Did you know….Sweet potatoes are not just orange-colored potatoes. They are biologically different. Sweet Potatoes do not contain nightshade alkaloids and belong to the Convolvulaceae family unlike regular potatoes, which are members of the Solanaceae family. To give you an idea of the diversity associated with this group of plants, consider the fact that tobacco, morning glory, potato, and tomato are all classified as nightshades. An element found in its structure–steroid alkaloid - has been documented as blocking the activity of an enzyme in nerve cells causing some inflammation and joint damage.
….That cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil has the lowest smoke point of all forms of olive oil. It is the least refined, most nutrient dense and contains the largest concentration of fragile nutritive components. Although it is considered the healthiest oil to consume, care should be taken to limit the heat used to 200-250°F else you risk damaging its structure and negating any healthful benefit of the oil you might be cooking.
…. The traditional sweetener and healing remedy made from boiled nectar of agave is called a “syrup”. To be clear, when you are buying agave nectar, you are not buying the nectar, but a syrup made from the agave’s nectar.  Traditional agave syrup, made by boiling the aguamiel, which today is still used for traditional healing methods, is replaced with a more refined syrup, that has lost at least some of its minerals, and has a very high level of fructose–twice as much as honey and maple syrup.
… that California almonds labeled as “raw” are required to be steam-pasteurized or chemically treated with propylene oxide. Since 1 September 2007, raw untreated California almonds have technically not been available in the United States. This does not apply to imported almonds, or to almonds sold from the grower directly to the consumer in small quantities.
…Boosting calcium in the diet increases Vitamin D levels in the body. Calcium may be increased relatively easily by consuming more milk, plain Greek-style yogurt, cheese, or by taking a calcium supplement.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in Americans older than 50, affecting more than two million people.

March is AMD Awareness Month, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology wants to remind people that although AMD is incurable, there are new treatments that can usually recover lost vision and prevent further vision loss from the disease. The Academy encourages those older than 50 to see an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive, dilated eye examination every one to two years to ensure that AMD and other vision-threatening conditions are detected and treated early. “Catching AMD early is the best defense against loss of vision,” said Thomas D. LoBue, M.D., medical director of LoBue Laser & Eye Medical Centers, Inc. “Given the devastating impact this disease has on patients lives, it leads physicians like me to educate patients on the most recent scientific advances available in the treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration.”
What is AMD? AMD, progressive and usually painless, affects the macula, a small, specialized area of the retina, located at the back of the eye and responsible for central vision. AMD causes central vision to blur, but leaves peripheral vision intact. There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. Approximately 90 percent of people with AMD have the dry form, in which aging changes in the macula result in gradual vision loss. Although only 10 percent of people with AMD have the wet form, it generally progresses much quicker than the dry form. Wet AMD is characterized by the growth of abnormal retinal blood vessels that leak blood or fluid, causing rapid and severe central vision loss.
AMD Risk Reducers–Important risk factors for AMD include smoking, high blood pressure and diet. Recommendations for reducing risk of developing AMD include not smoking; eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fish, fruit and green leafy vegetables; avoiding foods with trans fats; exercising and controlling blood pressure and weight. The National Eye Institute’s (NEI) Age-Related Eye Disease Study found that high levels of antioxidants and zinc can reduce the risk of vision loss by about 25 percent in patients with “intermediate” AMD in one or both eyes and those with “advanced” AMD in only one eye. (Smokers and ex-smokers should not use beta carotene because studies have shown an association with lung cancer and beta carotene in smokers.) A new study will evaluate the effects of lutein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) drugs inhibit the development of unwanted blood vessels that cause wet AMD, and these agents help prevent further visual loss and even improve vision. Two drugs have already been approved by the FDA, Macugen and Lucentis, and the makers of several others are looking to gain FDA approval. Conventional laser therapy and photodynamic therapy are also treatments for wet AMD and have been approved by the FDA based on studies by the National Eye Institute (NEI).
“An excellent risk reducer to AMD can be found in the vitamin TOZAL,” said Dr. LoBue. “In my opinion, it offers the best supplement available today in the fight against this disease.” TOZAL contains the same components shown to be beneficial in the age-related eye disease study (AREDS). Furthermore, TOZAL contains valuable nutritional supplements of omega 3-fatty acids and antioxidants like zeaxanthin and lutein. These components taken together in the form of TOZAL have been shown to improve vision in some patients in a preliminary study. The manufacturers of TOZAL use strict pharmaceutical standards to ensure a highly purified vitamin with high absorption through the digestive tract, compared to most other vitamins and supplements which have little to no standards. TOZAL is also convenient with two pills and one soft gel taken once a day. “Given these factors,” said Dr. LoBue, “I highly recommend TOZAL for patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration.”

Even in the best of times, many of us are too busy juggling work, school, family, and social activities to take good care of ourselves. In tough economic times, you may be feeling that pinch even more. Poor diet, little exercise, high stress – the cumulative effect can take an enormous toll on your health.
Here are some ways you can stay well without impacting your budget:
Eat a healthy diet. A tighter budget doesn’t have to mean less fresh fruits and vegetables and more drive-thru dinners. With smart shopping, you can easily fit in the recommended 5 servings of vegetables and fruits each day. To save money, buy in bulk, cooking and freezing whatever you don’t use. Packed veggies, such as pre-cut carrots and pre-washed greens, are often a lot more expensive. Frozen or canned fruits and veggies are another good, low-cost option, as long as you choose ones without lots of added salt, sugar, or heavy sauces.
Cutting back on processed and red meats is also a good idea. Those foods are typically high in saturated fat, which increases your risk of heart disease, and eating them regularly has been shown to increase your risk of certain cancers. And meat is expensive to boot. If you’re concerned about getting enough protein, add a cup of hearty – and inexpensive – beans to your menu. Also, to round out your diet, aim for at least 3 servings of whole grains each day. Eat oatmeal at breakfast, and choose whole-wheat bread at lunch. Again, if you’re concerned about cost, buy in bulk.
Exercise. Working out improves your mood, releases tension, and boosts your confidence. It can help you shed pounds; lower your blood pressure; reduce your risk of cancer, a heart attack, diabetes, and stroke; and strengthen muscles and joints. Make time for at least 30 minutes of exercise, at least 3 times per week.
There are many ways to get much-needed exercise on the cheap. Walking and jogging require no memberships, little equipment, and have incredible benefits. Other inexpensive ideas: check out fitness DVDs from your local library, or get the whole family outside for a hike in the woods.
If you smoke, quit. You’ll improve your health and save money. Check out this online tool to find out just how much smoking is costing you.
Get plenty of sleep. Try not to skimp: getting plenty of z’s will help you ward off the effects of stress. And it’s free!
Make time for small pleasures. Take a bath, listen to music, or call a friend – do small things every day that make you happy with minimal or no cost.