Harnesssing the Power of the Sun by Elizabeth Brown, MS, RD

D-mystifying a D-lightful vitamin

It’s called the sunshine vitamin because you can make it when you are in the sun. A general recommendation is 15 minutes of sun exposure three times per week.

Vitamin D is different from all other nutrients in that the body can synthesize it with the help of sunlight from a precursor that the body makes from cholesterol. Technically, vitamin D is not a vitamin but actually a steroid hormone that targets over 2,000 genes in the body. Some roles of vitamin D include bone growth, calcium balance, immunity, insulin secretion, blood pressure regulation and cell differentiation—the growth of specialized cells which decreases the likelihood of forming cancerous cells.

Beauty IS skin deep by Elizabeth Brown, MS, RD

Bring out your inner beauty

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but nutrition plays a vital role in both inner and outer beauty because if you feel good, it will show on your face and in your disposition.

Any beauty regimen should start with proper hydration, and yes, water is best. The average person needs 2 liters of fluid per day or about eight (8 ounce) glasses. For a more individual approach to hydration drink half your body weight in ounces, a 200 pound person requires approximately 100 ounces of fluids per day.

Eat lots of fresh, seasonal and local fruits and vegetables to help ensure a diet rich in water and antioxidants. Antioxidants are the plant’s way of defending itself against environmental insults. Local produce develops a natural defense system specific to your surroundings. Buy organic if you can but note that although small farmers may not be certified organic, they may still grow organically. Just ask.

Happy Valentine's Day! by Elizabeth Brown, MS, RD

A whole new way to look at food

In honor of Valentine’s Day, let’s talk about sex, baby.

Sex plays a fundamental role in our physical and emotional well-being. It’s a basic human need according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, along with breathing (very important), food, water, sleep, homeostasis (another term for internal balance) and excretion (also, very important). If any of these areas are missing in life, it could negatively affect one’s health and well-being.

Therefore, it is in your best interest that I teach you about an aspect of sex that is tied to food. Well, sort of.

What women do for Chocolate by Elizabeth Brown, MS, RD

Oh, for the Love of Chocolate!

Let’s face it. Men don’t really need a “food” to get them in the mood yet for centuries aphrodisiacs have been discussed in reference to what men want or need to increase their libido. Who are these men? From my own observation, the presence of a woman seems to work rather well to increase a man’s sex drive.

Oysters are the most popular aphrodisiac for men. Some people think it is the shape of the oyster while others believe it is the high zinc content. Since zinc is associated with sperm production, it is thought that an increase in dietary zinc might facilitate the process.