Fall into Honey to Stay Well in Autumn the Mediterranean Way!

By Cal Orey

I’m living proof that a clean heart-healthy Mediterranean diet and exercise are two holistic secrets for a happy heart and immune system year-round.  As fall nears if you'd like to embrace good health here's five favorite superfoods that you may want to add to your diet throughout the day.

1. Avocados: Rich in monosaturated fats, avocados can help bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL). The are also high in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Tip: Try avocado on whole grain toast for breakfast or a snack or sliced in a kale salad with a splash of red wine vinegar and olive oil.
2. Green Tea: It is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which have been shown to reduce inflammation. The polyphenols in green tea can help lower LDL cholesterol, and potentially reduce plaque buildup in arteries. Tip: Drinking 2-3 cups of green tea daily may provide heart benefits. Lose the sugar.
3. Garlic: This herb contains allicin, a compound known for its ability to lower blood pressure and improve circulation. It may reduce plaque and enhance overall heart health. Tip: Fresh garlic or dried adds flavor to shellfish and cruciferous vegetables. But note: Consult with a healthcare provider before adding garlic supplements or large amounts of garlic to your diet.
4. Turmeric: It contains curcumin which can help reduce arterial stiffness, contributing to better blood flow. Adding turmeric to meals or taking curcumin supplements may offer cardiovascular benefits. Tip: Turmeric pairs well with heart-healthy fatty salmon, vegetables, soups, and smoothies.
5. Honey: Rather than consume refined sugar or sugary processed foods, swap it with raw honey, rich in disease-fighting antioxidants. Drizzle honey in Greek yogurt or a cup of black or chamomile tea to savor a sweet flavor. Tip: Lavender honey is a favorite of mine with plain Greek yogurt.

In a nutshell (yeah, almonds and walnuts in moderation are good for raising your good cholesterol), these natural methods—avocados, green tea, garlic, turmeric, and honey—can be beneficial for the heart health. (Read more in the new release The Healing Powers of Honey, Revised.)

For recipes, check out The Healing Powers of Honey, Revised, The Healing Powers of Superfoods, The Healing Powers of Tea, and The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices (published by Kensington, by Cal Orey); Sources: AHA, National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Mayo Clinic.

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series, and Courage with Paws: The Heart of a Siamese Cat, (Book 2) Time-Traveling Tabby. Her website is http://www.calorey.com

The Healing Powers of HONEY Lands in NEW READS for September Collection

 Kensington Publishing Corp. 

Happy pub day to all these fantastic authors!

Fall into The Healing Powers of Honey 2--The Revolutionary Honey Bible (Available August 25)

  Courtesy Cal Orey

Kensington Publishing Announces Sequel of The Healing Powers of Honey 

Pinion Newswire

NEW YORK,USA, July 14, 2026 (PinionNewswire) —Cal Orey’s augmented book returns with new honeybee research, personal survival stories, a new foreword, climate-focused reporting and honey-based recipes

Kensington Publishing is announcing the sequel and updated edition of The Healing Powers of Honey: Revised and Updated by Cal Orey, an expanded release that explores honey, honeybees, food traditions, environmental change, recipes and personal storytelling.

The sequel will be available worldwide on Aug. 25, 2026, through Kensington Publishing’s Citadel imprint. The book expands Orey’s long-running work on honey with new research, reporting and reflections on the role honey continues to hold in kitchens, food history and cultural traditions.

The updated book examines honey at a time when many readers are paying closer attention to shelf-stable foods, traditional ingredients and minimally processed alternatives to refined sugar. Orey also discusses honey’s long-standing reputation among some beekeepers and consumers as a durable pantry staple with deep historical and cultural significance.

A major focus of the sequel edition is the relationship between honeybees, environmental stress and the human food chain. Orey looks at how extreme weather, wildfires, shifting seasonal patterns and climate-related pressures may affect honeybee survival, pollination and foods that depend on bee-pollinated crops, including fruits, nuts and other agricultural products.

The augmented edition also includes a more personal narrative layer. Orey shares stories connected to rare blizzard conditions in Tahoe, a NASCAR-related life-threatening event, wildfire danger, a race against time and a near-death experience that influenced her renewed focus on resilience, food choices and Mediterranean-style living.

“This expanded edition allowed me to return to honey through the lens of food, survival, honeybees, climate, recipes and personal experience,” said Cal Orey. “The book reflects my continued interest in how one natural ingredient can connect history, culture, kitchens and the environment.”

The book also includes new honey-based recipes, including Hot Honey Glazed Turkey Loaf and Turmeric Honey Booster. Orey also explores food trends such as Manuka honey, hot honey and honey’s continued place in contemporary kitchens.

The sequel features a new foreword by Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth.

The Healing Powers of Honey: Revised and Updated blends food writing, honeybee reporting, recipes, research and first-person storytelling for readers interested in natural foods, honey traditions, environmental issues and the changing role of honey in modern life.

Health and Wellness Information Notice

This release is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical, nutritional, dietary, therapeutic or health advice. The book discusses honey, honeybees, recipes, wellness traditions, research, food history and personal experiences for general educational purposes.

No statement in this release should be interpreted as a claim that honey, honeybees, recipes or any food product can diagnose, treat, cure, prevent or manage disease, viruses, infections, medical conditions or health conditions. Readers should consult qualified healthcare professionals before making health, dietary or wellness decisions.

About the Book

Title: The Healing Powers of Honey: Revised and Updated
Subtitle: A Complete Guide to Nature’s Remarkable Nectar
Author: Cal Orey
Foreword: Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth
Publisher: Kensington Publishing, Citadel
Series: Healing Powers #4
Publication Date: Aug. 25, 2026
ISBN: 9780806545721
Pages: 352
Category: Health & Fitness / Naturopathy
Book Page: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/shop/the-healing-powers-of-honey-revised-and-updated/?v=0b3b97fa6688 [Pre-Order to Secure a Copy; see formats and editions]

About Cal Orey

Cal Orey, M.A., is a journalist, author and on-air personality known for the Healing Powers series. She holds a master’s degree in English from San Francisco State University and has written for national and international publications for more than three decades, with work focused on health, nutrition, food and science.

Media Contact

Cal Orey
Phone: 530-416-8376

Website: Cal Orey Homepage www.calorey.com

The post Kensington Publishing Announces Sequel of The Healing Powers of Honey first appeared on USA Today News. 

The Vanishing Honeybee: Then and Now

How Does the Fading Buzz Affect You?

 By Cal Orey, M.A.

In 2025, across America, honey bee colonies are vanishing at an alarming rate, and the snowball effects could reach your breakfast table, your grocery bill, and the food chain we all depend on around the nation and world for our health and well-being.

UPDATE: (Find out more in The Healing Powers of Honey, Revised & Updated, August 25, 2026. An expanded chapter with more data about other causes--such as extreme weather and climate change--which are affecting the health of bees. Plus, insightful and exclusive interview(s) with the past and present editors of Bee Culture Magazine and gripping real-life stories about wildfires and hazardous air quality are included in the revolutionary HONEY book 2.)

As of 2025, honey bee populations continue to face significant challenges. A recent study published in the journal Nature in March 2025 examined the impacts of neonicotinoid pesticides on bee health. The researchers found that exposure to these chemicals not only affects bees but also disrupts colony dynamics, leading to a vanishing of honey bees. What’s more, a survey conducted by the American Beekeeping Federation in early 2025 reported that beekeepers across the United States experienced an average loss of 40% of their colonies during the winter months.

So, what’s going on, anyhow? Scientists are scrambling for answers. Indeed, while some say its pesticides, others claim it is toxic metals in the soil. Climate change could also be stressing colonies to the point of no return. In my book The Healing Powers of Honey (#1 Top Rated label on Amazon), I interviewed beekeepers who talked about “Colony Collapse Disorder” aka CCD. And it seems things are not getting better—and why you should care.

 AWOL Bees: Your Health and Nutrition

Did you know honey bees play a role in our food production? Their decline can affect our health and nutrition in different ways.

1.     Reduced Crop Yields: Many fruits, vegetables, and nuts rely on honey bees for pollination. If bee population decline, the yields of these crops will decrease. This means less food available for us to eat, leading to potential shortages of essential nutrients in your diet.

2.     Higher Food Prices: As the availability of pollinated crops drops due to fewer bees, the prices of these foods may rise. For instance, almond production is dependent on honey bees; if their numbers drop, the cost of almonds could increase, making them less available to you.

3.     Nutritional Deficiencies: AWOL honey bees can lead to fewer kinds of superfood fruits and vegetables. That means lack of essential nutrients will happen because many vitamins and minerals come from produce, like apples and berries—super sources for disease-fighting antioxidants that help reduce risk of heart disease and cancer.

4.     Loss of Biodiversity: Bees help maintain plant diversity by pollinating a wide range of species. A decline in bee populations can lead to fewer plant species thriving, which affects not only food crops but also the overall health of ecosystems that provide us with clean air and water.

5.    Increased Reliance on Artificial Pollination: To compensate for the loss of natural pollinators like honey bees, farmers may turn to artificial methods for pollination. This reliance could lead to lower quality, nutritious produce.

So, what can you do to help keep the honey bee alive and well?  Grow annual and perennial plants so honey bees are collecting nectar and pollen for food. Reduce usage of pesticides of all kinds to a minimum.  Supply fresh water in a way so that visiting bees don’t become a nuisance but continue to thrive. Donate funds to bee researchers around the country.

Flash Foreword: Savor Words of Honey Wisdom

 Sneak Peek of Hot New Release: HONEY 2 Arrival in 7 Days!

  By Cal Orey

 On Tour: The Healing Powers of Honey: Revised and Updated - 

   PenguinRandomHouse  LOOK INSIDE (Foreword, Author's Note...)

Barnes & Noble Event Happenings: 

 Bookstores:

 Reno 9-19, Folsom 9-26, Seattle (Downtown) 11-11...

FALL INTO AN ANTICIPATED 

HOT NEW RELEASE.. BUNDLE UP 

FOR THE NEW SEASON!

Amazon New Releases in Antioxidants & Phytochemicals

 

1. #1

   

   
   

   The Healing Powers of Honey: Revised and Updated: A Complete Guide to Nature's Remarkable Nectar

   Cal Orey

   4.5 out of 5 stars 

   Paperback

   $18.95

   5 formats available

Quake Coming? Ask Your Cat!

 Shaking up health: Tahoe’s Tremors’ Prep Guide

News| Dec 15, 2024 Tahoe Daily Tribune

Cal Orey, M.A.

It was a typical afternoon on December 9, 2024, when my big orange tabby decided that the closet was the most fascinating place in my cabin. As I watched him paw at the door in the hallway with intensity, my phone rang. It was by sibling calling to chat, I thought. Just as I picked up the cell phone it vibrated violently on the chair. The ShakeAlert notification blared ominously: an earthquake was imminent! In that split second, I had to plan. I quickly set my laptap down on the floor, far away from the bottled water, and bolted toward the dining room where my study wooden table stood like a fortress against nature’s whims.

I dropped to the floor and covered my head with my arms, heart pounding like a solo at a rock concert. The shaking began—strong rolling waves that made me feel like I was on a rough boat ride in the Lake. Forget seasick; I felt like I was auditioning for a part in Titanic. As the tremor stopped and silence returned (aside from barking dogs outdoors and my racing heartbeat), I took a moment to breathe deeply and regain composure.

Once it felt safe to emerge from under the table, I logged onto my computer to see be welcomed by the data: a 5.8 at Yerington, Nevada; and reports were rolling in that the shallow quake had been felt in Reno, Sacramento, and Lake Tahoe… I gathered myself and decided it would be wise to prepare an ER Go Bag and checklist for peace of mind. After all, Lake Tahoe, known for its natural beauty, is also situated in a seismically active region. Here, take a look at health-savvy earthquake preparedness safety tips… 

Before the Shake: Get Ready!

• Sign up for earthquake alerts on your phone: (Watch your cat or dog’s odd behavior, too!—so you’ll know when a quake may be coming.)
• Make an Emergency Kit: Prepare a health-focused ER kit with water, non-perishable snacks, first aid supplies, and any med you may need for you and your pet.
• Do Pet Prep: Keep your pets’ essentials handy—food, water, cat crate, dog leash, and comfort items. Animals (like my cat) can often sense changes in the environment, so let them have a safe space.

During the Quake: Stay Safe!

• Drop, Cover, Hold On: When the shaking starts, drop to your hands and knees to prevent falling down or being in harm’s way with glass or heavy furniture. Cover your head and neck under sturdy furniture if available or use your arms to protect yourself.
• Think Pet Safety: If you have pets with you, keep them close and reassure them with a soothing voice.
• Chill Out: Don’t log onto your computer during the tremor, wait until the shaking stops and you are safe.

After the Tremor: Check-In!

• Explore Your Surroundings: Once the temblor is over (remember, aftershocks can and do occur), check for injuries (to yourself and others) and ensure it’s safe to move around.
• Hydrate & Nourish: Drink water (calms the nerves) and eat something light (if you feel queasy like I did) to maintain energy levels after the stress of an earthquake.
• Tune In Mental Health Matters: Talk about what happened with friends or family; sharing experiences can help reduce anxiety.

By following these health tips before, during, and after an earthquake, you’ll be better prepared to handle Mother Nature’s moves. (Find out more about earthquake preparedness and animals sensing oncoming earthquakes in The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes, by Cal Orey, published by Sentient.)

Fall into HONEY 2...Arrival in 9 Days: August 25 for National Honey Month: September 2026

   On Tour: 

The Healing Powers of Honey: Revised and Updated -   PenguinRandomHouse  LOOK INSIDE (Foreword, Author's Note...)

 To be Updated: Barnes & Noble Event Happenings: 

 Bookstores:

 Reno 9-19, Folsom 9-26, Seattle (Downtown) 11-11...

Bundle Up for Autumn/Holidays

Amazon Hot New Releases in Antioxidants & Phytochemicals

 

1. #1

   

   
   

   The Healing Powers of Honey: Revised and Updated: A Complete Guide to Nature's Remarkable Nectar

   Cal Orey

   4.5 out of 5 stars 

   Paperback

   $18.95

   5 formats available

Friday, August 14, 2026

Sneak Peek of Hot New Release: HONEY 2 Arrival in 9 Days!

 On Tour: The Healing Powers of Honey: Revised and Updated - 

   PenguinRandomHouse  LOOK INSIDE (Foreword, Author's Note...)

 To be Updated: Barnes & Noble Event Happenings: 

 Bookstores:

 Reno 9-19, Folsom 9-26, Seattle (Downtown) 11-11...

AMAZON HOT NEW RELEASES...

New Releases in Antioxidants & Phytochemicals

 

1. #1

   

   
   

   The Healing Powers of Honey: Revised and Updated: A Complete Guide to Nature's Remarkable Nectar

   Cal Orey

   4.5 out of 5 stars 

   Paperback

   $18.95

   5 formats available