Dr. Ben Kim's blog

In part one of this series on How to Have Clear and Healthy Skin, we reviewed the makeup and functions of human skin, and presented 9 natural ways to promote healthy skin.

This article looks at the powerful influence that your emotions have on the health of your skin. Read more

If you're looking to eat healthfully on a tight budget, frozen green peas are an excellent choice. Fresh green peas are frozen shortly after being harvested, so they're almost as nutritious frozen as they are fresh.

Green peas are abundant in healthy protein, vitamin C, vitamin K1, folate, and a number of B vitamins. Their rich folate and vitamin B content make green peas a smart choice for keeping your blood homocysteine level in a healthy range, which is essential to decreasing your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Read more

Before we take a close look at how to use principles of natural skin care to promote clear and healthy skin, please consider the following facts about your skin: Read more

This mashed cauliflower recipe is a delicious and healthy substitute for traditional mashed potatoes. Though mashed potatoes can be a nourishing side or main dish, if you tend to have high blood sugar or insulin levels, it's probably best that you limit your consumption of potatoes to a serving or two per week. Read more

Guacamole has long been one of my favorite dishes. It's rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, phytonutrients that are good for keeping our eyes healthy, and a number of other health-enhancing nutrients. Best of all, guacamole is simple to put together and goes well with just about anything. Read more

According to two studies out of the U.K., wearing daily disposable contact lenses or contact lenses that are supposed to allow more oxygen into the eyes does not lead to a lowered risk of developing dangerous eye infections.

Regardless of what type of contact lenses are used, the biggest risk factor for developing a painful infection of the cornea called microbial keratitis is sleeping with contact lenses on. Read more

This roasted cauliflower soup is surprisingly rich in vitamin C. It's also rich in indole-3-carbinole, a phytonutrient that can stimulate cellular detoxification.

Indole-3-carbinole's ability to prevent estrogen dominance is what makes cauliflower - naturally rich in indole-3-carbinole - an excellent food choice for cancer prevention, particularly breast cancer prevention. Read more

If you're looking for a truly healthy, protein-rich food to anchor your diet, I highly recommend that you consider quinoa (pronounced keen wah). Called the "mother of grains" by the Incan empire, quinoa is native to South America, and is naturally rich in all nine essential amino acids - these are amino acids that we humans can't make from other nutrients, so must obtain from our diet. Quinoa is one of a few grains that are gluten-free, and for most people, it's easy to digest and utilize. Read more

How about a chocolate pudding that's good for your heart? This is exactly what you'll create by following Jason Mraz's chocomole recipe, which calls for avocados, dates, chocolate powder, and a touch of vanilla.

The result is a creamy chocolate pudding that's rich in healthy monounsaturated fatty acids and flavonoids, making it an excellent choice for promoting a healthy cardiovascular system and good overall health. Read more

To optimally support your cardiovascular system, it may be helpful to regularly eat foods that are naturally rich in folate and an omega-3 fatty acid called EPA. Folate primarily protects your cardiovascular system against disease by keeping your blood homocysteine level in check. And though we aren't certain of how EPA reduces risk of cardiovascular disease, a number of studies have found a strong relationship between EPA consumption and a decrease in heart disease. Read more