🌱 Psyllium is a soluble fiber from the Plantago ovata plant, used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. It supports blood sugar and cholesterol control, gut health, weight management, and digestive regularity. Psyllium forms a gel in the gut that slows glucose absorption and promotes fullness. It’s also popular in keto and gluten-free baking for its binding and elasticity-enhancing properties.

Ginger, widely used in cooking and healing, is a rhizome—not a true root! Native to Southeast Asia, this zesty spice enhances both food and health. It fights inflammation, nausea, and colds, and can even be brewed into powerful homemade teas. Chef Janine regularly uses ginger in both fresh and pickled form in her ketogenic Asian meals for its vibrant flavor and medicinal properties.

Gochujang, Korea’s iconic red chili paste, is a fermented blend of chili powder, glutinous rice, soybeans, and salt. Rich, savory, and slightly sweet, it adds depth to stews, glazes meats, and spices up dishes like bibimbap. Chef Janine uses it at Comfort Keto for bold, crave-worthy meals. Beyond flavor, it boosts metabolism, supports weight and heart health, and aids digestion. Packed with antioxidants and nutrients, it's a flavorful, long-lasting health staple.

Herbal teas offer both physiological and emotional support during your low-carb transformation. They are non-addictive, have zero carbs, and are often packed with antioxidants and healing compounds that help you gently reclaim control from sugar. Start with just one tea that meets your current challenge. Sip slowly, breathe deeply, and let nature do its work.

🧄 Garlic is a global superfood cherished for its bold flavor and health benefits. A member of the onion family, it supports heart, immune, and brain health with powerful sulfur compounds. In Southern California, chill garlic cloves in the fridge starting December and plant in late January to early February. Harvest in summer. Grow your own for better flavor, health perks, and scapes you won’t find in stores!

Garlic supports heart health, immunity, blood pressure, and more—but only when activated. Crush, mince, or chop it, then let it rest 10–15 minutes to release allicin, its key healing compound. Avoid heating above 140°F to preserve benefits. Raw and cooked garlic both help; supplements are often ineffective due to unstable allicin. Garlic also fights inflammation, infections, and fungi—making it a potent natural remedy.

Chia seeds, a staple in ancient Central American diets, are rich in fiber, omega-3s (ALA), minerals, and antioxidants. Used widely in Chef Janine's ketogenic recipes, especially with the Býli power bowls, they support heart health, blood sugar control, and satiety. With their unique gel-forming ability, mild flavor, and nutritional density, chia seeds are a versatile, affordable superfood perfect for keto-friendly, gourmet dishes, deserts, and power bowls.

Germany is the top coffee consumer in Europe, consuming a quarter of all coffee consumption. Though not a coffee-growing country, Germany developed unique brewing techniques, with a mellow, smooth flavor that stands out. German coffee culture goes back to 17th century. Even Beethoven brewed his coffee with precise care. Notable German brands include Jacobs, Dallmayr, and Tchibo, each offering exceptional flavors. German coffee strikes a perfect balance, appealing even to non-

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a common edible plant found worldwide.

The human love of salt cured slices of heaven is nothing new. In fact, it is one of the world’s oldest cuts of meat, with a long and...

Whether raw, lightly cooked, or as garnish, bean sprouts’ versatility & refreshing crunch have earned them a spot in intern'l cuisines.

For noodles or rice, the heart of palm core is sliced into thin strands or finely chopped, & packed as a low-carb alternative to traditional

Food brings people all together. And that is no different for the Asian American community. Food is how they show love.

Dr. Ford Brewer explains that while Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) isn't a miracle, it may support heart health by lowering LDL via pectin, improving blood sugar control, offering mild anti-inflammatory effects, and boosting lipid profiles. ACV helps indirectly, but works best with a healthy lifestyle.

List of fall season vegetables Chef Janine chooses for the best flavor and greatest value when creating the gourmet Comfort Keto meals.

Not all acidic foods are acid-forming. While many plant-based foods have low pH values, they promote alkalinity in the body after digestion. In contrast, animal products—even those with similar pH—tend to be acid-forming. Lifestyle factors like stress and poor sleep also influence your pH balance. This guide clears up common misconceptions about food, pH, and how your body processes what you eat.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV), especially raw and unfiltered with “the mother,” contains enzymes and probiotics like Acetobacter and Lactobacillus. While shelf-stable ACV may lose some live bacteria over time, it still offers digestive benefits through prebiotics like pectin. ACV supports gut health, produces short-chain fatty acids, slows carb digestion, and may help lower cholesterol.

California is the mecca of year-round gardening. Much of the state has a moderate, Mediterranean climate with relatively wet winters. As...

Salt has shaped human history—from ancient agriculture to global trade. Vital for survival, salt preserved food and sustained early settlements. Its value sparked myths, innovation, and commerce. This video explores salt’s origins, its role in civilization, and enduring cultural impact, including idioms like “worth your salt” and “rub salt into a wound.” Salt remains more than seasoning—it's a story of survival, economy, and language.

🧂 The WHO’s “Less Salt” campaign lacks evidence. Both sea and table salt contain vital sodium—essential for life. Despite fear-based guidelines, no study proves salt causes heart disease or high blood pressure. In fact, low salt may increase heart attack risk. The real problem? Ultra-processed foods—not salt. Eat real food, balance sodium and potassium, and don’t fear salt.