Cal Orey's Blog, page 82
January 8, 2021
The Healing Powers of Tea and Honey for Hot Tea Month!
By Cal Orey
Did you know wellness in a cup is in your kitchen cupboards? Tea, much like a best friend, is the versatile superfood that can be enjoyed as an amazing constant home cure, an age-fighting treatment, relaxing beauty remedy, household cleaner, and even infused in your favorite dishes--from Strawberry Banana Tea Muffins to Scallops in Black Tea Marinade!As noted on the back cover of The Healing Powers of Tea: A Complete Guide To Nature's Special Remedy (Citadel Press, Kensington)--
It picks you up and calms you down, warms you and refreshes you. With black, white, green, and herbal varieties, there's a tea for every taste, and now this time-honored superfood is trending as the drink of choice for health-conscious people of all ages and cultures.
Welcome to Tea Land!This fascinating book boils down the rich history of tea--as well as the ever-expanding list of health and weight loss benefits found in its leaves.
But this special one-of-a-kind tea book does so much more. It's sweetened with lively up close and very personal home and family to on-the-road stories with twists, turns, and real feelings (bonding with people and pets of all ages with tea as a vehicle) paired with inspiring legends about tea from yesteryear.
Discover how tea is a drink that goes back in history as well as the center for tea parties--stirs the imagination for the young at home and serves up exciting teas and treats in beautiful tea rooms for older people young at heart. (page 19)Find out exactly how far people, perhaps like you, too, will go to get a cup of tea (a variety of types) no matter where you are or who you're with--man, woman, a group of people or dog--for survival's sake! (page 136)
Get the latest information from tea experts on how the superfood can tackle anxiety and depression during life's ups and downs--and big family losses linked to pain, grief, anger, acceptance, and a comeback to move on. (pages 145) Feel thrills and novelty vicariously experiencing adventures in traveling through wilderness up and down the West Coast, Midwest, Deep South, Northeast and Canada and cultural shock in new places but always tea soothing and part of the memory. Alone with a canine companion, a new love, or in the company of wise elderly women and men--tea is a drink to cherish, a drink that bonds people. (page 77-78)
Stir up over 50 home cures to give yourself more energy, less stress--and feel younger, more happiness, vim and vigor while traveling or at home! (pages 155-156)
After a 3000 mile flight plan, imagine your fantasy-come-true final destination and you can relax with a cuppa tea and sense of adventure in a foreign country after the trials and tribulations in the process of getting there (plane, train, bus, cab, shuttle bus) and feeling homesick but tea helped calm the pain. (pages 191-192)
Enjoy super comforting and tea-licious recipes like Warm Scones with Jam and Assorted Finger Sandwiches. (pages 225-226; Tea Menu, pages 238-272)
And so much more! Enjoy the intriguing and unforgettable tales that reveal feelings of joy, loneliness, love, longing, security and comfort--all tea-inspired in #6 in the Healing Powers series. This very special, intimate book is full of new research, new recipes, and new home cures, penned from the tea-loving author's heart and soul pairs well with the gift size mass market bestselling The Healing Powers of Honey (Newsmax.com/Honey offered as a gift book) and other booksellers' sites. Also, The Healing Powers of Tea is the perfect companion with The Healing Powers of Coffee and The Healing Powers of Chocolate. The collection is available at fine bookstores (on and offline) and ready for you now.
January 7, 2021
Mediterranean Diet Named #1 Fourth Year in a Row! RECIPE
By Cal Orey
News flash: This is the fourth year in a row the according to the U.S. News & World Report’s annual list. It’s a wholesome heart-healthy diet based on vegetables, fruits, dairy, whole grains, legumes, fish, nuts, olive oil, wine (in moderation, and water.
Enter: Mac and cheese. Macaroni and cheese aka mac 'n' cheese is an age-old dish created with cheese and pasta. The tradition recipe is a casserole baked in the oven. Its roots are not known but it’s no stranger in the United Kingdom or Canada. And it did find its way to America and has a reputation of being a comfort food – for all ages.
Twenty years ago, I remember foraging the gourmet frozen kind at the grocery store. Nuke it. Done. I remember my mom’s homemade casserole. Back in the 20thcentury, pasta shells, whole milk, margarine, processed cheese, and bread crumbs from old bread were her ingredients of choice. And, of course, we also ate the quickie kind in a box. Not so good either.
Fast forward to present-day. I’ve changed up this dish with a healthier twist. Whole grain pasta, gourmet cheese, real butter, fresh herbs and spices, and vegetables make it a Mediterranean delight inspired by my taste for European foods (an underlying theme in my book series).
Mac ‘n’ Cheese Mediterranean Style
2 cups whole grain elbow macaroni, cooked
2 cups organic half and half
¾ cup Cheddar, shredded
½ cup Parmesan shavings
½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons European style butter
½ teaspoon ground pepper
1 teaspoon Mediterranean seasoning (or 2 teaspoons fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary)
¼ cup garlic and herb bread crumbs
Roma tomatoes, sliced
Fresh basil or rosemary, sprigs, garnish
Cook pasta per directions of the box or bag. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove pasta from the heat. In a small pan, heat the half and half until it boils. Turn down the heat to medium and add 1/2 the grated Cheddar and Parmesan; stir until it is melted and smooth. Add sour cream and butter. Add pepper and seasoning. Pour this over the macaroni. put this into a baking dish or ramekins. Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Top with bread crumbs. Bake until the top is golden and crusty, about 25 to 30 minutes. Serves 4-6.
This week during the world’s ups and downs, I did seek comfort – like all of us – living on the South Shore. Putting the good for you foods together was quick. The results? Instant comfort. It’s a keeper, especially on a chilly night. A hot casserole hits the spot and yeah, it’s feel good food. Easy does it though – one serving is good to keep winter weight at bay. Pair it with a green salad and a cup of hot tea for January – National Hot Tea Month.
-- 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, Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Her website is http://www.calorey.com.
January 6, 2021
NEW Herbs and Spices Book and Superfoods -- Based on #1 Ranked Mediterranean Diet (4th Year)
By Cal Orey
Yikes! Some folks are super surprised to discover eggs, pizza, cheese, gelato, whole grains, fatty Alaskan fish with herbs, wine water are some of the top 20 superfoods in this new book! 
But note, ALL of these foods are found in the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet (many versions are available) ranked in 2018 as a top diet in the nation! Keep in mind, some of these superfoods should only be eaten in moderation--and yes, daily activity and drinking water (an essential superfood!) are part of the deal.
Did you know the keys to a long life and vibrant good health can be found on the shelves of your local supermarket?Apples, leafy greens, shellfish, yogurt—even ice cream and pasta. The latest scientific studies reveal that many of the classic foods you’ve always loved are superfoods that can supercharge your health! Not only are they delicious, they’re affordable—plus these essential farm-to-table favorites can work with any diet plan, from the balanced Mediterranean Diet to the hunter-gatherer Paleo plan.
With over 50 recipes for both cooked and raw dishes, including smoothies and soups, a detox juice fast and a jump-start pounds-off diet, this down-to-earth guide will show you how to get healthy and stay healthy with body-friendly superfoods.*Boost your immune system with citrus and nutrient-dense berries, including fresh, frozen, and dried.
*Enjoy the healthy fats in eggs and nuts, including nut butters, to fight inflammation, slow the aging process, and lower your risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Mediterranean Pizza, thin crust,whole grain, tomatoes,
tomato or pesto sauce, feta cheese
Moderation--1 or 2 slices
*Trade white sugar for antioxidant-rich sweeteners like maple syrup, the newest superfood!
*Create home remedies designed to ease anxiety, improve sleep, boost brainpower and enhance energy.
*Keep your home spotless for kids and pets using eco-friendly superfood-rich formulas.
*Pamper your mind and body with the same food-based treatments that health spas use, including ingredients like seeds and seaweed.
Now you can indulge in a Pesto Pizza or Berry Basil Smoothie, a Chicken Bone Broth or dark chocolate gelato, while chilling with an ancient-oats facial or relaxing in a warm, herb-scented bath. Infused with heartwarming stories and inspiring legends, The Healing Powers of Superfoods will take you to a world of wellness that starts at home with our favorite foods from Mother Nature—enjoyed in a new way with an exciting twist!* From the back cover of The Healing Powers of Superfoods (Kensington Books, Citadel; Cal Orey) 2019. All rights reserved.
January 3, 2021
Spice Surge! Stay-at-Home Cooking & Nostalgia for Comfort! New Herbs & Spices Book on Bookshelves!
The mega-popular Healing Powers series from bestselling nutrition writer Cal Orey continues with its 9th installment, The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices, exploring the many ways fresh herbs in your fridge and dried spices in your kitchen cupboard can provide medicinal powers, home cures, weight loss benefits, beauty treatments, and adventurous flavors and textures to enhance plant-based dishes. And during the pandemic there is a spice surge because of the home-cooking comeback!
The key to vibrant health for all generations is in your kitchen...Anise, bay leaf, garlic, parsley, turmeric, and more (I use a lot of the McCormick classic brand) --for thousands of years, herbs and spices have been praised for preserving and flavoring food, as well as preventing and curing illnesses. The latest research reveals that the seasonings already in your pantry--or easily found fresh in your supermarket or garden--can lower your risk for cancer, heart disease, and obesity. This A-to-Z guide catalogues the most popular and versatile herbs and spices, drawn from the Mediterranean Diet but suitable for any diet plan. You will learn how to harness herbalism to heal your body and mind.
Discover how to use nature's gifts including allspice, chives, fennel, oregano, pepper, tarragon, saffron, and special blends like Herbes de Provence to:
●Bring abundant zest to your table while lowering your cholesterol, balancing your blood sugar, and revving up your metabolism--at any age!
●Ward off colds and flu, banish a hacking cough, and even ease PMS or menopause woes, by adding tasty plant therapy to your favorite food or drink.
●Lessen your anxiety and boost your mood with aromatic natural ingredients found in dried and fresh flavorings.
●Soothe aches and pains without harmful side effects--and trigger feel-good endorphins--using sweet and savory garnishes, including edible flowers.
●Create in-home spa treatments using the same herbal potions featured at luxury spa resorts.
Caraway Breadsticks, anyone? How about Cilantro Lime Slaw, Herbal Greek Bean Soup, or Roasted Paprika Cornish Hens? With over 50 taste-tempting recipes, along with personal stories and fascinating historical anecdotes on medicinal uses dating back to biblical times, The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices is your go-to guide to embracing limitless energy and healthy longevity while feasting on memorable meals full of aroma and deliciousness!
January 2, 2021
Winterfest Healing Powers Series Ebook Sale! Honey, Olive Oil, Chocolate
Welcome 2021! It's National Hot Tea Month
'Tis the Season to Beat Colds and Flu Warm Up this Winter—Wellness in a Cup—Discover the Benefits of Tea for Your Body and Mind!5 Tea Home Cures from Your Kitchen
One autumn day I found myself getting up at 2:30 A.M. to catch a 6:00 A.M. plane to Salt Lake City, then to Atlanta Georgia, to Montreal, Quebec. Waking up without adequate sleep felt odd and it was the wrong hour to brew coffee.
So, I made a cup of my own blend: black and green tea. It gave me enough energy to get on the shuttle bus without acting like a zombie from a sci-fi film.
But while tea offers home cures, including beating sleepiness, it can also help keep you calmer than java. At the first airport counter café, I ordered a cup of hot water and used my own chamomile tea bag to keep me calm enough for the next fear factor: flying out of the Sierra and into Salt Lake City—two dicey airports known for turbulent flights. And thanks to tea, I survived the flight plan all the way to Canada, my second home...
There is a growing trend of at-home tea cures (like I used to achieve my final destination), that’ll wow you with their potential healing powers. I sprinkled in tea wisdom from tried-and-true folk remedies, scientific studies, medical experts, and my own home tea and tisane cures. It’s tea time! Read on--here's five home cures from more than 50 in The Healing Powers of Tea.
1. COLDS (Warm Up Baby.) During the fall and winter months, cold season hits more frequently. Also, though, if you are under stress a cold can pay you a visit year-round, especially if traveling or contracting a virus from someone else. If your immune system is under attack—a cold can be prevented or the severity lessened with tea.What Tea Rx to Use: Drink one 8-ounce cup of black tea (hot or iced) with or without 1 teaspoon honey two to three times per day.
Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Tea researchers believe it’s the compound antigen in black tea that bolsters the body’s immune system and may help guard against colds. Also, the tannins may help to stave off viruses like a cold. I recall one doctor’s story about how he turned to tea for comfort. He was traveling in the Alaskan wilderness. While in a van traveling with a lot of people, one had a cold as he did. The doctor had tea and drank the liquid. And it helped the good doctor heal.
2. COUGHS (Cease the tickle.) Coping with a cold can be annoying, but coughing which can be caused by seasonal allergies, or linger after a cold, a bout of bronchitis, or other things, can be pesky and make your throat and even chest ache.What Tea Rx to Use: Opt to brew 1 12-ounce cup of black or white tea. For an extra throat soother, add 1 teaspoon of honey. Repeat as necessary.Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Tacking a cough takes a bit of sleuth work to discover why you are coughing—and then it’s time to be proactive and deal with the problem. If allergens are the issue, for instance, it’s time to get an air purifier, vacuum and dust more, and add tea with honey to your diet repertoire—soon you’ll be doing the happy dance without stopping to cough.
3. FLU (Say good-bye to germs.) Catching the flu, which can come on suddenly, drags you down and into bed. Viruses come in all forms and can give you anything from a 24-hour flu bug to a super bug that’ll spook you to the point where images from sci-fi films like Outbreak and Contagion will haunt you as you try and shake it.What Tea Rx to Use: Take 2 cups of tea and you won’t be calling the doctor in the morning. Mix it up and sip 1 cup of tea (black, green, or white) and 1 cup of your favorite vitamin C-enhanced herbal tea such as hibiscus.Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: It’s no surprise that the functional food tea is chock-full of antioxidants—the good guys that can keep your immune system healthy and stave off germs you could encounter from your local grocery store to a vacation stop. By drinking tea and a vitamin-rich tisane teamed with a nutrient-dense diet, you’ll be keeping your immune system strong.
4. SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (Blast the blues.) Feeling down and sluggish with SAD, coined by Dr. Norman Rosenthal, is another monster to face. I have tackled the symptoms with an arsenal of remedies—and tea is on the list come late fall through early spring.What Tea Rx to Use: Brew 1 cup of hot water and use 1 teaspoon green tea leaves or tea bag. Steep for 3 minutes. Repeat 2 times per day.
Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Green tea has 45 milligrams of caffeine (which can give you a physical and mental burst of energy). But also, green tea contains L-theanine—a compound that enhances brain chemicals including serotonin and that can give you a calming sense of well-being. A bonus: It can rev up your metabolism, fill you up and not out. Read: Lose unwanted pounds and body fat.5. SORE THROAT (Treat the pain.) Before a cold you can get a telltale sore throat. Not to forget allergies and even talking too much. Rather than run to the doctor for an allergy medication, why not take an alternative route and turn to tea?What Tea Rx to Use: Dried oolong leaves combined with rose hips or hibiscus can be a perfect pairing. Put 1 teaspoon of tea leaves and 1 teaspoon of the herbal tea of your choice in 1 cup of hot water. Steep for a few minutes, then strain. Add honey to taste.Why You’ll Feel Tea—rrific: Oolong tea my reduce swelling and inflammation, due to flavonoids. Also, honey boasts anti-inflammatory benefits, too.
Ginger Lemon Honey Tea
Ginger and lemon go together like salt and pepper—two of nature’s finest superfoods with an immunity booster that can keep you healthy this winter and all year-long. 2 cups water 10 thin slices gingerroot, fresh 1 lemon sliced 3 tablespoons honey 1/3 cup lemon juice
Bring water, gingerroot, and lemon slices to a boil for 1 or 2 minutes. Remove from heat, steep 10 minutes, strain. Stir in honey and lemon juice. You can also add apple peel, a piece of onion, and one or two tablespoons of chamomile.(Courtesy: Gemma Sanita Sciabica)
Excerpt from The Healing Powers of Tea2018. All right reserved. Reprinted with permission from Kensingtonwww.kensingtonbooks.com .— 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.) Her website is www.calorey.com.
December 31, 2020
Herbs and Spices Author's Muffins RECIPE (for Good Luck in 2021)
By Cal Orey
Forget hours of cooking yucky black-eyed peas, cornbread, noodles, and lentils for hitting the jackpot. Round foods, including cakes and circular dried fruits are eaten by different cultures on New Year’s Day. Why? It is a tradition because the globular shaped food is a promise of success and prosperity.
Cranberry-Thyme Streusel Muffins
2
cups flour (I used 1 cup each of all-purpose flour and cake flour; combining both makes a lighter less dense muffin)
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 large eggs
¼ cup honey (you can substitute with white granulated sugar)
3/4 cup milk
¼ cup vegetable oil or butter (oil preserves the muffins longer)
1 cup cranberries, dried (soak in water for 15 minutes to plump up berries)
2 tablespoons thyme, fresh, chopped
Streusel Allspice Topping
½ cup flour (all-purpose flour)
1/4 cup oats (quick cooking)
½ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon allspice (McCormick)
½ cup pecans
3-4 tablespoons European style butter (with sea salt)
In a small bowl, mix all dry ingredients with nuts and melted butter. Set aside.
In a large bowl, for muffins combine flours, and baking powder. In another bowl, add eggs, beaten, honey, milk, and oil. Mix dry and wet ingredients. Fold in berries. Use an ice cream scoop to place batter into each muffin lined pan. Top each muffin with streusel mix. Bake muffins at 375 degrees for about 25 muffins or until firm. Serve warm. Makes 8 to 10 muffins.
These muffins are good plain or cut in half and spread with butter, jam, or cream cheese. Pair with hot coffee or tea. And note, cranberries are touted as a superfruit. This little berry is packed with immune-boosting vitamin C, dietary fiber, and heart-health flavonoids – all essential for staying healthy during our winter and the big chill...
So, will baking muffins change your life in the new year? Perhaps. But it’s worth a shot because these gems are yummy and boast good for you ingredients. And hey, these coin-shaped muffins, fruit, nuts, and oats may bring you good luck and good fortune in 2021.
-- 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, Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Her website is http://www.calorey.com .
Herbs and Spice Author's NEW Spicy Muffins (for Good Luck in 2021)
By Cal Orey
Forget hours of cooking yucky black-eyed peas, cornbread, noodles, and lentils for hitting the jackpot. Round foods, including cakes and circular dried fruits are eaten by different cultures on New Year’s Day. Why? It is a tradition because the globular shaped food is a promise of success and prosperity.
Cranberry-Thyme Streusel Muffins
2
cups flour (I used 1 cup each of all-purpose flour and cake flour; combining both makes a lighter less dense muffin)
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 large eggs
¼ cup honey (you can substitute with white granulated sugar)
3/4 cup milk
¼ cup vegetable oil or butter (oil preserves the muffins longer)
1 cup cranberries, dried (soak in water for 15 minutes to plump up berries)
2 tablespoons thyme, fresh, chopped
Streusel Allspice Topping
½ cup flour (all-purpose flour)
1/4 cup oats (quick cooking)
½ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon allspice (McCormick)
½ cup pecans
3-4 tablespoons European style butter (with sea salt)
In a small bowl, mix all dry ingredients with nuts and melted butter. Set aside.
In a large bowl, for muffins combine flours, and baking powder. In another bowl, add eggs, beaten, honey, milk, and oil. Mix dry and wet ingredients. Fold in berries. Use an ice cream scoop to place batter into each muffin lined pan. Top each muffin with streusel mix. Bake muffins at 375 degrees for about 25 muffins or until firm. Serve warm. Makes 8 to 10 muffins.
These muffins are good plain or cut in half and spread with butter, jam, or cream cheese. Pair with hot coffee or tea. And note, cranberries are touted as a superfruit. This little berry is packed with immune-boosting vitamin C, dietary fiber, and heart-health flavonoids – all essential for staying healthy during our winter and the big chill...
So, will baking muffins change your life in the new year? Perhaps. But it’s worth a shot because these gems are yummy and boast good for you ingredients. And hey, these coin-shaped muffins, fruit, nuts, and oats may bring you good luck and good fortune in 2021.
-- 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, Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Her website is http://www.calorey.com .
December 30, 2020
Herbs and Spices Heart-Warming Lure -- NEW Book, a Must-Have for 2021
By Cal Orey
The word is, an uptick in herbs and spices has left manufacturers scrambling to fill orders for hungry and lonely consumers. What gives? Blame the spike on the stay-at-home lifestyle to survive the pandemic. Actually, herbs and spices have been touted as timeless treasures. Their draw goes back centuries ago, to the days of the spice trade. Seafarers searched for pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg which were priceless commodities. And now, during a 21st century plague, we are experiencing another spice explosion, sort of.
The Covid-19 challenge has already played a role in our food chain. Back in March, we endured bare shelves – a lack of flour to sugar to eggs and butter — in our grocery stores. But spices were growing in demand, too, because we were cooking more, dining out less. As months passed, during quarantine home-cooking, using herbs and spices became a hot trend around the globe.
A Pre-Pandemic Introduction to Aromatic SeasoningsFlashback to 2019, when I began my book research for The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices: Timeless Treasures, I found a big cardboard box on my doorstop—a gift. When I opened the package, I was greeted by a strong wave of different aromas. The box was filled with dozens of individual packets containing a variety of herbs and spices. It was if they were all are saying, “Look at me! Choose me!”
I took out each cellophane wrapped and labeled packet. There were rows of small packages on my dining room table. Each one was filled with powders, pods, seeds and stems–some familiar, some not. I brought out a kit of glass bottles with stick-on labels which I had ordered online and went to work filling each container with a dried herb or spice. Foolishly, I did not wear a mask. (Fast forward: Now a mask is my best friend.) My eyes began to water, and sniffles started. I sneezed several times. I was experiencing the potent and healing compounds in the botanical plants. Within a few hours, all my seasonings were inside the glass bottles and labeled.
Little did I know these timeless treasures would end up making a huge comeback during a pandemic stay-at-home lifestyle.
Home-Cooking Is Chillaxing
Why Spice Sales Saw a Rise During the PandemicAs more people look to natural remedies as a way to slim down and healthy up, the demand for usage of herbs and spices continues to skyrocket.Celebrity chefs increasingly promote more natural, plant-based diets that include many herbs and spices for flavor, texture, and visual appeal.During the New Year and into V-Day, spring, and summer — spice companies will likely enjoy a greater demand for immune-boosting food paired with seasonal favorite seasonings.During stressful times people often turn to baking bread or making pizza – familiar comfort food. While we cope with the novel virus – losing a loved one to a job, cooking links you to a sense of normalcy.Using herbs and spices provide different adventurous flavors and can create different cuisines — a tie to traveling which we cannot easily do right now. It’s an escape to embracing different cultures and humanity – a way to feel connected during physical distancing.
Herbs and Spices Heart-Warming Lure
Staying well is on our minds. And the key to vibrant health for all generations is in your kitchen… Anise, bay leaf, oregano, paprika, parsley, and more—for thousands of years, have been praised for flavoring food, as well as preventing and even curing illnesses.
Nature’s gifts including cloves, garlic, thyme, and turmeric are immune-boosting and can help us stay well. Since American households will be hunkering down for a while, spicing up home-cooked meals adds pleasure. And yes, herbs and spices can even ease stress and anxiety providing comfort during challenging times.
So, cooking up herb-alicious recipes like a Banana Cardamom Bread, Mediterranean Oven-Baked Garlic and Marjoram Pizza, Jumbo Anise Biscotti or a Spiced Star Anise Hot Chocolate will help get us through tough times. But note, post-pandemic days are ahead – with promise of gatherings and traveling – indulging in the variety of spice to its fullest once again.
The mega-popular Healing Powers series from bestselling nutrition writer Cal Orey continues with its 9th installment, The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices, exploring the many ways fresh herbs in your fridge and dried spices in your kitchen cupboard can provide medicinal powers, home cures, weight loss benefits, beauty treatments, and adventurous flavors for better health in 2021 and beyond.
December 27, 2020
Herbs and Spices: Timeless Treasures to Launch on December 29!
The mega-popular Healing Powers series from bestselling nutrition writer Cal Orey continues with its 9th installment, The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices, exploring the many ways fresh herbs in your fridge and dried spices in your kitchen cupboard can provide medicinal powers, home cures, weight loss benefits, beauty treatments, and adventurous flavors and textures to enhance plant-based dishes. And during the pandemic there is a spice surge because of the home-cooking comeback!
The key to vibrant health for all generations is in your kitchen...Anise, bay leaf, garlic, parsley, turmeric, and more (I use a lot of the McCormick classic brand) --for thousands of years, herbs and spices have been praised for preserving and flavoring food, as well as preventing and curing illnesses. The latest research reveals that the seasonings already in your pantry--or easily found fresh in your supermarket or garden--can lower your risk for cancer, heart disease, and obesity. This A-to-Z guide catalogues the most popular and versatile herbs and spices, drawn from the Mediterranean Diet but suitable for any diet plan. You will learn how to harness herbalism to heal your body and mind.
Discover how to use nature's gifts including allspice, chives, fennel, oregano, pepper, tarragon, saffron, and special blends like Herbes de Provence to:
●Bring abundant zest to your table while lowering your cholesterol, balancing your blood sugar, and revving up your metabolism--at any age!
●Ward off colds and flu, banish a hacking cough, and even ease PMS or menopause woes, by adding tasty plant therapy to your favorite food or drink.
●Lessen your anxiety and boost your mood with aromatic natural ingredients found in dried and fresh flavorings.
●Soothe aches and pains without harmful side effects--and trigger feel-good endorphins--using sweet and savory garnishes, including edible flowers.
●Create in-home spa treatments using the same herbal potions featured at luxury spa resorts.
Caraway Breadsticks, anyone? How about Cilantro Lime Slaw, Herbal Greek Bean Soup, or Roasted Paprika Cornish Hens? With over 50 taste-tempting recipes, along with personal stories and fascinating historical anecdotes on medicinal uses dating back to biblical times, The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices is your go-to guide to embracing limitless energy and healthy longevity while feasting on memorable meals full of aroma and deliciousness!
December 26, 2020
Surprise! Coffee Has Health Perks!
By Cal Orey
Lose weight, fight cancer and help your heart. The author of The Healing Powers of Coffee tells why a good ol’ cup of Joe is being recognized as a hot new health food. *It is featured and carried by Newsmax Media! (Take an inside peek at this gift book!)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 cho- lesterol. However, unfiltered coffee and brewing in a French press or percolator may raise cholesterol.
