So that is my problem!

Did you hear about this? Tofu may raise risk of dementia. And, here I thought it was a good thing to have it every day in my smoothie!

Eating high levels of some soy products - including tofu - may raise the risk of memory loss, research suggests.

The study focused on 719 elderly Indonesians living in urban and rural regions of Java.

The researchers found high tofu consumption - at least once a day - was associated with worse memory, particularly among the over-68s.

The Loughborough University-led study features in the journal Dementias and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders.

Soy products are a major alternative protein source to meat for many people in the developing world.

But soy consumption is also on the increase in the west, where it is often promoted as a "superfood".

Soy products are rich in micronutrients called phytoestrogens, which mimic the impact of the female sex hormone oestrogen.

There is some evidence that they may protect the brains of younger and middle-aged people from damage - but their effect on the ageing brain is less clear.

Good morning!

After I had Molly, 10 years ago, I had horrible acid reflux that just didn't go away. I was on prescription medication for a long time but wanted to try to handle it with diet. Something that the doctor never suggested; they wanted to do surgery. Go figure.

I went to Bastyr Clinic and they suggested I start with a morning smoothie. It really, really helped immediately and I have been having it every morning since. Something with the blackberries really helps with balancing stomach acid I was told as Bastyr.

I love it because you can customize it quite easily. So, welcome to my morning ritual. In my house it's call Mommy's Kefir and I don't really feel quite right without it. Here is how I do it but feel free to personalize it for you and yours.

In blender combine:

2 cups non-citrus juice (apple, grape, carrot or blueberry)
Big dollop or about 1 cup of plain yogurt with active cultures (like Nancy's)
12 brick of soft tofu, I use Mori-Nu
1 banana
hand full of frozen blackberries or boysenberries
2 tablespoon Psyllium (pure dietary fiber)
1 tsp. Nordic Naturals fish oil (Omega 3 & 6) Nordic Naturals

Blend until smooth. Makes enough for large breakfast portion with a little more for a light lunch or snack. Warning: if you use the Psyllium it will get very thick the longer it sits.

Incidentally, I was able to manage the reflux with diet alone and rarely have any heart burn problem anymore.

Also, as an added bonus, I like to think it is mellowing my pre-menopausal symptoms probably due to all the natural estrogen I am getting with the tofu. I don't really know if that is true but if I miss it for a couple of days then I start having hot flashing/night sweats.

Try it! You might like it!

Cheers!