A Harvard study has shown that women with higher intakes of flavonoid antioxidants from grapefruit had significantly lower inflammation markers compared to those with lower intakes. Personal note, if you are taking medication for high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit while taking such drugs. I have no idea why this study only included women. Perhaps this could also apply to men.
Helping you know how to use foods as medicines. You can help your body to heal and stay healthy by the foods you eat!However, with any medical condition, always consult with a physician before any changes in routine, diet or medication.
Friday, August 15, 2025
Thursday, August 14, 2025
SALMON FIGHT INFLAMMATION
Salmon is another good food to fight inflammation. The reason? Salmon is loaded with eicosapentaenoic acid. This acid is an omega-3 fat that lowers inflammation. Omega-3 fats are healthy fats that many of us do not get enough of.
There are many ways to enjoy salmon. Grilled, poached, seared. tacos, salads, sandwiches, patties, in pasta dishes. I'm sure there are more but in full disclosure, I do not eat seafood. Yes, I do know that I should eat it. I just can't get it down.
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
EAT LEGUMES TO TAME INFLAMMATION
Continuing on with foods to tame inflammation, we turn to Legumes. Spanish scientists found that eating 4 servings of legumes per week can reduce inflammation. There should be some legumes almost anyone would eat. Some examples of legumes are lentils, beans, peas, chickpeas, carob, and peanuts. The list is long when you consider the different types of beans, peas, etc. The scientists determined the synergy of fiber, vitamins, and minerals are probably the explanation of why legumes fight inflammation.
Eating 4 servings per week should not be hard as they are good in soups, salads, used to replace meat in some instances, and simply by themselves.
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL TO TAME INFLAMMATION
As we continue with our foods to tame that pesky inflammation, we will turn to a Mediterranean staple, olive oil. The oil contains oleocanthal, a naturally occurring compound with anti-inflammatory powers similar to ibuprofen. A good way to use EVO is in homemade salad dressings, pesto, and to drizzle over fresh sliced tomatoes.
Monday, August 11, 2025
WHEAT BERRIES HELP TAME INFLAMMATION
Continuing with foods to help quell inflammation, today is Wheat Berries. According to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating whole wheat and the polyphenol antioxidants it contains can lower inflammation.
Want to try an inflammation-busting lunch salad? Toss chewy cooked wheat berries with chopped vegetables and lemon vinaigrette.
Saturday, August 9, 2025
TAME INFLAMMATION
There are many articles on this blog about inflammation. Inflammation that rushes to a wound to help with healing is a good thing but the low-grade inflammation in our bodied can cause major problems. This low-grade inflammation operates stealthy for years going unnoticed in many people for years while others of us have to battle its results daily. Some, just a few, of the results of this low-grade inflammation can be cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis as well as other types of arthritis, and heart disease. Over the next few days this blog will focus on ordinary foods that should be a part of your diet to fight inflammation. Here is the first one, broccoli.
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables such as kale and Brussels sprouts are linked with lower inflammation. It is thought antioxidants in these vegetables might be responsible for this benefit. This information is from a study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Friday, August 8, 2025
WINTER TIREDNESS
As we in America are heading into Fall and Winter, I thought I would share some information from Dr. David Brownstein, MD. Several people notice they feel tired in the winter, often starting in late Fall. It is a fact that we get less sunshine during the winter months, thus we are getting less vitamin D. If you find yourself experiencing more tiredness during the winter, you are probably low on vitamin D. You might try a vitamin D for a while to see if that helps.
As always, I recommend my readers see their doctor for continuous problems. They may be the symptom of a more serious condition.
Thursday, August 7, 2025
HIGH-RISK MEDS FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Did you know there are certain medications that are high-risk for geriatric patients? You can check out the list at www.americangeriatrics.org You will find a list of such medications and possible alternatives. Always check with your doctor before dropping or changing medications.
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
CUCUMBERS TO REDUCE STRESS
According to Indonesian investigators, nibbling on refreshing cucumber slices may be what you need for your rattled nerves. In addition, it could trim a few numbers off your blood pressure. One heaping cup a day is recommended. Remember on hot days or when you need to be hydrated, cucumbers are high in water content, too. Why do cucumbers help with stress? The investigators found that these three key minerals in cucumbers, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, calm jangled nerves and relax tight muscles.
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
ANOTHER REASON TO EAT BELL PEPPERS
Bell peppers are good for us in so many ways (there are several posts on this blog about them). Now some Italian scientists say bell pepper pigments (carotenoids) are good for the brain. They reviewed 9 studies and found that the compounds fuel the growth of healthy new neurons. They also boost the production of focus-enhancing neurotransmitters, cutting the risk of brain fog and memory lapses by up to 65% if you eat 3/4 cup daily. This applies to eating the peppers raw or cooked.
Monday, August 4, 2025
MACA POWDER FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS RELIEF
According to a study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, persons with osteoarthritis who consumed maca daily for eight weeks reduced overall pain by 62% and stiffness by 51%. The reason? Maca powder helps tame inflammation and trigger cartilage repair which in turn relieves joint aches and improves mobility. If you are interested, I posted a smoothie recipe today on my grandmaskitchenmedicine blog.
ZUCCHINI
Zucchini is a tasty, healthy, versatile food. It has been around forever, cultivated by the Native Americans before the New World was ever discovered. It was a favorite of the likes of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson who both grew it in their gardens. It is inexpensive to grow with a single plant often producing a bushel basket of zucchini.
Whether you sauté it, use it in a casserole, bake it in breads and muffins, etc, just be sure to include it in your diet.
Sunday, August 3, 2025
CITRUS FOR NAUSEA
Feeling queasy? Try cutting open a lemon (or other citrus) and take several slow deep sniffs of its aroma. Aromatic particles in the fruit's oils calm overstimulated nerves in the nausea center of the brain. This can make the stomach steadier in as little as 1 minute.
Saturday, August 2, 2025
SMELLY FEET
Are you or a loved one bothered by smelly feet? Here are a couple of easy ways to try for combatting the problem.
- After washing feet, apply hand sanitizer. It is believed the alcohol content kills odor-causing bacteria.
- Add 3 tablespoons baking soda to a basin of warm water and soak feet in the water. Baking soda is known to neutralize odors.
Friday, August 1, 2025
NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER
Quick Facts:
- Lung cancer happens when cells in the lungs grow out of control and form tumors.
- Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer.
- Lung cancer is serious, but there are many treatments available. Research into new treatments is ongoing.
- The sooner cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of a good outcome. Do not be afraid to go to the doctor if you think there might be a problem.
Thursday, July 31, 2025
WHY FRUITS TASTE SWEETER AS THEY RIPEN
You may have noticed that fruits taste sweeter as they ripen. This does not mean the sugar content increases! Fruits taste sweeter as they ripen because the larger carbohydrate molecules are being broken down by naturally occurring enzymes., thus producing a sweeter taste. The calorie count does not change.
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
GOOD ADVICE FROM DR SEARS
The previous couple of posts have been about Dr. Sears, a famed pediatrician, author, and colon cancer survivor. Following up with more of his advice is this quote from the doctor:
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
DR SEARS ON BENEFITS OF MINI-MEALS
Monday, July 28, 2025
MORNING CEREAL
If you are guilty of stocking your pantry with sugary breakfast cereals, break the habit! Whether for yourself or your family, it is much better for your/your family's health to buy plain whole-grain cereals and top them with fresh fruit and/or berries. A whole-grain cereal topped with sliced banana and strawberries, as example, is a much healthier way to start the day. And don't fall into the trap of allowing your kids to eat sugary cereals for dinner. It might be handy but it will be setting your children up for obesity and perhaps diabetes later in life.
Sunday, July 27, 2025
WHY THE BODY NEED WATER?
The human body needs water more than anything else, except oxygen. At as little as a 2% loss of water, our bodies become fatigued. As little as a 10% loss can cause serious problems and a week without water can be fatal. Check out the following facts and you will understand why water is so important:
- Water makes up 83% of our blood.
- Water composes 75% of our brain.
- Water accounts for 22% of our bones.
- Water makes up 75% of our muscles.
Saturday, July 26, 2025
BENEFITS OF ADDING NECTARINES TO YOUR DIET
If nectarines are not currently included on your food list, you might want to add them. Nectarines are a good source of immunity-boosting Vitamin C, potassium - essential for blood pressure control, etc, and Vitamin A which is important for eye health. When buying nectarines, pick ones that are fragrant and give slightly when lightly squeezed. You can't go by color as there are many varieties of nectarines that look ripe when they aren't. You can ripen a firm nectarine by setting in on the kitchen counter in a paper bag.
Friday, July 25, 2025
TIDBITS FROM THE COOKING CARDIOLOGIST
Following are some tidbits I got from the cooking cardiologist, Dr. Richard Collins, over the years.
- When steaming vegetables, use distilled water. "You will be surprised how avoiding chlorine improves the taste of vegetables.
- Use earthen bakeware with lids and just a trace of oil for roasting vegetables.
- Sauté onions and/or mushrooms in small amounts of frozen apple juice to caramelize.
- "Take fat-free cheese and put it in a saucer. Pour fat-free skim milk over the cheese. Let it sit for 30 seconds so it will hydrate. Then you put the cheese on any dish you want, and it will melt all over the place when you to cook it."
Thursday, July 24, 2025
EYE HYGIENE
You may think eye hygiene is a strange title because the eyes are basically self-cleaning. However, below are a few things to consider regarding care of your eyes.
- Change your contacts daily. Yes, this also includes the extended use ones. No one should sleep in their contacts for extended periods such as overnight. Doing so could cause an infection.
- Rinse your contacts in contact solution, not water.
- It is suggested you wear glasses on flights rather than contacts. This is especially true of long flights. The high pressure and recycled air are dehydrating. Drink water on long flights.
- Never sleep with your makeup on. Failing to remove your makeup before bedtime could cause eye inflammation or a sty.
- Don't share eye makeup.
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
MORE ON EYES AND AGING
Have you ever considered your eye health, just like other body parts, need a well-rounded diet and yes, even exercise to maintain their healthy status? Notice the above sentence states a 'well-rounded' diet. According to Dr. Craig W. See, an ophthalmologist, no single food - and that includes carrots - are the perfect food for the eyes. The doctor does suggest eating, what he calls superfoods, daily. This list includes:
- Eggs, they reinforce retina health as well as containing lutein and zeaxanthin which help protect against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in people over age 60.
- Vitamin C foods help prevent cataracts. You already know most Vitamin C foods but consider strawberries and citrus fruits daily. Red bell peppers are one of the foods highest in vitamin-C.
- Vitamin E foods that also help fight macular degeneration. Spinach and almonds are good choices.
- Carrots are high in Vitamin A, a vitamin that supports eye health.
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
EYES AND AGING
Most of us will need glasses at some point in our lives. Even those of us who have always had good eyesight, usually end up with glasses or contacts. I will never forget the first time I needed glasses. I live in the Dallas/Ft Worth area but was working in New York City. I noticed I was standing on one side of the hallway reading the bulletin board on the other side of the hallway. It came to my attention when everyone going down the hall was saying, "Excuse me" to me. I made an appointment with an optometrist in Texas for my next trip home. Imagine my surprise when he told me I needed bifocals. I had always thought of bifocals as glasses for old people who had worn glasses for years. Seeing my surprise, he said, "It's just your age. These things start happening at your age." I was forty!
According to Brandon Butler, an optometrist in NYC, genetics play a part in eyes just like other parts of our bodies. He says the more near - or far -sighted your parents are, the higher your chances of needing glasses but other factors come into play with age. As an example, he says Presbyopia occurs when the eyes' lenses lose the ability to change shape and focus up close. This condition affects around 90% of persons over 45. We all know cataracts occur as we age. Cataract symptoms usually start to appear in our sixties. The good news is that these conditions are easily treated. Tomorrow we will talk about ways we can keep our eyes healthy for many years.
Monday, July 21, 2025
CHOCOLATE FOR BLOOD PRESSURE?
According to Prevention magazine (Oct. '11)*, one of my favorite foods is good for lowering blood pressure. Since that is a concern of mine, I was especially delighted with this news! Are you ready for this? Drumroll please...Dark chocolate (flavanols) make blood vessels more elastic thus lowering blood pressure. Yeah! I love chocolate! The bad news? Okay, here it is....You can eat 1/2 ounce of at least 70% cocoa daily. This leaves out milk chocolate, sugar-laden candy bars, etc. But isn't it nice to know we can have a bit of chocolate daily and improve our blood pressure?
*This is an old publication, however, in 2025 dark chocolate is still said to be helpful in fighting high blood pressure.
Saturday, July 19, 2025
LEAFY GREENS AND TYPE 2 DIABETES
Based on 18 years of research of more than 71,000 women conducted by Tulane University and Harvard School of Public Health, for every serving of green leafy vegetables you add to your diet, you may slash your likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes by 9%. Green leafy vegetables include spinach, chard, kale, etc.
Disclaimer: I have to say greens are some of my favorite foods and I did develop Type 2 diabetes at age 60. However, diabetes runs heavy in my family, I had it on both my maternal and paternal sides so maybe eating greens is why I didn't get it until age 60. I have been a diabetic for 15 years but have never had to take insulin, so I am not complaining.
Friday, July 18, 2025
FRUIT-ON-THE-BOTTOM YOGURTS
If you are a yogurt eater, and there are many benefits in yogurt, beware of the fruit-on-the-bottom varieties. Many people just grab their favorite yogurt and think they are doing themselves a big favor by 'eating yogurt.' However, there are some unhealthy traps in yogurt, and this is one of them. Are you aware that many of these fruit-on-the-bottom varieties contain more sugar in a single serving than does a candy bar? Yes, that's right! If you want fruit in your yogurt, add a few slices of healthy banana or stir in some blueberries to a regular low-fat yogurt. (There is a lengthy article on this blog comparing the benefits of regular yogurt to Greek yogurt and which is best the best one for you.)
Thursday, July 17, 2025
WEIGHT RELATED DEATHS
Being overweight does matter. I'm not talking fifteen or twenty pounds but being seriously overweight. Check out these numbers below.
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
DO YOU DRINK ALCOHOL?
Do you drink alcohol? If you do, you need to read the rest of this post. There are many reasons to stop drinking alcohol or to cut back on the amount. Here are a few reasons you may not have considered or even known. Alcohol can cause inflammation in the body and inflammation is responsible for a lot of health problems. Alcohol is known to increase inflammation in the intestines, disrupting gut bacteria. Alcohol can change brain structure and function. It can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. Experts recommend no more than one alcoholic beverage per day for both men and women.
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
ORANGES TO PREVENT HEART DISEASE?
HEART DISEASE IS THE #1 KILLER OF BOTH MEN AND WOMEN IN AMERICA!
We often think of oranges as a source of vitamin-C but they are so much more. They help to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart failure so why wouldn't you add them to your diet? And while orange juice is good, eating the orange is healthier. Check out the following information about the properties of oranges and their affect on the heart:
- Soluble fiber pectin - acts like a giant sponge, sopping up cholesterol in food and blocking its absorption - just like a class of drugs known as bile acid sequestrants.
- Potassium - helps to counterbalance the salt in your diet, helping to keep blood pressure under control.
- Citrus pectin - helps neutralize a protein called galectin-3 that causes scarring of heart tissue, leading to congestive heart failure.
You will notice that 2 of the 3 bullets above are about pectin. Since pectin is found in the pulp and pith, if you buy orange juice you should buy it with pulp. Even better, as mentioned earlier, eat the orange!
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Friday, July 11, 2025
Thursday, July 10, 2025
GRAIN FED BEEF VS GRASS FED BEEF
Studies show that grass fed beef are higher in healthy unsaturated fat and lower in unhealthy saturated fats than beef from conventionally raised cows. They usually have less antibiotics, etc, too since they aren't fed the additives in grain fed cows.
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
EGG SHELLS AND FLOWERS
I have not tried this as I am not good with plants. This is an old Amish way of making flowers grow. If you have ever lived near the Amish, you know they grow beautiful flowers, so you might want to try this.
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
FOOD WORKS LIKE DRUGS IN YOUR BODY
Would you believe putting food into your body is like taking drugs. The foods we eat act like drugs in the body so the question is this, are you eating good drugs or bad drugs? The fact is every time you put food in your mouth you will experience pharmacological and biological reactions. Therefore it is up to you to control the type of drugs you are eating!
There are numerous articles on this blog regarding the benefits and dangers of certain foods. Start to take seriously the idea that everything you eat can and will affect your health. You wouldn't take 'bad' drugs, why would you eat them? Consider that thought before you put anything into your mouth. If you do this for 1 week, you will no doubt be surprised at what you are doing to your body, therefore your health not only now but in the future!
Monday, July 7, 2025
BUFFET EATING
Are you one of those people who always overeat at a buffet? Research has shown that these little hints can help you control how much you eat. Unfortunately, in my opinion, covid closed many good buffets but they are still out there.
- Look before you fill your plate. You know the feeling of piling food on your plate then seeing something on the other side of the buffet that you just have to have? Research has shown that 71% of people of normal weight check out the buffet before putting anything on their plates. Then they only choose their favorite things thus putting less on their plates. Only 33% of obese people check out the buffet first.
- If you are at a buffet restaurant, sit in a booth, if possible, instead of at a table. It is much more inconvenient to get out of a booth to refill your plate. It is much easier if you are sitting at a table.
It is up to you to control what goes on your plate and therefore into your body. Your health and ultimately your life depend on it!
Saturday, July 5, 2025
DIRTY SINKS
Tests have shown the sink is usually the dirtiest place in the kitchen even though it may look clean! Never place food directly in the sink; use a colander to hold the fruits and veggies you wash. Never take a chance on getting a food-borne illness. It is my understanding they can make you very sick!
Thursday, July 3, 2025
HOW MUCH SUGAR ARE YOU EATING DAILY?

Wednesday, July 2, 2025
A QUICK POST ABOUT INFLAMMATION
There are many posts on this blog about inflammation, from what it is to treatments. I only bring this up again, number one because I haven't mentioned it in a while and number two because I saw a statement that got my attention. As you may know, I have several autoimmune diseases and have battled inflammation most of my life. I suggest you go to the side list of topics and click on inflammation, if you are interested in reading more about the subject. Here is the statement that caught my attention today as I was looking through some medical information. "More than half of all deaths are thought to be attributed to diseases related to inflammation." Wow!
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
AVOID OVEREATING BY EATING RIGHT
Amber Massey a registered dietitian at a large hospital in Ft Worth, Texas says that people often see the words 'sugar-free' or 'fat-free' on processed foods that are deceptively high in calories. To make matters worse, these foods are often maddeningly low in satisfaction. And satisfaction can be crucial to a successful weight-loss or weight-maintaining diet. She says, "Unfortunately, we have become a fat-sugar-phobic generation." Often those fat-free, sugar-free foods pack as many calories as their regular counterparts. To make those foods tasty enough for you to eat, they add something in somewhere. Again, let me stress, read the labels!
If you don't feel satisfied after eating a meal that is not packed with nutrition, your brain will tell you to keep eating. If you continue to eat low-nutrient food, your brain will keep nagging you. You should eat foods that are water-rich, fiber-rich, and nutrient-rich if you don't want to feel hungry again sooner than you should.
To make it simple, let's put it this way. Eat a banana, with a protein source such as a few nuts or some peanut butter and whole-grain crackers, instead of a banana muffin. You will be giving yourself more nutrition and allowing yourself to feel full longer. This will help eliminate your brain from telling you to eat again an hour or two after you had that muffin! And don't blame overeating on your brain. Your brain is only responding to what your body is telling it after you have eaten the wrong foods.
Which would make the better snack? The muffin or the banana and nuts?
Monday, June 30, 2025
ANOTHER GOOD REASON TO EAT BLUEBERRIES
Blueberries are healthy and should be somewhere in everyone's diet. There are several posts on this blog that mention benefits of blueberries. I found it interesting recently to discover that researchers at the University of Maine found that eating blueberries, fresh or frozen, on a regular basis, significantly speeds healing of cuts, burns, and other wounds. The reason, blueberries contain antioxidant compounds called phenols that promote the growth of new skin cells and blood vessels to fast-track healing.
Saturday, June 28, 2025
YOGURT FOR ROSACEA FLARES
Friday, June 27, 2025
FIBER NEEDS
You will increase your daily fiber intake by eating more whole fruit and less fruit juice, green vegetables instead of or with french fries, legumes daily which is not hard as they can be included in salads, soups, etc. You do not have to eat a bowl of beans every day! And change out the white bread in your home for whole-grain breads. If you need to make the change gently, start first with white whole wheat bread. It is whole grain that is made from white wheat instead of the bleached red wheat (wheat used in regular white bread). Also, change out all your pastas for whole-grain pastas.
You don't have to make a lot of big changes at once. Make gradual changes and see how easy it is.
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
HEALTHIEST WAYS TO COOK EGGS
Most of us have been cooking eggs most of our lives and never knew there were best ways to cook eggs. So, here we go learning something new. Researchers at England's Newcastle University have come up with the following information. The best way to prepare eggs is over a lower flame which causes less of a vitamin loss. You see, eggs are a natural source of vitamin D and we want to protect as much of this vitamin as we can. The researchers found that scrambled, microwaved, and poached eggs retain the most vitamin D. Now you know the best ways to cook your eggs.
Monday, June 23, 2025
LUNG CANCER IS NOT JUST CAUSED BY SMOKING
If you or someone you know receives a lung cancer diagnosis, please know it may not be caused by smoking. Sometimes people think someone with lung cancer should have known better than to smoke cigarettes, etc., but that may not be the reason for the cancer. Yes, smoking may be the cause but there are several other causes to be considered. Lung cancer can be caused by exposure to radon gas, secondhand smoke and other chemicals. Unfortunately, some just have a higher risk for cancer due to heredity. A higher risk for cancer can be passed down from a family member. There are several articles on this blog about cancer causes, treatments, diet for someone with cancer, etc. If you or someone you know, has been diagnosed, type cancer in the search bar for other posts.