July 14, 2016
mortar and pestle with herbs
Published by Grace O

How Do FoodTrients Work Like Medicine?

In all of my cookbooks, I have included a chart that lists the FoodTrients nutrients, their benefits, which foods are loaded with them, and their properties (anti-inflammatory) , disease preventing , etc.) along with my 9 symbols. Here are just a few examples: ALLICIN— Garlic contains the FoodTrient allicin, which is an anti-inflammatory that reduces the risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and cancer. So if you have trouble with rashes, allergies, swelling, or atherosclerosis add garlic to your meals whenever possible.     GINGEROL – The root of the ginger plant has its own very special FoodTrient called […]
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July 11, 2016
Published by Grace O

Where To Find Some of My Exotic Ingredients

By Grace O Because of FoodTrients, I have made it my mission to find herbs, fruits, vegetables and plants from all over the world that pack a lot of nutrition and age-defying benefits.  It’s been so rewarding to introduce some of the foods and ingredients I grew up with in Southeast Asia like moringa, yuka/cassava, jackfruit, ashitaba and others. It’s also been a great adventure for me to learn about new superfoods from around the world like baobab, reishi mushrooms, ashwagandha and more. I’m very fortunate to live in southern California where so much produce grows. It’s a melting pot […]
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July 10, 2016
Published by Grace O

How Can Foodtrients Help Us Look Younger?

I believe that food can be just as effective at fighting aging as the most expensive skin creams. Certain FoodTrients like omega-3 fatty acids and the Vitamins C & E are very good for building collagen, hydrating skin, keeping skin elastic, and helping to build strong nails and hair. Some of my favorite beauty-enhancing recipes from my cookbooks are my Fresh Turmeric Juice,  Sweet Potato and Jackfruit Delight, Papaya Salsa, and Salmon Poached in Pickling Spices. So we all know by now that the right foods can help us maintain a healthy weight, keep our arteries unclogged, and reduce inflammation. […]
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June 21, 2016
Kalamata Olives
Published by Grace O

Olive and Herb Tapenade

Summer entertaining? Whether you’re hosting a barbeque, a birthday, or a party in the garden, be sure to offer your guests healthy and savory appetizers. A Mediterranean tapenade rich with olives, garlic and herbs is the perfect hearty pre-dinner snack. Olives are full of anti-inflammatory heart-healthy fat and packed with briny flavor.  Serve this tapenade with whole wheat pita, crackers, or the vegetables of your choice. YIELDS 1 Cup Ingredients 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted 2 Tbs. capers, drained ½ tsp. dried oregano 2-3 leaves fresh basil, ripped into small pieces 1 medium clove garlic, minced ¼ tsp. freshly ground […]
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June 7, 2016
Published by Grace O

Nettles Add Power to Pesto

At the height of allergy season, incorporating nettles into your meals can be a soothing practice offering relief. With research supporting the use of nettles for seasonal allergies and hay fever, this plant contains anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties (Learn more about the benefits of nettles in our story on them). It is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Nettles care commonly cooked into a tea, but they also make a flavorful sauce. Enjoy this fresh nettle pesto today over quinoa or gluten-free pasta. Chef’s note: Never eat or touch fresh nettles; heat neutralizes the volatile compound that sting […]
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May 28, 2016
Published by Grace O

Why I Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

My father was a physician who taught me a great deal about diet and health, after moving to California over twenty years ago, I easily transitioned from my culinary life into the world of health care.  Today, I own and operate several skilled nursing facilities.  But I never lost my love for cooking.  As I learned more about the positive effects healthy food and ingredients have on disease and aging, I was compelled to get back in the kitchen and create a cookbook (now TWO of them – The Age GRACEfully Cookbook and my new The AGE BEAUTIFULLY Cookbook) that fuse […]
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April 26, 2016
Pecan Tomato Relish
Published by Grace O

Pecan & Sundried Tomato Tapenade

I found the inspiration for this tapenade while at a health spa in Mexico. Of course, I put my own special FoodTrients spin on it to create a great topping for fish and a dip for crackers and bread. The pecans can be toasted or raw. I like to use sundried tomatoes preserved in olive oil. Benefits Pecans contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve your blood circulation by lowering triglycerides, or bad fats. Omega-3s help your skin by reducing inflammation that can lead to accelerated skin aging. Tomatoes, especially sundried, are a rich source of lycopene, an antioxidant […]
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