reduction. If you’re worried about bad cholesterol (LDL), look to avocados and their high levels of oleic acid for help. One study found that regular consumption of oleic acid lowered LDL cholesterol by nearly 50 percent compared to a control group who ate mostly complex carbohydrates. Those who ate avocados also maintained high levels of good cholesterol (HDL). In addition, avocados have been shown to destroy cancerous and precancerous cells. Basil. Antibacterial. Anti-inflammatory. Liver

notably colon cancer. Its antioxidant capacity may also lower inflammation and associated arthritic conditions. In addition, the World Health Organization reported that diets rich in citrus had cardiovascular benefits. Oregano. Anti-inflammatory. Heart health. Both oregano and individual compounds within it have gone under the microscope with favorable findings. Two phytochemicals in oregano, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid, reduce cholesterol levels, while other compounds prevent the formation

a bit), these four are at the forefront, constantly vying with each other for our attention, and if there’s an imbalance, boy do we notice! If, on the other hand, you can get them to work in harmony, their synergies are practically orchestral. They build on each other to create a crescendo of flavor far more resonant than each individual taste. Keeping FASS in mind helps ensure that all the players stay in perfect pitch, and it’s almost as simple as using a tuning fork. In my book (literally!),

organic plain yogurt or goat’s milk yogurt Sea salt ½ cup grated onion 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1½ teaspoons chopped fresh oregano, or ¾ teaspoon dried 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon cayenne 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 4 organic skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes Freshly ground black pepper Grapeseed oil, for the grill 6 tablespoons Yogurt Tahini Sauce,

heady smells wafting out of the kitchen. A few minutes later, in walked Simon with some tea, and I’m not talking Lipton. Simon looked at his dad, handed him the steaming homemade brew, and made a simple request: “Drink this.” It was love in a cup. It was also a fantastically healing, flavorful concoction. Ginger, cloves, cardamom, two types of citrus zest, honey—what’s not to like? Jeremy felt nourished in both body and heart, for here was a son to kvell over (that’s Yiddish for “take pride in”).