This massive region is home to a large variety of unique cuisines, but there are a few common themes seen throughout. One focus of Chinese culture is living a balanced life, which means foods
Top 5 Medicinal Mushrooms for the Immune System Many mushrooms are known for their nutritional and medicinal purposes but did you know that they’re also powerful supporters of a strong immune system? Multiple studies have shown that mushrooms possess benefits such as antioxidant, liver protective, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and even blood sugar lowering properties, but emerging research highlights the unique ways they help protect the body from viruses and bacteria. Studies speculate that mushrooms may be the answer to many health challenges people face — including supporting healing — and can be developed into functional food or medicine for preventing […]
Okinawa is an island, south of Japan and northeast of Taiwan. It is known as a “blue zone” because it is home to the oldest living population of women in the world. The number of
This area of the world covers a large geographical area and many unique cultures that have some commonality of herbs and spices in their cuisine style. Southeast Asia actually includes 11 countries: Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Though there are important differences between all of these countries, and cultures within each as well, common culinary threads can be found in the food. This is a hot and humid part of the world and so lightly prepared dishes made of vegetables, rice and broth are staples. Flavors like citrus, mint, and other herbs offer […]
They arrive in a corner of the produce section each fall. Or maybe they adorn your neighbor’s tree like small, orange lanterns. Beautiful, smooth, flame-skinned persimmons. I have 10 persimmon trees on my farm near San Diego and look forward to harvesting and eating them every year. What to do with them? Actually, persimmons are quite versatile in every course and meal occasion. Sometimes you’ll see them on the menus of high-end restaurants paired with poultry, chutneys, desserts and salads for seasonal specialties. Their vibrant color and nutritional benefits are a festive kick-off to the holiday season. Persimmons were […]
Did you know that many mushrooms — some that you can find in the grocery store and others that come in medicinal/capsule form — can support your health in many ways? Mushrooms are often used for their well-known benefits to the immune system or for their anti-cancer effects but there’s emerging research about the power they hold for reducing risk or being part of the treatment plan for chronic diseases like cardiovascular problems, blood sugar balance, liver protection, brain health, and even as a treatment for allergies. Learn more about the incredible power that mushrooms have and how you might […]
It’s that time of year when the sun sinks too early and you’re ready to light a fire, or at least scented candles. While we might think longingly back on summer and its exuberant offerings of fresh tomatoes, luscious stone fruit and tender baby greens, it’s time to relish in the bounty of winter vegetables. The winter months give us a number of hearty veggies that provide comfort and superb nutrition, not to mention versatility and great taste. I make sure to include a lot of these delicious foods on my winter menus. Here are some of the most FoodTrient-packed […]
Liver disease is more common than you may realize and has many negative health effects to be aware of. In the United States, about 4.5 million adults live with chronic liver disease including hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease, liver cancer, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Having high blood pressure, uncontrolled blood sugar, a high body mass index (BMI), and excessive alcohol intake can all increase your risk but the good news is — there’s a lot you can do to support your liver, too. Herbs and foods that support or protect the liver do so mainly by […]
“Research has shown that one system in particular—the lymphatic system—is the key factor in longevity, disease prevention, and living a healthy and vital life. Yet nobody—not the research community, not the medical community, certainly not the public—knows much about it. I want to change that, because after decades in the medical community as a cardiovascular surgeon, I have seen the effect and the promise of a healthy lymphatic system. And I see what an impact it can have—for better or worse—on your health, wellness, and longevity,” writes Gerald M. Lemole, M.D. in his introduction to Lymph & Longevity: The Untapped […]
At the start of a new year my patients invariably ask me what things they can do to keep themselves healthy. One of the first basic things I tell them is to take good care of their teeth! Like many of my patients, you may wonder what the condition of your gums and teeth have to do with your overall health?It’s simple, really, and I’d like to explain to you what the basic relationship is between your dental health and the rest of your body. Your Mouth – The Door to Your Good Health You may not know this, but your […]