Acorn squash is prized for its sweet golden flesh and unique ribbed shell, which makes attractive scalloped bowls when halved and a handy case for savory stuffing. Acorn squash is an excellent source of vitamin A, in the form of beta-carotene, an antioxidant with many health benefits.

Studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties associated with beta-carotene may help reduce the severity of conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma, all of which involve inflammation. ^{1 2}

Acorn squash is a very good source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, as well as manganese, thiamin and potassium. One cup of cooked acorn squash has 115 calories 9 grams of fiber and 895 mg of potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral that is integral to the functioning of all living cells. …read more of Acorn Squash: A Rock Star Among Superfoods! here

The average American diet, heavy in animal products, requires the production of an extra ton and a half of greenhouse gases compared to a plant based diet.¹ A diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruit and legumes is environmentally responsible and can help maintain a healthy weight.

In recent years, however many diet books have blamed plant foods, which are high in carbohydrates for the obesity crisis. While the theory persists, health care professionals have advised against low-carbohydrate diets for years.

A recent study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that consuming a low-carbohydrate diet (less than 47 percent of calories from carbohydrates) is associated with a greater likelihood of being overweight or obese.² The July 2009 study found that the lowest risk may be in consuming a diet with 47 to 64 percent of calories from carbohydrates. This was not the first study with these findings.

…read more of The Slimmest People on Earth Eat a Lot of This Food! here

If you’re always looking for a low-fat, high-protein, delicious, and versatile snack, then look no further.  Let us discuss hummus.

With its main ingredients being chickpeas, tahini (crushed sesame seeds), garlic, and lemon juice, hummus is an excellent source of dietary fibre, protein, zinc, iron, and foliates. Combine hummus with vegetables, whether as a dip or on a salad, or as a spread on sandwiches.

Hummus is a great, healthy alternative to other high-fat dips, dressings, and spreads like mayonnaise or sour cream.  As a plant-derived protein, it is also a sustainable source of protein to incorporate into your diet. …read more of Hummus Among Us here

Almonds, almonds, good for your heart, the more you eat the more you… lower your LDL cholesterol, improve your complexion and digestion, and reduce your risk of cancer.

If you are looking for a simple and healthy snack while you’re on the run, then go on and grab a handful of almonds.  Once considered a food that is high in fat, research shows that this fat is monounsaturated, which actually helps reduce the risk of heart disease.

Almonds are also high in protein, and jam-packed full of fibre, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E, and other antioxidants. And as a bonus, supplementing your diet with whole foods, such as almonds, is a delicious way to lighten your eco footprint with less processing and packaging. …read more of Almonds: Good for the Heart here

What’s the most popular vegetable in America?  If you guessed potato, you are right!  Plant foods, the exclusive source of dietary fiber, also provide us with precious vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.  And since potatoes are grown throughout the year, they’re also a fresh, seasonal and sustainable option for your winter meals.  Unfortunately, potatoes have often been denounced as fattening and the anti-carb craze of recent years has only added to that undeserved perception.

Weight control is rapidly becoming the major health issue of the 21st Century. More than a third of adults in the US are overweight and obesity is reaching epidemic proportions.  We know that potatoes are great tasting, inexpensive and nutritious, but how does this versatile vegetable become part of the solution?

Medical and nutrition experts have long advocated the health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Potatoes are root vegetables and complex carbohydrates high in water-absorbing fiber. Therefore eating potatoes makes you feel more satisfied and less hungry and can actually help you to lose weight. …read more of Want to Lose Weight? Eat Potatoes here