An abundance of clinical data has established pomegranate as a broad-spectrum, multi-modal defense against the leading causes of death in the Western world, from atherosclerosis to cancer and diabetes. In the last decade alone, more than seven times as many studies have been published validating pomegranate than in all the preceding years combined. The bulk of this research has focused on the benefits of pomegranate juice and fruit extracts. Now scientists are discovering a novel source of pomegranate’s myriad benefits: the various botanical components of the pomegranate tree, particularly its seeds and flowers. The latest scientific evidence indicates that pomegranate flower extract and seed oil uniquely complement conventional pomegranate fruit extract’s capacity to […]
This winter we need to be particularly careful to avoid colds and flu. I am just too busy to get sick, so I pay special attention to what I eat. My father was a doctor in Southeast Asia and he always said that if you are in general good health, get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water and wash your hands frequently, you’re doing a lot to prevent a nasty case of the flu. Now, as we fight a pandemic, we need to wear masks in public to protect ourselves and others. Here are some immune-boosting foods that are […]
Valentine’s Day brings warmth and joy to the often gloomy month of February. And let’s be honest—what’s Valentine’s Day without chocolate? As a child, I cherished the rare occasions when my parents treated me to American-made chocolates as a special reward, making each bite even more delightful. Later in life, my husband won my heart with roses and decadent chocolates on this romantic holiday. It’s no surprise that chocolate has become synonymous with love! The great news is that chocolate is an honest-to-goodness FoodTrient! Dark chocolate is loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and even some fiber. Sugar, butter, milk and admittedly other […]
If you’re like me, you love your coffee. It gets you going in the morning, picks you up from a late afternoon slump and gives you that all needed early evening boost at the gym later. But, along with the rejuvenating effect of coffee, as a dermatologist, there’s an even more important reason I love coffee… Your Daily Joe Could Help Prevent This Deadly Cancer If you’re a coffee drinker, you probably don’t need another reason to keep drinking it. But, in the last few years, health researchers have reported many good reasons to drink coffee. They include: Antioxidant power. You may […]
The pine tree is celebrated during the darkness of winter for its seemingly death-defying ability to remain green year-round. Its bark and needles have been used by indigenous people for centuries for nutrition and general wellness. As a matter of fact, an extract from the bark of the French maritime pine has been found to contain compounds that have year-round life-enhancing benefits. Let’s explore them. Pine Bark Extract Contains Disease-Fighting Proanthocyanidins Proanthocyanidins derived from pine bark have been associated with a variety of benefits, including DNA protection, reduction of inflammation, decreased oxidative stress and reduced glycation. Aside from these broad benefits, pine bark […]
Over the past few years, what we know about gluten and our awareness concerning celiac and gluten-free eating has skyrocketed. According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, as many as 1 in 133 Americans have celiac, while upwards of 18 million have some non-celiac sensitivity to gluten. Research, awareness, products and resources are making leaps and bounds before our very eyes concerning celiac, gluten sensitivity and gluten-free dieting. Before you begin a gluten-free diet, you should know what you’re getting into. We’ve compiled a list of six important rules of thumb for anyone about to embark on a gluten-free […]
Here in Southern California we’re enjoying a break from relatively cold weather. But in reality, we have
This week, I have a fistful of flavor to bring to a new quinoa dish from my latest cookbook, The AGE BEAUFITULLY Cookbook. In Southeast Asia, where I grew up, the cuisine has been influenced by many countries: China, Japan, Spain, France, America, and to some extent the Middle East and Northern Africa. So I’ve been practicing fusion cooking my whole life. My mother ran a cooking school and my family operated multiple restaurants. My recipe for shrimp on sugar-cane skewers is a perfect example of Asian fusion food. It became very popular in our restaurants and then spread all over […]
Many people have never heard of annatto, also called achiote. The closest most of us in North America have come to this tiny seed that grows in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean is cheddar cheese. Annatto is used to color the naturally white cheddar a pleasant shade of orange. Stunning new research shows that this often overlooked spice from the rain forest is very good for us. For centuries, folk healers have used annatto to treat infections topically and orally. Some cultures consider it a digestive aid and a heartburn calmer. Annatto/achiote is full of the FoodTrients vitamin […]
Trying to get the most nutrition out of your food? That’s a really good idea in this day and age. Below, we’ll explain 10 simple ways so that you can squeeze more nutrients from common food items that are already in your kitchen and diet. And don’t worry – none of these “food hacks” require hours of work or an advanced science degree. They’re just simple, research-based tips that just about anyone can implement at home. Ready? 1. Cook Your Tomatoes Raw food isn’t always more nutritious than cooked food. Tomato paste and tomato sauce, for example, contain more lycopene than raw tomatoes. Cooking actually enhances […]