October 22, 2022

The Compassionate Connection

Why is it so hard for us to connect on a deep level with others, particularly those who are suffering? We constantly find ourselves interrupted and inundated with tasks and stresses. We are disconnected, sleepwalking through our lives, unable to help even ourselves. There is a better way. In The Compassionate Connection: The Healing Power of Empathy and Mindful Listening, Dr. David Rakel explains how we can strengthen our bonds with others—all the while doing emotional and physical good for ourselves. As founder and director of the University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine program, Dr. Rakel discovered that we become the […]
October 22, 2022

Halloween Trick and No Treat?

You didn’t really think I’d support eating the sweets did you? Nope, not even for one of the ‘sweetest’ holidays of the year. You have to stay persistent at being consistent. Now, don’t get me wrong! I think I have the worst sweet tooth out there. So advising you to not eat sweets is like asking me not to breathe? Or telling me not to shave my head! (It wouldn’t be pretty) Once again (can you hear the broken record?) it’s all about moderation and allowance. You are surely not going to eat an entire basket of treats like you […]
October 11, 2022

Now We’re Full of Beans and Loving It!

Beans are a wonderful, vegan source of protein. They are full of fiber—good for lowering cholesterol and pulling heavy metals out of the body—and lysine, an amino acid that repairs tissue. When made in a pressure cooker, beans provide a quick, easy homemade lunch or dinner. For even faster preparation, canned beans can be rinsed and used. Even if you are not a vegetarian, for those of us trying to eat more meatless meals, beans offer a delicious and satisfying alternative. Here are a few vegetarian and vegan recipes I’ve created that offer a variety of international flavors. Cuban Black […]
September 25, 2022

Okinawans Know the Secrets of Long Life

This is the first in our 5-part series on life in the “Blue Zones,” where people live longer, healthy lives. Each part will look into the diets and lifestyles of the areas where longevity is a normal part of aging better. Who doesn’t want to know their secrets? Okinawa has a population that has been researched in-depth due to the fact that it’s been ranked as one of the top life expectancy locations in the world for several years in a row. The island of Okinawa, off the coast of Japan, is considered a “Blue Zone” which is a geographical […]
September 25, 2022

Whole-Wheat Garlic Noodles

This is basically an algio e olio (garlic and oil) recipe made more healthful with whole-wheat pasta, which ensures you get detoxifying fiber and disease-preventing selenium. The garlic and olive oil provide anticancer and anti-inflammatory benefits. I serve these noodles with my Whitefish with Turmeric. Serves 2-4 Ingredients 6 cups water 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 lb. whole-wheat noodles 2 Tbs. olive oil 2 Tbs. chopped garlic Instructions 1. Boil the water in a large stockpot with the salt and garlic powder. 2. Add the noodles and cook to desired tenderness. Drain and set aside. 3. Heat […]
September 25, 2022

Undoing Medical Myths: Lies My Doctor Told Me

Has your doctor lied to you? Eat low-fat and high-carb, including plenty of “healthy” whole grains—does that sound familiar? Perhaps this is what you were told at your last doctor’s appointment or visit with a nutritionist, or perhaps it is something you read online when searching for a healthy diet. And perhaps you’ve been misled. Ken Berry, MD, FAAFP is here to dispel the myths and misinformation that have been perpetuated by the medical and food industries for decades. Dr. Berry’s bestseller, Lies My Doctor Told Me: Medical Myths That Can Harm Your Health, exposes the truth behind all kinds […]
August 30, 2022

Beneficial Saffron Is the ‘Queen of Spices’

Saffron is a spice sometimes referred to as “red gold” or “the queen of spices” with some impressive potential health benefits. It is one of the most expensive spices in the world, mostly due to its costly production and labor-intensive harvesting process. Saffron originated in the Mediterranean region and has long been used as a traditional spice, coloring agent, and medicine. In addition to adding a vibrant golden color to dishes, saffron adds a subtly sweet and floral flavor. Many of saffron’s health benefits stem back to its high levels of three powerful antioxidants which may play an important role […]
August 30, 2022

Argan Oil Is Loaded with Beautiful Benefits

One of the hottest trends for skin and hair care products, argan oil, has a little secret – this powerful anti-aging oil goes way beyond beauty when it comes to being healthy, effective and useful. Argan oil is from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), which grows almost exclusively in Morocco.  You’ve probably seen a variety of skin and hair products that contain argan oil, because it’s known for its effective moisturizing properties. There’s been research that suggests the fatty acids in argan oil support healthy, hydrated skin, reduce hair damage and contribute to glossiness. What’s surprising about […]
August 30, 2022

Eleven Great Reasons to Love Cilantro

For such a delicate-looking and innocuous herb, cilantro, which is the leaves of the coriander plant, is a little bit controversial. People seem to either love it or hate it. Cilantro looks like flat leaf parsley, but it has a tangy, almost citrusy flavor. Long used in Asian, Indian, Caribbean and Latin American cooking, cilantro gives a bright taste to salads, salsas, meat, chicken and fish. I think it’s the secret ingredient to summer dishes, though you can find it fresh in supermarkets all year round. Given the chance, even the most skeptical can acquire a taste for cilantro. But […]