June 26, 2018

Sorrel: It’s Tart, It’s Tangy and Full of Benefits

Sorrel is a fascinating herb to add to your food repertoire. It’s slightly tart, tangy, and slightly lemony flavor is appreciated all around the world and is cultivated for a number of uses. Although primarily grown for use in food, sorrel also has a vast array of health benefits. There are a number of varieties of sorrel that grow in different regions of the world, and while many of them have slightly different characteristics and associated health benefits, they are generally the same. Some of sorrel’s benefits include: Improves eyesight Slows the aging process Reduces skin infections Strengthens immune system Improves digestion Increases […]
June 20, 2018

What Superfoods Are in Your Latte? 5 To Look For

Though the recipe for a latte follows the same formula—X ingredient(s), plus dairy or non-dairy milk alternative, and of course, espresso—the combinations to create the perfect latte are endless. What’s coming down the pike are superfood lattes, or the milk of choice mixed with a superfood ingredient that offers specific health benefits. You might have stumbled upon some of the more popular or visually arresting sensations; if you haven’t yet, check them out on Instagram because you will be seeing more of them. During a three-month period at the end of 2017, #roselatte occurrences grew just over 11 percent; #tarolatte, 12 […]
June 19, 2018

What’s for Breakfast? Good Morning Tacos!

Spicy and filling breakfast tacos have one advantage everyone loves: You can eat them quickly, with your hands. Eggs are a natural filling, but the sweet potato–black bean combo is an eggless protein option. Plus, they are gluten free. Fast Breakfast Tacos 3 Ways Here are three delicious options for breakfast tacos: Sweet potato, black bean and crema fresca: Peel a small sweet potato, and cut into 1-inch chunks. Cover, and sauté in olive oil until soft. When nearly done, measure out 2/3 cup and return to pan (reserve remainder for another use). Add ½ cup cooked black beans to […]
June 12, 2018

Can We Change Our Minds About Psychedelics?

New York Times bestselling author Michael Pollan was in Pasadena last week to discuss his latest book, How To Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence. Sponsored by Vroman’s bookstore, Pollan spoke to a full house at All Saints Church. His talk was moderated by author Michael Haskell Smith. Pollan, named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2010, is the author of seven previous books, including Cooked, Food Rules, In Defense of Food, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, and The Botany of Desire, all New […]
June 12, 2018

Depressed? Here’s What To Do Now

If you need help finding a therapist or someone to talk to about depression, these resources can help: If you are feeling depressed… Seek help. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (suicidepreventionlifeline.org). Let those closest to you know. Point them to more information to help them better understand what you are going through. Get enough sleep. When you’re stressed, your body needs additional rest. Insomnia is often a symptom of depression, so talk to your health provider about natural sleep remedies. Take a time-out. In addition to a treatment plan, do what relaxes you, whether it’s yoga, […]
June 12, 2018

5 Health-Boosting Benefits of Amino Acids

The term amino acid might sound a bit strange, but the definition is straightforward: Strands of these molecules form the building blocks of protein. When you digest protein, your body breaks it down into individual amino acids and then reconstitutes them as needed. Amino acid supplements are most often associated with bodybuilders. After all, muscle consists of protein, and amino acids do help build muscle, and not just in young men. But individual amino acids also serve a variety of health-promoting roles in the body. For example, they can influence mood, reduce stress and boost immunity. As a consequence, shoppers […]
June 5, 2018

Tips for Slimming Down & Staying Healthy

By Jessie Shafer, RD Rather than relying on willpower alone, improve the healthfulness of your dwelling space, starting with your kitchen and living room. Slim meal strategies If you keep a produce bowl on your kitchen counter, research shows you’ll weigh an average of 13 pounds less than people who don’t. Brian Wansink, professor and director of Cornell University’s Food and Brand Lab, shares this tip and more in his book Slim by Design (HarperCollins, 2013). He also recommends downsizing your plates. By using a smaller plate, you’ll serve yourself 22 percent less food and still get full. Another tip: Keep serving […]
June 5, 2018

How To Rescue Your Memory, Recharge Brain

Your brain’s history is not its destiny. Even if you have brain fog or trouble remembering now, it doesn’t mean you always will. Although the problem is common as we age, it is not inevitable. And memory loss can be treated most effectively in the early stages. If you or a loved one is struggling with recall or memory, no matter how significant it seems, now is the time to get serious about your brain’s health. Memory Rescue by Daniel G. Amen, M.D. is based on an amazing simple idea: The best way to sharpen your memory, reverse brain energy, […]