aging gracefully Archives - Page 6 of 37

March 4, 2025

Published by Grace O

Fermented Foods Preserve Our Health

When I was a teenager, my mom and I made atchara together. Atchara is a sweet-and-sour pickle made from green, unripe papayas and other vegetables. Eaten with grilled pork or fried fish, it’s considered the national dish of the Philippines (see our family recipe below). We also used to make our own pickled cucumbers—both the sweet kind and the salty kind. And because there were almost no German delis at the time, my mother fermented her own sauerkraut and grinding and stuffing her own sausages. Fermentation—the process of converting sugars into ethanol—has a long history. Because fermentation preserves food, people […]

February 17, 2025

Published by Grace O

Infused with Tea: Brewing a Steamy Love Story

Enjoying a hot cup of tea is a cherished daily ritual in many cultures, offering both comfort and incredible health benefits. In the UK, for instance, the 4 p.m. cuppa is practically sacred—and for good reason! Black tea is packed with powerful antioxidants like catechins, flavonoids, theaflavins, and magnesium, which support heart health by lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. These compounds also help protect against certain cancers, promote dental health, and enhance weight loss by boosting metabolism. Additionally, black tea improves circulation, strengthens blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and keeps arteries healthy while […]

February 17, 2025

Published by Grace O

Lunar New Year 2025: A Guide to the Year of the Snake

The Lunar New Year begins on January 29, 2025, marking the Year of the Wood Snake in the Chinese zodiac. The Snake is known for wisdom, transformation, and intuition—making this a year to embrace new beginnings and focus on health, balance, and nourishment. The Lunar New Year has always been a special holiday for me. Growing up in Southeast Asia, I was immersed in the traditions passed down from my family—my father was three-quarters Chinese, and my mother was half Chinese. Our celebrations were filled with symbolic customs, especially through food. At FoodTrients®, we love celebrating the Lunar New Year with […]

February 17, 2025

Published by Grace O

How Do Antioxidants Work in the Body?

Your mother was right when she insisted you eat all your vegetables at dinnertime before moving on to dessert. Virtually every fruit and vegetable contains antioxidants. Fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and beans are so good for our bodies because they contain a host of antioxidants that can be broken down into multiple categories. I thought it would be helpful to highlight a few of those subcategories here. Antioxidants play a crucial role in the body by neutralizing harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, contributing to aging and increasing the risk of chronic […]

February 7, 2025

Published by Grace O

12 Great Foods To Improve Your Love Life

Valentine’s Day lets us turn our thoughts to adding a little more love and romance to our lives. Can certain foods boost romantic relationships and enhance sexual desire? According to St. Thomas Aquinas, aphrodisiac foods had to produce good nutrition and a “vital spirit.” In other words, the nutrients that contribute to overall well-being will also help to ensure a healthy love life. Chocolate is typically at the top of my list for Valentine’s Day, particularly dark chocolate. It truly is one of the best superfoods for lovers. Dark chocolate can help relieve stress, sharpen our minds, improve blood flow […]

January 14, 2025

Published by Grace O

Put These Good-for-You Grains on Your List

Cultivating grains is what changed our Neolithic ancestors from hunter-gatherers to an agrarian society about 10,000 years ago. In the grass family of plants, grains are a part of the human diet all over the world, providing complex carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals. I’ve put together a list of grains, some of which you may have heard of and some that may be completely new to you. Among them are ancient grains that people are rediscovering and incorporating into meals in creative and tasty ways. Characteristically, these grains are unrefined, have a firmer texture and more flavor than highly processed […]

January 12, 2025

Published by Grace O

Age Better with These Recipes for Beauty

You don’t need to resemble a Hollywood star to embody beauty. True beauty comes in many forms and shines from within. We’ve all met people whose vibrant health, radiant skin, and energetic presence make them undeniably attractive—proving that beauty goes far beyond conventional standards or celebrity ideals. The truth is, natural beauty is achievable for everyone. A healthy, balanced diet can help anybody enhance their natural beauty while improving overall health. According to Ginger Hultin, FoodTrients’ nutritionist and dietitian, nourishing your body with the right foods can support long-term beauty in several key ways: Skin elasticity and color ● Hair […]

December 26, 2024

Published by Grace O

How Sweet It Is! Delightful Holiday Desserts

The holidays always call for plenty of desserts. Whether I’m throwing a party, giving gifts of food, or reliving holidays past through sweet treats, desserts are integral to my life this month. I’ll share a few of my favorite recipes with you. Brazil Nut Tarts Every year I host a Christmas caroling party at my home. Choirs from churches all over the area stop by to sing in my living room. Sometimes a Filipino celebrity or two will perform. My guests just love it. I like to put out a dinner buffet so that the choirs have something to eat […]

December 26, 2024

Published by Grace O

Devilishly Delish Vegan Desserts Are Here

There are vegetarians—those who avoid meat, chicken, fish, and other animal flesh—and vegans, who take it a step further by avoiding all animal-derived products, including dairy, eggs, and often honey. Choosing a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle is a personal decision that requires careful consideration, discipline, and a commitment to reading labels and rethinking traditional recipes. According to estimates by advocacy organizations like PETA, adopting a vegan diet can significantly reduce the number of animals consumed annually. While exact numbers may vary, the impact is worth considering for those who prioritize animal welfare. But being vegan doesn’t have to be an […]