Food Nerd

Recently, a friend of mine lost her sight. The reason, diabetes. 

I immediately called for an appointment. After the usual battery of tests, the ophthalmologist declared with a smile "you have the eyes of a 20 year-old". At 59, my eyes are as good as nearly 40 years ago! 

So, how to keep healthy eyes? 

Naturally, on top of the list, UV protection glasses, but the big surprise was to learn the importance of eating a variety of vegetables and fruits. 


With a degree in Biochemistry and a Ph.D in Medical Information, I have some knowledge of physiology and metabolism. However, I needed to learn more about nutrition, and decided to read the latest scientific studies, and I discovered surprising facts. 


For example, tomato sauce has more anti-oxidant than fresh tomatoes. In addition, the anti-oxidant lycopene is fat-soluble, cooking tomatoes with oil helps its absorption. 


Do you know that when cooking hamburger meat or meat patties you should add turmeric spice and black pepper to decrease lipid peroxidation which is the oxidative degradation of lipids and can result in cell damage. 

By the way, you may feel happier as well. Curcumin which is present in turmeric cooked with piperine in black pepper has antidepressant properties. 


And while you are it, serve to your guests cold potato salad. Cooked potatoes are tasty and contain nutrients, especially if you keep the skin. However, a cold potato salad contains a type of resistant starch that can reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. 

You can also get healthy resistant starch by cooking brown rice with a teaspoon of coconut oil, then let it cool down. 


A clinical study found that Ginger is as effective as ibuprofen in relieving menstrual pain. 


The recent discovery of a 9th century medicinal recipe with garlic and onion, has been shown to destroy 90% of Staphylococcus aureus, an antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 


Initially, I compiled my notes with all scientific references. The list grew very fast. So, I organized the notes by subjects, and finally wrote a book with references, historical backgrounds, traditional recipes, and also a trivia with amusing facts. 


First and foremost, this book is an advocacy of simple, tasty and healthy food based on the latest scientific publications, and also fun historical facts. 


Bon Appétit !