DISEASE PREVENTION
FoodTrients with disease-preventing characteristics are those that reduce risk factors for common degenerative and age-related diseases like heart trouble, high cholesterol, and cancer.
Recipes that include disease-preventing ingredients are below.
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April 21, 2020
Asparagus is a finicky vegetable. It must be very fresh and picked early in the season or it will have woody stalks. Don’t cut the dry ends of the stalks. Instead, bend the stalks until the dry ends break off. Otherwise you risk serving chewy, inedible asparagus parts that your guests won’t enjoy. This citrusy side dish can be served hot or cold and is good cut up and served in a salad. Serves 4-6 Ingredients 2 lbs. asparagus spears, ends snapped off 4 Tbs. orange juice 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice ½ tsp. sea salt or salt substitute 4 […]
March 26, 2020
Radishes belong to the same family of vegetables as kale and cabbage and offer some of the same disease-preventing benefits. I use the same simple oil-and-vinegar dressing here as on my Bitter Melon Salad, so both salads can be served together at a picnic or on a buffet. SERVES 2-4 Ingredients 2 daikon radishes or 1 bunch red radishes, stems removed 1 cup seasoned rice vinegar 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil 1 tsp. minced garlic 1 tsp. sea salt 1/4 tsp. white pepper 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs 6-8 sliced grape tomatoes Procedure 1. Slice the radishes very thinly using a […]
January 21, 2020
Golden brown cauliflower, sprigs of fresh sage, and a dollop of sweet and tart applesauce make this tasty side dish the perfect addition to almost any meal. It’s inspired by the Blue Zone city of Loma Linda, California, where the mostly vegetarian population enjoys great longevity and health. Like other cruciferous vegetables, cauliflower is a rich source of detoxifying fiber and the cancer-fighting sulfur compounds indoles and isothiocyanates. Serves: 2 Ingredients 1 head (3-4 cups) cauliflower, chopped into florets 2 Tbs. toasted sesame oil ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce 1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar Salt and black pepper 3 sprigs fresh […]
April 2, 2019
This is another of my cross-cultural wonders. It’s like a veal scaloppini, but substituting fish for meat and marinating it in turmeric juice makes this dish much more healthful. The Omega-3s in the fish are great for skin hydration and elasticity, and turmeric is known the world over for its amazing anti-inflammatory benefits. Tilapia fillets work best because they’re so thin and cook quickly, but you can use other thin whitefish fillets if you prefer. Serve these fillets over my Whole-Wheat Garlic Noodles. Serves 4 Ingredients 1/3 cup Fresh Turmeric Juice 2 Tbs. mirin (seasoned rice wine) Sea salt and […]
March 13, 2019
With walnuts, goji berries, blueberries, and chia seeds, this delicious homemade granola recipe is filled with nourishing whole foods. Walnuts and chia seeds provide healthy fats, including essential omega 3’s, while berries are a rich source of immune-boosting antioxidants. All of the fiber in the nuts, seeds, oats, and fruits contributes to gut health and detoxification. Use this granola as a topping for yogurt, smoothie bowls, and oatmeal, or eat it all on its own for a satisfying, sweet snack. Serves 4 Ingredients 1 cup rolled oats ½ cup roughly chopped almonds ½ cup walnut halves and pieces ¼ cup […]
January 14, 2019
Plain veggies can be boring but doctoring them up with savory miso and spices can make anyone a lover—even of broccoli, cauliflower, or kale. Japanese miso is a fermented soybean paste you can buy in the refrigerated section of natural food stores. Miso tastes salty and savory; some people describe it as earthy. White miso paste, which is preferred in Kyoto, Japan, has a more delicate flavor than brown or red miso paste. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts contain slightly bitter compounds that may help kill cancer cells. Miso provides probiotic bacteria for a healthy gut. […]
January 8, 2019
In my family we call these meatballs albondigas. I tweaked this recipe by making the broth out of green tea and using ostrich meat from a local farm. You can use store-bought vegetable broth instead of homemade. You can use it instead of the green tea, but you won’t get the same health benefits. You can use organic or free-range ground chicken or turkey instead of ostrich meat. The benefits include: Green tea leaves are full of catechins, theaflavins, and safranal, which are all cancer killers. Ostrich meat contains copper, riboflavin, and selenium. Copper is a necessary component of collagen […]
November 13, 2018
Celery root (celeriac or knob celery) gets no respect. Sure it’s somewhat ugly, but so are other tubers that grow underground. This mild vegetable is low in carbohydrates, full of fiber, and can pair well with higher-carb vegetables like potatoes. In fact, your guests might not even notice that these mashed potatoes taste any different. Celery root is rich in vitamin K, which helps your blood clot normally (good for your heart, circulation system, and brain). It also has phosphorous, which helps nerves and muscles function properly and strengthens teeth. Potatoes are a surprisingly good source of the skin-protective antioxidant […]
November 13, 2018
These green beans are easy to make and can even be prepped a day ahead of time, which makes them perfect for holidays and dinner parties. Marcona almonds make this simple side dish elegant. Green beans contain vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that boosts immune function and keeps eyes and skin healthy. Vitamin C helps the body resist infection, prevents cataracts, and boosts collagen. SERVES 4-6 Ingredients 1 lb. green beans (about 6 cups), trimmed 2 Tbs. olive oil 2 Tbs. Marcona almonds 2 Tbs. lemon juice 1 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley 1 Tbs. chopped fresh […]
November 12, 2018
Roasted veggies aren’t just for fall anymore! They can fit into the diet year round when mixed with other fresh, seasonal choices. Root vegetables such as beets and carrots can be combined with a variety of greens and a light, lemony vinaigrette to make the perfect warm-weather salad. Quick and easy to make, try this roasted vegetable salad with summer greens this week. The veggies and greens are full of detoxifying fiber and chlorophyll. The colors point to disease-preventing Foodtrients. Serves 5 Ingredients 4 large carrots, peeled and diced 1 medium yellow onion, diced 3 medium purple beets, peeled and […]
June 20, 2017
Garlic and rosemary are two ingredients with powerful nutrient profiles. Garlic has been used for centuries as an anti-microbial agent and for its heart health properties, due to the naturally occurring sulfuric compound allicin. Additionally, rosemary contains compounds that may improve concentration and stimulate the immune system. Together, these Mediterranean flavors blend nicely in this simple white bean spread perfect for sandwiches or crudité platters. YIELDS 2.5 Cups Ingredients 1 3/4 cup cooked cannelloni beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed) 1/4 cup olive oil, plus additional for topping 2 Tbs. white wine vinegar 6 large garlic cloves, peeled and […]
May 21, 2017
Try these Lemon Tahini Kale Chips next time you’re in search of a crunchy snack that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Fresh flavors and crunchy textures combine to create a delicious transportable snack that will help you feel energized and satisfied until your next meal. You can enjoy an extra serving of nutritious disease-preventing cruciferous vegetables by packing these kale chips along in your lunchbox, purse, or backpack. Because the kale stays raw, its detoxifying chlorophyll is preserved. SERVES 2-3 Ingredients 1 bunch (about 8 leaves) kale, ribs removed and torn into large, chip-sized pieces 2 Tbs. tahini 1 lemon, zest […]
November 8, 2016
Heart-friendly yams are tarted up with lime juice and shredded coconut in this festive side dish. Serve it with lamb or my Ostrich Meatballs (Age Beautifully Cookbook). It also goes well with turkey, pork, and meatloaf. BENEFITS: Yams (and/or sweet potatoes) contain carotenoids and fiber. Carotenoids inhibit cancer and tumor growth, reduce your risk of heart disease, and support immune function. Fiber lowers blood cholesterol and, like carotenoids, reduces your risk of heart disease. SERVES 2-4 Ingredients 2 cups cubed yams or sweet potatoes, peeled 1 Tbs. coconut oil ½ tsp. salt or salt substitute 1 Tbs. fresh lime juice (and/or thin […]