Tuesday, December 31, 2019

2020 Weather Forecasts by Author-Intuitive

By Cal Orey

December 9 Anchorage, AK was
in the 50s--not since 1952. Hurricane-
force winds, no snow.
As predicted, 2019 Earth changes were super life-changing in different regions around America and the world. We're talking about the Southern California major earthquake, newsworthy winter snowstorms in California, and two hurricanes that slammed the Gulf States and The Bahamas. The Southeast states faced snow while Anchorage, Alaska fought summer wildfires, a sizzling summer, and the temperature hit a historical high in December.
As we enter a New Year, quakes, storms, and heat will continue to be sobering—most likely linked to climate change, say scientists.  Read on—and digest predictions with consequences for the planet. Yep, wild happenings may affect humans, wildlife, and nature’s circle of life. It’s a brand-new decade and new earth challenges are coming to you.

SO, MOTHER. MOTHER NATURE WHAT’S GOING ON?
         Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Waves
West Coast: Californians dodged a bullet when a major earthquake hit Ridgecrest (a remote area in Southern California) not Greater Los Angeles. The populated region with many faults may rock with an epicenter there or near the Salton Sea on the San Andreas. It’s locked and ready as the experts say knowing we’re overdue. It’s not “if” but “when”; 70 percent probability a 7.8 plus will hit Los Angeles (likely epis: Malibu, Long Beach, Northridge) this year.
A major earthquake offshore Northern California, the San Francisco Bay Area (East Bay on the Hayward Fault or South on the San Andreas). 

Not to forget Anchorage, Alaska which rocked with a 7.0. Aftershocks will continue to occur for months, however, I predict there is the chance a great earthquake (8.0 plus) could happen near the region, whereas if it’s shallow there will be more damage to the infrastructure and a tsunami which didn’t happen. Redoubt Volcano may continue to be active; not to forget west in the Pacific Ocean...The Big Island may be affected by an aggressive earthquake swarm as well as more newsworthy volcanic activity.

Europe: The Mediterranean countries may be challenged again by major earthquakes, including Italy and Greece (the deadly Albania earthquake in 2019 was felt. At least one shaker will be shallow, in a major city, perhaps Rome, and likely a powerful 8.0.

Asia: Japan may rock and a tsunami is a possibility, similar to 2011. Also, Indonesia is not immune and a major earthquake with a big wave is also a challenge that could happen like on Boxing Day back in 2004.

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW
Rain and Snow
The West Coast will get some rain and flooding in the entire state. However, a drought in the Golden State is likely. Land erosion and mudslides will continue due to warm winter from north to Alaska down to Southern California.
Italy, Spain, and France may experience heavy rainfall and flooding (as forecasted last year;
Venice was under water in the fall).
The Northeast and Midwest will get epic snowfall in the winter of 2020. Flooding in the springtime is likely the outcome. The balance of snow regarding the West and East will be noticeable to people who live in each region. Also, inconveniences will come with the severe weather, from affecting travel, mail, to health issues and life-threatening issue.

  

DUST IN THE WIND
Storms, Storms, Storms
 Hurricanes may be more severe in 2020. The Gulf States, including Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi will be more likely to endure hurricanes than the Carolinas.  But the Northeast from New Jersey to Maine may also be in the line of water, so to speak. At least two Category 5 hurricanes will occur—with both making landfall and storm surges will be record breaking.
Twisters will likely accompany some these hurricanes. Also, rare twisters in California and other unlikely regions may happen. Monsoon season in the Southwest and wind storms in Nevada and the Midwest may make news for the record breaking events.

Wildfires are likely to continue year-round, due to both man-made or natural causes like lightning. The Southwest, Southern California, Northwest, including Alaska (again) are in the line of fire as well as the Northwest including Western Canada.  

       ON THE WILD SIDE
       Strange Happenings
As we deal with tremors on the West Coast (including offshore Oregon, Northern California, and Seattle) other Earth challenges will keep us on guard.  Ongoing fracking will continue to make the Earth rock in Oklahoma—and may indeed affect the New Madrid Zone with a major earthquake. Also, more volcanic activity in the U.S.—especially Yellowstone, and Hawaii--creating alerts...and more.
A computer error will cause an alert for a natural disaster. It may cause panic and chaos but the end result will be a world collective sigh of relief. The region may be in the United States, the West Coast affecting many states.
 In 2020, homelessness due to wild climate will continue to soar and people will be affected by erratic temperatures—hot and cold. Due to extreme weather challenges, regions in the world and United States will feel nature’s wrath when it comes to fresh food resources. Farmers will be challenged, prices for some staple will spike.

People in all states and countries will learn to be more self-reliant, be more prepared by growing gardens to eating plant-based diets. Survival foods and first aid kits will not be only for the doomsday folks—it will be for people everywhere. Living in 2020 will be more challenging for commuting to work (more congestion and air pollution); traveling (more rough air and delayed flights); and play (more power outages). We will deal with the new normal of Earth changes and prevail.



2019 VISIONS THAT HAPPENED
* In the summer, on July 6, Southern California shook. A 7.1 shallow widespread shaker was reported felt throughout the state.
 Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 hurricane made landfall in the Bahamas; the Caribbean region was part of the forecast for the year. It affected the East Coast of the United States; Hurricane Barry, a Category 1 affected the Gulf States with flooding.
* More than 11,000 aftershocks happened after the 7.1 Anchorage, Alaska earthquake that moved the Earth on November 30, 2019. Four hours after I left Anchorage on December 10, a 3.7 hit Anchorage, another aftershock, said scientists.
* A 6.0 rocked Greece on November 27, a day after the Albania earthquake. Both quakes could be foreshocks for a great quake in 2020.
* On October 15 a widely felt 4.5 earthquake rocked the San Francisco Bay Area.
* A few significant snowstorms did hit California and did make worldwide news.

Monday, December 30, 2019

Powers of Essential Oils: Nature's Most Magical Medicine (Released December 31)

New Book on the Amazing Powers of  Essential Oils


From the author of the hugely successful Healing Powers series (Honey, Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods) comes THE HEALING POWERS OF ESSENTIAL OILS: A Complete Guide to Nature’s Magical Medicine. (Released December 2019).



Follow your nose to nature's pharmacy: the garden, where
the essence of flowers, fruit, and trees provide some of our most
 powerful--and pleasurable--sources of health and healing...

Essential oils--including peppermint, eucalyptus, rose, and tea tree--are nature's ancient medicine, abundant with therapeutic effects. The latest scientific research shows that many popular essential oils and aromatherapy can boost your health and well-being, adding years to your life! This fascinating guide gives you the down-to-earth scoop on the top twenty oils. Learn how nature's bouquet can help you: lower your risk of cancer, heart disease, and depression.

Enjoy over 50 recipes for delicious dishes from salads, soups, and entrees to desserts, including Lemon Oil Raspberry Muffins and Roast Chicken with Orange and Rosemary. Sprinkled with feel-good stories and memorable legends, The Healing Powers of Essential Oils shows you how the comfort and calm of scent can help you get healthy and stay health, while taking you on an exciting and life-changing aromatic adventure! Includes Color Photos

As in her previous bestselling books, Cal Orey combines groundbreaking research into all these health and weight loss benefits with home cures, cosmetic uses, household hints, and dozens of heart-healthy Mediterranean style recipes.

THE HEALING POWERS OF ESSENTIAL OILS
A Complete Guide to Nature’s Most Magical Medicine
Cal Orey
Kensington Books,  December 2019, Trade Paperback Non-fiction
ISBN-13: 978-0-8065-3917-8/$16.95 ($22.95 – Canada)

* * *


Cal Orey, M.A., is an accomplished author and journalist. 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. Her books include The Healing Powers of Vinegar, The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, The Healing Powers of Coffee, The Healing Powers of Honey, The Healing Powers of Chocolate, The Healing Powers of Tea, 202 Pets’ Peeves, and Doctors’ Orders. She lives in northern California. Readers are invited to visit her website at www.calorey.com, read her blog The Writing Gourmet at calorey.blogspot.com, find her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

Sunday, December 29, 2019

Wild Weather in 2020--Be Prepared! Predictions

By Cal Orey

December 9 Anchorage, AK was
in the 50s--not since 1952. Hurricane-
force winds, no snow.
As predicted, 2019 Earth changes were super life-changing in different regions around America and the world. We're talking about the Southern California major earthquake, newsworthy winter snowstorms in California, and two hurricanes that slammed the Gulf States and The Bahamas. The Southeast states faced snow while Anchorage, Alaska fought summer wildfires, a sizzling summer, and the temperature hit a historical high in December.
As we enter a New Year, quakes, storms, and heat will continue to be sobering—most likely linked to climate change, say scientists.  Read on—and digest predictions with consequences for the planet. Yep, wild happenings may affect humans, wildlife, and nature’s circle of life. It’s a brand-new decade and new earth challenges are coming to you.

SO, MOTHER. MOTHER NATURE WHAT’S GOING ON?
         Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Waves
West Coast: Californians dodged a bullet when a major earthquake hit Ridgecrest (a remote area in Southern California) not Greater Los Angeles. The populated region with many faults may rock with an epicenter there or near the Salton Sea on the San Andreas. It’s locked and ready as the experts say knowing we’re overdue. It’s not “if” but “when”; 70 percent probability a 7.8 plus will hit Los Angeles (likely epis: Malibu, Long Beach, Northridge) this year.
A major earthquake offshore Northern California, the San Francisco Bay Area (East Bay on the Hayward Fault or South on the San Andreas). 

Not to forget Anchorage, Alaska which rocked with a 7.0. Aftershocks will continue to occur for months, however, I predict there is the chance a great earthquake (8.0 plus) could happen near the region, whereas if it’s shallow there will be more damage to the infrastructure and a tsunami which didn’t happen. Redoubt Volcano may continue to be active; not to forget west in the Pacific Ocean...The Big Island may be affected by an aggressive earthquake swarm as well as more newsworthy volcanic activity.

Europe: The Mediterranean countries may be challenged again by major earthquakes, including Italy and Greece (the deadly Albania earthquake in 2019 was felt. At least one shaker will be shallow, in a major city, perhaps Rome, and likely a powerful 8.0.

Asia: Japan may rock and a tsunami is a possibility, similar to 2011. Also, Indonesia is not immune and a major earthquake with a big wave is also a challenge that could happen like on Boxing Day back in 2004.

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW
Rain and Snow
The West Coast will get some rain and flooding in the entire state. However, a drought in the Golden State is likely. Land erosion and mudslides will continue due to warm winter from north to Alaska down to Southern California.
Italy, Spain, and France may experience heavy rainfall and flooding (as forecasted last year;
Venice was under water in the fall).
The Northeast and Midwest will get epic snowfall in the winter of 2020. Flooding in the springtime is likely the outcome. The balance of snow regarding the West and East will be noticeable to people who live in each region. Also, inconveniences will come with the severe weather, from affecting travel, mail, to health issues and life-threatening issue.

  

DUST IN THE WIND
Storms, Storms, Storms
 Hurricanes may be more severe in 2020. The Gulf States, including Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi will be more likely to endure hurricanes than the Carolinas.  But the Northeast from New Jersey to Maine may also be in the line of water, so to speak. At least two Category 5 hurricanes will occur—with both making landfall and storm surges will be record breaking.
Twisters will likely accompany some these hurricanes. Also, rare twisters in California and other unlikely regions may happen. Monsoon season in the Southwest and wind storms in Nevada and the Midwest may make news for the record breaking events.

Wildfires are likely to continue year-round, due to both man-made or natural causes like lightning. The Southwest, Southern California, Northwest, including Alaska (again) are in the line of fire as well as the Northwest including Western Canada.  

       ON THE WILD SIDE
       Strange Happenings
As we deal with tremors on the West Coast (including offshore Oregon, Northern California, and Seattle) other Earth challenges will keep us on guard.  Ongoing fracking will continue to make the Earth rock in Oklahoma—and may indeed affect the New Madrid Zone with a major earthquake. Also, more volcanic activity in the U.S.—especially Yellowstone, and Hawaii--creating alerts...and more.
A computer error will cause an alert for a natural disaster. It may cause panic and chaos but the end result will be a world collective sigh of relief. The region may be in the United States, the West Coast affecting many states.
 In 2020, homelessness due to wild climate will continue to soar and people will be affected by erratic temperatures—hot and cold. Due to extreme weather challenges, regions in the world and United States will feel nature’s wrath when it comes to fresh food resources. Farmers will be challenged, prices for some staple will spike.

People in all states and countries will learn to be more self-reliant, be more prepared by growing gardens to eating plant-based diets. Survival foods and first aid kits will not be only for the doomsday folks—it will be for people everywhere. Living in 2020 will be more challenging for commuting to work (more congestion and air pollution); traveling (more rough air and delayed flights); and play (more power outages). We will deal with the new normal of Earth changes and prevail.



2019 VISIONS THAT HAPPENED
* In the summer, on July 6, Southern California shook. A 7.1 shallow widespread shaker was reported felt throughout the state.
 Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 hurricane made landfall in the Bahamas; the Caribbean region was part of the forecast for the year. It affected the East Coast of the United States; Hurricane Barry, a Category 1 affected the Gulf States with flooding.
* More than 11,000 aftershocks happened after the 7.1 Anchorage, Alaska earthquake that moved the Earth on November 30, 2019. Four hours after I left Anchorage on December 10, a 3.7 hit Anchorage, another aftershock, said scientists.
* A 6.0 rocked Greece on November 27, a day after the Albania earthquake. Both quakes could be foreshocks for a great quake in 2020.
* On October 15 a widely felt 4.5 earthquake rocked the San Francisco Bay Area.
* A few significant snowstorms did hit California and did make worldwide news.

Saturday, December 28, 2019

The Healing Powers of Tea is #1 Bestseller (Again)

By Cal Orey

Oops. It did it again! The Healing Powers of Tea is ranking #1 bestseller on amazon, kobo, and barnes and noble online bookstores...just in time for January--National Hot Tea Month!
December 28:
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #891 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

So, I am surprised. Working day and night on the Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices #9 book (waiting for #8 Essential Oils to be released) I took a break to surf the Net...
I stumbled upon this Books Category Bestsellers list.  Wow.  My favorite book, The Healing Powers of Tea was #16 on the Apple Books US Bestseller List--05/05/19--Health, Mind, Body.  Gosh, I never knew. 
Lately, I've been mumbling, "Dad was right. I should have been a dental assistant." Well, I love this book, #6 (my lucky number). This finding makes me happy. I sense my father is smiling, too. 
* In April, The Healing Powers of Tea hit #1 in many categories on amazon, kobo, and barnes and noble bookseller websites.




PUBLISHERSWEEKLY.COM
The bestselling Apple Books in fiction and literature, mysteries and thrillers, health, mind & body, and more for the week ended May 5, 2019.


https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/content-and-e-books/article/79998-apple-books-category-bestsellers-may-5-2019.html

Apple Books US Bestseller List - 05/05/19 - Health, Mind, Body
1. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson - 9780062457738 - (Harper)
2. Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis - 9781400201662 - (Thomas Nelson)
3. Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis - 9781400209613 - (HarperCollins Leadership)
4. Tell Me More by Kelly Corrigan - 9780399588389 - (Random House Publishing Group)
5. Money: A User’s Guide by Laura Whateley - 9780008308322 - (Fourth Estate)
6. You Are a Badass® by Jen Sincero - 9780762448319 - (Running Press)
7. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown - 9781592859894 - (Hazelden Publishing)
8. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz & Janet Mills - 9781934408018 - (Amber-Allen Publishing, Inc.)
9. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown - 9781101594995 - (Penguin Publishing Group)
10. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle - 9781577313113 - (New World Library)
11. Sacred Woman by Queen Afua - 9780307559517 - (Random House Publishing Group)
12. The End of Back Pain by M.D. & Patrick Roth - 9780062197771 - (HarperOne)
13. How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie - 9781451621716 - (Simon & Schuster)
14. The Irresistible Introvert by Michaela Chung - 9781510704794 - (Skyhorse)
15. 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson - 9780345816047 - (Random House of Canada)
16. The Healing Powers of Tea by Cal Orey - 9780806538273 - (Kensington)
17. The 48 Laws of Power by Joost Elffers & Robert Greene - 9781101042458 - (Penguin Publishing Group)
18. How to win friends & influence people by Dale Carnegie - 9789352613939 - (Diamond Pocket Books)
19. The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida - 9781622038336 - (Sounds True)
20. KetoFast by Dr. Joseph Mercola - 9781401956806 - (Hay House)

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

TEA Book Cybersale! Warm Up for National Hot Tea Month (January) Scones Recipe for a Taste



Cranberry Scones and Tea for  and

National Hot Tea Month (January)

Warm Up this Winter

Scones and Hot Tea

A few weeks ago, I was chilling in a hot tub after swimming. A tourist and I engaged in a conversation. When I shared my recent experiences at tearooms in Canada, her interest soared. She said, “My friend wants to open up a tearoom on the South Shore. What do you think?” There was a pregnant pause as I thought, “Gee, she stole my idea!” But as time passed, I arrived at the conclusion a tearoom may attract tourists in the winter for hot tea and summer for iced tea—but during off season a tearoom would be like an empty tea cup or two. And I told her that, speaking from experience and my heart, well, sort of.  But just because a tearoom may not be in the cards for the South Shore doesn’t mean enjoying vanilla petite scones at Starbucks or munching on homemade scones aren’t something to savor. So, since I  bought fresh berries and walnuts, they were used in this tearoom chat-inspired recipe. It’s truly easy to make, will please folks of all ages—and gender (not just fussy women) because they are countrified and well, real food.

Cranberry-Walnut Winter Scones
2 ½ cups cake flour, sifted (a bit extra for cutting board)
¼ cup granulated white sugar
1 cup low-fat buttermilk, premium brand
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 stick European style butter, cold, cubed
½ cup walnuts, chopped
3/4 cup dried cranberries
2 teaspoons orange or lemon rind (optional)
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted (for sprinkling tops after removed from oven)

In a bowl combine flour and sugar. Add buttermilk and vanilla. Fold in butter, nuts, and berries.  On a floured cutting board mold the dough into a circle. Place on a plate and put into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Remove and slice the circle like a pizza into 6 triangles. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake scones in a 425 degree oven for 18 minutes or until bottom of scones are light brown. Do not overbake. Dust with sugar. Makes 6 medium scones or 12 mini sized ones.
Using cake flour makes these scones have a light texture. The fresh berries is a naturally sweet delight as we near wintertime. The powdered sugar is a nice touch and most of you hope it’s foreshadow for snowy days ahead. These scones with nature’s berries and nuts are a sweet pleasure to eat and share any time, day or night. Pair it with a cup of cocoa topped with whipped cream and a candy cane or a cup of hot ginger, peppermint, pumpkin spice or chamomile tea. Because they are rustic mountain-style food and not a perfect and dainty cookie cutter shape, you’ll enjoy them all the more whether you’re a local or tourist.



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


The New Healing Powers of Tea author wrote The Healing Powers of Vinegar, 3rd edition...Today, it is #1 bestselling book on kobo/amazon--1.99 sale price!

Monday, December 23, 2019

Christmas Snowball Cookies RECIPE for Your Cup(s) of Tea for Chillaxing


Christmas Cookies with a Cuppa Tea for Holidays

Sale 2.99 Ebook at Online
Bookstores NOW
As one of my favorite memories go, in early wintertime I was living in Eugene, Oregon with a small group of nomadic friends. One cold day with a bit of snow on the ground and slippery black ice (foreign to a San Francisco native), I stayed indoors and baked cookies. There wasn’t a single cookbook or baking tools in the kitchen, so I had to rough it and make do with the few food items I found in the cupboards and fridge. I recalled my mom’s recipe for Snowball or Butterball Cookies. Five ingredients, a bowl, spoon, cookie sheet is about all you need--and black tea while you bake--and chamomile to get you through the ordeal.

In hindsight, the scene was funny. Once the cookies were baked and good to go, I was boxing them up to mail to relatives for Christmas—but my six down-to-earth looking roomies (and two dogs) in a tiny, spartan kitchen were eating the white butter nut balls faster than I could box the goodies and I felt flustered because it was a lost battle. The cookie monsters won. This easy-to-make recipe is inspired by post-hippie snow days on the road in December.

Snowball Cookies

1 stick European style butter, softened
¼ cup confectioners’ sugar (about ½ cup extra for rolling after baked)
1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
1 capful pure vanilla extract
¼-1/2 cup nuts (walnuts or pecans), chopped

In a bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add flour and mix until creamy. Stir in vanilla. Fold in nuts. Place cookie dough on a floured cutting board and roll into a ball. Put onto a sheet of foil and into the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.  Use a small ice cream scoop (about 1/8 cup size) and scoop dough into balls. Roll into a ball shape and place on nonstick cookie sheet or lined with parchment paper. Bake cookies in a 350 degree oven for 12 minutes or until bottom of cookies are light brown. Do not over bake. Place in balls into sugar immediately. After cooled repeat. Makes 8-10. You can double the recipe as well as freeze the cookies in an airtight container. Note: Simple is elegant like silver balls on a Christmas tree. However, if you to be more festive, add 1-2 teaspoons orange rind to cookie dough and/or sprinkle cinnamon on top after the cookies are rolled in sugar to give it a snickerdoodle taste.

There are dozens and dozens of holiday cookies to make. This quick, easy recipe is a super way to begin, though. Sometimes, less is more.  Not only are they affordable, ingredients are likely in your kitchen, but they are small. Also, two will fill you up and not out. Pair with a cup of tea for a morning or afternoon energizing snack to after dinner delight--and it's perfect wherever you are and what the weather gods are doing with their magic.

— Cal Orey, M.A., is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, and Tea) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.)  TEA--release date December 25. Now available for order at kobo, amazon, barnesandnoble, walmart, target, and other stores.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Superfoods Ebook on Special Sale for the Holidays--Not Yucky Stuff-Real Food!

Graze with Mediterranean Cheese Plates
Superfoods from Farm-to-Table

2019 Released
32 Color Photos!
#7 Healing Powers Series
* January is National Hot Tea Month! Grab a copy of The Healing Powers of Tea and Superfoods for the Winter! Lose weight, gain energy! Both books are on holiday sale--ebook format--at your fave online bookstore.

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

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 countertops. 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.
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 farm in Placerville to pick apples (another superfood) off trees. I had images of  my younger sibling and me 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, hot dogs and cotton candy to 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.