You may have heard of an anti-inflammatory food plan or diet and wondered what exactly it entails. Does it work? What benefits might you gain from following this path? Also, why is it so popular?
In this blog, I will answer these questions plus provide you with a list of anti-inflammatory foods that may benefit your health.
Read MoreMashed potatoes are one of my favorite side dishes, especially when the weather cools down. Because we eat a lot of mashed potatoes at my house, I thought this dish would be the perfect vehicle for some extra-nutritious add-ins. Enter turmeric - the tasty spice that is an extremely powerful antioxidant.
In Chinese Medicine, turmeric (Jiāng Huáng) is warm, spicy and bitter, and enters the Spleen, Stomach, and Liver meridians. It breaks up blood stasis, moves Qi and eliminates pain, and expels wind and promotes the movement of blood. It is especially good for shoulder pain, abdominal pain, and menstrual pain.
Read MoreAs a lifelong vegetarian, I know that sometimes my friends or extended family would struggle with what to prepare for me during holiday get-togethers. After eating my last tofu turkey, I decided to come up with a flavorful vegetarian dish that I could bring for dinner for everyone would enjoy.
Richly infused with a medley of autumn spices, this dish highlights the savory qualities of cinnamon, butternut squash, and lentils. Cinnamon roasted butternut lentils are hearty enough to be the star of a plant-based Thanksgiving. Served alongside turkey, it’s a wonderful side dish that even meat-eaters will love. It’s gluten-free, vegetarian, and can be easily made vegan by omitting the cheese.
Read MoreIf you love ginger, this is the recipe for you! The ultimate warming dessert, this zippy cake gets its delicious flavor from fresh ginger.
According to Chinese Medicine, fresh ginger (Shēng Jiāng), is spicy, slightly warm, and goes to the Lung, Spleen, and Stomach meridians. Fresh ginger warms the middle jiao, stops nausea and coughing, and resolves toxicity (which is why fresh ginger is always served alongside raw fish in sushi restaurants!) It is perfect for people who always feel cold, have poor digestion, or have a cough they can’t seem to shake.
This fresh ginger cake packs a big ginger punch (no the amount is not incorrect) that will leave you feeling warm and comforted.
Read MoreHumble apple cider vinegar (ACV) gets a lot of attention as a health tonic. It contains a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids as well as a relatively low acidity compared to other types of vinegar (around 5% acetic acid.) Unlike other kinds of vinegar, such as red wine and balsamic, ACV is made from apple cider that has been fermented with a bacteria that produces health-promoting probiotics and enzymes.
There are many claims about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. These claims range from wild (ACV cures cancer!) to mild (ACV helps lower cholesterol as part of a healthy diet). Here are 5 benefits of ACV - including weight loss - that are backed by legitimate scientific research.
Read MoreLast year, when I was in the jungle of Peru, I ate quinoa soup every day. Twice a day. As a vegetarian, quinoa soup was one of the only meat-free options available. And, I have to admit, I wasn't always excited about it. The outside temperatures were high, I was already hot and sweaty; the last thing I wanted was a bowl of hot soup. Despite this, the soup was delicious and filling; I was never hungry and it was packed full of local goodies (quinoa is a grain native to Peru!)
Read MoreWho doesn't love a good risotto? Creamy and delicious arborio rice paired with assorted vegetables always makes risotto a winner in my house. Except most risottos are made with a raft of heavy ingredients - butter, cheeses, and wine. I love this vegan version, packed full of veggies but still with the signature creaminess of a traditional risotto. Get your arm ready.
Read MoreIn China, Chrysanthemum tea is a popular summertime drink because it is refreshing, cooling, and naturally caffeine free. Chrysanthemum is especially good for the skin; it helps to reduce acne, arrest headaches, and can even help with tooth or jaw pain! Check out all of the benefits for this great tea plus learn how you can brew up a cup for yourself!
Read MoreI love anything French lavender - essential oil, body care, even food! This recipe for lavender lemonade is perfect for when the temperature starts to climb. In Chinese nutrition, lemons are cooling, harmonizing, thirst-relieving and promote fluids. Add in relaxing and calming French lavender and you have a perfect summer drink!
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