Vitamin D Research Update & Mushrooms Food for Thought!

Vitamin D Research Update & Mushrooms Food for Thought!

As Vitamin D is naturally present in very few foods, added to others, and can be hard to get safely in adequate amounts from the sun, it’s one nutrient that I tend to recommend as a supplement, and one that’s the focus of ongoing nutrition research. Consider how much vitamin D you may get on a daily basis—read on about amounts in food sources, recommendations and what mushrooms have to do with it!

Sweet 'n Nutty: Maple-Tahini Cookies

Sweet 'n Nutty: Maple-Tahini Cookies

Move over Good 'n Plenty...                                                                                                                          ...Hello Sweet 'n Nutty!
Thanks to some dark, B-grade maple syrup from my neighbor at the end of sugaring season, these cookies are the perfect antidote for a sweet tooth without a sugar overload. Nutritional bennies: both the flax and walnuts are good sources of heart healthy Omega-3 fats (with a plethora of other healthful perks.) Tahini also contains good fats and protein. The whole barley (or oat) flours give the cookies a boost of soluble fiber. Even the maple syrup is a natural source of magnesium, zinc and several other minerals absent from refined sugars.

Organic Veggies & Fruits To Choose More Often

Organic Veggies & Fruits To Choose More Often

After the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit dedicated to both healthier lives and the environment, released their Dirty Dozen last week (a list of the veggies and fruits that contain the most pesticide residues) some people question again the cost versus the safety and healthfulness of their food purchases. Of course we can’t live in fear of every morsel we put into our mouths, but it is  important to take notice of key foods we consume on a regular basis that can pose a high health risk.

Fresh Parsley & Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce

Fresh Parsley & Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce

Welcome the earthiness of spring! A boldly refreshing and versatile sauce that elevates grilled meats / seafood and roasted vegetables from dressed to well-dressed. Nutrition bennies: The volatile oils in herbs that declare their signature fragrances have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties—substantial health benefits to help fight disease.

 

Peanut Sesame Chicken Satay

Peanut Sesame Chicken Satay

This recipe yields a flavorful appetizer that everyone loves so it disappears quickly! The only real work is threading the chicken onto wooden skewers. The marinade can be made several days in advance, and the chicken can be marinated a day ahead of cooking. Notes: Be sure to use Toasted Sesame Oil which contains a kick of hot pepper. Also, soak wooden skewers in water for at least an hour before grilling to prevent them from getting fully burned through. 

What's the Deal with Fiber?

What's the Deal with Fiber?

If a food package boasts “Whole Grain” on the front, look at the list of ingredients on the back to make sure the first ingredient really is Whole, not just wheat or enriched. Natural fiber is derived only from fruits and vegetables along with the whole intact of grains, which includes the outside bran, the inside endosperm and germ. Fiber is then classified as Soluble or Insoluble which merely refers to its ability to dissolve in water.

Double Chocolate Good Heart Brownies

Double Chocolate Good Heart Brownies

Chocolate is good for the soul, good for relationships (think Valentine’s Day), and yes, it can even be good for the health of your heart. To benefit and enjoy a truly delicious taste, you need to select the good stuff!In addition to the antioxidants in both the cocoa and the chocolate chips, these brownies contain heart healthy flax and walnuts, both sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. The flax adds quite a bit of moisture to the brownies, so that only a small amount of healthy canola oil is needed.