Celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

Happy (almost) St. Patrick's Day everyone! As you may have guessed, Dr. Caitlin O'Connor is mostly Irish.  As I prepare myself for the big day, I thought I would share a few tips on enjoying a fun and healthy St. Patrick's Day.

Eat cabbage

Cabbage is a delicious - often overlooked - superfood!  As a member of the cruciferous family, cabbage is packed with cancer-fighting phytonutrients.  Women should line up for seconds, since cabbage contains the powerful indole-3-carbinol molecule that shifts estrogen metabolism in a way that may decrease breast cancer risk.

Drink beer

Sure red wine gets all the press, but a nice glass of beer has health benefits as well.  Stay away from the green-dyed variety and stick with a nice dark brew.  Guniness, my favorite, is known for it's iron and B vitamin content.  Lactating moms can even enjoy a celebratory beverage - hops is known to increase milk production.

Laugh

Craic is an irish slang term without a straight English translation.  However the basic meaning is to have fun, specifically by spending time  laughing and telling stories in enjoyable company.  There are numerous studies linking laughter to improved health, from a decrease in heart disease and diabetes complications to an increase in immunity and creativity.

So grab your favorite Irish friend and pick up a plate of cabbage and a pint.

Have a healthy holiday!

Dr. Caitlin