Age GracefullyRediscovering 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 […]READ MORE
August 29, 2025
Published by Grace O
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 23, 2025
Published by Grace O
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 […]
August 12, 2025
Published by Grace O
It’s so easy to eat well in summer! I get inspired every time I walk through a farmer’s market or even the produce section of the supermarket. There are so many stone fruits and melons available and right now they are at their peak. You just can’t go wrong creating desserts and salads from fruits like peaches, nectarines, apricots and the new pluots and apriums, which are hybrids created by crossing plums and apricots. In addition to the delicious taste there are plenty of health benefits from eating stone fruits. For instance: As a collagen booster: A cup of sliced […]
August 12, 2025
Published by Grace O
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 […]
July 30, 2025
Published by Grace O
Now that it’s summer, it’s the perfect time to look for tomatoes at local farmers markets to see what’s organic, fresh and in season. I am always drawn to the variety of tomatoes that are available in the summer. The flavor is nothing like those pale, sad things you see in the supermarket in February. During the summer I’m inspired to use tomatoes in just about everything from appetizers and salads to satisfying main courses. Tomatoes are very good sources of lycopene, which is an effective antioxidant. Lycopene is in the carotenoid family, which includes beta-carotene, lutein (good for eye […]
July 29, 2025
Published by Grace O
I didn’t grow up with a lot of dairy products as a kid back in the Philippines. We drank whole milk made from powdered milk. We certainly didn’t eat much yogurt, so I didn’t develop a taste for it until I went to the Golden Door spa near San Diego. They served plain Greek yogurt with nuts, raisins and wonderful fresh organic berries for breakfast. They would also serve cooked quinoa and chia seeds to mix into it. Since then, I’ve come to appreciate yogurt and all of the good things it does for you. Here are some good reasons […]
July 29, 2025
Published by Grace O
Most of us enjoy sweet beverages during the warm days of summer—juices, iced tea, lemonade, and others. But there are times when drinks become even more refreshing if they offer a slightly savory element. Besides, juices and sweetened beverages have high amounts of sugar that can aggravate a propensity for diabetes and other health issues, including weight gain. Beverages that refresh with ingredients such as sparkling mineral water, herbs, florals and vegetables can be a welcome change. Non-alcoholic beer, for example, has a number of health benefits. Not only is it lower in calories than that alcoholic beer, but the […]
July 29, 2025
Published by Grace O
When I think back to my most pleasant summer memories, I think about cooking outside. Most of the time that means grilling . . . and one of my favorites — barbequed ribs. Whether you use a traditional charcoal barbecue or a gas barbecue (my preference because you can control the heat more precisely), foods come out tasting delicious—almost magically so. And while most of us think of protein on the grill, fruits and vegetables come out brilliantly — the direct heat caramelizes whatever produce you’re grilling, deepening the flavor. For a delicious starter, try my recipe for Grilled Artichoke with […]
June 16, 2025
Published by Grace O
Do you have a cast iron skillet among your pots and pans? I do, and I have to admit that I have a love/hate relationship with it. The thing is heavy! I can barely lift the nine-inch one with one hand. And cleaning them is something else. You’re not supposed to use soap—just scrape, rinse and dry immediately. Don’t leave it wet or you risk rust! It should be stored seasoned with a little neutral oil (like avocado) and covered in parchment so it doesn’t mess up your other pans. BUT– The way a cast iron skillet cooks food is […]
June 16, 2025
Published by Grace O
Antioxidants are one of our body’s best weapons when it comes to aging, because they fight aging at a cellular level and help keep cells from “rusting.” Antioxidants slow down aging because they reduce the amount of oxidative stress, which is the result of cells doing what they should do– creating energy, detoxifying the body, digesting food, breathing, thinking, or exercising. This work can generate byproducts like free radicals, which are unstable molecules that start oxidation. You need some free radicals to stimulate important physiological processes, such as helping the immune system function correctly and stimulating cellular pathways. However, when […]
June 1, 2025
Published by Grace O
Cauliflower has quietly transformed from a humble side dish into a nutrient-rich staple worth celebrating. A standout in the cruciferous family—alongside broccoli and Brussels sprouts—it’s loaded with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that support heart health, brain function, and healthy aging. It’s also a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, beta-carotene, and fiber, which all work together to boost immunity, aid digestion, and help the body detox naturally. What makes cauliflower especially powerful? It contains indoles, sulfur-based compounds that help neutralize carcinogens, and SOD (superoxide dismutase), an antioxidant enzyme that protects cells from free-radical damage—supporting both internal health and youthful-looking […]
May 30, 2025
Published by Grace O
If you ask me, mint makes just about everything taste better. It also delivers some impressive benefits: Digestion: Mint is a great palate cleanser, and it promotes digestion. It also soothes the stomach in case of indigestion or inflammation. When your stomach feels sick, drinking a cup of mint tea can give you relief. Nausea and Headache: The aroma of mint leaves, especially freshly crushed leaves help you deal with nausea and headache. Asthma: Regular use of mint is very beneficial for asthma patients, as it is a good relaxant and relieves congestion. But using too much mint this way can also […]
May 15, 2025
Published by Grace O
I love to cook with lemongrass. It adds a wonderful perfume and zingy flavor to both savory and sweet dishes, and it has health benefits, too. It pairs particularly well with coconut milk, ginger, red chiles, chicken, and seafood. Use the white, more tender section of the stalk in recipes where it remains in the final dish. If you’re just steeping the stalk, as in my tea recipe, you can use all of it, including the tougher green part. Lemongrass also contains vitamins A, B, and C, plus calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous. According to studies, it is a great antioxidant […]