December 2, 2014
Even though I grew up in Southeast Asia, which is blessed with a wide variety of tropical produce available year-round, I associate guava with being on vacation in Hawaii,
November 30, 2014
During the holidays nothing puts me in a festive mood more than the aroma of something sweet baking in the oven. For many of my friends, cinnamon is what puts them in a holiday state of mind. Made from the ground bark of a genus of trees called Cinnamomum, the top cinnamon producing countries are Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. There are two main types: Ceylon cinnamon, produced in Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Brazil, and the Caribbean, and cassia cinnamon, which comes mainly from Indonesia, China and Vietnam. Cinnamon is one of those delicious spices that also has […]
November 21, 2014
This delicious cold-weather drink has a host of health benefits. Both cinnamon and nutmeg decrease inflammation inside the body. Cloves have high levels of antioxidants for skin renewal and regeneration. Molasses and evaporated milk provide calcium for strong bones and teeth. And coffee contains antioxidants that help prevent damage to your DNA. SERVES 4 Ingredients 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk 4 Tbs. molasses (or to taste) 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. each ground nutmeg and cloves 4 cups freshly brewed coffee Cinnamon sticks as garnish Procedure 1. In a medium saucepan, warm the evaporated milk over low heat […]
November 18, 2014
Turkey gets a great deal of attention around the holidays as standard fare in many homes and restaurants. What better time to talk about all the health benefits of eating this nutrient-rich food! I’ve long advocated that we can get wonderful nutrients from our food if we focus on fresh ingredients. Fresh turkey meat tastes great when roasted and it provides our bodies with much-needed lysine, selenium, and vitamin B12. Lysine is an essential amino acid that our bodies use to build muscle, absorb calcium, and produce hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Because our bodies can’t manufacture it, we can only […]
September 4, 2014
Here’s a fact that will make your day: Many professional in the fields of medicine and nutrition consider avocados a superfood! This is great news, as avocados are one of my very favorite foods. What could be better? A buttery, rich-tasting, creamy fruit that not only tastes sublime and spreads like a dream but is cholesterol-free, sodium-free, is loaded with healthy vitamins and a good dose of fiber. Avocados have the well-earned reputation for being high in fat calories. However, those calories are nutrient dense and the fat is monounsaturated, so it is readily used by the body as energy […]
August 6, 2014
My husband drinks fruit and vegetable juices first thing in the morning, before he eats any solid food. He feels this is a good and gentle way to get his digestive system started on a daily basis. The blender or juicer does all the chewing for him so that his body can quickly begin absorbing all the nutrients from the produce. I insist on using organic fruits and vegetables for his juices and make sure everything is washed carefully before it’s blended up. A super-strong blender preserves the fiber from the fruits and vegetables, whereas a juicer separates out […]
July 2, 2014
Bone-building protein is in abundant supply in meats and dairy products, such as yogurt and cream. Seafood also has plenty of protein per square inch. Seafood chowder with cream and potatoes is very good for bone health. Beans are an excellent vegetarian source of protein. A lentil and kale salad is a significant source of both protein and calcium. You can even combine all of the above nutrients into a bone-building recipe or two. Try making a seafood gumbo with beans, collard greens, and miso paste. Or create a fruit salad of kiwi fruit, figs, apricots, and bananas to spoon […]
July 2, 2014
My mother made this dish for our family dinners whenever we wanted comfort food. I always think of her when I make it. It has chicken and egg–symbols of the life cycle. I usually serve it over some form of potato: mashed, boiled baked, or even fried (baked potatoes are the healthiest option). The chicken provides detoxifying selenium, and the tomatoes offer heart-healthy lycopene. The garlic contributes immune-boosting allicin compounds, while the olive oil adds natural anti-inflammatory compounds (oleocanthal and oleuropein). SERVES 4 Ingredients 2 Tbs. olive oil 2 Tbs. minced garlic 1/2 cup diced onion 2 cups […]
June 11, 2014
Potassium is also integral to skeletal health. It enhances nerve and muscle function while reducing the risk of osteoporosis, stroke, and kidney stones. This FoodTrient also keeps blood pressure low and maintains hydration. It can be found in significant amounts in bananas, figs, bitter melon, kiwi fruit, prunes, lima beans, acorn squash, moringa leaves, potatoes, and spinach. My simple Moringa Dip combines moringa leaves, olive oil mayonnaise, and sweet pickle relish. For an extra potassium punch, add steamed spinach. You can also make a potassium-rich vegetable soup with lima beans, acorn squash, and potatoes starting with a veggie stock. After […]