Food & Nutrition: 'Wondering About Wasabi'

Food & Nutrition: 'Wondering About Wasabi' 

Dr. Weil's Weekend Tips, January 22, 2011

Originally from Japan, Wasabi is a mustard-like substance that has therapeutic properties. For more, read below.

Wasabi comes from the root-like stem (rhizome) of wasabia japonica, a mustard relative that grows in streams and moist, shady areas of Japan and is now being cultivated in North America, especially in British Columbia. When freshly grated, authentic wasabi forms a light green, coarsely textured paste that is pungent and much more flavorful than the mix of horseradish, mustard and green food

coloring billed as "wasabi" in many restaurants. In addition, genuine wasabi has interesting therapeutic effects, including antibiotic properties and anti-inflammatory activity, and appears useful for relieving symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Food & Nutrition: 'Healthful Resolutions: Adopting the Anti-Inflammatory Diet'

Food & Nutrition: 'Healthful Resolutions: Adopting the Anti-Inflammatory Diet' 

Dr. Weil's Weekend Tip, January 30, 2011

Chronic inflammation has been identified as factor in the development of fatal degenerative diseases and Alzheimer's. Because diet is a major contributor to chronic inflammation, adopting a healthful diet can help prevent and counteract the risks associated with inflammation. For more, read below.

The anti-inflammatory diet isn't a weight-loss program (although you can lose weight on it) or a temporary eating plan. It is intended to counteract chronic inflammation, now known to play a central role in the development of heart disease, many cancers and Alzheimer's disease. Poor diet is perhaps the main contributor to chronic inflammation. The anti-inflammatory diet can help you correct

that: it points the way to food choices that can help you remain optimally healthy. Use my Anti- Inflammatory Food Pyramid - print it out and post it on the fridge. Along with influencing inflammation, the diet will give you steady energy and provide all the vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and dietary fiber you need.

Eating Anti-Inflammatory, Made Simple