It’s hot out there! Just a small change in dehydration is enough to affect mood, ability to concentrate, and the development of headaches. We all know water is good for us and that we should probably drink more of it. So why, then, do Americans find it so difficult to sip from what is arguably the fountain of youth? Answers vary, but the fact is, one in 10 Americans drinks zero cups of water per day, according to a study by Dr. Alyson Goodman, a medical epidemiologist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Zero. She suspects that those who […]
While decades of cranberry research has found that regular consumption of cranberry products promotes urinary tract health, leading scientists studying the bioactive components of fruits and other foods reported that cranberries possess whole body health benefits. In a July 2016 Advances in Nutrition supplement, Impact of Cranberries on Gut Microbiota and Cardiometabolic Health: Proceedings of the Cranberry Health Research Conference 2015, a team of international researchers reviewed the complex, synergistic actions of compounds that are uniquely cranberry. Their discussion led them to conclude that this berry may be more than just a tart and tangy fruit. “It has been established that […]
I have to admit that a fruit known as ‘soursop’ does not sound very appetizing. Plus, its spiky green skin makes it appear slightly dangerous. But an important part of writing this blog is to introduce you to new and interesting foods that help promote health and well-being. I have (and probably will again) written blogs about ‘Ten Top Foods for Reducing Inflammation’ or ‘The Nutritional Benefits of Citrus Fruit’. These are important and useful topics. But I am always on the lookout for unique foods, topics and trends that you won’t find just anywhere. Soursop, also known as guanabana, […]
Interested in an extract packed with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune-boosting, cardiovascular protecting benefits? Have you ever heard of pycnogenol? If not, you should learn about this pine bark extract with the tongue twister name that is gaining popularity in the supplement industry and is surely a compound to pay attention to as research continues to emerge. Is it safe yet? Are there any indications against using it? What are the potential benefits? Read on to learn more about pycnogenol. Antioxidants including flavonoids, catechins, phenolic acids and proanthocyanidins abound in this extract. These compounds are a wide-spread part of the human diet, […]
Through the years I have seen the connection between healthy food
When pollen is flying through the air on a summer breeze, foods that reduce allergy symptoms can be a lifesaver. I immediately head to my kitchen to make my Apple Barley Salad. Eating specific compounds—such as the FoodTrients omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, gingerol, oleuropein, and quercitin, as well as probiotics—go a long way toward reducing the swelling of nasal passages and the production of antihistamines. The old adage about an apple a day is really true for allergy sufferers. Apples contain quercitin, which supports the immune system, reduces inflammation, and may reduce allergic sensitivity. Quercitin is found not only in […]
Kids enjoy my recipes as much as adults do. Trust me, when I serve my dishes at parties, I love watching the kids come back for seconds. For instance, I have a recipe for Turkey in Turmeric Sauce that is a variation on an Asian or Indian curry, but much milder. It has far fewer ingredients than you would find in a traditional curry, so kids won’t be turned off by too many unfamiliar flavors. I don’t use hot chili peppers or strong fish sauces like you find in Vietnamese cuisine, so I think it’s very approachable to an American […]
For those of us who grew up in Southeast Asia, big, savory breakfasts were the norm. A popular breakfast staple was smoked fish with scrambled eggs and tomato salad. Fried rice, fried eggs, sausages called longaniza (a bit like Spanish chorizo), and rice porridge with fish or meatballs were also regularly on the menu in most homes, but not in mine. My father, who was a physician and very health-conscious, always ate plain oatmeal, and he insisted we eat it, too, without berries, bananas or raisins. We reluctantly complied, but today I am grateful for all of my father’s health […]
Sometimes I like to have fun with my guests and serve them something a little out of the ordinary. I enjoy seeing skepticism turn to pleasure on their faces when I introduce them to a new food they’d never imagine eating, but once they try it, they enjoy. Prickly pears, also known as cactus pears, are one of those foods. It’s the fruit of the opuntia cactus, which is the one with the paddle-like leaves (also edible, but more on that later). Prickly pears are popular in Mexico, South and Central America, around the Mediterranean and South Africa. In this […]
When reading Dr. Eric R. Braverman’s book, Younger (Thinner) You Diet, I was impressed by how much space he devotes to eating foods that promote brain health. I’ve known for years that eating the right antioxidant-rich, organic foods can keep your body young and healthy. But I didn’t realize how much our diet can affect our brains. Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for feeding the brain, which needs fat to produce neurotransmitters. This means ingredients such as: Salmon – Salmon is an excellent source of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, which can also help improve cognition. Fresh produce – One study found that seniors who ate close to […]