Grace O

October 10, 2025

Published by Grace O

Enjoy the World of Benefits in Chicken Soup

No matter the country or culture, every one of them has a version of chicken soup. There is something universal about a warm, briny brew with chunks of chicken, vegetables, herbs and sometimes rice or pasta. Depending on how it’s prepared, chicken soup provides fluids, fiber, protein and vitamins. It’s a delicious first course, soothing comfort food, and some even attribute it with healing powers (‘Jewish penicillin’). But it’s not just folklore. Chicken soup acts as an anti-inflammatory, inhibiting immune system cells from over-reacting. It also relieves nasal congestion and sore throats. Plus, the zinc in chicken improves absorption of […]

October 10, 2025

Published by Grace O

Rainbow Chard and White Bean Soup

This is an easy and satisfying soup to make, particularly when it’s cold outside. It’s load with chard, a great ‘supergreen,’ and white beans that deliver plenty of protein. You can add in leftover chicken if you like to make it even more loaded with protein. Serves 4 Ingredients 4 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil 1 large onion, diced 3 stalks of celery, sliced 3 carrots, sliced into coins Sea salt 2 15-oz. cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 4 cups (1 carton) low sodium chicken or vegetable broth Juice of ½ lemon 4 cloves of garlic, minced ¼ cup […]

September 23, 2025

Published by Grace O

Fabulous Figs Deliver Calcium, Fiber and Flavor

Figs can be dried and enjoyed all year long, but there is nothing better than fresh figs in the summer. I think figs can turn a bland salad into an elegant entrée, and they can enhance the flavor of meat beautifully, so I like to marinate my rack of lamb in a f Fig and onion paste. I included my Rack of Lamb with Fig Sauce recipe (below) in my newest cookbook, The Age Beautifully Cookbook, and it has been a favorite at dinner parties. Lamb has protein for building muscle and plenty of vitamin B12, which protects neurons and […]

September 23, 2025

Published by Grace O

Chia-Infused Aguas Frescas: Refreshing and Nutritious

Aguas frescas are beloved, refreshing fruit drinks enjoyed throughout Mexico. Some taquerías add chia seeds to their drinks, which, when soaked, form a soft, gel-like coating similar to tapioca. Beyond adding texture, chia seeds provide a boost of detoxifying fiber and anti-inflammatory omega-3s. Their subtle nuttiness pairs beautifully with flavors like peach tea and strawberry lemonade, and they blend into green tea for a sweetened delicious, nutritious twist. They’re also nice mixed into sweetened green tea. SERVES 2 Ingredients 2 Tbs. white chia seeds 1/2 cup water 3 sliced strawberries 2 Tbs. lemon juice (about 1 lemon) 2 Tbs. agave […]

August 31, 2025

Published by Grace O

Moringa Oleifera: The Superfood Revolutionizing Diets in 2025

To stay healthy, I eat moringa leaves almost every day. I put them on salads, in soups, casseroles, stir-fries, and other dishes. I also just eat the leaves sometimes. Many of my friends take moringa supplements because they know that moringa is a powerful immune booster. The antioxidants in the dark green leaves boost cellular health, which helps us age gracefully. Moringa trees grow here in California, but most people have no idea that you can eat the leaves. You can find various moringa products at Sprouts, iHerb, MoringaForLife.com or MoringaFarms.com. A Global Superfood Moringa oleifera, the “miracle tree,” is […]

August 31, 2025

Published by Grace O

Moringa Chiffon Muffins

Moringa Chiffon Muffins Craving a muffin that’s not only irresistibly delicious but also packed with feel-good nutrition? Meet my Moringa Muffins—a vibrant, tender treat that’ll have you reaching for seconds while sneaking in a powerhouse of health benefits! These muffins burst with a subtle, earthy sweetness, a soft crumb, and a gorgeous green hue that makes them as visually stunning as they are tasty. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a guilt-free dessert, they’re a delightful way to enjoy the nutrient-rich moringa leaf, often called the new kale. Moringa’s slightly grassy, fresh flavor blends beautifully into this recipe, elevating […]

August 29, 2025

Published by Grace O

Rediscovering Coconuts: A Tropical Treasure for Health

Growing up in the vibrant tropics of Southeast Asia, coconuts were my childhood companions. I’d sip their refreshing water, nibble their sweet flesh, and smile as my mother worked warm coconut oil into my hair for that glossy shine. But my father always cautioned that coconut’s fat was bad for my health, so I kept it at arm’s length. It wasn’t until I moved to America and heard coconuts might actually be good for you—maybe even help with weight management—that I dove into research. What I found turned my father’s warnings upside down and made coconuts a staple in my […]

August 25, 2025

Published by Grace O

BBQ Ribs with Baobab Sauce

These ribs get their boost of flavor from a sauce made with baobab—an African fruit with a rather dry but antioxidant-rich pulp. I think baobab may be the next most exciting superfood. The dry, powdery fruit pulp has a tangy, lemon-like flavor that goes very well with barbecued ribs. You can use lemon juice or lemon zest (1 Tbs.) in place of the baobab powder, but it won’t have the same health benefits. Serves 4–6 Ingredients 2 lbs. pork baby back ribs 1 cup barbecue sauce 1 Tbs. baobab powder 2 Tbs. olive oil 1 Tbs. minced garlic ¼ tsp. […]

August 23, 2025

Published by Grace O

Baobab Powder Benefits: “Tree of Life” Superfood Supports Gut Health and Immunity

When I first saw pictures of the baobab tree, I thought I was looking at something from another planet. Standing up to 60 feet tall with wide, bottle-shaped trunks and branches that look like roots reaching toward the sky, the baobab has a striking, otherworldly presence. Native to Africa, Madagascar, India, and Australia, the baobab has earned the nickname “Tree of Life” for good reason. Not only can it thrive in extreme climates, but its fruit is one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods on earth. What Is Baobab Powder? Baobab fruit naturally dries on the branch and is ground into […]