Leaf Organics, Sherman Oaks, CA

Join me as Organic Theme Park takes you to Leaf Organics restaurant in Sherman Oaks, CA. Leaf Organics' philosophy is to "create healthful, tasty, and affordable foods, in their natural state, using only organic ingredients, imagination and conscious care." Let's check it out !

Just walking in to Leaf Organics, we are surrounded by bright life affirming colors in a modern casual environment. Let's read over their menu offering.

Katie smiles with anticipation and shows off her healthy meal. Let's take a closer look at the next photo below !

This is the cashew creamy cheese (not real cheese - as it is vegan, "cashew based") with onion & chive on crisp mango bread. Yum !

Here is the Bombay salad with lentil croquettes topped with a curry-coconut sauce with mixed greens (they added some kale per my request), sprouts, red cabbage, carrots and tomatoes. Delicious !

Here is one of their delicious wraps which are normally wrapped with a collard green leaf or you can pay for a sprouted grain tortilla instead.

Dessert time - all vegan and guilt-free! Also served was this young Thai coconut in the husk which are freshly cracked open before serving with its refreshing chilled clear natural sweet liquor.

The store front in Sherman Oaks, CA. There is also a location in Culver City, CA. as well. Be sure to stop in and treat yourself to some delicious casual style organic and raw food dishes. You can also find their products at Whole Foods, Erewhon and other natural organic and raw foods markets throughout California. Your body will thank you !

Le Palais Gourmet's Matcha Tasting Event

Le Palais Gourmet in Beverly Hills, California, hosted an organic matcha tasting event to the delight of all the attendees. It was an epicurean event with matcha cuisine created by world renowned chef, Christy Choo (owner of Jin Patisserie).

The tea bar at Le Palais Gourmet was a spectacular with so many wonderfully prepared desserts all made with organic matcha, the Japanese green tea ground by stone into fine powder. Matcha is receiving world-wide acclaim for its super concentrated amount of antioxidants (more than 10 times that of pomegranate). Rather than simply, steeping the green tea, it's actually ingested which allows the concentrated antioxidants to stay in the body longer to deliver its powerful nutritional benefits. Let's take a look at all the tempting offerings!

These are creme brulee's made with organic matcha!

These are matcha pound cake slices over a bed of raspberry sauce with a touch of creme fraiche and a raspberry garnish.

Would you like a matcha soy smoothie? Perfect for the summer or anytime!

Take a look at all the canisters of tea along the walls . . . many of which are organic!

Beauty is everywhere at Le Palais Gourmet tea emporium !

The crowd gathers to watch Le Palais Gourmet's tea master, David Barenholtz demonstrate how to prepare hot matcha. This is a daily ritual of health, peace and tranquility.

Turmeric - The Spice For Longevity

One of my favorite spices is turmeric which is a component of curry. Did you know it is also used as an herbal beverage in Okinawa, Japan? Could turmeric be a diet secret for the Okinawans whose population is known for its longevity? Turmeric has been used for generations in Asian countries to control infection and reduce scar formation. The spice's active chemical, curcumin, has been shown to act as an antioxidant and an antimicrobial. Studies have also shown that extracts of turmeric root can reduce the secretion of acid by the stomach to protect against inflammation and reduce ulcers. Turmeric has been shown to have a protective effect on the liver by clearing harmful toxins as well as preventing damage. Turmeric may also relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Current research by Cornell University shows promise for curcumin's positive effect on breast cancer.

How to add turmeric to you daily diet? Sprinkle it on your salmon or tofu, add it to soups and as the Okinawans - make an herbal beverage. Turmeric is available at Whole Foods (organic) found in the spice section, or you can purchase it elsewhere in capsules, fluid extracts and tinctures.

Cinnamon Power

Did you know that cinnamon was listed as an herb with medicinal properties dating back to Chinese literature as early as 2700 BC ? It is now known that cinnamon raises vitality, warms the system, stimulates all the vital functions of the body, counteracts congestion, improves digestion and can even aid as a treatment for nausea. There is also evidence that cinnamon can lower levels of cholesterol and blood sugars. The natural cinnamon plant (you can see the bark above in the photo) has essential oils which have been found to stimulate movement in the gastrointestinal tract and act as a natural gas-reliever.

So add cinnamon to your daily diet ritual by sprinkling it on your oatmeal, yogurt or evening adding it to your favorite herbal tea. When purchasing your cinnamon, buy "non-irradiated" as noted on the spice jar in the photo above.

Cranberry Orbs of Health

So you don't like cranberry sauce and want a way to sneak this superfood in your diet? Just float them in Spring water and enjoy. Cranberries are rich in polyphenols (a potent antioxidant) and research indicates they may inhibit the growth of breast cancer and reduce the risk of gum disease and stomach ulcers. They contain the highest levels of polyphenolics among all fruits and vegetables.

Whole cranberries are most beneficial to your health. I love this brand, Stahbush Island Farms which I purchase at Whole Foods in their frozen freezer section.

Just drink some and enjoy the tart crunch with your Spring water each day to protect against cancer, stroke and heart disease. You'll enjoy their natural unsweetened tart flavor! Cheers!

Glorious Apples !

Resist the urge to peel an organic apple! Why? A study by Cornell University found that apples, especially their peels have high levels of polyphenols. Further, one serving of a red apple with its peel has the same antioxidant activity as 1500 mg of vitamin C. Cornell's studies on apples have also shown them to inhibit the growth of liver, colon and breast cancer cells. Apples may also decrease the risk of heart disease, diabetes and asthma. One of my favorite daily rituals is eating a Gala or Fuji apple with some almond butter. Pure heaven !

Don't Judge A Strawberry By Its Color !

Yes, it's strawberry season! Like the picture taken above at my local farmer's market, these strawberries are hypnotic in color and perfection. Warning! Don't fall for it! Why? These strawberries are NOT organic. They are full of pesticides! Strawberries are low lying fruit and as they typically lay on the ground while growing, they are also soaking up pesticides. Only buy organic! If I can't find organic strawberries during the off-season, I'll buy frozen organic strawberries and place them in a glass container in the fridge (there is no loss of nutrients in frozen fruit). Also, if you enjoy strawberry jam or jelly, look for the organic label on the jar. Now, that you know how to shop for strawberries, include them in your diet everyday. According to the USDA's analysis of antioxidant capacity, strawberries came in second to blueberries. They are also rich in dietary fiber, manganese and contain more vitamin C than any other berry!

Silver Needle White Tea

One of my favorite morning rituals is enjoying a pot of organic white silver needle tea. Look closely at the above photo of this rare tea. Notice there are no tea leaves! It is only individual tea buds plucked this past Spring from the famed Fujian province of China. There is no processing - simply plucked by hand and allowed to dry. Why is this tea so expensive? It's extremely rare (especially when organically certified as the above) as it is only plucked once a year over a two to three day period. Another reason - the world demand. Not only does it taste sublime, it contains triple the antioxidants of green tea! Additionally, it has natural collagens which are great for your skin! It is essential that no sweetener of any kind is added. I like to store my tea in a Japanese made washi cannister as it will keep the tea fresh for two years and makes my daily tea preparation a beautiful experience.

As the white silver needles are so fluffy, I use a tablespoon (not a teaspoon) per cup (6-8 oz of Spring water). Use a strainer basket and place the silver needles inside for easy removal. This teapot I have owned for about seven years. It is made in Japan and is made by hand of cast iron and are called tetsubin. I love these teapots as they will retain the heat for approximately 40 minutes (unlike glass for only 20 minutes). These teapots have been made for hundreds of years and go back to the time of the samurai. Do not buy any iron teapots if made in China as they may not be made of pure iron. Ask to make sure, it is made in Japan. Expensive at first but they are nearly indestructible and you'll enjoy it for a lifetime.

Use a timer! For this pure white tea, I like to steep it in under-boiled Spring water for five minutes. It is important to use a timer as it's a common mistake to over-infuse tea -resulting in a bitter flavor. Also, we can be distracted with another task - time flies!

After five minutes, remove the infusion basket containing the silver needles from the tea pot. If you leave it in, your second cup will become increasingly bitter. Also, you can stretch your tea budget by re-steeping this pure white tea up to three times. There will be no caffeine released on subsequent steepings, only the first.

Now, enjoy every drop of this sublime tea! Also, don't forget to make a second pot and keep nourishing your body with another internal antioxidant rinse!