Grace O

July 3, 2013

Published by Grace O

Asian Fusion: A Fistful of Flavors

In Southeast Asia, where I grew up, the cuisine has been influenced by many countries: China, Japan, Spain, France, America, and to some extent the Middle East and Northern Africa. So I’ve been practicing fusion cooking my whole life. My mother ran a cooking school and my family operated multiple restaurants. My recipe for shrimp on sugar-cane skewers is a perfect example of Asian fusion food.

July 2, 2013

Published by Grace O

Strawberry-Avocado Relish

No cooking is required for this condiment. The strawberries, avocado, and cilantro all contain antioxidants. Strawberries are also very high in vitamin C and flavonoids, while avocados also provide glutathione, a detoxifying agent. I use this relish with my Summertime Grilled Chicken, but it also makes a great topping for grilled fish and a satisfying dip for whole-grain tortilla chips. YIELDS about 2 cups Ingredients 1 1/2 cups diced strawberries 1 diced medium-size avocado 1/4 cup minced red onion 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes) 1 Tbs. chopped cilantro 1 tsp. sugar Sea salt and ground pepper to […]

June 29, 2013

Published by Grace O

Honey-Lime Dressing

This is a very versatile dressing that you can toss with my Apple Barley Salad or with any mixed greens. The lime juice provides immune-boosting vitamin C, while antioxidant compounds in the chili powder help to neutralize free radicals in your cells. If you want a spicier dressing, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Both contain capsaicin, which stimulates circulation. This dressing makes the perfect marinade for my Summertime Grilled Chicken. The lime brings out the flavor of the poultry, and the olive oil keeps it from sticking to the grill. To use this dressing with fruit salad, simply […]

May 21, 2013

Published by Grace O

Top Produce for Longevity

As anti-aging and other health experts know, the key to wellness is nutrient density and diversity—qualities that are found in colorful fruits and

May 8, 2013

Published by Grace O

The Truth about Grains: My Top 30

Eating whole foods is essential for optimum nutrition and is a significant anti-aging strategy. Eating whole grains—and foods made from them—is part of this strategy. Whole grains have more nutrients than refined grains. Ancient grains—such as emmer wheat (farro), einkorn, kamut (khorasan wheat), spelt, barley, rye, triticale, semolina, durum, and buckwheat—are far more nutrient dense than modern American high-yield wheat.

May 5, 2013

Published by Grace O

The Top 30 Proteins for Longevity

Protein is very important for strong muscles and bones. Lean protein helps achieve weight loss. I love meat—it has riboflavin, vitamin B12, tyrosine, and the FoodTrient zinc—but I enjoy it in moderation, which protects against cardiovascular disease. I also am careful about eating cured meats, which can aggravate joints and promote gout.

April 9, 2013

Published by Grace O

Defy Aging with Every Bite—My FoodTrients Formula

As I’ve been telling my story these past few years about how I developed an anti-aging cookbook based on the food-is-medicine principle, I’ve expanded my method for creating delicious, comforting recipes designed to keep you young and healthy. It’s a lot easier than I imagined. I start with classic dishes, many of which I learned how to make from my mother, and I amp up their nutrient value with anti-aging super foods, some of them quite exotic but easy to obtain. I research new ingredients constantly, always learning about antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables from all over the world. I have […]

March 19, 2013

Published by Grace O

Pizza: Slicing It with FoodTrients

Recently, I was asked to appear in the Rustic Crust (www.rusticcrust.com) booth at the Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Convention Center in California. Actress and natural-food advocate Jamie Luner appeared alongside me, and the FoodTrients team passed out samples of four dips and spreads I created specifically for Rustic Crust ciabatta (see recipes).

February 27, 2013

Published by Grace O

Annatto/Achiote Seeds Pack a Powerful Punch

Many people have never heard of annatto, also called achiote. The closest most of us in North America have come to this tiny seed that grows in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean is cheddar cheese. Annatto is used to color the naturally white cheddar a pleasant shade of orange. Stunning new research shows that this often overlooked spice from the rainforest is very good for us. For centuries, folk healers have used annatto to treat infections topically and orally.