for many people.
Other foods that have good amounts of magnesium are whole grains, nuts and green leafy vegetables. Green leafy vegetables are a good source of magnesium because the green color is chlorophyll, a chemical that contains magnesium and converts sunlight into food energy.
(From the Human Nutrition Research Center of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture).
This health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective natural sleep aid featuring calcium and magnesium Sleep Minerals II.
Kimberly B. of Troy Michigan says: “I have been taking Sleep Minerals II for about a month now. I have tried everything out there and this supplement is amazing. I have suffered with insomnia for two and a half years and have had restless leg syndrome my entire life. This is the first relief I’ve ever had…it’s gone for a month now.”
For more information, visit the Sleep Minerals II page.
News on Natural Remedies, Good Sleep and Good Health 