Blog

The Doc and Chef took their show on the road to a very special audience - the men and women who serve our country. The US Air Force held their first Lifestyle and Performance Summit at the Defense Health Headquarters in Falls Church, VA in February and they invited Jim and Caryn to present on the importance of adding more plants to their plates. By demonstrating her Nutrient Dense Rainbow Salad (AKA, Anti-cancer Salad created for this Doc & Chef episode), Caryn built the recipe as Jim pointed out the main nutrients in each ingredient. It was very well received and every last sample was gobbled up!

WHAT IS NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE? Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver of people who drink little to no alcohol. It is becoming increasingly common in many parts of the world...

HOW IS COLLAGEN MADE IN THE BODY? Like any protein, collagen is made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. The main amino acids found in collagen include..

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF TURMERIC? Beyond its culinary uses, turmeric has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat a variety of conditions, such as pain, inflammation, and digestive issues.

WHAT ARE DIETARY OXALATES? Dietary oxalates, or oxalic acid, are naturally occurring compounds found in many plants and vegetables. They play a role in the defense mechanism of plants and participate in various metabolic processes.

WHAT ARE ANTINUTRIENTS? Antinutrients are compounds found in foods, particularly in plant-based foods, that can interfere with the absorption of nutrients and digestion. While the term might sound negative, these compounds aren't necessarily harmful and can even have health benefits in some contexts. These compounds include: Lectins, which are a type of protein found in many plants, especially in seeds, legumes (like beans, lentils, and peanuts), and whole grains. They serve various functions in plants, acting as a natural defense mechanism. In the human diet, they are known for their unique ability to bind to carbohydrates, specifically to the sugars that make up the cell walls of many plants and animals. Phytates, also known as phytic acid, which are a natural compound found primarily in the seeds of plants. This includes whole grains, nuts, legumes, and some tubers and roots. Phytates bind to minerals and store them to support seedling growth until the plant can produce its own through photosynthesis. Also, like lectins, phytates contribute to the defense mechanism of plants against pests and pathogens.

WHAT FOODS ARE HIGH IN CALCIUM? Dietary sources of calcium are varied and can cater to different dietary preferences and restrictions. Here are some common sources: Dairy Products: This is the most well-known group. It includes milk, cheese, yogurt, and kefir. Dairy products are among the richest sources of calcium. Leafy Green Vegetables: Certain vegetables, especially dark, leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, kale, and bok choy, have significant calcium content. Spinach also contains calcium, but it's less available for absorption due to its high oxalate content. Fortified Foods: Many foods are fortified with calcium, including plant-based milk alternatives (such as almond, soy, and rice milk), some cereals, orange juice, and tofu made with calcium sulfate. Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, sesame seeds, chia seeds, and tahini (sesame seed paste) contain calcium. Legumes: Beans, particularly white beans, chickpeas, and black-eyed peas, have notable amounts of calcium. Lentils also contain some calcium. Dried Fruits: Some dried fruits like figs and apricots contain calcium. Certain Grains: Amaranth and quinoa are grains that provide some calcium.

Alzheimer's disease is a relatively common neurodegenerative disorder, especially among older adults. In 2020, about 50 million people had dementia, and most of them had Alzheimer's disease. Projections show this number increasing significantly in the coming decades due to the aging population.

Caryn collaborates with advanced sommelier Wanda Cole-Nicholson on Fox 2 to show you how you can healthfully plant your plate and pair it well in 2024!

Who doesn’t like a short cut? If you know one thing about me, it’s that I love my fiber! FIBER IS SEXY and I encourage your to get 40 grams a day in! Many people look at me with big googly eyes when they hear me say this for the first time, others are mortified because it’s all they can do to get in the 15 or so that most Americans do. Ah, the work around - a fiber supplement!