(NaturalNews) Recent research has scientists concerned that popular dietary recommendations for weight loss may be placing individuals at an increased risk for diabetes-related conditions.

"If you keep kosher, the protagonist of your meal is not you; it is God." - Lauren F. Winner, Professor of Christian Spirituality, Duke Divinity School. 

The December issue of "The Atlantic" magazine answers a riddle as to which nation includes the most vegans. It's Israel. Ask any animal who are becoming God's chosen people! 

Thirty-five years ago, I had the privilege of attending Loma Linda University School of Health to complete my doctoral studies in preventive care. I learned then that the top three chronic diseases affecting Americans include heart disease, stroke, and cancer. That pattern is still true today. However, one current, chronic disease now number five on the list was a no show three decades ago—diabetes. According to Edward Gregg, chief of the Epidemiology and Statistics Branch of Diabetes Translation at the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 29 million American adults with diabetes, and most have Type 2, the kind that is mainly associated with obesity (as compared to Type 1, an autoimmune disease).

A recent study found over 20 compounds in pure maple syrup that support health, 13 of which are first-time discoveries. Several of these new compounds exhibit anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-diabetic properties. Maple syrup also has a powerful vitamin and mineral profile which furthers its health promoting capacity.

Can You Feel the Burn? Do You Want it to Stop?

Acid reflux is an unpleasant condition that affects many people. It is caused by an easily loosened lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which the circular muscle that acts as door between the esophagus and stomach. When it opens it allows the caustic gastric acid from the stomach to leak into the esophagus resulting in the burning sensation known as heart burn, although it's not really the heart burning.