Dr. Ben Kim's blog

If you love the rich and distinctive flavors of chili but aren't a fan of kidney beans, this lentil chili recipe is worth a serious look.

Rich in healthy protein, iron, lycopene, fiber, and a number of other health-promoting nutrients, this bean-less chili gets better with each passing day, so consider making a little extra and refrigerating or freezing leftovers. Read more

Updated on February 23, 2009

With a baby on the way, I thought that it would be prudent to apply for a life insurance policy. After doing some research, I decided to go with a term life insurance policy with a well known company in Canada. During the application process, I discovered that this particular company offers four different rates for their policies, called N1, N2, N3, and N4. Each person is assigned one of these rates based on the results of a nurse's visit, during which time questions are asked about medical history and current lifestyle, blood pressure and pulse rate are checked, and blood and urine samples are taken. I was told that the vast majority of people are put into the most expensive category, N4, while a small percentage of people in especially good health with low to no risk factors for disease are put into a less expensive category, with N1 being the least expensive. Read more

Lentils are among nature's finest food offerings for a healthy heart because they're abundant in folate, a vitamin that is essential to keeping your blood homocysteine at a healthy level. Read more

Think of this unique chickpea guacamole to be a combination of hummus and avocado. Rich in both healthy fatty acids and healthy protein, this side dish can easily be a part of a satisfying meal when combined with your favorite grain dish. We love it with brown rice or quinoa. Read more

Few herbs pack the same health-promoting punch that fresh cilantro does. Also called coriander in some parts of the world, fresh cilantro is thought to support blood sugar-regulating mechanisms and gastrointestinal health. Read more

Updated on February 6, 2009

For people who have trouble tolerating milk from cows, almond milk is an excellent substitute. But not all commercially prepared almond milks are equal in quality. Some brands add enough sugar to their almond milk to make it a poor choice for people who struggle to keep their blood sugar and insulin at healthy levels. Other brands add synthetic vitamins and minerals to their almond milk to make it resemble dairy when comparing nutrition facts panels. Read more

Updated on February 2, 2009

Nasal congestion in babies can lead to a number of health problems associated with breathing and sleeping difficulties.

A young mother once brought her eight-month old son to me with a request to provide an acupuncture or acupressure treatment that would help to alleviate his stuffy nose. While asking about her baby's health history, I discovered that his nasal congestion came about whenever his body experienced a cold. Dried-up mucous obstructed his nasal passageway, making it difficult for him to breathe and sleep. Read more

This simple and delicious black bean tahini dip is abundant in calcium, folate (folic acid), manganese, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and vitamin B1.

This dip is also rich in healthy protein, including an amino acid called tryptophan. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is helpful for promoting restful sleep and good nervous system health. Read more

Contrary to popular belief, white rice isn't a poor food choice for everyone. The truth is that white rice contains some health-promoting nutrients, and there are circumstances in which white rice can actually be a healthier choice than brown rice. Read more