Pork shoulder is pretty tough, so I like to start this dish the night before and let it cook slowly overnight. This method will tenderize any tough cut of meat. The balsamic sauce can be made at the last minute. This is a perfect dish for a buffet dinner. Pork has protein and lysine for building muscle, bone, and blood, and phosphorous for nerve and muscle function. Annatto (achiote) seeds have a very bioavailable form of vitamin E, which helps lower cholesterol and protects the skin from the aging effects of ultraviolet radiation. They also contain carotenoids for healthy eyes. […]
Pomegranates seem to be the darling of the anti-aging community. New stories appear almost every day touting the health benefits of this large red fruit native to Iran and northern India. Sure the dark red arils or edible seeds of the pithy fruit are tart and tasty, but do they deserve all the hype they’re getting? I think so. I’ve found some compelling research and recommendations by trusted sources telling me how pomegranates can help prevent cancer, reduce inflammation and risk of heart disease, and even fight dental plaque. So breaking through the leathery outer skin of the pomegranate is […]
I often discuss the importance of eating a balanced diet. Today, I want to tell you about one important component of a healthy eating plan that is often misunderstood. I’m talking about dietary fat. If you are struggling to maintain a healthy diet or lose weight, fat is just as necessary as lean protein, whole grains, fruit and vegetables. You do not need to cut all fats from your diet, as long as you avoid the fat that is truly harmful. Trans Fat Healthy eating gurus often say there are no “bad” foods, so you should eat the things you […]
We’ve all come across a few people who look nowhere near their age—and we’d love to know their secret. In a bid to look great and keep ourselves healthy, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with so much “stuff” out there. In order to help you make sense of what’s being sold, we decided to look at five of the more realistic and expert-backed helpful hints. 1. Stock up on wine and chocolate. Most of us have heard news about red wine being good for us in moderation—very encouraging for wine lovers! Red wine has resveratrol. According to some research, resveratrol […]
As the seasons change and the days get shorter again, it’s critical to assess ways to increase energy and vitality so you can stay alert and focused. Instead of reaching for an extra cup of coffee or other types of stimulants, try a whiff of one of these energizing essential oils (or create a blend!) to wake you up and keep you going through the rest of your day. On top of getting enough high quality sleep each night, moving your body with some physical activity daily, and eating a balanced diet to provide you with the baseline energy you […]
Basil is a common, fragrant herb that may be growing in your garden or windowsill right now but did you know that it has also been used medicinally since ancient times? Used in Asian, Indian, African and Mediterranean cuisine as a spice to enhance the flavor of savory and sweet dishes alike, basil is commonly used in the U.S. now as well. When discussing the use of basil there are two conversations: the culinary uses and the medicinal benefits. Read on to learn more about both including the pros and potential dangers of using basil in cooking and for medicine. […]
Feeling stressed? Take a time out to practice easy stress soothers. You’ll find you can alleviate the symptoms of
Hemp products abound on the market right now. This trendy plant product can be found in many forms: oil, seeds, granola and cereal, non-dairy milk, in makeup and hair products, ground into a powder or flour, and as a clothing fiber or building material. Hemp is in fact an ancient domesticated crop with a complicated recent history. A cousin of the marijuana plant, which is consumed medicinally and recreationally, hemp is a different type of product completely. With federal limits on how much tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can be in a hemp product (currently 0.3%), this product cannot be used to achieve […]
Magnesium is a mineral gaining a lot of attention lately and for good reason. Involved in hundreds of processes in the body, it is an essential mineral critical for muscles to work properly, including the heart. Magnesium is a part of key enzymes, or chemicals in the body that help regulate energy within the cells. It is also an important nutrient for bone and nerve health. Magnesium is a major player; it exists in the body in significant amounts until some other minerals. Read on to learn more about this important mineral crucial for human health to be sure you’re […]
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 […]