Diabeties
Berberine: the power of color and bitter flavor
Published June 30th, 2024
By Tammera J. Karr, PhD, BCHN, CNW, CDSP, CGP
How often do we connect flavor, color, and historical use of foods and herbs to wellness? Our choices are frequently unconscious, reflexive and based on convenience. For centuries, cultures have utilized natural compounds daily or seasonally for wellness. In Asian gastronomy, the selection of spices and [...]
A Personal Reflection on 2021
Published January 17th, 2022
by Tammera J Karr, PhD, BCHN, CNW
I have just come back into my toasty warm (thanks to my wood stove) home on a remote ranger station in the southern Cascades of Oregon. I have been shoveling snow, an enjoyable task that allows for aerobic exercise, thought, and fresh air. Today’s ideas began to crystalize [...]
Box of Crayons
Published December 5th, 2019
by Tammera J. Karr, PhD
Nature is filled with color, and as I watch the vibrant changed to trees and plants, my thought turn to crayons, which lead to making choices. Do you remember when you got that first box of crayons? The first box of crayons came out in 1903 and contained eight [...]
Why Change isn’t Always for the Best
Published February 12th, 2019
by Tammera J. Karr, PhD
How is it that for centuries our ancestors consumed large quantities of high-fat foods and never fell victim to the health challenges of contemporary generations? To answer this, we must look at the lifestyle, food and preparation methods commonly used by past generations. I have a small collection of antique [...]
HIDDEN TRUTH ABOUT HEART DISEASE AND SUGAR
Published November 17th, 2018
By Tammera J. Karr, PhD
As we move full swing into the Christmas season, we are exposed daily to a barrage of messages – messages for the newest drugs, insurance companies, commodities, and festive food and beverages representing joy, happiness, acceptance, and security. Sugar is a significant player in the holiday foods that fuel memories [...]
Eating Spring Foods ~ Asparagus
Published May 15th, 2018
By Tammera J. Karr, PhD.
©2018
With spring weather comes seasonal foods like asparagus. This is one of those foods harvested from fields and meadows across Greece to Ireland, providing critical food-based nutrients for many with methylation challenges. Today we are learning more about the MTFHR gene that approximately 40% of the nation’s population. [...]
Artichoke – a thistle bud for health
Published April 2nd, 2018
by Tammera J. Karr, PhD
Why do people eat artichokes? Is it a love for mayonnaise dip? Boy I hope not, what about the opportunity to have warm garlic butter dripping from your fingers? …. Hummm maybe. Artichokes are a native to the Mediterranean region, and they play a major role in the regional cuisine. [...]
POMEGRANATE – TOP THREE SUPER FOOD
Published February 21st, 2018
by Tammera J Karr, PhD
I love pomegranates, they are one of the few foods I can eat every day for months and never get tired of the flavor. When I was a kid, pomegranates were only available during the Christmas and New Year season in rural Eastern Oregon. Today they are available in fresh, [...]
Let’s Hear it for Lemons
Published February 20th, 2018
by Tammera Karr, PhD
One late night, I traveled back in time with “Food Fights – Culture and War” by Tom Nealon. It is always exciting to read some little tidbit of history that gives you an ahhaa moment. That is the case with lemons and citrus, utilized heavily in Mediterranean diets.
I came upon [...]
Eat Your Nuts
Published December 31st, 2016
by Tammera J. Karr, PhD
One of my favorite nuts is pecans for baking and cooking. They are softer and do not cause canker sores in the mouth like walnuts can. The buttery rich flavor of pecans makes them one of the most popular nuts native to American. They are rich in nutrients, minerals, and [...]