Pentadecanoic acid, also known as C15, is a recently recognized saturated fatty acid found primarily in dairy products. Mounting evidence suggests C15 has numerous health benefits that support a return to consuming full-fat dairy. Author Stephanie Venn-Watson, DVM, MPH, is a veterinary epidemiologist who studies Navy dolphins in San Diego. She argues that dolphins develop… Read more »
In our last edition, I wrote about the Fasting-Mimicking Diet (FMD) created by modern longevity expert Valter Longo, PhD.1 The evidence-based programs from L-Nutra provide nutritional meals that bring your body into a fasting state, leading to cellular reset through ketosis and autophagy. The health benefits are well documented in peer-reviewed journals via clinical… Read more »
One of the hardest parts of making healthier choices is giving up foods we love. We’ve got you! In this column, we suggest satisfying substitutes for all your comfort foods: ice cream, chips, pastas, baking flours, even football grub, all available at www.DesertHealthNews.com. With apple pie season upon us, let’s take a look at healthier… Read more »
I have always wanted to try a fast as the ultimate reset. But I just couldn’t swallow the thought of living on water alone. I love food and am no fun when hangry. Recently, I was introduced to the Fasting Mimicking Diet. At a conference earlier this year, the conversation turned to night sweats, a… Read more »
While May is Mental Health Awareness Month, recognizing the vital role mental health plays in overall well-being is an endeavor that extends far beyond a single month. Equally important is understanding the connection between nutrition and brain health. The foods you choose each day influence not only your physical health, but also your mental and… Read more »
The Santa Rosa Mountains glowed in soft morning light as I set out on the Bear Creek Oasis Trail, a hike I expected to finish, not one that would end with a helicopter evacuation. It was February, and the trail’s rocky washes and cactus-lined ridges were coming alive with winter blooms in purple, yellow and… Read more »
There are many reasons people are drawn to Palm Springs. Ted Gibson and Jason Backe seem to encompass them all. The creative and colorful souls were called to trade the spotlight for inner light and the fast track for a path to wellness that led them here. As life and business partners for over… Read more »
The new community garden at Ramon Mobile Park may still be in its early stages—no seedlings yet, no herbs perfuming the air—but its impact is already unmistakable. As part of Blue Zones Project (BZP) Palm Springs’ long-term partnership with residents, the garden joins Walking Moais, Purpose Workshops, social gatherings and other Power 9®–inspired activities that… Read more »
Your digestive system is like a food-processing machine. After all, it is responsible for breaking down your meals, absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste. It’s home to trillions of microorganisms; it contains its own nervous system and communicates directly with your immune system, metabolism and your brain. That’s why it is so important to look after… Read more »
Creating a healthier community takes teamwork and collaboration. What better place to start than bringing restaurants and local farmers together for tasty, fun and educational experiences. That is precisely what Kathrine Gonzalez of Chula Artisan Eatery and Mark and Nicole Tadros of Aziz Farms are doing. In November, they introduced a Fall Farm Dinner held… Read more »
Winter in the Coachella Valley is the quiet hero of the gardening year—cooler days, softer sunlight, and the perfect conditions for crisp lettuces, hearty roots, and vibrant herbs. With a little consistency and a simple rhythm, your winter garden can feed you generously all season long. Below is a user-friendly guide—practical, calm and easy to… Read more »
When I heard that the first local Blue Zones-approved restaurant was a bakery, I was appalled. We know that baked goods, bread and sugar are primary causes of today’s chronic disease epidemic, so it didn’t make sense. Then, I met Bread and Flours. The beloved Palm Springs café is all about healthier ingredients and a… Read more »
When it comes to health, many underestimate the “power of the plate.” However, scientific evidence on food’s ability to hinder or heal continues to grow and is now referred to as the Food as Medicine Movement. Today, that movement is larger than ever. For 15 years, Desert Health has published articles about the effects of… Read more »
In the bustle of modern life, reaching for a ready-made meal often feels like a lifesaver. Marketed as convenient and quick to prepare, these packaged and processed foods promise to save you time and effort. But if you find yourself relying on these foods every day, you need to consider the true cost of this… Read more »
When I consider what the healthiest diet is for us, I think biologically. To fully understand current human biology, it helps to understand our evolutionary biology. Daniel Lieberman, professor of evolutionary biology at Harvard has distilled this complex subject in his 2014 book, The Story of the Human Body. He traces our evolution from chimpanzees… Read more »
In September, clinicians, researchers and advocates from around the globe gathered to explore how food functions as medicine at the International Plant-Based Nutrition Healthcare Conference (PBNHC). Four immersive days featured industry leaders along with the latest science and breakthroughs proving the power of nutrition and the purpose of compassion in health care today. PBNHC has… Read more »
Everywhere you go, you hear a different opinion about what it means to eat “healthy” and which macronutrients are “good” or “bad.” In reality, it’s not one size fits all. People have different nutritional needs, so let’s explore each macronutrient, what it does, and how much you really need, so you can make informed decisions… Read more »
What is the basis for good health and wellness? According to the latest longevity research, it’s what you put in your body every day.1 Growing your own food at home empowers you to consume the freshest, most nutrient-dense produce, provides a buffer for disruptions like pandemics and disasters, and allows you to reclaim control over… Read more »
Delicious dates are definitely having their day! The nutrient-dense nuggets are being touted as a superfood snack with online searches for soft and sweet Medjools recently hitting an all-time high.1 This is great news for local farmers as the Coachella Valley is our country’s leading producer of dates. Many are challenged to meet demand as… Read more »
Do you find yourself anxious often or perhaps anxious in certain situations? You are not alone, and finding ways to calm your mind can really help. Anxiety is a complicated mental health disorder that requires a wide range of approaches to manage it effectively. Lifestyle changes, including nutrition, can help, as there are foods that… Read more »
