BY DR. JOE SCHWARCZ



There is a bagel bakery in Chicago that sells "Brainy Bagels." I kid you not. They're made with flaxseeds, which have an extremely high content of alpha-linolenic acid, a compound that falls into the category of omega-3 fatty acids. There is some evidence that omega-3 fats (the terminology refers to an aspect of their molecular structure) could be linked to mental acuity, hence the birth of "Brainy Bagels." Although I might be skeptical about the… Continue

Although it was known in ancient times, diabetes has been an increasingly common problem in this century. It is now among the leading causes of death from noninfectious disease in the United States.

Two hormones produced by the pancreas - insulin and glucagon - cooperate to keep blood sugar, called glucose, at the correct level. When glucose levels are too high, the pancreas sends out insulin to force glucose from the bloodstream into the body's cells. If glucose levels are too low,… Continue

Flax holds promise as anti-cancer agent - Small seed of hope

In flaxseed, nature's well-stocked kitchen has a potentially effective anti-cancer agent and cholesterol fighter. "There is a spectrum of interest in flaxseed ranging from marginal to fanatical," says Dr. David Jenkins, endocrinologist, U of T professor of medicine and nutrition sciences, and Toronto's renowned pioneer in high fibre, low-fat foods.



Flaxseed, also… Continue

Granola bars, microwave popcorn among foods found loaded with trans fatty acids







BY PAUL TAYLOR







Mornings often seem like the most hectic part of ill the day for Maureen de­Barra, as she rushes to get her three daughters off to school. "There are a million things to do," the 39-year-old Toronto mother said . So, to save time, she has relied on a lot of prepackaged foods for her kids' lunches. "In less than five minutes, I can make up… Continue

Costa Rican Secrets to a Long Life \ Try these lifestyle practices common to the centenarianS in Costa Rica's Blue Zone.



1. Have a strong sense of purpose

Costa Rican centenarians have a clear mission in life, what they call a plan de vida. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good.



2. Drink hard water

Nicoyan water has the country's highest calcium content, which perhaps explains the centenarians'… Continue