Snips from Healing Powers series INTERVIEW--Coffee, Chocolate, Honey....

Coffee with Cal: An Interview, My Five Books on Healing Powers of Food

by Cal Orey

I was interviewed a while back on my five books about the healing powers of food, inspired by Mother Nature, health, relationships, and animals. Here's what I had to say...

Cal Orey- One snowy winter morning, while sipping java juice, I got an idea. (It’s true. Coffee boosts brainpower and the creative process.) I e-mailed my book editor with words that were short and sweet. “Just thinking a tea book to go with the honey book seems like it would work well.” He quickly responded,” I was thinking of a coffee book since coffee gets a bad rap. Is that a crazy idea?” I typed a one-liner answer, “Not at all. It was my second choice.” After all, during the creation of The Healing Powers of Chocolate, I included a chapter titled: “A Cuppa Coffee and Chocolat.” So, I wasn’t a stranger to coffee and its virtues.

CO- I went to the go-to super food people—the folks percolating with information about the world’s favorite “new” health foods. I’ve conducted hundreds of exclusive interviews with medical doctors, researchers, and people in the industry: vinegar, olive oil, chocolate, honey, and coffee. It isn’t rocket science. I discovered quickly that Mother Nature’s folk medicine is today’s modern miracle!

CO- Consuming apple cider vinegar may lift the spirit, act like a pick-me-up, provide headache relief, and enhance libido. It can also help prevent age-related diseases like cancer and heart disease.

CO- She was from the old school of natural remedies. Apple cider vinegar may help in speeding recovery from a cold. Apple cider vinegar may help boost immunity and provide relief from cold and cough symptoms. The Vinegar Remedy to Use: Mix ½ cup of apple cider vinegar, ½ cup water, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 4 teaspoons of honey. Take 1 tablespoon when your cough starts up. Take another at bedtime. Voila!

CO- Known as Mother Nature’s “nectar of the gods,” honey was praised for its healing powers as far back as 5,000 years ago by Egyptians. It can help stop allergies, beat anxiety, boost energy, help you to get some shut-eye, blast belly fat, and even heal wounds.

CO- While olive oil has been used for everything from health ailments to beauty and home, it’s the primary fat I use in my heart-healthy Mediterranean diet and lifestyle. So, it’s sautéing vegetables in a bit of extra virgin olive oil (it’s chock-full of disease-fighting antioxidants) and teaming it with whole grain rice or pasta that helps energize me, lean and fit. No place for unhealthy fats in this house!

CO- Coffee, especially freshly ground coffee from whole beans, boasts of an amazing antioxidant power. Two mighty antioxidants—chlorogenic acids and caffeic acid—are given credit for health benefits. Java boasts of other health-boosting antioxidants, including benzoic acids, cinnamic acids, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins. Stacks of studies show that regular coffee drinkers may help lower their risk of developing cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and other ailments. No doubt, coffee is healthy in a variety of ways, and credit is due to the variety of disease fighting antioxidants, caffeine, and other compounds. But note to pass on sugar, cream, extra flavorings, and whipped cream. Go for a cup of black coffee and/or with a splash of low-fat milk.

CO- Tea. I absolutely am a devout tea drinker. True, a 12-ounce cup of coffee is on my morning schedule. But tea—black, green, chamomile—spiked with a taste of a super honey varietal like wildflower or tupelo makes my day and night complete. I only eat super foods. If you look in my fridge, it’s stuffed with fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, and yogurt. In my pantry, you’ll find grains, and nuts. I’ll eat fish, eggs, and cheese in moderation.

P.S. I forgot to mention the ice cream in the freezer (but it’s the premium, all-natural kind).

CO – Yes, chocolate known as Mother Natures’ “food of the gods” can help boost the immune system, lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes—even obesity! Chocolate is chock-full of mood enhancing ingredients, including phenylethylamine (the “love drug”) and feel-good serotonin. I adore dark chocolate (infused with fruits, herbs, and spices)!