For a very long time I’ve wanted to do more than just this blog. I’ve finally bit the bullet and set up shop selling antioxidant-related products. I’ve moved the blog to the site as well. Please join us there! Here is the link to the blog: http://www.antioxidantalley.com/blog The product catalog and the rest of the site is still a work in progress, but I would love to hear your comments and suggestions. Regards, Jon Read Full Story

Whew, I noticed that it’s been since September that I’ve posted anything. I have a stack of potential articles for review and comment, so I should have enough content for at least several weeks. You’ve probably seen that the RealAge site is a favorite of mine. Once again they have an article regarding antioxidants and their action to decrease inflammation. They also mention dark chocolate! Here’s a link to the original article: YOU Staying Young Center — Top YOU ... Read Full Story

Not much to do with my usual postings, but it is harvest season. I had to make a few comments about my peaches… Utah’s motto is “The Greatest Snow On Earth.” Well, I’m not a skier, so I can’t comment on that with any degree of credibility, but I can comment on our peaches. I grew up in Brigham City and our annual agricultural festival is called “Peach Days.” We had peach trees in our yard growing up, and I have a peach tree in our yard in Orem. I’ve been to Georgia and bought peaches ... Read Full Story

A short time ago I was using StumbleUpon and came across a web page that discussed food cravings and what they meant. For example, the article states that if you crave bread, your body really needs nitrogen. The article then suggests food sources for the need. In the case of nitrogen, high-protein foods. I’ve always been one who craves refined carbs and sweets. As a result, my triglycerides have been through the roof (well, before I changed my lifestyle anyway). I have noticed that... Read Full Story

All I can do is say wow! If you haven’t seen this story, please take a gander. Truly, we live in amazing times. Salamander-inspired therapy may aid injured vets - CNN.com I have a daughter that probably will need a kidney transplant someday. This indicates perhaps someday she might be able to grow her own kidney - no rejection, no lifetime drugs, no compromised immune system! Read Full Story

Apparently for the past 40 years heart disease has been in decline. However, earlier this month Reuters reported that the trend may be at an end. Researchers from the Mayo Clinic and the University of British Columbia examined the autopsy reports of residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota that died between 1981 and 2004 from unnatural causes. They found that “declines in the grade of coronary artery disease ended after 1995 and began to climb after 2000.” While the data do not poin... Read Full Story

Here’s a study from The Journal of the American Medical Association that shows that cocoa, or more specifically, the polyphenols in cocoa, has a positive effect on blood pressure. It points out several important facts: It doesn’t need to be a huge quantity of dark chocolate to have an effect The dark chocolate must be taken regularly It must be taken on an ongoing basis The study was performed on a rather small population (44 individuals) with untreated prehypertension (120-139/... Read Full Story

In the past, I’ve made a few posts regarding dark chocolate and hypertension. Here’s a link to a brief article that reminds us that indeed, research indicates that dark chocolate can improve blood pressure and may improve cholesterol levels and insulin sensitivity. http://www.ephit.com/coventry_contest/chocolate.htm The article also points out that processing removes much of the benefits of the chocolate. If you’d be interested in dark chocolate that is minimally processed (... Read Full Story

Back in the beginning of January, NPR interviewed Michael Pollan, the author of several books related to food. The interview is in regards to his latest book, In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto. His advise is simple, and the book can be distilled down to seven words - “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” I’m looking forward to reading it in the near future. Here’s a link to the audio interview. NPR : Author Comes to Natural Food’s ‘Defense... Read Full Story

One of the things I mention in my disclaimer is to do your own research. One reason for that is ultimately, each of us is responsible for our own health. Your health care provider can’t know everything and can’t keep up with all the research that is constantly presented. You should, of course, tell him/her all prescriptions, herbs and supplements you are taking, but the provider may not know how they all interact. Herbs, supplements and to some extent, even food interact with each... Read Full Story