Brewing Resilience -- Find the Coffee in Tahoe Amid Trade Wars

  Smart Strategies for Sourcing Superfood Coffee in Tahoe Amid Trade Wars (Tahoe Daily Tribune)

ByCal Orey, M.A.

Imagine: I wake up and brew artisan ground coffee with a splash of low-fat organic milk, every day like clockwork. Welcome to my constant—like feeding the dog and cat—to give me that feel-good warm and fuzzy feeling. I love the smooth vibe from my cup of naturally flavored java from Hawaii. 

What’s more, a new study published in March 2025 in the journal Nature Medicine reveals that sipping coffee in the morning can be a road to longevity. The study gives kudos to this perk to the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in coffee, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart woes and diabetes. The findings:  Those who savor their morning cup of Joe get the protective effects, contributing to a longer life span.

The bad news is, during the trade wars (remember, Inoted these were coming) and pre-recession, getting coffee at a good price in Tahoe can be a challenge! But thinking outside of the box can ensure you have access to quality brews despite potential price hikes and supply chain disruptions. (My island brand is now AWOL!). Since I wrote the book The Healing Powers of Coffee (Kensington), I know a thing or two about scoring coffee. Here are some clever tip$:

1.     Sipping Through Tahoe’s Hidden Coffee Gems: Look for independent cafes that prioritize local or direct-trade coffee, as they might have better access to quality beans without relying heavily on international imports.

2.     Roast and Revel: Tahoe’s Artisan Coffee Roasters. Get a bargain from roasters who may offer bulk buying options. This can sometimes provide better prices than retail outlets, especially during times of roller coaster market prices due to tariffs and trade disputes.

3.     Deals in the Deep Blue: Snagging Tahoe’s Best Coffee Bargains: Check Out Sales and Promotions:  Keep an eye out for sales at local grocery stores. Many retailers may offer discounts or promotions to attract customers during economic downturns, making it good time to stock up on your favorite blends…

4.     Stash Your Beans: Storage Solutions for Tahoe’s Coffee Lovers: Yes, you can chill and even freeze bags of ground coffee. Refer to number 3. During my book research, I was comped with pounds and pounds of coffee (ground and whole bean). No way could I use all of the varieties at once. Storing it worked!

5.     Beyond the Bean: Try Tahoe’s Alternative Brands: Okay. I am a coffee snob. When my Hawaiian brand was MIA—I switched to other products I wrote about in the coffee book. And while the price a was a tad higher it was worth it.

6.     Click and Sip: Online Coffee Finds for Tahoe Enthusiasts: You can be greeted with a wider selection of coffees. Local retailers may offer competitive pricing. Check out different online coffees that offer fast shipping options directly to your front door.

By following these steps, you can face the challenges posed by trade wars and economic uncertainty while still enjoying your daily cup of coffee in Tahoe.

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

TEA is the Super Gift Book for Spring

                       Tea’s Healing Powers Are Remarkable

Dear Reader,

What if I told you just by sipping the delicious “medieval miracle” you could . . . 

• Relieve throbbing back pain . . . 
• Drop 7 pounds of fat and flab in 3 days . . . 
• Lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer . . . 
• Stave off viruses, colds, and superbugs . . . 
• Curb insatiable sweet cravings . . . 
• Shrink painful hemorrhoids . . . 
• Relieve aching joint discomfort . . . 
• And much more . . . 

With this powerful healing elixir — backed by 3,000 modern-day studies — you could . . . 

Finally end the frenzy of buying a mountain of assorted pills, needless ointments, serums, and syrups.

Odds are you already have it in your kitchen cupboard.

I’m talking about tea. YES, TEA — grandma’s favorite beverage is today’s red-hot superfood!

Right now, you can get dozens of tea remedies that really work in Cal Orey’s book, The Healing Powers of Tea. And you don’t have to buy it . . . 

Newsmax is giving you The Healing Powers of Tea — a 292-page book — absolutely FREE!

Inside this blockbuster book you’ll discover 50 tea “cures” for everything from anxiety and constipation to dermatitis, coughs, depression, warts, insect bites, sinusitis, memory lapses, cavities, digestive troubles, diarrhea, and so much more.

There are also do-it-yourself beauty recipes . . .  household remedies to detox, clean, polish, even “destink” your home of dog . . .  and dozens of delicious tea-infused recipes from breakfast to dessert!

But not just any tea will do . . . 

While it’s packed with powerful disease-fighting antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenols, you can’t just pour a cup, sip it down and expect it to work.

It all boils down to this . . . 

There’s a special secret to making the “medieval miracle” work to transform your health and your home . . . 

To bring out its magical healing powers, you need to know which variety of tea to drink and which special ingredients you need to mix with your tea.

And it’s not just the wildly popular black, green, and herbal teas as you’ll discover here.

The good news is you don’t have to guess or work your way through a sea of endless tea boxes and canisters!

Everything you need to know for finding the right tea and the right combination, steeped at the right time, is inside The Healing Powers of Tea.

Your FREE BOOK is waiting. Click here.

When you get your FREE BOOK, be sure to open it and discover which tea banishes belly bloat, heartburn, and gas . . .  helps you empty your bowels easily again . . .  staves off hunger pangs . . .  boosts energy . . .  keeps skin looking younger and more beautiful . . .  lowers artery-clogging cholesterol . . .  helps you get a good night’s, sleep and more.

One more thing . . . 

Be sure to look for the simple tea plan to help you lose up to 7 pounds in 3 days! Click here to claim your FREE BOOK now.

Superfood Coffee Prices Are Soaring! Buy Local or Stock Up

     Is America's Beloved Brew Loaded with Healing Powers?

Millions of Americans reach for a cup first thing in the morning, counting on it to jolt them awake and get their day going. But did you know your morning brew has benefits that go far beyond caffeine?

That’s because coffee is chock full of keep-you-healthy from head-to-toe antioxidants and hundreds of health boosting compounds. They’re so powerful they could boost your memory, lower your risk of diabetes and cancer, stop pain and send colds and flu packing.

What’s more, leading university researchers found coffee isn’t just chockful of antioxidants . . .it’s the #1 source of antioxidants in the American diet. No wonder medical doctors and researchers around the world call coffee the new superfood. Your cup of java is good for your brain, heart, sinuses, lungs, skin, mood and so much more!

Now you can get the full scoop on your beloved breakfast beverage from Cal Orey, the best-selling author of The Healing Powers of Chocolate in her blockbuster new book, The Healing Powers of Coffee.  

Inside, you’ll discover how your morning joe’s magical beans not only wake you up, boost your mood and give you energy but your antioxidant-rich coffee is full of other big perks. For example, you can . . .

Lose fat and flab, sleep peacefully,
& even grow new hair!

Coffee has been scientifically found to be a powerful remedy for dozens of common health conditions—even the most surprising ones like insomnia, diarrhea and balding. This go juice serves up dozens of other health benefits, including helping you:

• Lose weight
• Burn more fat
• Lower blood pressure
• Stop muscle pains and cramps
• Banish headaches
• Sooth an upset tummy
• Heal colds
• Speed flu recovery
• Relieve sinusitis and stuffiness
• Ease dental woes
• And much more

As an added benefit, this magical bean brew has been shown to lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. As you’ll discover in The Healing Powers of Coffee you don’t even have to drink coffee to reap the health benefits. You can also cook with it or rub it on your skin to savor its healthy goodness!

Wake up to the amazing health
benefits of this ancient remedy

Coffee’s healing powers go back centuries to the ancient monks and healers. Legend has it that Kaldi, an Ethiopian goat herder, was the first to discover the energizing benefits of the coffee bean plant. When Kaldi’s goats ate coffee berries, the animals experienced crazy amounts of energy which kept them going all night long.

Ease Joint Pain with Coffee. Regina Blackmon did . . . and you could, too.

By drinking a special enhanced coffee like the one named on page 47 in your FREE BOOK, Regina experienced less joint pain — and she’s more alert and less groggy. It gives her energy without zapping her of much-needed hydration.

Discover hundreds more healthy coffee facts in The Healing Powers of Coffee. We’re giving you the book for FREE — a “perk” of being a loyal Newsmax reader.

When the Ethiopian monks saw this, they concocted a drink with the coffee berries to help them stay awake through marathon prayer sessions. It worked!

In 1615, when Pope Clement VIII tasted coffee, he called the drink “heavenly”—but Christians leaders disagreed. They claimed coffee was satanic and named it “devil’s brew.” Turns out the Pope was right! For centuries, this heavenly little bean was used in ancient medicine to help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes—even help prevent gallstones.

Fast forward to today and researchers have discovered there’s a whole host of health benefits linked to coffee.

One Swedish study showed women age 50-74 who were heavy coffee drinkers had a lower risk of developing breast cancer. Turns out, coffee raises the blood levels of a phytochemical linked to a lower risk of estrogen-related breast cancer.

Want to give your liver a fighting chance? Coffee may be just what the doctor ordered. A 2007 study of 240,000 people published in the Journal of Hepatology, showed coffee drinkers had less than a 50% lower risk of developing liver cancer compared to those who didn’t drink coffee.

How many cups did they drink for the protective effect? Find out in your FREE BOOK, The Healing Powers of Coffee on page 53.

More recently, studies have even shown with this superfood you could . . .

• Rev up a sluggish metabolism
• Increase alertness and mental performance
• Relieve asthma and respiratory symptoms
• Improve shorter-term memory
• Power up your endurance
• Lower the risk of type 2 diabetes—up to 54%
• Halt the formation of gallstones
• Reduce risk of Parkinson’s as much as 40%
• Lower chances of colorectal cancer by 24-48%
• Reduce the risk of cirrhosis of the liver

Then there’s the buzz in the scientific community about coffee helping you lose weight. Forget the pills, shakes and crazy diets. Get ready to say . . .

Bye-bye bloat, fatty butt and thunder thighs . . .
Hello slim, trim, healthy you.

Ever notice how some people just seem to stay naturally slim—no diets, diet pills or hour-long sessions on the treadmill? Their secret may be coffee.

A natural diuretic, coffee can stimulate water loss. BUT there’s a special secret to dropping those pounds: not just any coffee will help you banish the bloat and drop the weight. You must drink this kind and do this one simple thing.

Find out which coffee is your fat loss friend on page 125 of The Healing Powers of Coffee. Claim your FREE BOOK now and pay only $4.95 for shipping.

The fountain of youth that can
help you stay younger longer.

Play your cards right and coffee may be able to help you stall the aging process. How does living well into your golden years, sound? These are just more reasons America’s favorite morning buzz beverage is hailed as the new superfood. Here’s the thing . . .

When researchers went looking, they discovered
WHY coffee is so healthy for you.

According to top scientists and doctors, coffee is loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants. In 2005, when University of Scranton researcher Joe Vinson and his research team analyzed the powerful little bean, they found coffee has more antioxidants than vegetables, fruits and spices! No wonder coffee is the #1 source of antioxidants in the American diet.

Vinson and his team of researchers studied over 100 food and beverages and still, when all was said and done, coffee still came out on top.

Coffee is packed with powerful disease-fighting antioxidants chlorogenic acids and caffeic acids. In fact, you can get as much as 70% of your total dietary intake of these two antioxidants by consuming coffee. But coffee also contains antioxidants like flavonoids, stilbenes, lignans, cinnamic acids and benzoic acids — healthy compounds your body craves.

Coffee is the new “vitamin C”

Interviews with doctors, researchers, and coffee roasters have shown there are 7 powerful antioxidants in coffee — and they’re stronger than vitamin C!

In your FREE BOOK, The Healing Powers of Coffee, you’ll get nearly 50 recipes to help you get your daily dose of antioxidants in coffee, including Coffee Cream Blueberry Scones, Apple Almond Coffee Croissants with Coffee Glaze and Coffee Pork Chops — all delicious and nutritious!

Now it may be 99% water but coffee is 100% good for your health.

Packed chock full of incredibly healthy nutrients, coffee also delivers your body a boatload of good for you vitamins and minerals including zinc, potassium, magnesium, folate, protein calcium, vitamin B6 and iron. And the buzz about coffee’s health benefits doesn’t stop there.

Inside your FREE BOOK, The Healing Powers of Coffee, you’ll discover how coffee can help you . . .

• Enjoy a stronger, healthier brain! Discover the study of Japanese American men that shows drinking coffee daily may lower your risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Page 131
• Lower your risk of a stroke! See how women who had coffee every day had a 19% lower risk of stroke. The secret is making sure you drink this many cups every day. Page 131-132
• Clean out a “clogged system” quickly! Get Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman’s Coffee Enema Recipe on page 126 of your FREE BOOK. This smooth-moving beverage dilates blood vessels and bile ducts to remove toxic overload like pesticides and poisons.
• Bring back gorgeous shine to your hair! Add this simple coffee therapy to your hair routine. Page 191
• Boost your immune system! Lower your risk of heart disease and obesity! Pair coffee with this beloved sweet treat for a DOUBLE dose of powerful antioxidants. Page 113
• Get bright, pearly whites—no cosmetic surgery! Simple hacks keep your teeth brighter and whiter. (Plus, discover which coffee causes the least staining. Page 215)
• Got “jellulite”? Cellulite on your legs that looks like jelly? Check out the 4 easy ways to SHRINK unwanted, unsightly, dimpled cellulite. Page 123
• Soften dry, rough skin! Exfoliate and soften with the 3-minute Coffee Mask. Page 191

PLUS:

• The silent killer that increases with age and DOUBLES the risk of heart disease, stroke, heart attack and diabetes. Discover how the magic of polyphenols in coffee can help stop you from becoming a statistic. Page 134
• How much caffeine is okay every day — the answer may surprise you! Page 43
• Starbucks, Einstein Bagels, Dunkin’ Doughnuts: who has the most and who has the least caffeine in their coffee. Page 45
• Say WHEN! How much coffee is too much? Depends on these 2 things. Page 48
• Reach for this roast when you want to ensure your coffee packs a powerful punch of antioxidants. Page 46
• Quality of coffee: does it make a difference in the health benefits you get from it? Page 49

There are dozens and dozens of ways your whole body and mind can benefit from coffee—and they’re all packed inside Cal Orey’s blockbuster new book, The Healing Powers of Coffee.

For instance you can . . .

Lower your cholesterol
with a cup of joe

Like oat bran and apples, coffee is loaded with fiber which can help lower your “bad” LDL cholesterol. That means you could lower your risk of heart disease and help support healthy blood sugar—great news if you suffer with diabetes. Speaking of cholesterol and heart health you can . . .

Lower your blood pressure safely and without meds

Here’s a health shocker: coffee may lower your blood pressure. When type A patients were given a cup of coffee, it was expected their blood pressure would rise. However . . .

Researchers were shocked to find the coffee had a calming effect, lowering blood pressure, making it a heart healthy treat. What’s more, when 155,000 women in a 12-year study published in JAMA drank coffee, results suggested the women who drank caffeinated coffee may have reduced risk of high blood pressure.

Claim your FREE BOOK now and pay only $4.95 for shipping.

MEN LISTEN UP!
Harvard researchers say you can
bulletproof your prostate with coffee

Here’s one you can raise your cup to and say, “Yes please!” When Harvard researchers looked at 50,000 men who drank coffee — regular and decaf — over 22 years, they found men who drank the most coffee had the least risk of prostate cancer.

Men who drank the number of cups revealed on page 54 of your FREE BOOK, had a whopping 60% LOWER RISK of developing deadly prostate cancer. Research suggests the antioxidant power of coffee may help reduce the inflammatory response and regulate insulin.

All this is just a drop in the bucket. Your FREE BOOK, The Healing Powers of Coffee is jampacked with . . .

Dozens of delicious coffee recipes
you can sink your teeth into!

Who says you have to get your fill of coffee in a cup? Try the delicious recipes in your FREE COPY of The Healing Powers of Coffee to savor your favorite taste treat. There are scrumptious recipes for breakfast and dinner, appetizers, beverages and desserts. Here’s a sneak peek:

Coffee Cheesecake

Kahlua Biscotti

Kahlua Creamy Fudge

Brown Sugar Caramel Latte

•  Cappuccino Crème Brulee
•  Café Au Lait
•  Orange Olive Bread
•  Coffee Cake

Coffee Chili

Veggie Lasagna with Coffee Sauce

Cinnamon Coffee Rolls

Mystery Mocha Cake

•  Easy Mocha Brownie Tort
•  Coffee Pork Chops
•  Cappuccino Cookies
•  Iced Coffee with Honey

 

Plus, dozens more delicious coffee-infused recipes. Try every one of them in your FREE BOOK!

Discover dozens of coffee “cures” for
what ails you inside your FREE BOOK!

Inside your FREE BOOK, The Healing Powers of Coffee, you’ll find 50 home remedies for the most common health ailments. Each one details the type of coffee to drink, how much and when to drink it for the best results. You’ll also discover “why” each amazing home remedy works!

Look for coffee “cures” for . . .

• Asthma
• Allergies
• Anxiety
• Baldness
• Bone Loss
• Burnout
• Colds
• Cough

• Digestive Issues
• Fatigue
• Flu
• Gallstones
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Low libido
• Weight Gain

How Coffee Helped
“Olive Oil Joe” Live to 95

He was the man from Modesto, California who had pioneered the grassroots olive oil production. Faithful to the traditional Mediterranean diet, Joseph was known to enjoy a cup of coffee sweetened with honey every morning.

The olive oil magnate wasn’t overweight and didn’t have high blood pressure — nor did his wife Gemma who followed the same diet and lifestyle. Joseph lived to the ripe old age of 95 — that’s 20 years past the average American man’s life expectancy of 74! Joe’s secret to a long life? His daily morning brew!

 

And so many more bothersome ailments.

Now typically you’d pay $14 in retail stores for The Healing Powers of Coffee but through this exclusive offer, Newsmax is giving the book to you absolutely FREE — PLUS a special report.

Claim your FREE COPY today . . . get a SPECIAL BONUS.

Special Bonus Report:
Drink to Your Health — Discover the
Amazing Perks of Coffee ($9.95 Value)

Study after study finds that coffee is a healthy drink that offers protection from a variety of conditions, including age-related cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis.

In the exclusive report Drink to Your Health, we dive into the many surprising facts about coffee, and even more ways you can boost your health and longevity.

You will be surprised by what you read:

• Learn what your perfect “coffee dosage” is, based on actual U.S. Army Studies!
• Discover how coffee cuts your risk of liver cancer.
• Get additional information of coffee’s ability to fight off dementia.

This special digital report is only available through this exclusive offer, and will be sent to you instantly at no additional cost.

Climate Change, Trade Wars and $uperfoods

Groceries Price May Soar During Spring-Summer 

By Cal Orey, M.A.

Price increases for superfoods due to climate change and trade wars could range from 10% to 30% [or higher... 

Did you know the key to long life and vibrant health can be found on the shelves of your local supermarket? But hold the phone! Climate change may affect the price of your favorite foods! 

SO, WHAT IS THE POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL CUTS ON OUR FOOD CHAIN, ANYHOW? The U.S. administration’s cuts to environmental programs could negatively impact the quality and quantity of superfoods like tea, tomatoes, maple syrup and eggs--not to forgot produce across America due to reduced support for water management, pest control, soil health initiatives, climate monitoring, animal welfare standards, and biosecurity measures. And there is the lowdown on what may happen to the price of your groceries--and trade wars will make you  wake up--that includes coffee prices will soar.

These spring-ish superfoods, from the top ranked Mediterranean Diet, are perfect picks for spring, a time for renewal, energizing, and dumping unwanted winter weight.  Read on and find out how these nature’s finest picks can be super for you this spring season—and how climate change--the environmental cuts are not going to help--may affect its quantity and quality for you and yours this season and into the summer.

EGGS: A NUTRIENT POWERHOUSE FOR SPRING: Chicken eggs (cage-free eggs are recommended by health experts for both the chicken and human!) provide a mere 155 calories and 12 grams of protein.  

Spring Treat: In spring, when many people focus on rejuvenating their diets after winter, eggs (one or two is fine) can provide a nutritious boost. Try adding eggs into a spring vegetable frittata with fresh asparagus, spinach, and herbs like chives or parsley to celebrate the season’s bounty.

Climate Change: Eggs: Their productions are impacted by climate change, which affects poultry farming practices and feed availability. Avian flu and culling chickens still is around but the demand for eggs has gone down and the price is down for now...

MAPLE SYRUP: A NATURAL SWEETNER WITH BENEFITS: Premium antioxidant-rich maple syrup is getting more recognition for its nutritional benefits. Maple syrup is better for you than brown sugar because of its antioxidants and minerals such as manganese and zinc, which aren’t found in brown sugar. 

Spring Treat: Use pure maple syrup as a topping for whole grain pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal with fresh spring fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a wholesome breakfast.

Climate Change: Maple Syrup: Production relies on the sap of sugar maple trees, which is sensitive to temperature changes; as global temperatures rise, the timing and quantity of sap flow can be disrupted, affecting syrup yields. And maple syrup is available in Canada but it may be unavailable to the U.S.

PIZZA WITH ANTIOXIDANT-RICH TOMATOES: Yes, a slice of pizza can be super nutritious—as long as you include vegetables like vitamin-rich tomatoes. The crust—if whole grain and thin—gives you lots of energy and a dose of filling fiber. Choose superfood cheeses (in moderation) such as goat cheese or feta, which provide you extra protein benefits.

Spring Treat:  Create a colorful veggie pizza with fresh basil, tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, and a drizzle of olive oil to celebrate the flavors of spring while enjoying a balanced meal.

Climate Change: A warm-weather crop like produce thrives in specific climate conditions; changes to temperature and precipitation patters due to climate change can affect tomato growth cycles and yields. A lot of produce comes from Mexico; and the trade wars may or may not affect a big price hike.

TEA: HYDRATION AND ANTIOXIDANTS: Spring is often linked to renewal and hydration. The heart-healthy antioxidants, when paired with caffeine, can be a good way to stay hydrated while boosting your metabolism, which can end up in weight loss. The warming effect of tea can also be comforting during up and down spring temperatures.

Spring Treat: Brew a refreshing iced herbal tea infused with mint or lemon to enjoy on warmer days while reaping its health perks.

Climate Change: Tea: Climate change negatively impact tea and coffee production by causing unpredictable rainfall; increased droughts, and temperature fluctuation that reduce yields and affect the quality of leaves. 

These superfoods are all great choices for health during the vibrant season of spring—that align well with renewal and vitality during this time of year. But note, if environmental cuts happen these healthy picks will be endangered and their quality and quantity will not be super. Spring Superfoods in Oracle Visionary Magazine, April 2025.

Tip$ for Tahoe Area and the U.S.

Farmers’ Markets and Local Farms: Visit markets in Tahoe areas for fresh produce at lower prices. Bulk Buying: Buy superfoods like coffee and chocolate in bulk from wholesalers or co-op stores to save money. Seasonal Eating: Eat foods that are in season; this not only supports local agriculture but also reduces coats linked with transportation. Online shopping: Use online grocery services that specialize in organic or locally sourced products, which may offer competitive pricing compared to traditional grocery stores.

So, the anticipated price increases for these good-for-you superfoods due to climate change and trade wars could range from 10% to 30% [or higher] depending on the day and item. But using green strategies this spring and summer can help you to enjoy these favorite eats without breaking the bank.

Superfood $upply Changes in the Spring Air--Time to Stock Up

The Ripple Effects of 

U.S. Environmental Policy Cuts

By Cal Orey, M.A.

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

*Local honey may be a budget-buy while maple syrup is going to be pricey due to trade wars. The Healing Powers of Honey...-SPRING DEAL on Amazon! #2 Best Seller"

These spring-ish superfoods, from the top ranked Mediterranean Diet, are perfect picks for spring, a time for renewal, energizing, and dumping unwanted winter weight.  Read on and find out how these nature’s finest picks can be super for you this spring season—and how climate change may affect its quantity and quality for you and yours. But note, trade wars will indeed affect the higher cost of your favorite superfoods--chocolate, coffee, maple syrup, nuts, and fresh fare. (You can stock up on these superfoods. Buy local and/or find super online sales; most have a long shelf life.)

EGGS: A NUTRIENT POWERHOUSE FOR SPRING: Chicken eggs (cage-free eggs are recommended by health experts for both the chicken and human!) provide a mere 155 calories and 12 grams of protein.  

Spring Treat: In spring, when many people focus on rejuvenating their diets after winter, eggs (one or two is fine) can provide a nutritious boost. Try adding eggs into a spring vegetable frittata with fresh asparagus, spinach, and herbs like chives or parsley to celebrate the season’s bounty.

Climate Change: Eggs: Their productions are impacted by climate change, which affects poultry farming practices and feed availability.

MAPLE SYRUP: A NATURAL SWEETNER WITH BENEFITS: Premium antioxidant-rich maple syrup is getting more recognition for its nutritional benefits. Maple syrup is better for you than brown sugar because of its antioxidants and minerals such as manganese and zinc, which aren’t found in brown sugar. 

Spring Treat: Use pure maple syrup as a topping for whole grain pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal with fresh spring fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a wholesome breakfast.

Climate Change: Maple Syrup: Production relies on the sap of sugar maple trees, which is sensitive to temperature changes; as global temperatures rise, the timing and quantity of sap flow can be disrupted, affected syrup yields.

PIZZA WITH ANTIOXIDANT-RICH TOMATOES: Yes, a slice of pizza can be super nutritious—as long as you include vegetables like vitamin-rich tomatoes. The crust—if whole grain and thin—gives you lots of energy and a dose of filling fiber. Choose superfood cheeses (in moderation) such as goat cheese or feta, which provide you extra protein benefits.

Spring Treat:  Create a colorful veggie pizza with fresh basil, tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, and a drizzle of olive oil to celebrate the flavors of spring while enjoying a balanced meal.

Climate Change: A warm-weather crop that thrives in specific climate conditions; changes to temperature and precipitation patters due to climate change can affect tomato growth cycles and yields.

TEA: HYDRATION AND ANTIOXIDANTS: Spring is often linked to renewal and hydration. The heart-healthy antioxidants, when paired with caffeine, can be a good way to stay hydrated while boosting your metabolism, which can end up in weight loss. The warming effect of tea can also be comforting during up and down spring temperatures.

Spring Treat: Brew a refreshing iced herbal tea infused with mint or lemon to enjoy on warmer days while reaping its health perks.

Climate Change: Tea: Climate change negatively impact tea production by causing unpredictable rainfall; increased droughts, and temperature fluctuation that reduce yields and affect the quality of leaves. 

These foods are all great choices for health during the vibrant season of spring—that align well with renewal and vitality during this time of year. But note, if environmental cuts happen these superfoods will be endangered and their quality and quantity will not be super.

IMPACT OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL CUTS ON FOOD CHAIN

The U.S. administration’s cuts to environmental programs could negatively impact the quality and quantity of superfoods like tea, tomatoes, maple syrup and eggs--across the West Coast and Southern Sates due to reduced support for water management, pest control, soil health initiatives, climate monitoring, animal welfare standards, and biosecurity measures.

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