Grow Healthy
With Dr. Sally's
"Vital Signs" Blog
Cultures throughout Mesoamerica historically relied on corn as a staple for tamales and tortillas, polenta, and grits. Corn has been cultivated for thousands of years, providing nourishment to millions, especially once early farmers learned to consume it with potash, which releases niacin, the essential B vitamin in corn.
After decades of focus on the heart, cardiovascular disease still remains the leading cause of death in the United States. But it doesn’t have to be this way: we now know that most heart disease can be prevented and even reversed! Yet nearly half of adult Americans have high blood pressure. And most don’t know it. Nor do they realize that high blood pressure leads to heart attacks and stroke. So instead of giving candy hearts and wilting flowers this V-Day, here are some simple but lasting ways to keep your heart open and express affection to those you love.
VIDEO: Did you know that the word “recipe” has its origins in French and means “medical prescription”? This chicken soup fills the Rx: it’s full of the flavors, colors, and nutrients of Nature. Real food to nurture your body, mind, and spirit!
Here are a few of the medicinal qualities of chicken soup:
If you could take just one step to create a healthier future full of vitality and free from both acute and chronic diseases, it would be to fight inflammageing. While this hybrid term has been picked up by the beauty industry because of the clear-cut connection between inflammation and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, inflammageing is more than skin deep.
Despite the challenges we humans are facing, Mother Nature continues to produce an abundance of gorgeous herbs, fresh veggies and fruits. In my mind, this is more than food: this is our medicine! And no summer veggie says “vitality” quite like tomatoes. 🍅 Their tangy, bright red flesh is loaded with key antioxidants, like lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which protect the retina from the UV damage that causes cataracts and macular degeneration
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If you haven’t tried fennel yet, you’re missing out on its powerful benefits to support healthy-aging! Fennel is that unusual veggie that looks like a cross between a white onion and celery, with stalks forming a crown of green feathery fronds. Its mild anise, or licorice flavor has made it a favorite in both Italian and French cooking, where it is featured in the classic fisherman’s soup of France, bouillabaisse.
Welcome to 2019! It’s so exciting to see that many of the practices I was trained in decades ago as a naturopathic physician are now not only becoming popular, but are also being validated. From elimination diets to intermittent fasting, this is the year to explore the science of fasting and eating clean and alcohol-free for a month.
As Mother’s Day approaches, I want to remember my Mom with a recipe that is perfect for Mother’s Day brunch and review some reassuring research about eggs, “Nature’s perfect protein”. First, the much-maligned egg has been vindicated (once again), this time by an Australian study just published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Root veggies are making a comeback as “clean carbohydrates”. They satisfy our need for energy, while providing an alternative to the dizzying array of refined carbs. Because root veggies are rich in fiber, they help fight hunger and stabilize blood sugar, preventing late night cravings. And of course, they’re free of gluten!
As the air turns crisp, it’s natural to crave our favorite comfort foods. Instead of reaching for mac’n cheese, gather the ingredients to make this mouthwatering soup. Then, while you’re binge-watching your favorite show, you’ll feel guilt-less pleasure with a bowl of warm soup in hand. Be sure to make enough to freeze for those cold nights ahead when you’re too tired to cook!
This modern take on the classic “hash” dishes up two servings of colorful veggies in a golden sauté that’s ready in minutes. Save time by prepping the onion and microwaving the potatoes the night before so they’re ready for the skillet when it’s time to cook. These potatoes are teeming with flavor, flavonoids and keep your blood sugar stable all morning long. This is something that could be made in a bigger batch on a Sunday afternoon for weekday mornings to come. Yum!
VIDEO: One of the latest products to hit the produce aisle is cauliflower “rice”. This is just a head of cauliflower that’s been chopped into pea-size pieces. You can buy it precut, break it down with a knife or do it in small batches in a food processor. It’s the perfect stand-in for starchier carbs like grains, and it can be mashed, like potatoes or blended into a savory dip.
