Could Vinegar Be The Next Big Fat Fighter?

I love dousing my salads with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. We all know the amazing benefits of olive oil in our diet by now, but vinegar may also play an important role in maintaining a slimmer figure.

A brand new animal study has found that the acetic acid in vinegar may actually suppress body fat accumulation. The research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry compared mice who ate a high-fat diet. The ones given acetic acid developed 10 percent less body fat compared to the mice who did not.

Researchers concluded that vinegar works at the genetic level, increasing fatty oxidation and thermogenesis in the liver.

Vinegar was also linked to weight control in a 2005 study when it was found to help dieters eat less and reduce their cravings.

This unassuming yet flavorful condiment may do more than dress up your salad, it may also be a key to shedding some unwanted pounds.

Related Article:
Choose Olive Oil Like a Fine Wine to Reap Health Benefits

Stressed Out? Spend Time With Girlfriends to Calm Down

Before marriage and kids, going out with my girlfriends was a regular part of my social calendar. We also used to talk on the phone all the time. But as life got busier and more stressful, our outings and chats have become much less frequent. It turns out that life would be less stressful for us if we made more time for each other, according to a landmark study.

Researchers at the University of California found that friendships among women produce a calming effect from the "feel good" hormone oxytocin.

While estrogen seems to enhance the effect for women, men on the other hand, produce testosterone when they are under stress, which reduces the oxytocin effect.

One of the authors of the study reported that oxytocin seems to buffer the "fight or flight" response while encouraging women to tend children and gather with other women.

No wonder a girls night out always makes everything better!

Pure & Natural Antioxidants Extracts

My daily antioxidant-filled smoothie just got turbo charged when a box full of Pure Inventions extracts arrived at my door.

I was asked by Pure Inventions to try their products and write a review. Honestly, I don't bother with many requests to review products because many that come my way are what I'd call "faux" healthy--have the appearance of healthy, but aren't. However, natural antioxidants from green tea, fruit and cocoa are definitely in the pro-health category so when Pure Inventions said that they'd like to send me a couple of their tasty, calorie and caffeine -free, natural extracts to sample, I thought sure. Bring it on.

While the company says that their extracts can be added to water for a pure shot of antioxidants, I prefer to add them to my already pro- health and beauty smoothie (click here for recipe). I figure all those antioxidants combined may give me an added synergistic effect and knock off an additional 10 years of aging (I can dream). Anyway, Pure Inventions sent me their Green Tea Extract, which comes in several flavors. One serving is equivalent to 100 mg of green tea--known for promoting younger skin, improving cardiovascular health, and increasing metabolism. I also tried their Cranberry + Elderberry Extract, which I was very glad to have on hand when the swine flu was making headlines, because elderberry is a known immunity booster and has been clinically proven to fight regular influenza.

My husband even likes the extracts and commented on how pretty the bottles looked. Yes, they have a spa-like quality about them. Maybe because some top spas do serve them up.

Each bottle of extracts contains 60 servings and the Green Tea Extract usually cost $30.75, which is 55 cents per shot. However, they are taking 20% off of that price until May 31. The fruit and cocoa extracts run a bit more. Until the end of May you can also get free shipping if you enter P22FREESHIP at checkout. This code is specifically for blog readers.

If you are looking for an easy way to get extra antioxidants in your diet, then I would highly recommend giving Pure Inventions extracts a try.

Conquer Cravings With A 15-Minute Walk

I love chocolate! Always have, but especially since my son was born last August, I can't seem to get enough. Of course, I only buy the really, really dark stuff so I can feel better about all the antioxidants I'm consuming. But when I started buying the big 3-1/2 pound bags of Ghirardelli chocolate chips (60% cocoa, of course) from Costco every other week, I knew I had to kick this habit--or the girlish figure I've worked so hard to get back since my pregnancy may disappear again.

Anyway, I have some good news to share with addicts like me with cravings like mine. It turns out that just taking a brisk walk when food cravings strike can help you resist the temptation to binge. Additionally, a brisk walk can also help manage nicotine and alcohol dependencies.

Several recent studies have confirmed that instead of giving in to your desire, hitting the pavement for just 15 minutes can curtail your urge both while exercising and 15 to 20 minutes after.

One explanation for the findings is that exercise stimulates the brain to release the neurotransmitter dopamine, which boosts feelings of pleasure.

While I won't be giving up chocolate completely, I have a feeling I'll be taking a lot more walks!

Budget- and Kid-Friendly Top Antioxidant-Rich Juice

Trying to get more antioxidant bang for your buck? Looking for a way to give your family something nutritious that they will actually like? Then you can't go wrong with good 'ol Concord grape juice. Yes, that sweet juice you loved as a kid.

This unexotic, superjuice is chock full of free-radical fighting power. It turns out it's one of the top three antioxidant-rich beverages, according to a recent study from the University of California, Los Angeles.

To get the most nutrition in your juice, look for 100% juice and fruit skin sediment on the bottom of the jar. And while it's loaded with health benefits, it also has a fair amount of calories and sugar so be sure to drink in moderation.

Interested in Eating Whole, Natural, Nutrient-Dense Food?

If eating raw, living, fermented foods is your idea of good eating, and if nutrition, health and green living appeal to you, then you will definitely want to check out RealFoodMedia.com.

The other day I mentioned that I came across a wonderful new food blog called TheNourshingGourmet.com. Well, after writing that post, it came to my attention that that particular blog was part of a healthy food blog network at RealFoodMedia.com. It's like a one-stop shop for getting the best information on turning your typical kitchen into a place where whole, natural, nutrient-dense foods are a staple.

After reading some of the articles on the site, you will actually think that making your own sourdough bread or kombucha tea from scratch isn't so scary. In fact, after reading Food Renegade--one of six health bloggers on RealFoodMedia.com-- describe step by step how to make kombucha and its SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony Of Bacteria and Yeast), I am now convinced that I can do this. For those who never heard of kombucha, it's fermented sweet tea that some natural health advocates claim can boost the immunity and fight many of the effects of aging.

Anyway, after reading what these health food bloggers have to say, I feel inspired to take my cooking and eating to a whole new level. I hope it does the same for you!

Eat Cherries, Melt Away Waistline

Every day a new super fruit makes headlines, and now cherries are getting their day in the spotlight. It seems this red, tasty fruit is packed with major antioxidant power that helps with weight loss--specifically shedding the fat around the stomach--according to research from the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center.

The lead scientist of the study believes the antioxidant anthocyanins in tart cherries is responsible for turning on a fat-burning enzyme.

The animal study also found that tart cherries lower the risk factors for heart disease as well as reduce cholesterol and inflammation.

Additionally, a 2007 study conducted at the University of Granada in Spain found that melatonin--another antioxidant found in cherries--plays a role in delaying the effects of aging because it neutralizes the oxidative and inflammation process.

To help whittle your waistline, you can eat just a cup of this super fruit a day to shed belly fat. Best of all, you can find dried, frozen or juiced tart cherries year round.