This side dish pairs well with chicken or beef or game meats. You can use almost any variety of mushrooms in any combination. I leave the small mushrooms whole because they look nicer that way, but you can chop them if you prefer. Mushrooms contain selenium, an antioxidant that boosts immune function and reduces cancer risk. Beta glucans in mushrooms boost the immune system. Mushrooms are also a good source of vitamin D, for strong bones. You can learn more about the incredible benefits of mushrooms in my blog on Miraculous Mushrooms. Serves 2-4 Ingredients 1 cup shiitake mushrooms 1 […]
Oregano is a common spice you likely have in your kitchen for seasoning savory Italian or Mediterranean recipes. The oregano plant is native to warm climates in southwestern Europe and the Mediterranean and currently Greece, Israel and Turkey are main producers of both the spice and essential oregano oils. Oregano is closely related to other spices like mint, thyme, marjoram, basil, sage, and lavender and goes well with these flavors in food. This common spice is used in the culinary setting for a variety of savory baked goods, vegetables, pizza and pasta sauces, and protein like chicken and fish. Like […]
Does being between the sheets seem like a roller-coaster ride? There are few specific picks you should chow down on to boost your libido. According to nutritionists, what a guy eats can have a massive affect on his sex life and making simple changes can spice it up. Charlie Turner and Lee Foster, founders of Neat Nutrition have come up with seven magic foods that can boost their libido, says News.com.au Don’t wait, head to the market ASAP! Dark chocolate This wonder of nature is not good for what ? Dark chocolate increases serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, making us happy […]
You’ve likely noticed the herb rosemary being used in creative culinary ways from infused cocktails to ice cream flavors recently but did you know that it also has some healing properties in addition to being fragrant and delicious? A perennial shrub native to the Mediterranean, rosemary is related to mint and is used as a spice in leaf or oil form. You may even have it growing in your yard this summer as it is easy to cultivate, hearty, and sometimes even used in decoration or as a yard hedge. In manufacturing, rosemary is used for its fragrant scent in […]
Chinese cuisine has long been recognized as one of the great world cuisines, up there with French and Italian. But much of the familiar Chinese food in the U.S. consists of many fried dishes that are often loaded with salt, sugar and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Tasty, yes. Superfoods? Hardly. The truth is, traditional Chinese cooking is based on many healthful ingredients that are certainly considered to be ‘superfoods.’ When I was in China recently, the FoodTrients team and I were delighted to sample a number of Chinese dishes from Yantai (in the picturesque agricultural and coastal area of the Shandong […]
Did you know that the foods we eat actually play a role in the way we feel mentally? Foods rich in nutrients like magnesium, potassium, zinc, B-vitamins, vitamins C, E, omega-3 fatty acids and amino acid tryptophan can help the body process anxiety-producing hormones and calm the body reducing incidences of stress, anxiety and depression. Here is the ultimate FoodTrients® list of the top 50 foods for stress and anxiety. 1. Almonds Even a small portion of these nuts is packed with healthful plant sterols, fiber, and immune boosting vitamin E and B-vitamin riboflavin. During times of stress and anxiety […]
Asparagus may be a finicky vegetable, but there are lots of reasons to eat it. It has lycopene, which lowers cancer risk, aids cognitive function, and promotes prostate health. Asparagus also contains Vitamin C, which helps the body resist infection, prevent cataracts, and regenerate tissue. Asparagus is a source of the soluble fiber inulin, which can suppress your appetite. There’s also an array of B vitamins in this popular vegetable, including B1, B2, B3 and B6. It also encourages digestive health and contains vitamin K, which acts as a natural diuretic. On top of that, along with vitamin K, asparagus […]
Black pepper is a household staple that is likely sitting on your kitchen counter right now. One of the most widely used and common spices in the world, it is a well-known flavor in many types of cooking. But it also has some medicinal and topical uses as well. The active compound, piperine, has shown promise for health benefits when eaten, and also when used as an essential oil. There is evidence that black pepper was used in kitchens dating back to 2000 BC in India. Reference to this spice also shows up in Greek and Roman texts. It has […]
There are a couple of ways to look at Mexican ‘superfoods’. First, if you eliminate the tortilla chips, full-fat cheese and beans cooked with lard, much of the basics of Mexican cuisine are quite healthy. Beans (cooked, but not refried) and rice, fresh seafood, chicken, lean beef, tomatoes and avocados are all highly nutritious foods that provide plenty of benefits. And many of these foods qualify as ‘superfoods’—nutrient dense and high in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals and protein. The other way to look at Mexican superfoods is to seek out indigenous foods that have been staples of the traditional […]
A balanced diet is an integral element of a healthy lifestyle for men, women and children alike. According to the National Institute on Aging, simply counting calories without regard for the foods being consumed is not enough for men and women 50 and older to maintain their long-term health. Rather, the NIA emphasizes the importance of choosing low-calorie foods that have a lot of the nutrients the body needs. But counting calories can be an effective and simple way to maintain a healthy weight, provided those calories are coming from nutrient-rich foods. When choosing foods to eat, the NIA recommends eating […]