Plants may seem defenseless when it comes to warding off pests, rodents and other predators, but they in fact have a secret weapon: pungent smells and tastes in the form of phytochemicals, which sometimes are toxic to small creatures when ingested. Allicin, produced inside raw garlic cloves, is an example of a compound that has…
If you're a fan of French cuisine or cooking, you may be familiar with chervil, a green herb in the parsley plant family that's also related to cilantro. It's one herb used to make the classic French seasoning mix called the "fines herbes blend" — along with parsley, tarragon and chives — that flavor recipes…
The leek is a sister plant to onion and garlic, and like those incredible nutrient-rich foods, leeks offer a whole host of health benefits. The list of what leeks can do is a long one. From preventing inflammation — the root of most diseases — to protecting the body from cancer, heart disease and everything…
Whether you're watching your waistline or counting carbs as part of a ketogenic diet or a low-carb diet, adding a few low-carb vegetables to your daily routine can be incredibly beneficial. What are low-carb vegetables? Low-carb veggies are generally low in total carbohydrates, plus high in fiber. Fiber is a nutrient that moves slowly through the…
Frequently used as a garnish to throw in a bit of color to a dish, scallions are often overlooked and overshadowed by other ingredients. Believe it or not, though, this vegetable has a whole lot more to offer than some added color. In fact, scallions are low in calories, rich in nutrients and boast some…
Liver failure occurs when your liver, a vital producer of proteins for the body and an important filter of wastes, slows or stops working because of disease, malnutrition, infection or harmful chemicals, including drugs. The liver makes bile (fluid that aids in breaking down fats), stores fat and sugar as energy for the body and changes harmful…
Found in abundance throughout the food supply — both in natural food sources and added into processed foods — most of us get a hearty dose of fructans in our daily diets without even realizing it. Not only is fructan plentiful in grains and wheat products, but it’s also present in many types of fruits,…
Have you tried rhubarb before? The bright red vegetable is a favorite ingredient for experienced cooks, but it’s time that novice chefs embrace it, too. While it’s technically a veggie, rhubarb is often used like a fruit, thanks to its tangy flavor – it’s often found in muffins and pies, which counteract the tartness and…
Did you know that liver can be considered a superfood? It may not be a leafy green or wild berry, but liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. So, if you've been wondering if liver is good for you, the simple answer is absolutely! The thought of eating liver may not…
Looking for a healthier take on the classic sausage and peppers recipe? This chicken scarpariello dish has both chicken breasts and chicken sausages and is overflowing with delicious flavor. Of course, I recommend using organic, free-range chicken products, which I personally think taste better in addition to being healthier options overall. This chicken scarpariello with…
