February is Chocolate Lovers Month!

Chocolate Ebook on Sale 2.99 for Chocolate Lovers

By Cal Orey

By The Writing Gourmet

THE HEALING POWERS OF CHOCOLATE

By Cal Orey
Kensington Trade Paperback, January 2010
ISBN: 0-7582-3820-7, $14.00/$17.50 (CAN)

Here it is, the brand new Chocolate book (part of the internationally popular Healing Powers series. Announced in 2009 in blog posts, newspapers, and magazines, it is now available. You can purchase THE HEALING POWERS OF CHOCOLATE right now amazon.com  and kobo.com  or your favorite bookstore online retailer.

“Decadent” and “sinful” are words commonly associated with chocolate, but they no longer apply. Approximately 4000 years ago, in Central America, the Mayan Indians considered cocoa beans “food of the gods” because of its medicinal benefits. Later, it got tagged as a “bad” fatty food. But by the end of the 20th century, a twist of fate turned chocolate back into a health food.

THE HEALING POWERS OF CHOCOLATE traces the origin of chocolate, from bean to bar, from centuries ago to the present day. In creating this informative and fascinating book, renowned health expert and author Cal Orey (who lives near San Francisco, one of the nation’s chocolate hot spots) interviewed America’s top chocolate makers and chocolatiers, nutritionists, medical researchers, and chocolate lovers to find out how this ancient “food of the gods” can prevent and fight common ailments and diseases.

The result is a lively comprehensive guide to the wide world of quality chocolate, from 70% dark truffles to Italian biscotti baked with extra virgin olive oil, in America and around the globe. With proven data for eating dark chocolate containing cocoa flavanols to reduce heart disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and dozens of pesky ailments, this book—with a European twist—takes you on a magical chocolate tour, complete with wit, charm, and entertaining personal anecdotes from ancient folklore to the 20th and 21st century.

From Ancient Folk Medicine to Modern Health Wonder, Discover the Amazing Powers of Chocolate!
Discover the healing powers of dark chocolate and cocoa—now widely recognized as an accepted “health food” and “SuperFood”—versatile cure-all.
Find out how chocolate’s powers can lower the risk of developing heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and weight woes.
Learn how chocolate contains more antioxidants than green tea and red wine—without the alcohol.
Put dozens of chocolate home cures to work for treating acne, anxiety, brain fog, cabin fever, cough, depression, fatigue, and other ailments.
You’ll also find chocolate beauty and anti-aging treatment—from masks, manicures to bubble baths and body wraps—made from antioxidant-rich chocolate teamed with natural plant extracts.

Incorporating cutting-edge scientific research, plus Mediterranean-style heart-healthy chocolate recipes, from Sicilian Mole to Dark Chocolate Mousse, THE HEALING POWERS OF CHOCOLATE is a well-rounded one-of-a-kind resource that will show you why savoring this no longer forbidden “food of the gods” is the 21st century trend.

Endorsements:
*Number 3 in 7 books the Healing Powers Series: Pairs well with The Healing Powers of Coffee, Honey and Tea

* Formerly Featured in the Good Cook Book Club and One Spirit Book Club
* Editor's Fave book in long running Complete Woman magazine (Feb./March 2010 issue)

* The right kind, the right amount of chocolate may just save your life.
Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., author of New York Times bestseller The Fat Flush Plan

Superfood(s) Bowl for Zen-Like Vibe

By Cal Orey

Welcome to a Buddha bowl, a perfect wintertime salad choice for Super Bowl Sunday, right? It is a vegetarian meal served on a bowl, which boasts an arrangement of superfoods, including ancient grains like cooked brown rice, beans, and hot fresh vegetables. All these farm-to-table foods are arranged in a nice Zen-like balance and in a creative manner to be easy on the eyes. It’s been around for several years at health spa resorts to pre-packaged at your favorite local grocery store to even hotel menus.

These are actually salads with whole foods, including vegetables and whole grains. You can add protein, whether it be poultry, fish, or even meat. It’s a complete meal in a bowl. The bowls are in style because they can be super fresh, super flavorful, and super convenient. If you’re hungry and want to eat fresh and healthy, you’ve come to the right place!

One Super Bowl day a few years ago, I prepared a multitude of dishes that are fun but take time, such as casseroles to hearty soups. While a small group of folks at my cabin were relaxing and watching the game, I, the workhorse, was in the kitchen cooking, baking, and thinking of one five letter word, “Chill.”  But I made a super vow. Next time whatever I put together when visitors visit, the food will be healthful, fast and easy. So, this recipe is inspired by Super Bowl Day.

BuddHA bowl

Salad

2-2 ½ cups kale mix, chopped

1 cup cruciferous vegetables, steamed or nuked

1/2 cup tofu, grilled

½ cup avocado, slices

½ cup tomatoes, slices

1/ 2 cup feta or cheddar cheese

1 cup brown rice, cooked

1/4 cup sunflower seeds, shelled (optional)

Parmesan cheese shavings (optional)

Dressing: You can make your own olive oil and balsamic vinegar or rice vinegar dressing; ratio 3 oil to 1 vinegar and add your favorite spices and herbs. Or you can also purchase a premium all-natural store bought variety, including chunky blue cheese, herbal, thousand island, or ranch dressing--or all of them!

Buddah Bowl and Yoga, Anyone?

In a bowl, place each ingredient separately in individual groups. Arrange each food item nicely for a nice presentation. Garnish with Parm cheese.  Serve with French bread. Slice, spread with butter and garlic powder Pop in the oven under the broiler until lightly toasted. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serves 2-3. 
You can double the recipe if you like. *You can prepare these for ready-to-eat bowls. Or if you want to have more fun, put ingredients in ramekins and let people put together their own power bowls. Either way, it works! And you just may find the time to slip into a Zen-like zone and enjoy inner balance.

Cal Orey, M.A. Is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, and Superfoods) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Her website is www.calorey.com .

Tea and Chocolate for February! (Special Sale The Healing Powers of Chocolate Ebook)

PERFECT MATCH: 

 Tea and Chocolate

By Cal Orey

Special Sale Price Drop
The Healing Powers of Tea and
Chocolate Ebooks!

Chocolate and tea can be found as the perfect match in tea rooms to gifts for January's National Hot Tea Month and February’s  American Heart Health Month and Valentine’s Day--and year-round. 

Q: Why do you think chocolate and tea are a perfect match?

Both superfoods have amazing powers to help nourish the body, mind, and spirit. Pairing this mighty duo is like apple pie and vanilla ice cream or salt and pepper. Chocolate and tea are Mother’s Nature’s finest work and deserves kudos.

Q: Do you have a favorite chocolate and tea pairing?

This is a Sophie’s Choice question. If I have to make a decision today in the middle of winter with snow covered ground in the mountains, I’d choose a dark almond chocolate muffin with a cup of White Peony Tea.

Q: What's an interesting fact about tea that most people don't know?

A: You can cook and bake with chocolate paired with tea--leaves or brewed. You can incorporate chocolate and tea in recipes like Chocolate Lavender Torte, and Rosemary-Infused-Chocolate Fudge Cake.

Q: How is your new book The Healing Powers of Tea different than other tea books?

A: I focus on teas (black and white) that other authors have not. Also, I pair herbal teas with classic teas and new tea trends to give it an edge. Not to forget the health spin of the superfood is woven throughout the book full of original stories, including my own travels on the road while all types of tea and tisanes are my constant companion.

Q: Do you share chocolate recipes in your new tea book?

A: Ah, there are so many sweet recipes from pro chefs for the tea lover to choose from--I'm certain chocolate and tea pairings sprinkled throughout the pages will romance anyone this winter!

Rocky Road Tea Bark

* * *

7 premium baking chips, 60 percent  

cacao bittersweet chocolate or white chocolate

7 ounces premium baking chips, milk chocolate

1 cup miniature marshmallows

1 tablespoon macadamia nut oil

½ cup macadamia nuts, chopped                             

¼ cup tea leaves (green tea with

citrus notes) crush into bite-size bits

                                               

Melt dark chocolate chips in microwave for about two or three minutes, stir occasionally until melted. Stir the dark chocolate and spread it onto a nonstick cookie sheet (or line with parchment paper). Spread and shape into a rectangle. Chill in freezer for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, nuke milk chocolate chips. Once the chocolate is melted, stir in marshmallows and nuts. (Save half of the nuts for the top.) Take out dark chocolate from freezer and frost with rocky road mixture. Sprinkle with nuts and tea on top. Put back into freezer for 10 minutes. Take out and pick up the entire chocolate candy slab, place on a plate. If you use parchment paper, take off. Break into peanut brittle-like square pieces. Place in airtight sealed containers and keep in refrigerator.

Excerpt from The Healing Powers of Tea

Here it is, The Healing Powers of Chocolate SALE 2.99 for V-Day

By Cal Orey

By The Writing Gourmet

THE HEALING POWERS OF CHOCOLATE

BOOK IS ON SALE:
BUY NOW
ONLINE

By Cal Orey
Kensington Ebook
ISBN: 0-7582-3820-7, $14.00/$17.50 (CAN)

Here it is, the classic Chocolate book (part of the internationally popular Healing Powers series: vinegar, olive oil, honey, coffee, tea, superfoods. Featured in Newsmax, the Good Cook Book Club, Complete Woman... It is now available for 2.99! for Valentine's Day and February American Heart Health Month. (There is a chapter on wine and chocolate pairing!) You can purchase THE HEALING POWERS OF CHOCOLATE right now online.

“Decadent” and “sinful” are words commonly associated with chocolate, but they no longer apply. Approximately 4000 years ago, in Central America, the Mayan Indians considered cocoa beans “food of the gods” because of its medicinal benefits. Later, it got tagged as a “bad” fatty food. But by the end of the 20th century, a twist of fate turned chocolate back into a health food.

THE HEALING POWERS OF CHOCOLATE traces the origin of chocolate, from bean to bar, from centuries ago to the present day. In creating this informative and fascinating book, renowned health expert and author Cal Orey (who lives near San Francisco, one of the nation’s chocolate hot spots) interviewed America’s top chocolate makers and chocolatiers, nutritionists, medical researchers, and chocolate lovers to find out how this ancient “food of the gods” can prevent and fight common ailments and diseases.

The result is a lively comprehensive guide to the wide world of quality chocolate, from 70% dark truffles to Italian biscotti baked with extra virgin olive oil, in America and around the globe. With proven data for eating dark chocolate containing cocoa flavanols to reduce heart disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and dozens of pesky ailments, this book—with a European twist—takes you on a magical chocolate tour, complete with wit, charm, and entertaining personal anecdotes from ancient folklore to the 20th and 21st century.

From Ancient Folk Medicine to Modern Health Wonder, Discover the Amazing Powers of Chocolate!
Discover the healing powers of dark chocolate and cocoa—now widely recognized as an accepted “health food” and “SuperFood”—versatile cure-all.
Find out how chocolate’s powers can lower the risk of developing heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and weight woes.
Learn how chocolate contains more antioxidants than green tea and red wine—without the alcohol.
Put dozens of chocolate home cures to work for treating acne, anxiety, brain fog, cabin fever, cough, depression, fatigue, and other ailments.
You’ll also find chocolate beauty and anti-aging treatment—from masks, manicures to bubble baths and body wraps—made from antioxidant-rich chocolate teamed with natural plant extracts.

Incorporating cutting-edge scientific research, plus Mediterranean-style heart-healthy chocolate recipes, from Sicilian Mole to Dark Chocolate Mousse, THE HEALING POWERS OF CHOCOLATE is a well-rounded one-of-a-kind resource that will show you why savoring this no longer forbidden “food of the gods” is the 21st century trend.

Endorsements:
*Number 3 in 6 books the Healing Powers Series: Pairs well with The Healing Powers of Coffee, Honey and forthcoming Tea

* Formerly Featured in the Good Cook Book Club and One Spirit Book Club
* Editor's Fave book in long running Complete Woman magazine (Feb./March 2010 issue)

* The right kind, the right amount of chocolate may just save your life.
Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., author of New York Times bestseller The Fat Flush Plan

Feb. is American Heart Health Month--NEW Superfoods to Love!

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?

Order for Feb.
Heart Health Month
a Gift for all
Generations!

Apples, leafy greens, 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!

Postponed Canada Trip for Author, Thanks to a Twist of Fate

By Cal Orey

In the fall, I had booked an adventurous trip to Anchorage, Alaska for January 24. I've always wanted to go there; and Barnes and Noble bookstore invited me (again). In 2016, a 100 m.p.h. Alaska superstorm spooked me not to forget the strong winds at Lake Tahoe-Reno, and snowstorm brewing for Salt Lake City. I canceled the bookstore event...

This time around, on November 30, I received a phone call from a friend. "A 7.0 just hit Anchorage!" His words echoed in my mind. 

After all, I survived the 7.1 October 17, 1989 which my cats sensed coming; I even wrote a book about earthquake prediction--before, during, and after. Speaking of after, I get after shocks and anxiety. The bottom line. On December 4, I sent an email to the manager at the bookstore and explained why the timing was off, due to Mother Nature's wrath. Booked in a hotel room on the 16th floor overlooking the water... I wasn't going.  It just seemed tacky to sell my books when people would be anxious and putting or trying to put their lives back in place. And, yes, I do predict shakers. And my forecast for 2019 was lots of aftershocks and indeed they are still happening. 


ONTARIO CANADA--OR NOT?  So, with flight miles saved I booked a flight to Ontario, Canada. Toronto, I visited when I was in my early twenties. Yep, me and my dog hitched and hiked from California to Canada. I felt instead of going back to British Columbia or Alberta or Quebec, it was Ontario. I booked an amazing room with a view of the city, the Great Lakes, and a soaker tub. Then, I purchased a new sweater coat, sweaters, Uggs, and scarves. Layers to warm up during the big chill.
My plan was to pamper myself on the plane, swim in the indoor heated pool, dip into the hot tub, watch movies, order room service, and go to Ripley's Aquarium.  And, of course, I was going to mingle with the Canadians and savor the variety of accents. But things changed.
On the afternoon before leaving, there was an aircraft change--a big change... And being intuitive I saw it as a sign. After mulling over, "Should I go?" and "Should I stay?" I was on the fence. The Aussie was booked to go to the kennel (he didn't know because I didn't tell him this time) and the clock was ticking. I canceled.  But, but, but, a sympathetic supervisor at the airline agreed they dropped the ball; put my flight miles (all of them) in a lock box. So, I will be going soon... before Spring, I predict.

GROUNDED: Day 1: The thing is, I needed a vacay. When your mind is crying out for rest and relaxation (I just finished writing, copy editing, and proofing a 300 page book), it's time to go. So, since I stayed home it hit me. No vacation. No Canada. I was grounded. Little did I anticipate a wave of the blues to hit me. The first day, I stayed in bed with the happy dog and happy cat, I binged on Lifetime movies; sort of felt heartbroken. I didn't shower. I had my sibling buy tons of fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, dried fruit, Greek yogurt and gelato, and water for me. It was time to eat good food, cook, and bake. 
Day 2: So, I got out of bed,  changed the sheets, and bought my monthly pass to the resort pool.  While I cleaned the cabin a lot before my trip that fizzled, I was still on a mission to get my ducks in a row and continue to dust, declutter, and keep it warm and cozy (I even cleaned the fireplace despite there was little snow to shovel).
Day 3:  Swimming and a soak in the hot tub felt right. Getting pup's nails trimmed felt right. My hair was already highlighted for the trip that tanked. I even wore the new sweater coat but the Tahoe temperature spiked and it was almost too warm. I missed Canada more than you know.

So, my forecast is within a week or two I will book a trip that should have been; most likely Ontario will be the destination. I did learn after this experience that feeling down after a canceled trip is normal. One website offered advice: Get drunk, I don't drink. Tip two? Reschedule ASAP so you have something to look forward to. Check. And so life goes on.  
One more thing. I do believe in karma and sixth sense. The vibe was wrong. Ironically, last night my Siamese kitty cruised on the bookcase making his way to me and he knocked over one framed picture, only one (it was Ontario, Canada). Yeah, I believe in signs. He purred me to sleep. I guess we are where we are supposed to be, huh?

5 Questions for Healing Powers Series Author--Tea, Superfoods, Honey...

5 Questions and Answers

INTERVIEW WITH

HEALING POWERS SERIES AUTHOR

Cal Orey

As a California native (a state touted for its no-nonsense health nuts) author Cal Orey, M.A., is an accomplished author and journalist. She grew up in the post-hippie era. In her teens she rebelled against processed canned and frozen foods and meat. That is when she began to have an interest in health and natural living... 

Enter the Mediterranean Diet—rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, eggs, some dairy, wine, water, and exercise.  You’ll find easy and sophisticated recipes for satisfying foods like Pizza Baguettes with Garlic Oil, Fudgy Coconut Oil Brownies, and Macadamia Nut Oil Cookies. Also, included: home cures that beat colds and reduce pain, beauty and household secrets, and pet care tips that really work! 

Deliciously healing surprising…

Q: Sugar or Fat? Which one does a writer need more?

Fat. I used to be a sugar junkie. These days, when I incorporate real butter (no fake stuff for me) and oil(s) with superfoods, I’m satisfied and keep lean and fit. Sugar on occasion in natural ice cream and a homemade cookie or brownie finds its way to my life, but only in moderation.

Q: Your writing resumes are impressive. Two degrees in writing, three decades of articles and book experience. How did you end up as the Healing Powers Series author?

A: Before finishing grad school at San Francisco State University, I was a published magazine writer. I used to write articles for well-known men’s mags. I spun both fiction and non-fiction. Then, I moved over to women’s mags and wrote about every romance and relationship topic imaginable. Fast forward to 1999. I got my first real book deal from Kensington, a New York publisher. (I penned dozens of diet-related mini mags found in grocery stores.)

Many moons later, I’m known as the Healing Powers author. I’ve written eight books on superfoods: vinegar, olive oil, chocolate, honey, coffee, tea, superfoods, and essential oils. (Most of these books have been embraced by major book clubs including, One Spirit, Literary Guild, Quality Paperback, and Good Cook.)

Q: Your Healing Power series has also been translated in 20 languages; Congratulations! Tell us a little about the past and new updated and revised olive oil book.

A: When I started the vinegar book, red wine vinegar was supposed to be the new twist.  During my research, however, I discovered while it does contain some good for you compounds like resveratrol (found in red wine), I needed more information to honestly tout vinegar’s health benefits. I fell into the wide world of the Mediterranean Diet and lifestyle because it includes not only red wine but healthful olive oil—and that superfood led to the first and second edition—The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, A Complete Guide to Nature’s Liquid Gold, Revised and Updated. The first edition is my second best-selling book and now the second edition has been released--three formats. Vinegar has sold more than 1/4 million copies.

Q:  Did you discover any real surprises while researching your books?

A: I found out that other oils, including coconut and canola, have healing perks. Combining olive oil with other oils can help fight fatigue, infections, and insomnia, and help you to fight fat and shape up! Tea? I'm still in love with chamomile (it keeps you young) and adore white tea! Superfoods? Ah, pizza, cheese, potatoes, ice cream? You betcha. The right kind in moderation, though. 

Q: What's an interesting fact about olive oil that most people don't know?

A:  Discovering the you can combine a variety of oils is becoming more commonplace in the kitchen; even seen on Food Network with its creative celeb chefs as well as every day folks are teaming these oils in entrees to desserts as well as home cures and beauty recipes.

Q: Did you learn something new that will shock readers?

A: Bring on the butter—especially the right kind and right amount. When paired with oils, this twentieth-century “forbidden” saturated fat is a new twenty-first-century health food. I’ve learned that while I was sneaking butter into my recipes and diet that I was doing the right thing. Lose the margarine!

Q. Do you have a personal favorite dish that you use two oils instead of just olive oil?

A: Chocolate! I simply adore chocolate semi-homemade brownies. It makes my kitchen smell like I’ve soared to Chocolate Heaven and the taste and crunch with nuts and chewy coconut takes me away to a happy place.

Q. Bonus Question. What's new in your book collection?
A. The Healing Powers of Vinegar, gift size 3rd edition, The Healing Powers of Superfoods, and the new book in progress! The Healing Powers of Essential Oils.

Chocolate muffins with coconut oil can work, too...
Check out The Healing Powers of Chocolate book!

Fudgy Coconut Oil Brownies

* * *

Welcome to fudgy brownies with both olive oil and coconut oil. Also, dark chocolate and nuts are part of this bar—heart healthy foods—perfect for February is American Heart Month and Valentine’s Day. This is a classic recipe but with my own healing oils spin of semi-homemade (the brownie mix nutrition label reads no trans fats). But note, these bars are good so if you want to stave off a “muffin top” as noted in Eat Pray Love,  savor one not a whole batch like I did.

¼ cup and 2 teaspoons cup extra virgin olive oil                   ¼ cup coconut oil

¼ cup water                                                                             2 organic brown eggs

1 package store-bought premium dark chocolate                  ¼ cup cake flour 

brownie mix (with no trans fats)                                             (at high altitude)

½ cup dark chocolate chips                                                    ½ cup almonds or walnuts, sliced

1 cup sweetened coconut, shredded                                       
butter for greasing dish

In a large bowl, combine oil, beaten eggs, and water. Add brownie mix and flour, stir till smooth. Fold in chips and nuts. Lightly grease (with extra virgin olive oil or butter) an 8-inch-by8-inch glass square dish, pour and spread brownie mixture. (Or pour batter into a cupcake paper lined muffin pan.) Bake at 325 degrees for about 40 minutes. Don't over bake. While warm from the oven, sprinkle top with coconut. Makes about 12 brownies. Serve with coffee or tea. More amazing healing oils shared in dozens of new recipes.   The Healing Powers Series at all online bookstore! All formats! 

Superfoods Rock! (Author Intuitive Dishes on Quakes and Surprise Fave Functional Foods!)

Superfoods (Healing Powers Series)

By Cal Orey

2019 Released
32 Color Photos!
#7 Healing Powers Series

Pasta, Pizza, Water? Yes! These are picks from the #1 ranked Mediterranean Diet for 2019!

If you haven’t heard by now, listen up. Your health—mind, body, and spirit—may depend on it. Chances are, you like me, already have superfoods in your kitchen fridge, cupboards, and on the counter tops. I’m talking about whole foods—good, clean, edible fare—most processed junk with ingredients you can’t pronounce or define.

The verdict is in, and it has been evident since the ancient caveman and hunter-gatherer days. Eating a whole foods, natural, plant-based diet is the path to good health and well-being. The best superfoods can and do vary, but despite controversy between the food of the week in the media and scientific nutritional studies backing them, superfoods are functional foods—not a gimmick to sell products or a brand despite what some medical doctors believe. Yes, superfoods are real food with super nutrients that provide super healing powers.

Graze with Mediterranean Cheese Plates

Infuse Water to Detox and Energize
Lose Unwanted Weight

The top U.S. ranked heart-healthy Mediterranean diet includes all of my top favorite picks! In an A-Z order, common foods of the groups include: cheese and yogurt, fruits, grains, nuts, vegetables, and water—an overlooked superfood for survival. Here, take a look at Mother Nature’s favorite functional foods.

1 CHEESE:  Cheese can be upgraded into superfood status by using the right kind and right amount and pairing it with whole-grain bread, nuts, and berries. Grilled cheese sandwiches were common kid food in the twentieth century, and they were budget friendly during the Great Depression. But some nutritionists do not believe cheese—any kind—deserves to be included on the healthiest-foods list, let along tagged a superfood, because of its high fat and high sodium content.

“Cheese is a ‘good’ food!” I find myself saying. Cheese is a super source of calcium, which is good for calming your nervous system and for your teeth and bones. Past medical research shows that people who get an adequate amount of calcium by eating a moderate amount of dairy, which includes cheese, may be likely to keep their blood pressure numbers in check—lowering their risk of heart disease and stroke.

2 GREEK YOGURT: The popularity of yogurt grew in the 1950s and 1960s, but it made it mark at health food stores. In twenty-first-century supermarkets, there are an array of brands and types of yogurt, including low-fat and fat-free varieties. But it’s Greek yogurt that is gaining popularity—and for good reason.

Homemade Granola with Greek Yogurt
Nutrient-Rich

Like cheese, Greek yogurt and regular yogurt are superfoods—and taste great drizzled with raw honey or mixed with fresh fruit. In moderation, this dairy staple is touted for its heart-healthy powers, bone-boosting merits, and immune-enhancing perks thanks to its probiotics. Plain Greek yogurt is also rich in the mineral potassium. Both calcium and potassium may help you keep your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers in check.

3 MAPLE SYRUP: By the 1900s, maple syrup was used throughout the United States, mostly as a topping for pancakes and waffles. These days, maple syrup is pair with other superfoods, such as homemade granola, all-natural ice cream, whole grain oatmeal, smoothies, and sweet potatoes.

Antioxidant-rich Maple Syrup, 
egg-y whole-grain bread, berries

While honey is touted as one of nature’s top superfood sweeteners, premium antioxidant-rich maple syrup is getting more recognition for its nutritional benefits. One-fourth cup of premium maple syrup contains fewer calories than high-fructose syrup, corn syrup, or brown sugar. It boasts more calcium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, riboflavin and zine than most sweeteners. And maple syrup has more disease-fighting antioxidants than raw cabbage—also a superfood.

4 PIZZA (with Toppings): Food historians will share with you that in Naples during the 1700s and 1800s, pizza was a food popular with money-challenged folks. The food was called “flat breads,” and it had toppings such as cheese and tomatoes—two superfoods on the top 20 list.

Greek Pizza--Thin Whole-Grain Crust,
Tomatoes, Spinach
Feta Cheese--Moderation! Scientists give a 
thumbs up to sauce

Yes, a slice of pizza.  But it is whole-grain crust and superfood toppings that make it a healthful food. The crust gives you lost of energy and a dose of good-for-you nutrients. Choose superfood cheeses, such as goat cheese, feta, that provide you extra protein benefits. Not to forget a tomato-based (or basil-rich pesto) sauce.

5 POTATOES (RUSSET/SWEET):  As the story goes, the first potato reached Spain in the sixteenth century. Back in 1578, Sir Francis Drake introduced potatoes in his around-the-word adventures. Later, in 1662, it is believed that the British Royal Society sponsored growing potatoes, and by the early 1700s, potatoes were embraced by people in the United States.

Sweet Potatoes are a Superfood!

In the southern United States, folks love their sweet potatoes (whether it’s sweet potato fries or sweet potato pie), and it’s not just the super taste they’re getting. This potato has a whopping amount of vitamin A, which can enhance your immune system to stave off colds, flu, and even cancer. Medical researchers believe the carotene in them can guard again some types of cancers, perhaps because it can boost white blood cell activity in the body.

            So now you’re in the know about which superfoods are super for you—whether you live on the West Coast, East Coast, Midwest, or in the Deep South. Despite changes to Earth due to man’s tampering and nature’s wrath, we still can enjoy nature’s healthiest foods. But sometimes you have to go the extra mile to get the real deal.

Garden of Apples

During one harvest season time in California, I envisioned going to an out-of-town far in Placerville to pick apples (another superfood) off trees. I had images of meeting a friendly farmer who’d take us on a tractor followed by a couple of herding dogs. The autumn sunshine would warm us up while we carried baskets to fill with big, fresh apples. We’d climb on stools and pick nature’s finest fruit. Excited about the rural experience awaiting us, we drove down the winding road, off the hill, there was a glitch.

Organic Apples Are Best

I didn’t see apples on trees. Not one. A big sign read: “No apple picking.” I left and drove up the road, but the farms and small stores all had signs reading “Closed.” Locals told me, “Tourists can’t pick apples.” I ended up at a busy tourist attraction. Pumpkins and Christmas trees were visible and for sale, and pricey fruit—including apples.

Disappointed I drove back up to the hill. I ended up at our local grocery store and picked up a bag of organic apples at a good price. Later, I discovered I wasn’t the only one who had endured such a wild ride at the apple haven. I was told by the apple organization that it had been a busy harvest time and we had come late in the season. There were farms, though, that did offer apple picking, but I had missed the apple boat. So my fantasy remains in my imagination until next year. Nowadays, it’s places like Apple hill, farmers’ markets, and supermarkets that all do sell organic produce and superfoods for you to enjoy.

Adapted from The Healing Powers of Superfoods: A Complete Guide To Nature’s Favorite 

Functional Foods by Cal Orey (Kensington Books, Citadel, 2019). All rights reserved.