A high-salt diet may be a risk factor for autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), according to three papers published in the journal Nature on Wednesday.
December is rife with holiday parties and I love to entertain. Mostly I throw parties at my home or in elegant hotels like the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. Occasionally I attend potluck parties at other people’s homes. Bringing food to a party can be tricky. It has to be prepared ahead of time, survive being packed and transported, and look elegant once it’s plated at the party site. Also, it needs to taste great at room temperature, unless you have a crock pot and can keep it warm (see story on our crock pot giveaway below). These are not […]
Many of my readers are peanut butter lovers and you may be too. That’s why I wanted you to know about the current salmonella tainted peanut products outbreak that, as of October 16, has sickened 35 people in 19 states. If you typically buy peanut butter from Trader Joe’s or consume other peanut-containing products bought anywhere, you’ll want to check the list of products cited for recall at the manufacturer’s website (see link below). Here’s what happened. Salmonella Peanut Butter Outbreak 2012 At the end of September 2012, the CDC confirmed salmonella Bredeney bacteria outbreak in peanut products that came out of […]
Cranberries are high in antioxidants and immune-boosting vitamin C. They even have a bit of resveratrol in them—the heart-friendly nutrient found in red wine. This recipe will keep for many days in the refrigerator. I use it in my Cranberry Bread Pudding and on its own as an accompaniment for poultry. YIELDS about 4 cups Ingredients 1/2 cup water 1 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar 1 cup fresh cranberries Procedure 1. Boil the water and sugar in a large nonreactive saucepan, such as copper or enamel-coated cast iron, for about 5 minutes. 2. Add the cranberries and boil until […]
Very few Americans have ever heard of the moringa oleifera plant, but in Africa it’s a life-saver. It needs very little water to grow and its leaves offer a full complement of protein, minerals, and nutrients to both humans and cattle. When Africans cook with moringa, they throw the tiny leaves into soups and stews
Did you eat your veggies today? For some people the answer to this question is a resounding yes! While others find it hard to force down two veggies a day never mind the 5-9 servings recommended by leading health experts.
When it comes to staying healthy, I advise my patients to shop in the produce section of their local supermarket. There they will find all the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that protect and repair cells from damage caused by free radicals. It is believed that veggies hold the key to keeping your immune system strong along with immune-boosting antioxidants necessary to ward off infections like colds and flu.
When you need a quick boost, this simple and delicious smoothie is sure to hit the spot. An easy on-the-go breakfast or post-workout treat, this healthful beverage is packed with antioxidants for recovery and protein for satiety and energy. Smoothies with greens in them don’t have to taste gritty; instead be sure to flavor your greens appropriately with the essence of vanilla and fruit. Balancing a smoothie with protein is key but there are options other than protein powder to do the trick. Whole food sources such as yogurt offers protein while choosing a plain variety of either dairy or […]
You may have seen maca popping up in trendy restaurants and wondering if this South American vegetable root may benefit your health. Maca grows wild at high elevations in Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina and has recently gained popularity in U.S. cuisine. A relative of the radish, maca and often appears a brilliant yellow color with an odor similar to butterscotch though it does come in a range of colors from white to black. A member of the Brassica family, maca contains similar health benefits to other cruciferous veggies but is best known for its potential for boosting libido and […]
Here it is upfront: oatmeal! You probably ate it for breakfast as a kid, and if you did, you probably had tons of energy. Now that you’re an adult, you should still eat it because it’s one of the best energy boosters around. Setting the record straight on coffee Coffee is not an energy booster (though recent studies say it could reduce depression!). The caffeine is actually a stimulant that targets your central nervous system. So, while coffee may seem to give you energy, it’s simply giving you a false feeling of energy that will lead you to “crash” and […]