Cal Orey's Blog, page 26
June 11, 2024
INTERVIEW WITH HEALING POWERS SERIES AUTHOR -- CAL OREY
By Cal Orey
Online Bookstores Are Showing The Healing Powersof Tea is #1 and #2 Best Seller
in Many Categories
National Iced Tea Month is June! Questions and Answers
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...
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 rare occasion in natural ice cream finds its way to my life, but only in moderation as noted in the top Mediterranean diet.
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 nine books on superfoods: vinegar, olive oil, chocolate, honey, coffee, tea, superfoods, essential oils, and herbs & spices. (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 25 plus 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, real food. No processed stuff.
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. Do you have a personal favorite dish that you use two oils instead of just olive oil?
A: These days it's just a very small square of dark chocolate. I've stopped baking. These days I eat a very strict Mediterranean diet--fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts, and olive oil.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 and The Healing Powers of Herbs & Spices...with a trip to Alaska to teach me to appreciate California's fresh produce year-round.
June 10, 2024
Soulmates with Paws -- INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR
Author Interview: Cal Orey (and new feline soulmate with paws)
Title: Soulmates with Paws: A Collection of Tales & Tails
Author: Cal Orey
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978-1-6655-7857-8
Pages: 238
Genre: Non-Fiction / Pets
PBR: What drew you to write this book?
Years ago, I was first published in “Dog World Magazine.” The first-person profile piece was about my experience using a mobile vet while living in Santa Cruz Mountains. It paved the way for me to write about dogs and the human bond. Later, I began to send my work to cat publications. Then, I spread my wings and wrote about human relationships, science, and health topics, too. I suppose it was my love for canines that led me into becoming a book author.
PBR: What reactions have you received so far from readers?
At first, the non-fiction novel ranked 43 in the Top 100 categories Animal & Pet Care Essays and Action & Adventure Fiction on Amazon. It held its place for weeks like a sled dog on an Alaskan journey.
I forgot how saturated the pet books market can be. Back in 2002 my book 202 Pets’ Peeves was released. It was a spin-off article I wrote about why your cat hates you. The piece got one half million views on AOL’s homepage. While book reviews were positive it didn’t end up being a best seller like The Healing Powers of Vinegar, Honey, and Tea. It took Vinegar a few years to find its legs, but it took off big-time! It ignited the nine-book series.
PBR: Among the many published magazine article reprints, blogposts, and contributing material, most notably are your stories interacting with your dog. How did you decide on which stories to publish, and do you have some other special moments you still wish to share?
The collection of my works were selected without over thinking it. I put it together organically. I can tell you that in Book 2, there will be more science fiction-paranormal stories about a girl and her dog based on my real life.
It’s funny, but I recall back in graduate school we had to find a professor to be our first reader for the required thesis. When I pitched my dog and girl trek across America story to him he snickered and said to me: “I’m not interested.” Once I fell into the popular Healing Powers series, I can tell you I included countless tales about me and my dog(s)—on the road and off.
PBR: What are your favorite breeds of dogs that appeal to you, personally?
I used to be a Sporting Dog Group fan. My canine companions were Labrador retrievers and Brittanys. After losing one Brittany, I had to fill the void for Simon, a Brittany, a canine soulmate and myself. So, four months later, I brought home a 10-week-old fluffy Australian shepherd named Skye “protector”. He is our strong healing, Herding dog and brought back balance into the household. Both Simon and my Siamese cat, Zen raised him to be our alpha leader.
PBR: Your comments about telepathic communication between pets and their owners are amazing. Can you kindly elaborate on this?
I believe in supernatural superpowers. In PAWS Book 2, I will share an amazing story including telepathy between a girl and her super smart, sassy, and loyal dog showing the strength of their bond.
PBR: Although rather challenging, we realize, but can you tell us about your favorite pet you ever had (or have) and why is he/she so special?
This is a Sophie’s Choice question. How can I choose between my children? They all have a special place in my heart. Of course, living in the present I will say both of my pets are my soulmates with paws. But in the past, I’d have to say Stone Fox, my handsome black Labrador was a godsend when I was all alone on the road. We hitched and hiked through California; he stood by me on a freeway onramp hitching a ride while we were both shivering in a Colorado blizzard; and we survived together in a Nevada dust storm. He was intelligent and independent. Stone Fox had soulful big, brown eyes, the heart of gold, and he definitely was my soulmate with paws. When he passed, I couldn’t let go. I had to go on a business trip, and I took his box of ashes with me. I put “him” under the bed covers in my cold hotel room. I felt his warm presence. I loved him with my heart and soul.
PBR: What new topics are on your desk for future books?
I’ve been enjoying writing different genres like I did in graduate school which include science fiction, romance, and thrillers. These topics are no stranger to me. Sure, my health-nutrition books stuffed with stories are popular and timeless… but I’ve taken some new, exciting writing trips out of the kitchen and am enjoying the wild (and always include a soulmate with paws like Dorothy with Toto).
For more information: www.calorey.com and Soulmates with Paws is available in three formats at online bookstores.
June 9, 2024
The Healing Powers of Honey (Audiobook) REVIEW
The Healing Powers of Honey (Audiobook)
Title: The Healing Powers of Honey
Author: Cal Orey
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Narrated by: Tara Marie Kirk
Pages: Audiobook
Genre: Health / Natural Food / Alternative Therapies
Length: 8 hours and 26 minutes
Reviewed by: Beth Adams
It is impossible to listen to this narration of The Healing Powers of Honey by author Cal Orey on audiobook without going to the cupboard and pouring a cup of hot tea, and of course, adding a heaping teaspoon of honey into it. The soothing taste and coating of honey is talked about in so many ways, thus while listening and sipping the tea, it makes for an amazing multi-dimensional learning scenario, having both your brain and body absorbing the true nectar of the gods. What’s more than revealing the facts is the way Cal Orey interleaves her own life’s adventures into describing her quest of gaining the background information to compile the facts about honey into this highly specialized enlightening guide.
The story begins with the author taking on the project of doing a book about honey by the request of her publisher. Listeners are brought to the planning stage of how Cal Orey organized her research to achieve what she is known for; as being a down-to-Earth presenter of health benefits of various food substances. Honey follows her repertoire as she has demonstrated with vinegar, olive oil, chocolate, and other healing books. Nobody is born with honey knowledge, so she first acquired every book she could find on the subject, then arranged for meetings with bee keepers in Fresno, Reno, and other places. So as a listener, I found the tome of the narration as having a quality of discovery, as new factoids are learned and shared, making this story a journey of discovery.
“A Hippy Chick,” as she often referrers to herself as being, due to her expert knowledge of organic health foods, understanding their therapeutic effects having antioxidants, allowing for stress relieving, blood pressure control, diabetes cure, heart fortitude, and even helping lower the risk of cancer, honey fits right in at the top of God’s gifts to humanity – or should I say the Bee’s gift. Her ‘textbook’ parts of the book when she is educating listeners (readers) on the many types of honey, their relative histories and specialized qualities, and somewhat magical powers are explained with describing each varieties’ color, taste, and even how best to pair it up with other food items. Then, of course, she adds her own commentary to each of the about 30 variations of honey – that’s when I began to google the online stores to buy my own bouquet of flavors.
Some diversion to the author’s factual narration on the honey subject was most sentimentally touched upon with the stories of her dog(s). At one point she talks about traveling all around the USA from California to Key West with her K-9 companion, and even smuggling the dog into Canada because she didn’t have the correct documents at the border – now that’s “chutzpah!” She then talks about having a 6th sense when someone commented, “Nice dog” to her, only to find the dog missing after she tied it up outside a building for only a few minutes. The sadness, crying, and sensation of loss was contagious. A few months later she was “rescued” by a lab with sympathetic eyes in San Diego, and life with a dog partner took a happier path.
Honey is amazing. The antibacterial properties makes it ideal for fighting off any bacterial infection, both inside and outside the body, as it is known for enhancing and protecting the skin and healing wounds. Forget Pepto-Bismol, eat honey to cure suffering from diarrhea. Heart healthy, even helping diabetics (which seems odd due to honey’s sweetness) as well as hypertension, lowering cholesterol and even aiding longevity, plus weight loss and libido enhancement are all benefits of this golden nectar. Thank you, bees.
I must admit I did not know the vast variety of types of honey; yes, Clover is popular, and Van Morrison introduced me to Tupelo Honey, but Cal talks about Alfalfa Honey being native to Northern Nevada, and Buckwheat Honey being very powerful with antioxidants. She thought Fireweed Honey might have been bitter yet was pleasantly surprised by its flavor. I never would have thought Avocado Honey existed, and Dandelion, nor Eucalyptus – I guess I need to walk down the health-food isles in Whole Foods a bit more slowly next time.
It may seem as if I am making light of the subject, but that is how I perceived Cal Orey takes the sting out of being a dry educational presentation, and embellishes her work with her humble wisdom and incredible stories which she has gained on so many other subjects. Just like blending honey into bakery items, combined it with cinnamon for holistic healing, or dissolving it in a tea, smoothie or drink, honey’s versatility and benefits are un-bee-livable.
Reviewer’s footnote: Having the audiobook version of this bestselling book, the narration by Tara Marie Kirk was very clear and fluid, not missing a beat with those 5-syllable Latin names of the specific varieties, however as a personal preference I played it back at 1.25 speed, slightly picking up the pace for my listening pleasure, and cutting the play-time from just over 8 hours to about 6 hours.
BUY ON AMAZON AUDIBLEVISIT AUTHOR’S WEBSITEHealth & Fitness, Latest Reviews, Non Fiction
Most compelling snow story since The Shining! Gripping and Dramatic.
Most compelling snow story since The Shining! Gripping and dramatic. Recommended. --Stephen Spignesi, New York Times best-selling author of Stephen King, American Masterby Parker Kelly (Author), Cal Orey (Author) AVAILABLE at all online bookstore websites!#1 New Release in Natural Disasters; #19 bestseller in ALL Natural Disasters category! #3 best-seller on Kindle in Best Natural Disasters category (Amazon)...6-9 #12 & #13 Best-selling
"First responders struggling against the force of nature make a truly exciting adventure--and then there is also a bit of romance and even a dog." -- Stanley Coren, Ph.D., award-winning author of Born to Bark
June 8, 2024
The Untold Story of the Caldor Fire (South Lake Tahoe)
By Cal Orey
Excerpt: Soulmates with Paws: A Collection of Tales & Tails
August 20, 2021, It is ApocalypticAsh falls. Can’t see mountains. Tourists flooding town. It’s surreal. Looks like a nuclear winter. Ordered fourth air purifier. Headache, raspy throat, ears ache. Nowhere to go. Unhealthy air quality in surrounding towns. Current Air Quality: 231. “Caldor Fire, growing rapidly, forces Highway 50 closure” notes one newspaper headline.I feel like it’s a monster headed into South Lake Tahoe. My biggest fear of a firestorm with one road out is coming true. Confirmed by credible sources in town -- there is no way out. Last night when the tourists left –they were told Hwy 50. was going to close -- it was reported "nightmarish" gridlock. Read: We will all be trapped if the wildfire reaches us. We're surrounded. Scared.
AUGUST 22, MidnightTahoe Daily Tribune: “Caldor Fire grows to 98K acres: More resources ordered to keep blaze away from Tahoe” … Online air quality index reads 611 Hazardous! Evacuating tomorrow. The smoke is very unhealthy. Others are leaving too. Scared. Found a place – 6 hr. drive due to closed roads.Called sibling. “We’re leaving tomorrow early afternoon. I’ll pay for the trip.” No hesitation. He was in denial but admits: “I see smoke in my living room.” Afterall, for months he, an intuitive, like me, said, “South Lake Tahoe is going to get hit this summer.” And I chose to evacuate early so we wouldn’t be caught in the chaos of a mandatory mass exodus.
A SAFE PLACE, SORT OFAUGUST 23, 7:00 PM, MondayThe drive was calm. Zen kitty got car sick. Aussie dog happy to go. Clean air ahead! No more sneezing pooch. Arrived. We are now in a safe place. Hello Gilroy, a town I know for its garlic; and doing a past book signing. I chose a pet-friendly inn. It looked cozy with trees nestled around the outside. Note to self: Tent city next to the premises. Red flag but considering we are evacuees now how can I discriminate?Inside the corner suite. It’s spacious with a king bed, sofa bed, one TV, coffee/tea maker, fridge, patio, and close to the door to let the dog do his business. Sibling is thinking vacation, “What can we do that’s fun?” I’m pondering, “This is survival” to verbal warnings: “Do not let Zen get out.” After all, my Siamese is a senior indoor-only super sensitive cat. First road trip. I do not want to lose my fur child.
AUGUST, 25, WednesdayReality hits. The Caldor Fire is out of control. Watching the news, A.M and P.M. is grueling. It is like watching a disaster movie but it is real-life. The monster firestorm is creeping closer and closer to South Lake Tahoe – my home for 22 years. The wildfire is less than 10 miles away. I call the neighbor who stayed behind in the hazardous air like so many others did. Yes, he is feeding my fish and watering the tree gardens. But the air quality is bad. Will he stay or will he go? I think he is in denial or optimistic. But my gut says the wildfire is going to hit home. Embers fly in the air; winds kick up at night. Is it an uphill battle? We don’t have enough firefighters. Locals are on edge.
AUGUST 27, Friday MorningAre you kidding? My brother gave me the news. The inn has a policy. Guests with pets must leave after five days. The room will be cleaned and vacant for 24 hours. “Where are we going to go on a summer holiday weekend?” I asked. Displaced again. Uprooting the fur kids is unfair. The rule seems odd. My gut told me something didn’t ring true. Now we were homeless, too, like the Tent City people.
Saturday Night, Hello Los GatosLady Luck. I scored an upstairs corner suite at a pet-friendly inn. I grew up here—an affluent area that makes me feel safe. The air is hazy from our fire at home but isn’t labeled unhealthy air. The room has superb views of trees and hills. We are happy, sort of. Two rooms, two TVs, a door between us and quiet. It is an oasis. Caveat: Zen has cystitis; so, do I. We don’t like change. Need to drink more water.Week two: I do not want to leave kitty (potential loss of my home has left me vulnerable; putting chair against door as a safety precaution). No dining out. Living on Subway sandwiches: Vegetables, cheese, olives, whole grain bread. One night it’s too bland, another too spicy. Heartburn pays me a visit. Mornings? Inn to-go breakfast: Yogurt, cinnamon roll. Stuff mini fridge with survival food: Natural OJ, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate… Thank God for chamomile tea.
AUGUST 29, Tahoe Evacuations Are HappeningBroken sleep puts us in Zombie mode. Anxiety, stress, and “what ifs” as we watch the nightly news. The word is: The wildfire is less than five miles from the Lake Tahoe Basin. Like a poisonous snake coming straight for South Lake Tahoe. Residents are on alert to be ready to go. One highway out. Panic. Gridlock. Dangerous air. Why did locals wait? Nobody wants to go to a shelter, pay money for a hotel, sleep in a car. The haves leave, the have nots stay. And first responders and essential workers keep working. To make things worse, Covid-19 can spread easier in a wildfire environment we are told.
AUGUST 30, Monday Morning Mandatory EvacuationText from neighbor. His family is leaving before forced evacuations. “I guess the fire crept through the cracks,” he wrote. We were right. My fish, trees will die. Worse, our cabins (and my antique furniture, books/mags of 30 years; fave clothes gone); Our historical resort town may burn down – wiped out like Paradise north of us. Worse, the mayor said:” Prepare for the worst. We will rebuild.” Where will we move?At night I call a bank to make a hefty credit card payment. In shock I say, “This is for the evacuation.” The phone rep is distant. Robotic. Dazed and confused I break down. I cry hysterically. No words. She took the payment. I don’t understand why some people can’t empathize with evacuees from a natural disaster. Nobody is immune.
SEPTEMBER 1, Tahoe and Stateline are Empty – Bears Roam StreetsThe military arrived and more firefighters! Casinos at Stateline, NV close but open their doors to first responders. Bears roam the vacant streets in town. The wildfire is less than five miles away to ravaging South Lake Tahoe. I can feel the collective spirit of residents waiting, waiting, waiting. Will we have a home to go back to – or will we have to relocate?Los Gatos inn moves us to downstairs; somebody had previously booked the suite. Separate rooms. Pros and cons. Twenty days with a sibling is challenging. I am Type A, he is Type B. The break is good. When we are together, we talk about moving to Utah, Arizona… We only brought basic clothes, computers, the dog and cat. We didn’t really think we’d lose our home. Did we?Speaking of home, nobody lives above me. On Saturday evening I hear movement. Earthquake? No. Dinosaurs! Guests on the second-floor walk; and I hear every step they make like in that popular dinosaur movie. On the upside, when I take Skyler, my protective canine outside -- no stairs, inn electronic cards to get into the pool area and out. So, no more boot camp exercise for dog and me.
SOS! More Firefighters, Please!!!Been posting nonstop on social media: “SOS! South Lake Tahoe needs more firefighters and the military!” And they finally came fighting to save our town from burning down. Not to forget the wind shifted and made a difference. Town saved.
Residents returned home by September 7 despite the bad air quality. I wait…September 12 we go home. As whooped as I was, I tossed all toxic air exposed food, hosed off ash on the deck, and inside the cabin. My fish survived 10 days without food; lost one and one tree. I listened to more than 100 phone messages -- from concerned people “Are you okay?” The “Evacuate Now…” words from the El Dorado sheriff greeted me – and I grinned because leaving sooner than later alleviated me hearing the orders like I did for Angora Fire in 2007.
OCTOBER 8, I Survived a Natural DisasterToday, I enjoy the changing color of autumn leaves on trees surrounding the cabin. The air is excellent quality; poor air forecast for the weekend since the sequoias south of us are burning in another California Sierra wildfire. I had a snake nightmare last night and it was trying to attack my cat, Zen.In the afternoon, I pulled down the outdoor living room blind for a warm, fall effect. Ash fell to the deck. A sobering memory of Caldor Fire and how our community survived. A heartfelt thanks to the fearless firefighters. Tahoe strong locals, and the grace of God. We defeated Mother nature’s wrath this time. But was this nightmare the new normal?
(Published in Oracle 20/20 Magazine, November issue)
FYI Facts: Caldor Fire 2021· The wildfire began on August 14. The cause is unknown but climate change helped the fire cross the Sierra Nevada.· Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for El Dorado County. (Lake Tahoe had the most unhealthy air in the U.S.)· Nearly 1000 structures were destroyed, no deaths, the clarity and ecosystem of the Lake are affected.· Lake Tahoe registered the unhealthiest air quality in the nation due to the Caldor and Dixie Fires surrounding the El Dorado, Alpine, and Amador counties in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California.· The dangerous air quality has both short-term and long-term effects on humans, pets, and wildlife.· It was estimated that the Caldor Fire will be fully contained by mid-October.
June 7, 2024
"Most compelling 'snow' story since 'The Shining'!" The WHITEOUT Effect
Most compelling snow story since The Shining! Gripping and dramatic. Recommended. --Stephen Spignesi, New York Times best-selling author of Stephen King, American Masterby Parker Kelly (Author), Cal Orey (Author) AVAILABLE at all online bookstore websites!#1 New Release in Natural Disasters; #19 bestseller in ALL Natural Disasters category! #3 bestseller on Kindle in Best Natural Disasters category (Amazon)
"First responders struggling against the force of nature make a truly exciting adventure--and then there is also a bit of romance and even a dog." -- Stanley Coren, Ph.D., award-winning author of Born to Bark
June 6, 2024
Celebrate National Iced Tea Month in June
By Cal Orey
ICED TEA WITH CITRUS AND MINT * * *
This recipe is California-inspired from when I was in my twenties and lived in Fresno, a farming region in the central state where orange groves are plentiful. During the hot summer afternoons I’d drink iced orange pekoe (pronounced PECK-oh)--a grade of orthodox black tea--to get energized so I could enjoy riding a ten speed bicycle accompanied by my soulmate with paws, a young and healthy black Labrador retriever Stone Fox, with dark brown soulful eyes and a smile to melt my heart. He’d run free through orange groves, we’d race until we were whooped. From my backpack, I’d treat me to cold tea in a thermos and let my dog drink water from a fountain to regroup.
2 cups water
5 tea bags, orange pekoe (Harney and Sons--a blend of Assam and Ceylon)
Granulated white sugar or honey to taste
Lemon or orange slices
Fresh mint
Bring fresh cold water to a boil and pour 2 cups over tea bags. Cover and brew 3 to 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and add 2 cups cold water. Stir. Pour into chilled, ice-filled tea mugs or glasses. Add sugar or honey to taste. Garnish with lemon slices and mint. Serves 4.
Going back to basic tea beverages sometimes is like embracing tradition that gets better with time. In the next chapter, “A Historical Testimony,” I’ll show you exactly how tea continues to get praise and why it’s good enough to have a well-stocked pantry for "…the best of times…the worst of times" with respect to the words of author Charles Dickens’ “The Tale of Two Cities” and all authors, including this one, who turn to tea for inspiration and to find their Zen.[Excerpt from THE HEALING POWERS OF TEA © 2017 Cal Orey. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission from Kensington Publishing. www.kensingtonbooks.com]
The Healing Powers of Tea (Read another excerpt on tea and beauty plus a Q and A from the author for The Daily Tea.)
June 2, 2024
Timeless Coffee Book Ranks Bestseller #1 on Amazon and Kobo!
Americans love coffee. And according to some sources, we drink an astounding 400 million cups every day. But few consume it without some guilt. For years, it’s been suspected as a culprit for various conditions, from high blood pressure to ulcers. But research is now proving the opposite. In fact, there are hundreds of compounds found naturally in coffee beans that have decidedly healing properties, perhaps more so than cocoa, tea or even renowned antioxidant-rich fruits, such as oranges and blueberries. In her new book, The Healing Powers of Coffee, Cal Orey pours over the research to brew up some incredible facts about these magical beans. Here, she sits down for a little coffee Q&A, where she shares insights and tips on how coffee can wake up your wellness routine, helping you to not only stay trim, but also reduce your risk of chronic diseases—even substantially lowering your risk of a heart attack.
Quick TipStop the Pain. Have a Cup. If you’re prone to migraines, a cup or two of strong, black coffee may be the cheapest and most effective remedy, since caffeine can reduce pain by constricting blood vessels.Q: What inspired your interest in coffee?A: I have penned the Healing Powers series—books on superfoods. Since coffee gets a bad rap, I thought it would be fascinating to write about a vice that has gone to virtue. The health benefits of java are controversial, but groundbreaking research shows that it’s got perks. Coffee has been touted as the “newest health food.”Q: Why is coffee such a popular beverage worldwide?A: Its energizing benefits are probably the main reason why coffee has made its mark and is here to stay. Actually, according to legend, an Ethiopian goat herder was the first to discover the energizing benefits of the coffee bean plant centuries ago.Q: What gives coffee its many health benefits?A: Coffee’s amazing antioxidant power is what makes it special. Two mighty antioxidants—chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid—have been given credit for its health benefits. Coffee boasts other health-boosting antioxidants, including benzoic acids, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins.
Q: Does decaf have the same effects?A: According to Joe A. Vinson, Ph.D., from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, decaf has 20% less polyphenols than caffeinated coffee, but this is not significantly lower.Q: Do certain types of coffee have more benefits than others?A: Drinking freshly ground coffee from whole beans can help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.Q: What about the benefits of green coffee beans?A: Green coffee refers to the new or unroasted [beans] of Coffea fruits. It has been praised for its weight-loss benefits on the popular “Dr. Oz Show.” One study published in January 2012 in the Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity Journal shows 16 adults using green coffee bean extract lost an average of 17 lb in just 22 weeks. It’s believed that chlorogenic acid slows absorption of fat from food intake and also boosts metabolism of extra fat. Evidently, it may be a better source of chlorogenic acid than traditional brewed coffee.Q: What about coffee’s effect on the Big C?A: Researchers are quick to point out that cancer-fighting antioxidants (in both caffeinated and decaf) may help lower the risk of developing some cancers, including breast, prostate and liver. Antioxidants in coffee act as disease-fighters to hinder the cancer process and reduce certain cancers.Q: What’s an interesting fact about coffee that most people don’t know?A: You can cook and bake with coffee. You can incorporate coffee in recipes like Cappuccino Biscotti, Thai Coffee Spiced Chicken Sates, Coffee Cheesecake and Maple Espresso.Q: What are coffee’s benefits for weight loss?A: Coffee can provide extra energy to help you exercise (burning calories and boosting metabolism at rest), and help to stave off muscle aches and pains after a workout. Also, caffeine in coffee can act as a natural diuretic, increasing the amount of urine you’ll excrete by temporarily losing pounds or water weight. What’s more, coffee can help women and men get and stay slim because it contains caffeine—and may beat bloat as well as keep you regular. But note, it’s a cup of regular coffee that can help you lose the unwanted pounds, not the junk added to coffee. That means stay clear of creams, flavored syrups, whipped cream, half-and-half and whole milk.Q: How much coffee do you need to reap the benefits?A: The exact amount varies, depending on your heart health and tolerance. Some doctors believe if you have any heart problems or anxiety woes, stick to decaf or one cup of coffee per day. Other coffee gurus do not have a problem with drinking three cups of coffee per day—and that was the average for Americans back in the 1950s. If you’re concerned about caffeine, drink decaf.Q: Can drinking coffee really be heart healthy?A: According to research, drinking two cups of coffee daily could reduce heart failure by 11%. Researchers didn’t determine why, but evidence suggests regular coffee drinkers may build a tolerance to caffeine, lowering their risk of high blood pressure. The antioxidants in coffee may also help to lower the risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol. However, unfiltered coffee and brewing in a French press or percolator may raise cholesterol.
May 31, 2024
June is National Iced Tea Month!
Welcome to my two favorite books in the (Healing Powers Series). I waited 20 years to tackle this project--the topic of tea: One that was fun to research and write. The stories, legends, recipes, and exclusive interviews with tea gurus makes it a perfect tea-mania gift book that keeps on giving year-round...
UPDATE: The Healing Powers of Tea and Honey continue to attract readers on a variety of online bookseller websites, including amazon, barnes and noble, walmart, kobo, apple, and google.
And Honey--a new format--was released in June--National Iced Tea Month--and is available in audiobook. Sweet stories to warm your heart and soul plus take you around the nation and Canada!
The Healing Powers of Honey: The Healthy and Green Choice to Sweeten Packed with Immune-Boosting Antioxidants by Cal Orey (Author)4.4 out of 5 stars Part of: Healing Powers (7 Books)#1 Best Seller in Antioxidants & PhytochemicalsAlso, it has been translated in Estonia; is available in more than 200 libraries; carried the popular, prestigious Fairmont Hotel in Victoria, B.C., Canada tea room gift shop (both The Healing Powers of Tea and The Healing Powers of Honey); and an elegant health resort shop at Cal-a-Vie in Southern California.
And the TEA book has received a bestseller banner on kobo and barnes and noble websites. Plus, at one Barnes and Noble book signing in Reno (followed the famous Stephen King's appearance a week prior) the new book sold out before I, the author arrived! So, I took a box of books with Aussie in tow and drove over the mountain in a snowstorm to deliver The Healing Powers of Tea.
The Healing Powers of Tea Kindle Edition(Amazon)
by Cal Orey
(Author)4.9 out of 5 stars #1 Best Sellerin Coffee and TeaPrint Length: 321 pagesPublisher: Citadel (December 26, 2017)Publication Date: December 26, 2017Sold by: Penguin Random House Publisher ServicesLanguage: EnglishASIN: B06XZQKD4FText-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray:Not Enabled Word Wise: EnabledLending: Not EnabledEnhanced Typesetting: Enabled Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #280 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)#1 in Coffee & Tea (Books)#1 in Coffee & Tea (Kindle Store) #1 in Health Reference
May 27, 2024
More than just writing -- CAL OREY
Cal OreyPreviousNext
Cal Orey, M.A. is an author and non-fiction novelist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Orey’s new book is Soulmates with Paws.
Granola Girl’s Healing Power’s Series: A Treasure Chest of Goodness
Are there any classic novels that you only recently read for the first time?
Well, it’s not a “classic” but it is a bestseller and I finally read it. I savored the short and oh so sweet, tuesdays with Morrie. As a ghostwriter I was told by the client that this is the kind of vibe he wanted for the non-fiction novel I wrote for him.
The end is a bittersweet one. I was promised co-author credit. The client fibbed and my name is not on the book. I did pen The Healing Powers of Tea, and tea plays a big role in his book. So in my heart I know it’s my baby.
You’re organizing a party. Which two authors, dead or alive, do you invite?
I would love to host John Steinbeck. He input his emotion into his work. And, of course, Travels with Charley is one of my favorites books. When I was in my early twenties, I left Northern California and hitched and hiked with my dog in search of America. Steinbeck was my mentor, my teacher, my hero.
Next up for tea and scones, would be Stephen King. I would love to hear him tell a spooky tale. One late winter, I drove from Lake Tahoe to Reno for a book signing. He was there a week prior. It was a hard act to follow. But I got a call from the manager a day before my event. She said, “I don’t know how to tell you this but all of your books sold out.” So, I took my beloved Brittany and we ended up bringing more books to the bookstore.
Who are your favorite writers? Are there any who aren’t as widely known as they should be, whom you’d recommend in particular?
The trio of authors I chose for my oral exams in grad school are still my favorite writers. So, it’s John Steinbeck, Edward Albee (I was going to be a playwright), and George Elliot who had a sensitive husband who trashed her bad reviews. (My professors did approve of the master. However, they said they hoped I became an author—not a literature teacher.)
What do you read when you’re working on a book? And what kind of reading do you avoid while writing?
I read books and articles related to my chosen topic. I make a point of it to choose a different angle, style, and turn the subject matter upside down—this way it’s all mine. I stay clear of novels because it’s too distracting and takes me out of the zone.
What moves you most in a work of literature?
When the author reveals the inner self and isn’t timid to share feelings—that is what makes me laugh or cry.
What genres do you especially enjoy reading?
My favorite genres include Sci-Fi, Romance, and Adventure.
What book are you planning to read next?
I’m too busy writing. I will not be reading but writing Book 2: Soulmates with Paws: A Collection of Tales & Tails.
What books and authors have impacted your writing career?
Anne Rice taught a class at San Francisco State University—and she was amazingly real. Rice told us when we write we should pretend to disrobe and share ourselves without inhibitions. And that’s just what I do.
