New Take on the Mediterranean Diet--the Healing Powers Series Author Speaks Out

 New Take on the Mediterranean Diet

NewsNews | Nov 9, 2026 Tahoe Daily Tribune

Cal Orey, M.A.

The hot news is, the Mediterranean diet is once again the latest buzz. A new study reveals 25 years of data is linked to a longer life! A blood-based marker of the Mediterranean diet may be the key to better health and more years to enjoy living…

That means the superfoods I’ve been writing about for years–olive oil, vegetables, legumes, fruit and fish–all key parts of the healthy Mediterranean diet and my Healing Powers series based on the top diet is super after all.

Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in November 2026, the study shows that people with higher scores on a Medi diet live longer. But note, the people who did better followed a Mediterranean diet were less likely to smoke or have type 2 diabetes. But there’s more! 

Why the Mediterranean Diet Is Right for Tahoe The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest ways to eat because it combines plant-based foods, healthy fats, and a whole-food lifestyle that helps lower inflammation, is heart healthy, and cuts chronic disease risk like obesity.

Forget counting calories, since this diet provides a flexible eating style shared in European countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain. That means you can savor our store and restaurant vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains as daily staples. 

Extra virgin olive oil as the main fat source (rich in monounsaturated fats. Think fish and seafood several times a week for omega-3 fatty acids, eggs, nuts and seeds in moderate amounts, moderate dairy (yogurt or cheese) and limited red meat. In a nutshell, eating fresh, seasonal, local ingredients are in and processed, sugary junk food is out!

It Works for Alpine Holistic Health Scientists believe this superfood diet can help lower chronic inflammation by reducing C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (you can get your number in a blood test), which are tied to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Lake Tahoe’s residents already enjoy fresh produce, seafood, and outdoor activity, which align well with the Mediterranean diet. Actually, I fell into this way of eating back in 2000 at Tahoe when I was completing The Healing Powers of Vinegar book, the first one of nine books in the collection. And the wholesome Mediterranean diet is a central theme in the series.

The diet’s flexibility for all ages means it can be adapted to local foods without strict restrictions. No crash diets here. Tahoe folks can adopt the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle by focusing on local, fresh, plant-rich meals, and regular activity— which boost long-term vitality.

Cal Orey, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from SFSU. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series and the new, revised 2nd ed. of The Healing Powers of Honey (Kensington Publishing, Penguin Random House) is here! The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, Revised will be released January 2028. Her website is http://www.calorey.com

Healing Powers Series Author Touts the Healthiest Mediterranean Diet!

   By Cal Orey

In the past, The Healing Powers of Superfoods on Kobo!

• #1 in Nonfiction, Food & Drink, Healthy Cooking, Natural Foods
• #1 in Nonfiction, Food & Drink, Healthy Cooking
• #1 in Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Health, Alternative & Holistic Health, Alternative Therapies

And The Healing Powers of Superfoods has made its way on amazon, too! Not to forget getting kudos by Newsmax! (Take a peek! newsmax.com/superfoods gift book and a super comprehensive summary!)

#62

By Cal Orey

Did you know the keys to a long life and vibrant good health can be found on the shelves of your local supermarket?


Apples, leafy greens, maple syrup, pizza, shellfish, yogurt—even ice cream and pasta. The latest scientific studies reveal that many of the classic foods you’ve always loved are superfoods that can supercharge your health! Not only are they delicious, they’re affordable—plus these essential farm-to-table favorites can work with any diet plan, from the balanced Mediterranean Diet to the hunter-gatherer Paleo plan.
 
With over 50 recipes for both cooked and raw dishes, including smoothies and soups, a detox juice fast and a jump-start pounds-off diet, this down-to-earth guide will show you how to get healthy and stay healthy with body-friendly superfoods.
 
*Boost your immune system with citrus and nutrient-dense berries, including fresh, frozen, and dried.
 
*Enjoy the healthy fats in eggs and nuts, including nut butters, to fight inflammation, slow the aging process, and lower your risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
 
*Trade white sugar for antioxidant-rich sweeteners like maple syrup, the newest superfood!
 
*Create home remedies designed to ease anxiety, improve sleep, boost brainpower and enhance energy.
 
*Keep your home spotless for kids and pets using eco-friendly superfood-rich formulas.
 
*Pamper your mind and body with the same food-based treatments that health spas use, including ingredients like seeds and seaweed.

Now you can indulge in a Pesto Pizza or Berry Basil Smoothie, a Chicken Bone Broth or dark chocolate gelato, while chilling with an ancient-oats facial or relaxing in a warm, herb-scented bath. Infused with heartwarming stories and inspiring legends, The Healing Powers of Superfoods will take you to a world of wellness that starts at home with our favorite foods from Mother Nature—enjoyed in a new way with an exciting twist!

The Healing Powers of Honey, Revised--the Bible to Fight Seasonal Bugs

 Fend Off Colds and Flu, Naturally

 News | Nov 3, 2024 Tahoe Daily Tribune

Cal Orey, M.A.

It's here. Seasonal respiratory bugs are on the rise according to health experts. Now is time to guard your immune health and stock up your arsenal to stay healthy during autumn days when it's colder outdoors and we are indoors and vulnerable to germs and superbugs...

Yes, You Can Protect Yourself This Fall Season with 5 Home Remedies

Different bugs are here! Imagine: You’re watching an older sci-fi thriller like “I Am Legend” or “Contagion” on the small screen. Then reality hits. It’s not a thriller movie—it’s real life. Welcome to the cold and flu season—and viruses–invading our tourist town.

The good news: We are not powerless. There are natural strategies you can put to work to help stave off getting ill this year and help you to stay well during the upcoming holiday season.

Scrub Away Germs for Good, Unwind, Breathe, Power Up with Nutrient Richness, Tea Time: Relax and Refresh

1. Wash hands – Scrub Away Germs for Good

Hand sanitizers kill germs, but there is something even better to deter spreadable viruses. Doctors will tell you scrubbing your hands with plain soap and water for 20 seconds will lower your risk of these bugs. Plus, most doctors advise getting a flu shot—if you haven’t–for an added defense of viruses.

• Eat superfoods – Power Up with Nutrients Richness

What you eat matters, too.  Our immune system is a network of cells, tissues, and organs that requires essential vitamins and minerals to be functional at its best.  Eating superfoods “functional foods” comes to the rescue. Stacks of research shows a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients A, C, D, B12, and zinc all play a role in bolstering immune function to protect against the superbugs. A tip: Eat dark chocolate. A 1.5-ounce bar of quality dark chocolate has as much antioxidant power as a 5-ounce glass of wine.

• Drink tea – Tea Time: Relax and Refresh

Thankfully, scientists at the University of Surrey say an antioxidant in green tea can help get rid of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Researchers believe that epigallocatechin (EGCG) can restore the action of aztreonam, an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Sip a few cups of the brew daily for the most health benefits. Add dark honey for more antioxidant power to keep you well.

• Chill out – Unwind and Find Your Zen

De-stressing is also important during an outbreak which is nerve-wracking with frightening facts and fear of the unknown. A contagious virus, cold, and flu makes us more susceptible to infections to our immune system. 

Meanwhile, take care of you. Eating well, adequate sleep, and exercise are stay well strategies. And, of course, keeping our distance from those who are already ill is a key for self-preservation and staying well.  So, be prepared and chill.

• Germ-Fighting Four Thieves Rx

In the Middle Ages, four robbers in France stole belongings from sufferers of the Black Plague. The thieves’ antidote for survival was the herbal solution they used during looting. In a spray bottle, combine 48 ounces apple cider vinegar, 2 drops eucalyptus oil, 2 drops lavender oil, 2 drops lemon oil, and 3 cloves garlic. Vinegar, essential oils, and herbs contain antibacterial and antiviral compounds. Wipe surfaces to destroy germs.

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, romance, 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 the new updated and revised 2nd edition of the number #1 hit The Healing Powers of Honey, Revised (Amazon sale ebook format for Nov.); the classic edition is still available in 5 formats. Her website is http://www.calorey.com; The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, Revised (Jan. 2028).

Extreme Dander & Dust Is Back

By Cal Orey, M.A.

Today, on Friday, November 6, I woke up to the usual furry alarm clocks: a double-coated Australian Shepherd on my feet and a big orange really fluffy tabby cat using my side as a heating pad. While their morning greeting were heartwarming, once in the living room, my throat felt like sandpaper, and I destroyed the cozy scene with an “achoo!” twice. “A cold?” I pondered. A quick peek at a purple bar appearing in AccuWeather’s health section for South Lake Tahoe confirmed the true culprits: Extreme Dander and Dust. So, instead of braving allergy symptoms, I uncovered the secrets to a less sneezy-filled existence.

Yeah, dander and dust can affect people of all ages. Adds the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, seniors and elderly with existing respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies, may feel more than less symptoms. Kids, too, can be susceptible due to their developing immune systems and smaller airways, points out American Academy of Pediatrics.

In a region with dry, cold air, such as Lake Tahoe, dander and dust can be worse because dry air can suspend these particles and irritate mucous membranes, triggering warning signs like a sore throat, sneezing, itchy eyes, and watery eyes.

Easy Checklist

Here, must-have tips from the AAAAI, and my first-hand experience from living in the mountains:

ü  Use a humidifier: A cool-mist humidifier can add moisture to the air, which helps to soothe irritated airways and prevent mucous membranes from drying out.

ü  Turn on an air purifier (or two): An air purifier with a HEPA filter can remove dander, dust, and other allergens from the air in bedrooms or living areas.

ü  Vacuum with a HEPA filter vacuum and dust. Capture dust and dander from surfaces.

ü  Wash bedding regularly: Wash sheets/comforters in hot water to kill dust mites and remove dander.

ü  Manage Pet Dander. Wipe pets with a damp cloth to reduce dander they shed.    

ü  Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water and tea can help keep your throat moist and thin mucus, easing a raspy throat.

ü  Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops can alleviate symptoms.

By using these pet smart tips, you can deal with dander and dust—and enjoy the cuddly fur kids--even during dry, cold Tahoe winter days.

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. The new, revised 2nd ed. of a popular Healing Powers of Honey, Revised book, 2026 is available, achieving best seller status, on sale Amazon; and The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, 3^rd ed. is in production and to be released January 2028.

Breaking News! Mediterranean Diet is Buzzworthy

Catch the Buzz this Autumn!

By Cal Orey, M.A.

The hot news is has landed in the fall of 2026. The Mediterranean diet is once again the latest buzz. A new study reveals 25 years of data is linked to a longer life! A blood-based marker of the Mediterranean diet may be the key to better health and more years to enjoy living… (Chart, Pyramid, Recipes in the NEW sequel The Healing Powers of Honey, REVISED)

That means the superfoods I’ve been writing about for years--olive oil, vegetables, legumes, fruit and fish--all key parts of the healthy Mediterranean diet and my Healing Powers series based on the top diet is super after all.

Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in November 2026, the study shows that people with higher scores on a Medi diet live longer. But note, the people who did better followed a Mediterranean diet were less likely to smoke or have type 2 diabetes. But there’s more!

Why the Mediterranean Diet Is the Right Stuff for All Ages

The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest ways to eat because it combines plant based foods, healthy fats, and a whole food lifestyle that helps lower inflammation, is heart healthy, and cuts chronic disease risk like obesity.

Forget counting calories, since this diet provides a flexible eating style shared in European countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain. That means you can savor our store and restaurant vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains as daily staples.  

Extra virgin olive oil as the main fat source (rich in monounsaturated fats. Think fish and seafood several times a week for omega 3 fatty acids, nuts and seeds in moderate amounts, moderate dairy (yogurt or cheese) and limited red meat. In a nutshell, eating fresh, seasonal, local ingredients are in and processed, sugary junk food is out!

It Works for Holistic Health

Scientists believe this superfood diet can help lower chronic inflammation by reducing C reactive protein (CRP) levels (you can get your number in a blood test), which are tied to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. 

Healthy people already enjoy fresh produce, seafood, and outdoor activity, which align well with the Mediterranean diet. Actually, I fell into this way of eating back in 2000 at Tahoe when I was completing The Healing Powers of Vinegar book, the first one of nine books in the collection.  And the wholesome Mediterranean diet is a central theme in the series.

The diet’s flexibility for all ages means it can be adapted to local foods without strict restrictions. No crash diets here. Folks anywhere can adopt the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle by focusing on local, fresh, plant rich meals, and regular activity— which boost long term vitality. 

Cal Orey, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from SFSU. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series and the new, revised 2nd ed. of The Healing Powers of Honey (Kensington Publishing, Penguin Random House) is here! Her website is http://www.calorey.com

Award-Winning Healing Powers of Honey, REVISED... Enjoy the New Ebook (8 bucks on Amazon); Savor the Quality Paperback for Life

 Courtesy Cal Orey

Bestselling author Cal Orey unveils eye-opening new secrets in The Healing Powers of Honey 2; proof that nature's golden nectar is sweeter (and more powerful) than we ever knew!

Reframe how you reset your immune system, combat ailments, and so much more, all with the natural power of honey—the pantry staple and sustainable superfood that’s also the green choice for healthy living, homeopathic remedies, and natural cures. Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Walmart and more! PRE-ORDER FOR THIS SUMMER!

A newly revised and updated edition of the #1 hit and Top Pick, now with new research, heart-healthy recipes, honey bee data, and home cures!

DISCOVER HONEY’S AMAZING BEE-HEALTHY POWERS
Did you know? . . .

Eating honey, Mother Nature’s ancient medicine, can still work its healing magic and help lower the risk of disease—adding quality and years to your life—at any age!

The buzz: Consumers are seeking healthy alternatives to refined sugar due to concerns about obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, the #1 killer.

Yes! Raw, unprocessed honey is more popular than ever before and is touted a “superfood” as it replaces unhealthy table sugar and artificial sweeteners—helping to combat the skyrocketing rise in chronic ailments and life-threatening diseases.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, beekeepers experienced a surge in demand for the disease-fighting, antioxidant-rich “apocalyptic food” widely believed to boost immune health.

Increasing threats to honey bees’ survival may harm the planet’s nourishing superfoods that you love to eat—such as fruits and nuts—that the honey bee pollinates.

Honey, known as Mother Nature’s “nectar of the gods,” is an ancient remedy noted in the Bible and used for centuries to quell a cough, soothe a sore throat, energize you, and even calm frazzled nerves due to stressors such as post-COVID-19 virus variants and climate change health effects.

Enjoy gripping and adventurous survival stories about honey bees and humans as well as fascinating reasons why the popularity of honey is soaring, Manuka honey medicinal uses are surging, and herbal flavored varietals are trending. You’ll also love new heart-healthy recipes with honey twists such as Whipped Ricotta Toast with Lemon Thyme Honey, Hot Honey Glazed Turkey Loaf, and Turmeric Honey Immunity Booster, plus buzzworthy home cures thanks to honey’s gifts (including super “bee foods” like propolis and royal jelly) from the hive!

“This eye-opening book provides you with a delicious truth of the traditional Mediterranean diet. Honey is a sumptuous route to optimal health.” —Dr. Will Clower, author of The French Don’t Diet Plan

Story Locale:Nonfiction

Cal Orey, M.A., is a health expert, food writer, on-air personality and author of The Healing Powers series, including The Healing Powers of Vinegar, The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, The Healing Powers of Tea, The Healing Powers of Honey and The Healing Powers of Essential Oils. She has a master's degree in English from San Francisco State University, and for three decades has written hundreds of articles for national and international magazines, specializing in topics such as health, beauty, nutrition, relationships, science, and pets. She can be found online at CalOrey.com.

Author Residence: South Lake Tahoe, CA

Cover (large JPG)Cover (medium JPG)Cover (PDF)

UPDATED WITH NEW MATERIAL: About 25% of this edition is new and updated material, including new recipes and remedies; resource lists; expert commentary; a new foreword; the latest research findings on honey's health benefits, such as its antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties; new studies in the Mediterranean diet, heart health, immune system; data on our endangered honey bees and critical issue of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD); and heartwarming and adventurous anecdotes.

• A PROVEN SUCCESS : The Healing Powers of Honey has achieved #1 Top Rated status on Amazon, demonstrating an irrefutable track record of sales and reader satisfaction. ·It has sold around 20,000 copies in print alone—and the e-book is a steady seller.
• WORLDWIDE BACKLIST BESTSELLER! Cal Orey’s Healing Powers books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies, been translated into a dozen languages, and landed on bestseller lists across the world. The Healing Powers of Vinegar has sold more than 200,000 copies, has more than 700 ratings on Amazon, and was the #1 bestselling health book in South Korea. All previous Healing Powers books were picked up by NewsMax.
• SWEET SOLUTION TO SURGING DEMAND: · During the COVID-19 pandemic, beekeepers experienced a surge in demand for the disease-fighting, antioxidant-rich “apocalyptic food” widely believed to boost immune health. As the global honey market, fueled by consumer demand for natural sweeteners, surges towards a projected 15 billion by 2032, the need for a comprehensive and updated guide to honey’s health benefits has never been greater.
• NEW FOREWORD: The new foreword from Jonny Bowden, Ph.D, bestselling author of 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, is an expert endorsement that adds authority, credibility, and prestige.
• NOW WITH MANUKA HONEY: Manuka honey, known for its unique antibacterial properties, holds a premium position in the honey market and is a new addition to this edition.
• NATURAL REMEDIES AND RECIPES. Heart disease remains a leading cause of death globally. The American Heart Association reports that cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart disease, are the number one cause of death worldwide. This underscores the continued relevance of the book’s content on heart health.·With ongoing health concerns, there’s heightened focus on immune health. (COVID variants and other viruses continue to
• be important issues.) Honey’s immune-boosting properties will resonate with readers seeking natural ways to support their health.
• HOME CURES AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO OTC MEDICINE. Readers interested in homeopathic remedies and natural cures will love Cal Orey’s more than 50 home cures that combat digestive woes to skin woes, while boosting immunity.
• AN EXPANDED MARKET:  The inclusion of new research on Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) and honey bees broadens the book’s appeal to environmentalists, beekeepers, and those concerned about sustainable superfood practices.
• CONNECTED AND PASSIONATE AUTHOR: Cal Orey is a frequent guest on live and internet national radio stations, and the media has covered her work in national magazines including Woman’s World, Complete Woman, Energy Times, MSN Health and Fitness, and other online publications. She has promoted her Healing Powers books as a News Segment guest on Coast to Coast AM and has a weekly column in the Tahoe Tribune (online and hard copy) and a monthly column for Oracle Visionary (online and hard copy).

Praise for The Healing Powers Books by Cal Orey

"The cure is in the cupboard with this book's insights that will tempt your taste buds--and revive you from head to toe." —Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., author of Radical Metabolism on The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices

"In The Healing Powers of Superfoods, we're thankfully re-discovering these amazingly healthy foods again today." —Dr. Will Clower, CEO Mediterranean Wellness on The Healing Powers of Superfoods

"A practical, health-oriented book that everyone who wants to stay healthy and live longer should read." —Patricia Bragg, N.D., Ph.D., author of Apple Cider Vinegar

Are you a retailer looking for information on placing a wholesale order or setting up an account?

Kensington titles are distributed by Penguin Random House. For sales queries, please contact your Penguin Random House rep or customerservice@randomhouse.com / (800) 733-3000 

If you are a non-traditional book retailer or have Special Sales inquiries/questions, please contact: Justine Willis at jwillis@kensingtobooks.com.

PACIFIC BOOK REVIEW: Celebrates the Craft of Storytelling for Its WINNERS

  

2026 Hollywood Book Awards Announces Winners and Finalists

Annual literary awards celebrate authors and their achievements across a range of book categories

By: Hollywood Book Awards 

RENO, Nev. - Oct. 27, 2026 - PRLog -- The Hollywood Book Awards is pleased to announce the winners and finalists of its 2026 competition. Announced on October 15, 2026, this year's results recognize literary achievement and celebrate the authors behind the honored works. The 2026 Hollywood Book Awards brings together a diverse selection of books, offering readers an opportunity to discover authors, explore different genres, and celebrate the craft of storytelling.  

Winner and finalist recognition marks a meaningful accomplishment for participating authors and provides an opportunity to share their work with a broader audience. The complete list of 2026 winners and finalists, including book titles, authors, and category placements, is available at:https://www.hollywoodbookreviews.com/winners-finalists-2026/Readers, booksellers, librarians, book clubs, and members of the media are invited to explore the results and discover this year's honorees. The Hollywood Book Awards congratulates all winners and finalists and thanks the authors and publishers who participated in the 2026 competition. About the Hollywood Book Awards The Hollywood Book Awards celebrates literary achievement by recognizing books and authors across a range of categories. Presented by Hollywood Book Reviews, the awards program provides a platform to honor authors' work and introduce readers to recognized titles. For more information, visit: https://www.hollywoodbookreviews.com/hollywood-book-awards-5/ 

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