March marks the last gasp of winter months and the long-awaited annual Natural Products Expo West, the “coming out” party for new products. So once again, the tireless FoodTrients team made its way up and down the miles of aisles at California’s Anaheim Convention Center. The Expo was held from March 8-11 and we were there to discover (and taste) new natural products and uncover the latest food trends. This event showcases over 3,500 exhibitors, of which 600 were there for the first time, hoping to sell their products into stores across the country. These consist of manufacturers, marketers, and […]
There is nothing like red fruits and vegetables to warm our hearts — and protect them, too. Here’s an in depth look at some of the season’s reddest, healthiest choices. Pomegranates. Pomegranates are a good source of blood-clotting vitamin K, tissue-repairing antioxidant vitamin C, and filling fiber, but they really stand out for their phytochemicals. The rich, red color of this fruit comes from flavonoids called anthocyanins, which have been linked to numerous health benefits including lower risk of coronary artery disease. Pomegranates also contain ellagic acid, which has been investigated for its cancer-fighting and anti-inflammatory effects. Submerge cut sections […]
It’s no surprise that skin, the body’s largest organ, requires regular maintenance to be its healthiest—but what’s the secret to success? Exfoliating can create the foundation for a skin-nourishing natural beauty regimen. “Exfoliation is incredibly important for radiant, youthful-looking skin, and I find that women are either not exfoliating enough, or they’re exfoliating incorrectly and irritating or sensitizing their skin,” says Jolene Hart, a certified beauty and healthy coach and author of Eat Pretty (Chronicle, 2014). When done properly, the process removes dead skin cells and supports healthy circulation. But the products you choose—and how often you use them—are key […]
You may see it listed on labels as calendula but better recognize its common name: marigold. These decorative yellow and orange annual flowers are native to Asia and southern Europe. They have a history of medicinal use and calendula is the common name found in supplement form. The main active components that may be health promoting in calendula are antioxidant triterpenoids and flavonoids. In a lab setting, calendula has shown antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antiviral effects. This extract can lower blood pressure as well as blood sugar. It is sedative and aids in wound healing when applied topically. Preparations […]
Surprise mom with a beautiful breakfast! Three amazing dishes that can be served for breakfast or brunch that she will absolutely love! 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, […]
Health issues can occur anywhere along the GI tract from heartburn and stomach pain to absorption problems in the small intestine and disturbances in the flora of the large intestine. No fear! Healthy, whole foods can heal the gut anywhere you encounter problems. Here are the FoodTrients top 10 foods that heal the gut: 1. Aloe Soothing aloe can be used for more than just a sunburn. Aloe can be used as a laxative to relieve constipation and improve stool consistency. It sooths the skin in the mouth and gums, providing healing effects to the inside of the body. Aloe […]
As cold and flu season comes to an end, you may breathe a sigh of relief but keep in mind that a strong immune system is key any time of year. Every day our immune systems protect us against viruses, bacteria and rogue abnormal cells that could even lead to cancer. Antioxidants and vitamins like vitamins A, C, D, E, selenium, and zinc are one crucial piece of the immune picture as are foods with fiber that support a healthy gut microbiome. Here is the ultimate FoodTrients® list of the top 50 foods that boost the immune system to keep […]
Who doesn’t love pesto, the uncooked sauce most associated with the city of Genoa in Northern Italy? The pesto most of us have tried is made with fresh basil that’s been pounded and mixed with super-diced garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, then blended with extra virgin olive oil. Basil pesto imparts a beautiful green color on pasta and is a great spread on Italian bread. The dark green basil leaves are nutritional stars, because they are full of compounds that stabilize blood sugar levels and antioxidants that help protect cells from free radical damage. The garlic in pesto contains allicin, […]
Age–the older we get the stronger the messages become: you’re no longer attractive, you’re invisible, your health is failing, you are out of style and over the hill. But wait . . . here comes Barbara Hannah Grufferman with a book that will blast those demeaning and degrading messages to smithereens and even make you love your age! The book is called LOVE YOUR AGE: The Small-step Solution To a Better, Longer, Happier Life and it belongs on the nightstand of every woman who has kissed her half-century birthday goodbye. Warm, engaging, and user-friendly, this powerful, practical guide to aging […]
When I first saw pictures of the baobab tree, I thought I was looking at something from another planet. Standing up to 60 feet tall with wide, bottle-shaped trunks and branches that look like roots reaching toward the sky, the baobab has a striking, otherworldly presence. Native to Africa, Madagascar, India, and Australia, the baobab has earned the nickname “Tree of Life” for good reason. Not only can it thrive in extreme climates, but its fruit is one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods on earth. What Is Baobab Powder? Baobab fruit naturally dries on the branch and is ground into […]