Friday, February 26, 2010

An Apple a Day....

Yes an apple a day may keep the doctor away because of its vitamin C content, antioxidants, and fibre. But did you know that apples may protect human skin cells and combat aging?

Apple extracts have been used in cosmeceuticals for a while now, as they are a source of various vitamins and amino acids with long-proven tonic and antiseptic properties. However a team of Swiss scientists is taking this even further using cutting-edge technology to create an apple-stem-cell-derived ingredient that may have anti-aging potential. They have been able to extract it and protect it in a medium that delivers it into the skin, where it stimulates adult stem cells to continue their repair work. A study has even evaluated how it can prolong skin cells' self-rejuvenating cycles after exposure to stressors such as UV light.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Global TV News Link!

If you missed me on Global earlier this week chatting about agave and stevia, check out the link that is now active!

http://www.globaltoronto.com/story.html?id=1820467

Friday, February 19, 2010

Raw Lunch

Today has been a bit of a mish mash day... running around doing a few errands... the highlight was my lunch.

Bright and early I took our car in for an oil change and a car wash (Dad taught me well!), then did a quick spin through Yorkdale to pick up a few things (a pair of new shoes randomly found their way into my bag!), and then swung by a raw food restaurant called Rawlicious in the Junction for lunch before ending up at Starbucks.

I don't usually go out for lunch as I have lots of things at home that I could have easily made a meal out of AND obviously it isn't as expensive. However today I had to finish up an article that I'm co-writing for Naturopathic Doctor News & Review, a monthly paper that provides relevant information to naturopathic doctors and provides a forum to share information. It's for their anti-aging issue and I'm writing about cosmetic acupuncture, and skincare.

Anyway ... because of my 'obsession' with the Olympics I haven't been able to focus at home long enough to finish this article, so today I decided I was not going to go home after my errands and instead work at Starbucks. Because of timing I realized I needed to buy lunch out. I remembered Rawlicious was on Dundas and that I've always wanted to try it. It was delicious... cute place (I did take out though).... I had the spaghetti bolognese! The 'noodles' were thin strings of zucchini and the sauce was a blend of pesto and tomato sauce AND it had 'neatballs' that were amazing. It tasted so creamy and delicious. So this place is raw, vegan, and gluten-free and has a small but specialized menu. If you haven't tried making something 'raw' at home or tried a raw food restaurant, give it a try. Nothing is cooked above 118F,so you get all the vitamins, minerals and natural enzymes of the food. Delicious and healthy - my favourite combination!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Agave? Stevia? Watch Global TV Tonight!

Watch Global TV's Family Health with Beatrice Politi tonight around 6:15 pm to hear a few different thoughts (including mine!) on agave nectar, and stevia, two natural sweeteners that have recently received alot of press.

Agave nectar is a sap from the agave plant that looks like and is processed very similar to maple syrup. I've used it in a few raw food baked good recipes which I've posted on my blog before. It is natural but is not calorie-free. Sugar is sugar. Empty calories are empty calories.

There are a few good things and a few concerns about agave nectar. One great thing is that it is a low glycemic food so it doesn't spike blood sugar like white sugar or brown sugar or honey. However long term it may decrease the sensitivity of insulin receptors, possibly not making it a great choice for diabetics.

It is mostly (90%) fructose though which has been implicated in rising blood triglyceride levels, and increased uric acid (what contributes to gout). Since it is mostly fructose it has to be metabolized by the liver which converts it to fat much easier and quicker than with sugar.

Tune in for more information and I'll also post the link tomorrow as usual!

Friday, February 12, 2010

I Love the Olympics

How amazing! I've had the torch relay on CTV in the background all day while writing an article on anti-aging and skincare and I've officially been sucked in. The torch is just about to get into a dragonboat off Granville Island. Love it!

There is something so special about this torch relay. It truly has ignited a wonderful Canadian spirit across the nation. I've been wearing my red mittens and chuckle everytime I pass someone on the sidewalk or in the parking lot with the same mittens.

A great 2 weeks ahead! Sooooo glad we didn't end up cancelling our cable!!! :)

Friday, February 5, 2010

Superbowl Snacks on Global TV

Yesterday Beatrice Politi of Global TV came to the clinic to chat about Superbowl snacks, calorie counts, and healthier options.

The typical superbowl party usually includes chili, nachoes, pizza, and of course beer. All of which can quickly add up on the calorie count for the day, causing the scales to tip and possibly derail some of those new years resolutions. I'm not here to take away all the pleasures of life but there are definitely little things you can do to decrease the damage done in a few short hours.

Try chicken breast strips rolled in cornflakes or rice crackers and baked instead of chicken wings; a homemade yogurt dip instead of those nasty ranch dips; ground chicken or turkey instead of ground beef; adding a few more vegetables on to that pizza or maybe ordering thin crust instead of thick; and of course pacing yourself with the beers, having water in between.

Check out the global link to learn a bit more:
http://www.globaltoronto.com/video/index.html?categoryID=1051988478