Pineapples are a part of the bromeliad family. You’ve probably seen their decorative cousins in peoples’ homes and gardens. Some time ago, a friend of mine told me about white pineapple. She described it as having creamy, white flesh and an especially sweet, floral taste. It’s not as tart as regular pineapple and less woody and fibrous. This really intrigued me—I HAD to try it! It took almost a year of asking around and searching specialty markets, but I finally found a grower in Hawaii who ships them. Called Kauai Sugarloaf Pineapple or Kona Sugarloaf Pineapple, this variety is in […]
If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, some fruit choices may be better than others. “Some fruits are similar
Today, research on probiotics and the microbiome—the millions of bacteria and biomes found in and on the human body supports the fact that certain bacteria types are actually good for us. Although we most often associate this concept with digestion and gut health, a newer body of science points to the fact that your skin has its very own microbiome, too. “At the cellular level, skin represents a complex set of ecosystems composed of skin cells and their associated microbiome,” says William B. Miller Jr., MD, author of “The Microcosm Within” (Universal, 2013). This microbiome varies based on a range […]
We keep track of passing time by different means—presidential administrations, our children’s movement through grades, fashion eras, simple decades. Life has many eras of growth and health, and if you’re a doctor, like Colorado-based Integrative Practitioner, Robert Rountree, MD, you would focus on physiology: childhood, post-pubertal teens, young adults, middle-aged, elderly. “There are definite differences in nutritional needs that correspond to each of those phases,” says Rountree. And the good doctor is, of course, spot-on. As you age, your nutrition needs change. Here’s where to focus in each decade of life, and the supplements that can help. Ages 0–10: A […]
Because so many of my FoodTrients fans love crock-pot cooking, I devised this easy recipe that can be made in a slow cooker or on a stove top. Traditional Mexican molé sauces may contain hundreds of ingredients. I’ve kept this one simple. My new FoodTrients Dessert Spice Mix adds antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. I spoon the turkey and sauce into corn tortillas that have been warmed on the griddle. Health benefits: Turkey contains the FoodTrient selenium, which detoxifies organs and helps skin stay elastic. The tryptophan content in turkey builds healthy neurotransmitters in the brain. Tryptophan is also found in dark […]
Who doesn’t love dessert? It’s always nice to punctuate the end of a meal with something sweet. There are treats from all over the world that put a refreshing spin on what we usually consider for dessert. Although most desserts have their fair share of sweeteners, such as sugar or honey, there are other ingredients that provide FoodTrients and enhance a healthy diet. From Iran: A Persian Dessert Delight Persians really know their desserts! Also known as Persian Date Cake, ranginak is a traditional no-bake Persian dessert that’s delicious served with black tea. To make it even more decadent, serve […]
Bitter melon, which resembles a wrinkly, light-green cucumber, is something of an acquired taste. Soaking it in salted water to remove the bitterness is the first step in getting people to fall in love with it. It’s worth the trouble, because boiling bitter melon in water releases its antioxidant power. Bitter melon also has immune-boosting beta-carotene, potassium, and detoxifying fiber. Asian herbalists prescribe it to diabetes patients to help them stabilize their blood sugar. This salad makes an excellent side dish for grilled meat, fish, and vegetables. Serves 2-4 Ingredients 4 medium-size bitter melons ¼ cup kosher salt Pinch of […]
Lemongrass, a plant native to India, looks like stiff grass stalks but smells a bit like lemon. In this recipe, you use the tough green parts of the herb along with the more edible white portion of the stalks, because you will only steep the plant. Like lemongrass, honey–especially natural or raw honey–is an antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal food, so this tea recipe helps support immune function. Fructose gives it fewer calories than cane or beet sugar, and the body tolerates it better, too. Honey also contains antioxidants and is a natural cough remedy. Lemongrass can be found at Melissas.com […]
This refreshing relish will help boost your immune system and keep your skin young and elastic. Papaya is rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A. It’s also high in potassium. Certain enzymes in papaya aid digestion. I use this salsa on grilled meats and fish, such as my Grilled Swordfish in Secret Marinade, and it’s also delicious as an appetizer with whole-grain chips. YIELDS about 4 cups Ingredients 2 cups cubed papaya, ripe but still firm ¼ cup seeded and chopped red bell pepper ¼ cup chopped red onion 1 tsp. minced garlic ½ […]
Spinach contains iron as well as age-defying antioxidants. Grapefruit is chock-full of vitamin C and potassium. You can use vitamin-C-packed pink or white grapefruit in this salad, though pink grapefruit has the added benefit of lycopene. If you use whole segments of the grapefruit, you’ll also add fiber. The candied walnuts and dried apricots balance the acidity of the grapefruit and increase the antioxidants in this dish. My Honey-Lime Dressing perfectly compliments the mellow flavor of the spinach. SERVES 2 Ingredients 1 bunch or 1 bag spinach leaves 1 whole grapefruit, segmented ¼ cup candied walnuts ¼ cup dried apricots 2 […]