Good tasting and good for you, tropical fruits like acai and goji berries are taking the world of super foods by storm. And although they may have funny-sounding names, their health benefits are nothing to laugh about.
Packed with antioxidants, tropical fruits help us defend against free radicals — those damaging molecules that are believed to play a role in heart disease, cancer and other health conditions. They also are rich in vitamins and minerals and high in fiber, helping to keep us strong while reducing the risk of certain diseases. 
It is believed that tropical fruits develop high levels of antioxidants as a natural defense against the harsh elements in a tropical environment. So it makes sense that when we eat these fruits, we get the protective benefits too.

Health-conscious consumers are increasingly turning away from refined white sugar in favor of alternative natural products like agave and stevia to sweeten their food and treat their taste buds. But before you toss out the sugar bowl, there are some things you should know about sugar and alternative sweeteners and incorporating them into your diet.


Most of the sugar we eat comes from sugar cane that has been filtered and refined to remove the liquid and impurities. High on the glycemic index, refined sugar has no nutritional value and is nothing more than empty calories. Eating too much can put strain on your body and increase your risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. In general, natural sweeteners tend to be lower on the glycemic index, making them desirable substitutes for people with diabetes or looking to trim their waistlines. Additionally, some natural sweeteners also contain vitamins and minerals that are good for your overall health.

Growing up, you were probably told by your mother-more than once to eat your vegetables, but did she ever tell you to eat your bacteria?

Probably not, given that bacteria tends to have a bad reputation. However, some foods contain bacteria that are actually good for you and can help strengthen your body’s ability to ward off disease and assist in digestion.

These healthy bacteria — or live active cultures — are commonly referred to as probiotics and have long been found in dairy products such as yogurt, raw milk, cultured butter and kefir as well as other fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, sprouted grains and kombucha tea.
Many of these probiotic foods date back to ancient cultures and have a deep-rooted history of health claims. In fact, one version of the Old Testament states that:“Abraham owed his longevity to the consumption of sour milk.”