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April 16, 2026

Lowering Cortisol Naturally: What You Need to Know (and What to Eat)

There are so many things in life that elevate stress—work, family, children, and the day-to-day responsibilities we all carry. Over time, especially as we age, that constant pressure can take a real toll on the body. That’s one of the reasons it’s so important to nourish ourselves with foods that help manage daily stress and support overall well-being. We all experience stress, but when it becomes constant, the body begins to feel the effects. Cortisol—often called the stress hormone—plays an important role in keeping us alert and energized. The challenge comes when it stays elevated for too long. That’s when […]
March 25, 2026

5 Really Good Reasons To Love Yogurt

I didn’t grow up eating much dairy as a child in the Philippines. Our milk came from powder, and yogurt simply wasn’t part of our daily table. It wasn’t until I visited the Golden Door spa near San Diego that I truly discovered yogurt—and everything changed. They served the most beautiful breakfast: creamy plain Greek yogurt topped with nuts, raisins, and vibrant fresh organic berries. Sometimes they added warm quinoa or chia seeds for extra nourishment. It was simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious. Since then, yogurt has become one of my favorite ways to start the day. Not only is […]
February 11, 2026

Tart Cherries: Powerful in Every Bite

Tart cherries — especially Montmorency varieties — are emerging as one of nature’s most impressive anti-inflammatory fruits. Their deep ruby color signals a rich concentration of anthocyanins and polyphenols, plant compounds known to help calm inflammation and protect cells from oxidative stress. Whether enjoyed frozen, dried, or as juice concentrate, tart cherries deliver powerful support for muscle recovery, joint comfort, heart health, and brain function. But you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit. Everyday stress, aging, poor sleep, and chronic low-grade inflammation can all take a toll on the body. Tart cherry juice offers a simple, food-based way […]
December 25, 2025

Lightening Up: Appetizers That Make a Meal

After all the holiday feasts, I know a few people (myself included!) who are perfectly happy dialing things back and making a meal out of appetizers. Grazing on a handful of small plates feels just right after weeks of rich dishes, heavy desserts, and “just one more bite.” Sometimes, lighter and simpler is exactly what the body craves. That’s really the spirit behind tapas — small, flavorful bites meant to be enjoyed slowly and socially, not overindulged. And while we often think of appetizers as party food, many of the classics we enjoy in the U.S. have roots all over […]
August 29, 2025

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 12, 2025

Summer Produce Brings a Bounty of Recipes

Let’s just start by saying that in summer, just about ALL fruits and vegetables are at their peak. With all the rain we had in California last winter, the quality of the local produce is more spectacular than usual. The summer months are the best time of year for enjoying produce prepared in the simplest methods. These fruits and vegetables are not only refreshing and delicious during hot summer days but also often have high water content, which can help keep you hydrated. Remember to choose fresh, locally sourced produce whenever possible for the best flavor and nutritional value. Tomato […]
April 7, 2025

FoodTrients: A Recipe for Beauty

We all know by now that the right foods can help us maintain a healthy weight, keep our arteries unclogged, and reduce inflammation. But antioxidant-rich foods also help us to stay beautiful and keep our skin looking youthful and glowing. Hydrating, collagen-building foods help skin remain smooth and elastic and they also strengthen hair. Foods rich in carotenoids give skin a warm glow and keep the eyes healthy. Hydrating foods, like oats, rice, cucumbers, mangoes, asparagus, and strawberries, contain silica, a mineral that helps form collagen to keep skin elastic. Silica also strengthens hair and renders it less likely to […]
July 7, 2024

Take a Tropical Vacation with These Recipes

If you dream of going to a tropical paradise for a relaxing vacation, but you can’t get away anytime soon, we’d like to bring a little paradise to you with some delicious ideas for tropical fruit treats. Just a whiff of these succulent fruits will take you away to the beach and thoughts of relaxing under a palm tree. You’re probably familiar with mangoes, papayas, and pineapple. But there are so many fruits we don’t see often in the U.S. And most of these exotic fruits are full of FoodTrients® including vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and more. Full disclosure: You won’t […]