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  • Halibut Tacos with Spicy Cilantro Pea Purée

    Halibut Tacos with Spicy Cilantro Pea Purée

    Halibut Tacos with Spicy Cilantro Pea Purée

    This dish takes inspiration from two classic fish dishes―the mushy peas served with fish and chips and spicy fish tacos. We’ve made the peas fresh, bright, and a little spicy by using fresh or frozen peas, lots of fresh cilantro, serrano pepper, and lime juice. Combined with lightly marinated and baked halibut and topped with radishes and more cilantro, these tacos are satisfying and delicious.

    Halibut Tacos with Spicy Cilantro Pea Purée

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    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    Pea Purée
    • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
    • 1 garlic clove peeled and crushed
    • 1 shallot finely diced
    • 1 cup frozen or fresh shelled peas
    • Pinch salt
    • 1 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves and stems plus more for garnish
    • ½ serrano pepper
    • 1 tablespoon freshly squeeze lime juice
    Fish
    • 8 ounces halibut fillet
    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil divided
    • 1 garlic clove peeled and crushed
    • ½ teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon cumin
    • Pinch cayenne pepper
    • Pinch salt
    • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
    • 6 corn tortillas
    • 6 radishes sliced

    Method
     

    1. In glass container with lid, drizzle olive oil over fish. Crush garlic overtop and use brush to coat fish on both sides.
    2. In small bowl, combine paprika, cumin, cayenne, and salt; sprinkle on both sides of fish.
    3. Drizzle lime juice on both sides. Marinate fish, covered, in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Prior to cooking, remove from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature.
    4. Preheat oven to 375 F°.
    5. Place fish on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 4 minutes on each side.
    6. While fish is cooking, in large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté garlic and shallot on medium-low heat for about 2 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Remove from heat and set aside.
    7. Bring 2 cups water to the boil. Add peas and pinch of salt. Cook peas for 4 to 6 minutes. Drain.
    8. Use rubber spatula to scrape garlic, shallots, and olive oil into bowl of food processor. Add cooked peas, cilantro, serrano pepper, lime juice, and a further 1 tablespoon olive oil. Blend to a fine purée.
    9. Toast or grill tortilla shells. Spread some pea purée onto each tortilla shell, top with fish, and garnish with sliced radishes and additional cilantro.

    by Helena McMurdo

    Recipe Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Break free from conventions with traditional medicine

    Break free from conventions with traditional medicine

    Break free from conventions with traditional medicine

    Bridge the gap between conventional and traditional medicine to enhance health

    Traditional Chinese medicine

    Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) revolves around qi, a concept in Chinese culture describing the energy that flows through everything. An imbalance of qi can cause disease. The ancient Chinese believed that good health comes down to achieving an equilibrium between your internal organs and natural surroundings. Acupuncture, tai chi, and cupping therapy are all TCM modalities.

    Traditional Indian medicine

    In India, traditional medicine is divided into three categories: Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. Ayurveda, the most used, is a holistic, personalized system aimed at promoting longevity. As in TCM, Indian medicine is centred on balancing bodily organs and external elements.

    Traditional Indigenous medicine

    For centuries, Indigenous populations in North America have practised their own traditional forms of wellness through ceremonies; plant, animal, or mineral-based medicines; energetic therapies; and physical or hands-on techniques, all of which rely upon an emphasis on Mother Earth.

    Traditional African medicine

    Traditional African medicine is deeply rooted in the spiritual, with many practitioners using divination to connect with the gods and ancestral spirits for diagnosis before treatment with herbal medicines.

    How is traditional medicine different?

    Traditional medicine is often treated as pre-scientific, but a lot of conventional medicines come from plants. For example, aspirin was derived from the bark of a willow tree and morphine is extracted from the opium poppy, while vincristine—long-used in chemotherapy treatments—was isolated in 1961 from a Madagascar periwinkle flower.

    Benefits of traditional medicine

    One of the key benefits of traditional and alternative medicine is its holistic approach to health. Alternative medicine practitioners often spend over an hour with a patient each session, addressing a myriad of different concerns.

    Complementary and alternative medicines

    HerbUses
    garlicmay help reduce inflammation, cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels and to help support immunity
    gingermay help treat nausea, heartburn, and bloating; may help reduce inflammation
    elderfloweris used to help treat colds, flu, and constipation; may help lower blood pressure
    ginsengmay boost energy and sex drive
    shea butteris anti-inflammatory; protects skin cells; is used to treat skin and eczema
    ashwagandhamay reduce inflammation, pain, and anxiety
    cuminmay help reduce cholesterol; may help maintain healthy blood sugar levels
    turmericmay help treat arthritis pain, anxiety, and inflammation
    cardamommay help treat nausea; may help to reduce blood pressure, blood sugar, inflammation
    echinaceamay help treat colds, flus, infections, and wounds

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Extend your biological clock

    Extend your biological clock

    Extend your biological clock

    Time keeps moving forward, and while we can’t turn back the clock, maybe we can “slow it down” a bit. Biological age assesses the vitality of your cells, offering insights beyond the measured years on a calendar. This differs from our chronological age, which is simply the number of years we’ve lived. Biological age consistently outshines chronological age in predicting health; a younger biological age often means better health and reduced age-related disease risk. You can help nudge your body’s internal timekeeper to adopt a more relaxed pace, ensuring your cells and tissues remain as lively as your spirit.

    Foods that fuel longevity

    Nutrition is crucial for preserving youth. A diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and nutrients can noticeably decelerate aging. Foods like berries, nuts, leafy greens, and fish support skin and body wellness.

    Move it or lose it

    Exercise is not just about staying fit—it’s also about keeping your spirit young. Regular physical activity boosts endorphins and enhances mood, while also preserving muscle and bone strength. Whether you dance, practise yoga, or make time for a brisk walk, daily movement wakes up your body and keeps you feeling young.

    Sleep―your secret weapon

    Quality sleep is essential for cellular repair and rejuvenation, aiding muscle recovery, memory consolidation, and hormone regulation. While sleeping, your brain clears out toxins that accumulate during the day, boosting mental clarity and cognitive function. Restful sleep does wonders for your long-term health. And, it’s nature’s simplest (and cheapest) beauty secret.

    Social relationships help us live longer

    Human connection acts as a powerful ingredient for a longer, happier life. Chatting with friends, sharing a laugh, or just knowing someone’s got your back can help slow down your biological clock. Join a book club, volunteer at your local library, take that Italian cooking class you’ve always dreamed about, or invite your neighbour to go for a walk.

    Maintain your zen (and your youth)

    Chronic stress accelerates aging by raising cortisol levels, leading to inflammation and skin issues. Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can effectively manage stress. Stress significantly impacts skin health, making relaxation a vital antiaging strategy.

    Lifelong learning―stay curious

    A curious mind is a youthful mind. Embracing new challenges isn’t just soul enriching—it can add years to your life. Curiosity and a love of learning keep the brain agile, so engage in interesting hobbies, pick up that book you keep meaning to read, or learn a new skill. Be a student for life.

    The power of positivity―laugh your way to a longer life

    Positivity enhances mental and physical health, boosting immunity, reducing stress, and extending lifespan. Cultivate optimism through affirmations, social connections, self-care, and humour. Laughter, a natural stress reliever, lightens life’s burdens

    by Nancy Hillis

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Staying young with friends

    Staying young with friends

    Staying young with friends

    How social relationships can lead to better health outcomes

    An abundance of research indicates that the quality of our social relationships can play a critical role in our well-being as we age. The strength of our social ties may even have effects on our physical health, contributing to how well we age.

    Importance of meaningful relationships

    In an analysis of data from a longitudinal study, my colleagues and I found that individuals with greater social support and community cohesion experienced better mental health later in life, particularly amongst those who had had challenging childhoods.

    Among the resources examined, the quality, rather than the quantity, of these relationships was found to offset some of the negative experiences that participants had had in early life, leading to greater resilience and better mental health as they grew older.

    Functions of friendship

    A systematic review of adult friendship and well-being speaks to several important functions of close adult friendships, including three forms of social support:

    • Emotional support: friends offer acceptance, sympathy, love, and encouragement—a critical buffer against life’s stressors.
    • Instrumental support: friends may also provide practical help, such as financial assistance or help with daily tasks.
    • Informational support: friends share advice or guidance as a key function of friendship.

    And the six functional components that generally determine the quality of the relationship include the following:

    • Help, which includes the three aforementioned forms of social support.
    • Stimulating companionship, which involves participating in activities with another person.
    • Emotional security, in which close friends provide a sense of safety during new or challenging situations, thus reducing stress.
    • Reliable alliance, where trust and loyalty form the foundation of any deep friendship, making sure someone will always have your back.
    • Self-validation, where friends provide the reassurance and encouragement needed to maintain a positive self-image.
    • Intimacy, where the willingness to share personal thoughts and feelings builds a unique bond that is essential for emotional well-being.

    Health benefits of strong social relationships

    A recent study found that social isolation reduced physical activity levels in older adults, leading to diminished cognitive performance. This was especially evident in individuals over 65, with effects on memory and executive function. This research emphasizes that staying socially connected, either through direct interaction or through group activities, can significantly affect the physical and mental aspects of aging.

    Conversely, loneliness and social isolation have been linked to a higher risk of developing health issues such as cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and even premature mortality. Social isolation can reduce motivation for physical activity, and loneliness can increase stress levels, contributing to a range of health problems.

    Embrace and cultivate rich relationships

    Take this time to reflect on the people in your life. Which relationships bring you joy and fulfillment? Who can you reach out to today to make a positive connection? Whether it’s a close friend or a family member, deepening your social ties may bring health and happiness into your life.

    Healthy aging is more than a matter of diet and exercise—it’s also about keeping those rich relationships that help us bloom, even as we grow older.

    by Theodore D. Cosco, PhD (Cantab), CPsychol

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Maintaining the brain as we age

    Maintaining the brain as we age

    Maintaining the brain as we age

    How to leverage nutrition and lifestyle science to slow brain aging

    A 2024 brain-imaging study in older adults compared intake measures of key nutrients with signs of brain health, identifying the foods and nutrients most strongly associated with slower brain aging.

    Omega-3 fatty acids

    Individuals who demonstrated signs of delayed brain aging tended to have higher bodily concentrations of the anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids Inflammation is considered a hallmark of brain aging as it disrupts the blood-brain barrier, making the brain more susceptible to structural damage over time.

    EPA and DHA are found in fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and trout, while ALA is found in flaxseed, hempseed, chia seed, soy-based foods, and walnuts.

    Carotenoids

    Oxidative stress, which carotenoids help to combat, is considered another hallmark of brain aging. It’s unsurprising that a high carotenoid intake was associated with better brain health.

    Carotenoid sources include spinach, kale, bell peppers, tomato, watermelon, broccoli, carrots, grapefruit, and cantaloupe.

    Vitamin E and choline

    Having higher bodily levels of vitamin E is associated with better cognitive health. Vitamin E is found primarily in nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and fish.

    Choline is a precursor to creating a compound known as phosphatidylcholine, which populates brain cell membranes and regulates the release of various neurotransmitters required for optimal brain function. Choline is found in foods including eggs, edamame, cauliflower, beef, chicken, peas, pork, broccoli, and milk.

    The gut-brain connection

    Older adults with cognitive issues are much more likely to have a gut microbiome characterized by imbalances in good and bad bacteria, with an overrepresentation of pro-inflammatory species.

    A healthy gut microbiome produces beneficial compounds known as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have an anti-inflammatory influence and facilitate healthy gut-brain communication via multiple pathways.

    These influences include enhanced nutrient absorption and keeping the intestinal lining strong, thus preventing toxins from entering the blood stream and crossing the blood-brain barrier via the gastrointestinal tract. This is where polyphenols come in.

    Polyphenols―the gut-brain connectors

    Polyphenols are a family of plant-based compounds known to encourage gut bacteria to produce beneficial SCFAs.

    In 2018, Neurology published a study—involving 1,329 older adults followed over 12 years—that found those in the highest consumption category of polyphenols had a 50 percent lower risk of dementia than those in the lowest consumption category.

    Easy ways to boost your dietary exposure to polyphenols include cocoa powder, ground flaxseed, artichoke, blueberries, and more frequent use of culinary herbs/spices.

    by Andy De Santis, RD, MPH

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Colcannon

    Colcannon

    Colcannon

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 35 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 ½ pounds new potatoes chopped
    • 3 teaspoons sea salt divided
    • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • ½ pound leeks halved and thinly sliced
    • ¾ pound green cabbage cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
    • ½ bunch lacinato kale stemmed and chopped
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • ¾ cup heavy cream
    • ¾ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

    Method
     

    1. Place the potatoes in a stockpot and cover with cold water. Bring to a gentle simmer, add 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and cook until the potatoes are tender. Drain well.
    2. While the potatoes cook, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and sauté until softened.
    3. Add the cabbage and continue to sauté until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the kale, apple cider vinegar and sea salt, and cook for 2 minutes more. Remove from heat.
    4. Add the cooked vegetables to the drained potatoes and mash. Fold in the heavy cream and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  • Cookies & Cream Dirt Dessert

    Cookies & Cream Dirt Dessert

    Cookies & Cream Dirt Dessert

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 30 minutes
    Servings: 12
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 packages 3.4 ounce – vanilla instant pudding mix
    • 3 cups cold milk
    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
    • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
    • ⅔ cup powdered sugar
    • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
    • 10.5 ounces chocolate vanilla sandwich crème cookies
    • Gummy worms

    Method
     

    1. In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk for 1-2 minutes until fully combined.Place in the fridge to chill while you proceed.
    2. In a separate bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and uniform. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks.
    3. Combine cream cheese mixture with the chilled pudding mixture until fully combined. Then, gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until smooth and fluffy.
    4. Crush cookies with a rolling pin until a coarse crumb forms or pulse briefly in a food processor.
    5. Spoon half of the cookie crumbs into the bottom of 12 serving dishes or a 9×13-inch pan. Top with the pudding mixture-if making individual cups, aim for a scant ½ cup of pudding per cup. Top with remaining cookie crumbs.
    6. Decorate with gummy worms and serve promptly.
  • Crispy Sheet Pan Ramen

    Crispy Sheet Pan Ramen

    Crispy Sheet Pan Ramen

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    Total Time 40 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • ⅔ cup teriyaki sauce or your favorite stir fry sauce
    • 2 teaspoons sriracha hot sauce
    • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon optional
    • 6 tablespoons avocado oil
    • 4 packages ramen noodles
    • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast sliced into ¼" thick pieces and halved
    • ½ pound broccoli cut into ½" pieces
    • 6 ounces sugar snap peas trimmed
    • ¼ pound carrots peeled and sliced into ⅛" slices
    • 4 scallions cut into 1" pieces

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Whisk together teriyaki sauce, sriracha, optional chicken bouillon, and oil until smooth.
    2. Cook ramen noodles based on the package instructions.Drain and rinse.
    3. Place chicken, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, scallions, cooked noodles and half of the sauce mixture in a mixing bowl and toss to combine.
    4. Evenly spread mixture on one or two unlined sheet pans.Rearrange chicken pieces so they are on the top of the noodles and veggies.
    5. Bake for 15 minutes then turn the broiler on high and continue to cook until chicken has cooked through, approximately 3-5 minutes, and to desired crispness.
    6. Remove from oven and drizzle with remaining sauce as needed.

    Notes

    *Chicken can be substitute for another protein of choice. Proteins should be cut into 4″ slices for fast cooking.
  • Japanese Style Guacamole

    Japanese Style Guacamole

    Japanese Style Guacamole

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    Total Time 10 minutes
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 ripe avocados
    • 2 scallions thinly sliced
    • 3 – 4 tablespoons rice vinegar or lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon white miso
    • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

    Method
     

    1. Cut avocados in half, discard pit and scoop flesh into a mixing bowl.
    2. Add scallions, rice vinegar, miso, and sesame oil. Mash until desired consistency.
    3. Taste with the dipper of your choice, such as veggie sticks or tortilla chips. If additional seasoning is required, add additional miso paste or salt to taste.
  • Portobello & Goat Cheese Sandwich

    Portobello & Goat Cheese Sandwich

    Portobello & Goat Cheese Sandwich

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 35 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 large portobello mushrooms stems discarded
    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons tamari
    • ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
    • 1 ciabatta loaf
    • 4 ounces herbed goat cheese
    • 1 ounce baby arugula
    • 1 large beefsteak tomato sliced (8 slices)

    Method
     

    1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, tamari, and black pepper. Brush portobello mushrooms generously with the marinade and place in a baking dish.Cover tightly and let the marinade absorb. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
    2. When the oven is hot, bake for 15-20 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender and juicy. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
    3. Slice the ciabatta loaf in half lengthwise. Spread goat cheese evenly on both cut sides. Layer the bottom half with tomato slices, portobello mushrooms, and arugula. Top with the remaining bread.
    4. Cut into four sandwiches and serve immediately.