Author: Irene Pastore

Hello! I am a Personal Trainer, Yoga and Pilates Instructor who specializes in fitness after 50. My service is Live Streaming. Connect with me from anywhere in the world. I look forward to helping you achieve your health and fitness goals.

Why Green Beans are Essential for a Healthy Diet

March 3, 2025
Steamed Green Beans In A Red Bowl

Steamed Green Beans

What Are Green Beans?

Technically green beans are classified as a fruit. They fit the scientific definition of a fruit since they are pods containing seeds. But as far as the dinner table goes, we use them as a vegetable side dish for lunch or dinner. Preparation includes steaming, sautéing, eating raw or cooking in water.

The Health Benefits of Green Beans

  • They contain folate and potassium, nutrients that promote heart health.
  • They contain soluble fiber that helps to lower LDL cholesterol.
  • They contain Vitamin K, an important nutrient for healthy bones.
  • They contain Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate, Iron and Potassium.
  • They help to control hunger due to the high soluble fiber content.
  • They are low glycemic with a glycemic index of 30.
  • They are low in calories. One cup contains 31 calories.
  • The Vitamin K content helps to improve bone health.

Why Haven’t We Cured Arthritis?

February 26, 2025

Bad backs, elbow pain, and creaky knees so common in older people often aren’t just “old age.” In fact, the source of this stiffness plagues many young people as well. The culprit is arthritis: a condition that affects over 90 million people in the U.S. alone. What makes arthritis so pervasive, and why haven’t we found a cure for it? Kaitlyn Sadtler and Heather J. Faust investigate.

Understanding Anti-Inflammatory Foods and Their Benefits

February 25, 2025
Processed food.

A Meal of Processed Food

A healthy lunch of grilled salmon garnished with greens and lemon.

Grilled Salmon with Fresh Greens

What Are Anti-Inflammatory Foods

An anti-inflammatory diet is a style of eating that eliminates certain foods that are known to cause inflammation in the body. Examples are pre-packaged desserts, snack foods, processed meats, processed cheeses, sugary beverages, and fried foods. Chronic internal inflammation can lead to damaging internal organs.

Chronic Health Conditions Associated with Inflammation
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Heart Disease
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Obesity, Psoriasis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Type 1 Diabetes
  • Ulcerative Colitis
Top Anti-Inflammatory Foods To Include In Your Diet
  • Green Leafy Vegetables
  • Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel, Herring
  • Legumes
  • Nuts and Seeds
  • Avocados
  • Olive Oil

Easy Banana Pineapple Nut Bread Recipe

February 24, 2025
Banana Pineapple Nut Bread

Sweet Fruit Bread With Unsweetened Pineapple and Walnuts

Banana Pineapple Nut Bread

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 cups flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups ripe, thoroughly mashed bananas
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 8-oz. can crushed unsweetened pineapple, drained

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Stir together.
  • Add walnuts to the mixture.
  • In a separate bowl combine eggs, oil, bananas, and pineapple. Mix well.
  • Add moist ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir until blended.
  • Prepare 2 loaf pans by either oiling bottom and sides, or lining
    the pans with baking paper.
  • Spoon batter into each pan equally. Bake 45 to 50 minutes.
  • Makes 2 loaves. Allow bread to cool before slicing.