You may have noticed food trend hibiscus popping up on local restaurant menus in the past couple of years. From hot and cold tea and infused beverages to being added to salads and even quesadillas and desserts, this beautiful purple edible flower also promises some interesting health benefits. You’ll commonly encounter hibiscus in warmer climates as it is native to Central and West Africa, India and Southeast Asia and the West Indies. Medicinally, hibiscus is used for: cardiovascular disease high blood pressure high cholesterol diabetes anxiety loss of appetite colds and upper respiratory tract infection urinary tract infections (UTIs) kidney […]
When most people think of inflammation, they think about swollen joints and arthritis. That said, limiting the amount of inflammation in your body might not be on your radar screen at all, especially if you don’t have joint problems. But inflammation is way more than arthritis, and reducing the amount of inflammation your body encounters should be on everyone’s radar. When any unwanted invader (such as a virus or bacteria) enters your body, inflammation is the body’s first line of defense. White blood cells are soldiers in the inflammation army, and they protect your body when it’s attacked. This is […]
The Mediterranean diet may also help improve psoriasis, a new study suggests. “Psoriasis is a chronic
The Caribbean is blessed in so many ways. There is the famous weather, which is warm and sunny during the winter when most of North America is shivering, and the gorgeous turquoise water and sugary white (or sometimes pink!) sands with Calypso music wafting. What I love about the Caribbean is the blend of cultures, which gives richness to the language, traditions and especially the food. There are influences from every civilization, East and West, that ever set foot on these island gems — from the indigenous Amerindian people, who were followed by British, Spanish, French and Dutch explorers, to […]
Move over turmeric, cardamom is gaining attention for both culinary and health properties. Native to the mountains of India, Pakistan, Burma/Myanmar and Sri Lanka, this pod-containing plant yields cardamom spice and essential oils as well. A sweet spice, cardamom can be used in a variety of dishes and was important in world trade for centuries. Medicinally, cardamom is used for: Setting the GI including treating nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea and IBS Fighting colds and other viruses that cause fevers or a cough Antibacterial properties Fighting fungal infections Liver and gallbladder support Cardiovascular support including treating high blood pressure Anxiety, tension […]
When we think of the Southwest, what do we picture? Beautiful red rock landscapes. A saguaro cactus silhouetted against a perfect sunset. A bright blue sky with fluffy clouds. A pitcher of Margaritas? Super healthy, age-defying foods probably don’t come to mind. Most of us think of what’s come to be known as Tex-Mex cuisine — lots of cheesy, spicey, tomato-y dishes wrapped in tortillas. Delicious, yes, but good for you? Not so much. But if you dig a little deeper and explore what indigenous people grew and ate in the Southwest, you’ll find there are plenty of foods that […]
Watch your weight Among the biggest risk factors for dementia are diabetes and mid-life obesity, which can double your chances of dementia at a later age. Links have also been found between elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and the risk of dementia, although these are not conclusive. Monitoring your weight and cardiovascular health in middle age could greatly reduce your likelihood of dementia. Don’t smoke The brain may be affected by the long-term consequences of heavy smoking. Scientists have found smoking to increase the risk of cognitive decline in old age, with one study showing that middle-aged people who smoked more […]
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 […]
Last Labor Day weekend, when most people were at the beach or firing up their barbeques, the FoodTrients team and I were taking in the 46th Annual Cancer Convention in Glendale, California presented by the Cancer Control Society. The mission of this non-profit is to “Prevent and control cancer and other diseases through nutrition and non-toxic therapies.” More than 60 speakers presented their research, stories, products and services over the three days, along with dozens of exhibits and informational films — all of them showcasing alternative prevention and treatment therapies for cancer as well as other diseases. The speakers included […]
Often found on the candy shelf in red and black varieties, licorice is so much more than a snack at the movies. In fact, licorice products manufactured in the U.S. often don’t even contain any licorice root at all. Licorice is actually an herb native to the Mediterranean, Russia, Asia and the Middle East that contains the anise oil responsible for the classic aroma and flavor of black licorice. This flavor can be polarizing – some people love it and others avoid it – but it does have many uses for the health of the body and has been used […]