- It’s a Cookbook
It’s a Philosophy
It’s a Resource
August 18, 2020
Perhaps the best example of a systemic approach to beauty is based on the microbiome— the trillions of bacteria
August 11, 2020
The idea for this guacamole recipe came from a very talented Mexican chef who owns an upscale restaurant in Santa Barbara. The pomegranate seeds add a spectacular, tart crunch to this otherwise mild dip. I serve this dip with blue corn chips, which add a splash of color and are higher in antioxidants than yellow chips. BENEFITS: Avocados are full of monounsaturated fats, which help protect the skin from the aging effects of the sun. The anthocyanins in pomegranates have anti-inflammatory effects and have been linked to helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline and cancer. Blue corn chips provide […]
August 11, 2020
Today, research on probiotics and the microbiome—the millions of bacteria and biomes found in and on the human body supports the fact that certain bacteria types are actually good for us. Although we most often associate this concept with digestion and gut health, a newer body of science points to the fact that your skin has its very own microbiome, too. “At the cellular level, skin represents a complex set of ecosystems composed of skin cells and their associated microbiome,” says William B. Miller Jr., MD, author of “The Microcosm Within” (Universal, 2013). This microbiome varies based on a range […]
June 16, 2020
Interested in how essentials oils could enhance your life? Whether you’re a seasoned essential oil user or a novice, these health-promoting aromas have gained a lot of recognition as people turn to them to treat a variety of ailments, mental health and sleep concerns, and to replace fragrances and conventional home and body care products. Essential oils are produced by steam distillation or cold pressing to capture the aromatic (“volatile”) compounds in plants that give them their characteristic scent. They can be used for aromatherapy by inhaling the scents with a diffuser or by applying directly to the skin. Because […]
June 6, 2020
For over a decade, the Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Sunscreens has helped us see the light when it comes to choosing a safe and effective sun care product. While almost three-fourths of the products analyzed were found to offer inferior sun protection or potentially harmful ingredients such as oxybenzone, it wasn’t all bad news in this year’s report. Mineral sunscreens are on the rise, and top-rated products lived up to their claims by using nontoxic and effective ingredients. Other rising trends include non-GMO formulations and sun-protective clothing. These nine picks all received a 1 (safest) rating from the EWG. Tips […]
May 5, 2020
This dish is an interesting way to add more soy to your diet. The isoflavones in soy may help maintain bone density, reduce the risk of certain cancers, protect against heart disease, and help alleviate symptoms of menopause. The Omega-3s in the tofu help skin retain its natural moisture. This recipe is inspired by the Chinese steamed custards served at dim sum. You can put almost anything under the silken tofu layer, and the garnishes are endless. Serves 2-4 Ingredients 1 package (8 oz.) silken tofu Pinch of salt 10-12 dried shiitake mushrooms 1/4 lb. peeled shrimp (devein, if desired) […]
April 26, 2020
This juice blend is specifically formulated to help the skin look young and beautiful while protecting the mind. I use my Blendtec® Tabletop Total Blender to pulverize the carrots, cantaloupe, and cucumber. Carrots and melons have carotenoids, an antioxidant that fights skin aging. Cucumbers have silica, a mineral that helps skin retain moisture. I add a raw egg white for its collagen-building strength and its choline which supports healthy brain function. And I stir in nutritious green tea because its catechins will help keep teeth cavity-free and brains sharp. Serves 2 Ingredients 1 (16-oz.) bag of organic baby carrots ½ cantaloupe, rind […]
March 24, 2020
Q: With every change of seasons, the skin on my hands and around my nails gets really dry and cracks. It’s so painful. What can I do to prevent this? “Changes of season can bring about a lot of skin changes,” says Dr. Caroline A. Chang of Dermatology Professionals in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Temperatures rise or drop, and the air’s moisture content may change drastically. Irritants in the air can also cause skin dryness. Research published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, for instance, shows that pollen may provoke both contact and atopic dermatitis. If you know which seasons […]
March 5, 2019
Aging gracefully depends on how you nurture your body. Today, a trove of studies shows the importance of following a nutrient-dense diet, being active and taking dietary supplements to support a healthy aging process. One of the clear standouts to help along the way: collagen, an antiaging nutrient that rose to stardom in Japan decades ago. Collagen is everywhere in our bodies—from our skin, hair and nails to our bones and joints—collagen is an important protein for staving off wrinkles and keeping our joints healthy. Although there are at least 20 types of collagen, most of the focus on collagen […]