Dr. Ben Kim's blog

Updated on December 15, 2008

If you're wracking your brain to come up with ideas for gifts that can give for a lifetime, I hope that the following suggestions come in handy.

Gifts for Children Read more

Did you know that ounce for ounce, black beans have 10 times more antioxidants than oranges? Black beans actually rank right alongside grapes and cranberries in overall antioxidant power.

Often called turtle beans, black beans are one of nature's most fiber-rich foods, making them an excellent choice for diabetics; fiber tends to slow down the pace at which natural sugars in foods enter your bloodstream. Read more

This soup is full of immune-boosting ingredients; carrots are rich in carotenoids that can be converted to vitamin A, which is needed for optimal immune system strength; fresh orange juice is a decent source of natural vitamin C, good for overall immune system support; and just a little ginger provides a number of health benefits, including protection against cancer. Read more

If you're a fan of curried dishes and stews, you'll definitely want to give this recipe a try. It's more Moroccan than Indian in flavor and texture (that's what I'm told by the friend who shared it with me), and it's as healthy as curried dishes come. Read more

Mignardises are cute little bite-sized desserts that are typically served in high-end restaurants. With this recipe, you don't need a big wallet to enjoy the best mignardises around. Read more

Rich in vitamin C and carotenoids, this soup is an excellent choice for giving your immune system a lift. It's also rich in a phytonutrient (beta-cryptoxanthin) that is thought to be particularly good for promoting healthy lungs. Read more

Most of us have our favorite childhood dishes. One that stands out for me is my mom's moo gook - a traditional Korean soup that's made with white radish.

White radish, called "moo" in Korean, is sometimes called daikon or Chinese white radish, and in Indian cuisine, it's called "mooli." If you can't find white radish at your local grocery store, try visiting a local Asian food store - most carry multiple varieties. Read more

Our instant-gratification society teaches us to reach for quick solutions to specific health problems. Google any health condition and you're bound to come across products and procedures that fit into this mold. Have joint pain? Take glucosamine chondroiton. Have chronic acne? Take high doses of vitamin A. Want to lose weight and have rock-hard abs? Obey the golden rule to a flat stomach (for 39.95). Read more

Here's a nourishing lentil soup that's made unique by adding small amounts of potato and barley. It doesn't call for a lot of potato or barley - just enough to make this soup a substantial meal in a bowl. Read more

Here's another favorite from Jason Mraz - it's melancholic and lovely at the same time. In typical Mraz-like fashion, the grammar is other-worldly at times, but you always feel his heart. :) Enjoy. Read more