HEALTHY LIVING

Turn to tempeh for plant-based superfood

Published

4 years ago

01/20/2021

(Family Features) As a key part of a nutritious eating plan, protein intake can be a healthy step to take in the new year. One increasingly popular way to add protein to your at-home menu is with protein-packed, plant-based foods like tempeh.

Tempeh’s roots date back thousands of years and originate in Indonesia. It’s an all-natural protein source made with simple, whole-food ingredients – most often fermented soybeans, water and rice – and is high in protein, packed with fiber and low in fat, sodium and calories. Tempeh is also loaded with vitamins and minerals like calcium, manganese, phosphorus and iron, and has all nine essential amino acids. Because it’s fermented, the nutrients in tempeh are easy for the body to digest.

The health benefits of tempeh, including 18 grams of protein per serving, are one reason to give it a try, but another is it’s easy and versatile to cook. It has a firm texture, nutty taste and can be baked, fried, steamed or grilled. Tempeh also easily absorbs marinades, spices and sauces. To prepare tempeh, cut it into cubes, strips or crumble it then toss into a stir-fry, layer it onto a BLT sandwich or simply warm a skillet and sear it until golden brown.

The possibilities for tempeh are nearly endless, and it’s also increasingly easy to find. For example, Lightlife, founded in 1979 as “Tempeh Works,” was among the first commercial producers of tempeh in the United States. Today, it offers its Original Tempeh at more than 18,500 retail stores nationwide.

Find protein-packed meal ideas, like Sesame Ginger Tempeh Power Bowls with Quinoa and Sweet Potatoes, at lightlife.com.

Sesame Ginger Tempeh Power Bowls with Quinoa and Sweet Potatoes

Pickled Pink Onions:

1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced

Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

Sweet Potatoes:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices

Tempeh:

1 package (8 ounces) Lightlife Original Tempeh
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cups baby spinach or kale
2 cups cooked tri-color quinoa, at room temperature
1/2 ripe avocado, cubed
1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
6 red grape cherry tomatoes, halved
6 yellow grape cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup pea shoots

To make pickled pink onions: In small pot, bring white wine vinegar, sugar and salt to boil. Add onions and toss to coat 15 seconds. Turn off heat and let sit 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and bright pink. Set aside.
To make sesame ginger vinaigrette: In small bowl, stir vegetable and sesame oils with ginger, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce and sesame seeds. Pour into two small ramekins. Set aside.
To make sweet potatoes: In large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add sweet potato slices and cook, turning occasionally, 15-17 minutes, adjusting heat as necessary until tender when pierced with knife. Remove to cutting board and cut each slice into quarters. Wipe out skillet.
To make tempeh: Cut tempeh crosswise into eight triangles. In nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, heat vegetable oil. Cook tempeh with soy sauce until golden brown and warm, 2-3 minutes per side. Remove tempeh from pan and add baby spinach or kale; stir 1-2 minutes just until wilted.
To assemble bowls: On bottoms of two shallow bowls or plates, spread cooked quinoa. Top with piles of warm sweet potatoes, pickled pink onions, sauteed spinach or kale, avocado, chickpeas, grape tomatoes and pea shoots. Top with tempeh and serve with sesame ginger vinaigrette.

SOURCE:
Lightlife

HEALTHY LIVING

Make a smart home investment with an all climate heat pump

Published

6 days ago

04/10/2025

bowienews

(Family Features) If your home uses a conventional heating and cooling system, you may wonder if there’s a better way to manage indoor comfort. Between rising energy costs and concerns about the efficiency of conventional systems, many homeowners are exploring alternatives. One popular solution is an all-climate heat pump.

All-climate heat pumps are the next generation of heat pump technology built for peak performance, regardless of the outdoor temperature. From the personalized comfort all-climate heat pumps deliver to the energy savings realized, it’s no wonder more homeowners are considering going all-in on all-climate.

If you’re considering replacing your current HVAC system, read on for some of the benefits of all-climate heat pumps.

Personalized Comfort
Ductless, multi-zone, all-climate heat pump systems are designed to deliver personalized, room-to-room temperature control tailored to your preferences. Unlike traditional ducted unitary systems, which typically operate on an all-or-nothing basis, ductless multi-zone solutions provide individualized climate settings for each space. Whether you prefer a warmer living room or a cooler bedroom, the flexibility to adjust each zone offers unparalleled convenience and energy efficiency.

Efficiency
According to a survey of U.S. homeowners commissioned by Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS), 93% of homeowners surveyed with conventional HVAC systems reported concerns about utility bills. Seventy-five percent of those surveyed also consider energy efficiency always or often when considering home improvements.

Conventional heating and cooling systems run at full capacity to reach set point and then shut off. The start-stop action ultimately wastes energy. With variable-capacity capabilities and inverter-driven technology, all-climate heat pumps can adjust and maintain temperatures, lessening your home’s overall energy demand and driving down cost.

Cost Savings
The cost savings provided by efficient energy usage are evident. Additionally, some states offer rebates for new HVAC systems, and many contractors offer financing options, which make the upfront cost of an all-climate heat pump installation more affordable.

Reliability is another cost-saving factor. All-climate heat pumps are purpose-built with durable materials to perform well in all kinds of weather.

“We continue to educate homeowners about the advantages all-climate heat pumps have over conventional HVAC systems,” said Mark Kuntz, Chief Executive Officer, METUS. “As homeowners become more knowledgeable about the numerous benefits, including personalized comfort, energy efficiency and cost savings, we believe they will increasingly install these next-generation systems in their homes.”

Learn more about how you can better manage your home’s indoor comfort with all-climate heat pump technology by visiting mitsubishicomfort.com.

SOURCE:
Mitsubishi Electric

HEALTHY LIVING

How to protect your pet’s dental health

Published

2 weeks ago

04/03/2025

bowienews

(Family Features) Like humans, pets’ oral hygiene plays an important role in their overall health and quality of life. Common conditions like plaque buildup, tartar and bad breath can escalate to serious health conditions if untreated.

In fact, by the age of 3, 80% of pets experience some form of dental health issue, and the risk only increases as they age. However, for many pet owners, taking care of their four-legged friends’ oral health is a more difficult habit to maintain than their own daily brushing and flossing routine.

Many veterinarians recommend regular brushing for pets, and a wide array of treats and meal additives complement brushing to help support your pet’s oral health.

Protecting your pet’s oral health begins by talking with your veterinarian, who can provide recommendations tailored to your pet’s specific needs. With that guidance, you can start comparison shopping and reading labels so you can identify quality products. Remember you’re likely to find the greatest success by introducing oral health products as part of your pet’s daily routine early on.

Certifications for Trust and Quality
awarded to products that meet strict standards for controlling plaque and tartar. You can find the seal on packaging as an easy visual indication of the product’s quality standards.

Natural, Effective Ingredients
Look for products that prioritize safety and health by offering natural, clinically proven ingredients and no artificial additives or chemicals. Seaweed (or kelp) is a preferred ingredient because it contains minerals and enzymes that help reduce plaque and prevent bacteria.

You can find 100% natural and organic kelp in products like ProDen PlaqueOff®, which includes A.N ProDen®, a kelp ingredient sustainably harvested from specially selected locations in the pristine North Atlantic waters off the Scandinavian coastline. Processed through a specialized method in extreme environmental conditions, it attains peak quality and effectiveness, ensuring safety and health for your pet.

Sustainable Practices
Another detail you can gather from the product’s packaging is whether a product manufacturer adheres to environmentally friendly practices and safe ingredient sourcing, which means the product is not only good for pets but also for the planet. This may be evident in certifications or special icons on the packaging, through information about sustainably harvested ingredients or with packaging that itself is environmentally responsible.

Tailoring to Individual Pets
Different pets have different needs based on age, size, breed and oral health status. Selecting the right product may also be complicated by your pet’s allergies or picky eating habits. You can find a variety of ingestible options, including powders, chews or bones like those offered by ProDen PlaqueOff®, to use in conjunction with daily brushing.

Powder: Ideal for a seamless addition to your pet’s diet, this is the most economical choice, particularly for long-term use. It’s especially suitable for younger pets as a preventive measure, given its longevity and cost-effectiveness.
Chews: For those looking for an easy-to-administer option that doubles as a reward, chews are the way to go. Additionally, for older pets or those with missing teeth, soft chews can offer a gentle yet effective way to maintain oral health. They’re a convenient choice for pet owners to give as a daily dose without the need for measuring or mixing.
Bones: Designed not only to satisfy your dog’s natural chewing instincts but also to aid in dental care, bones are a perfect option for pet parents whose dogs prefer a longer-lasting treat. Bones come in a variety of flavors and sizes, catering to both large and small breeds, making them a versatile way to help keep your dog’s teeth clean and their breath fresh.

Learn more about protecting your pet’s dental health at us.swedencare.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (veterinarian examining dog)

SOURCE:
Swedencare

HEALTHY LIVING

A guide to great skin at any age

Published

3 weeks ago

03/27/2025

bowienews

(Family Features) Here’s the secret for achieving a glowing complexion: there is no secret. In fact, a key factor in achieving great skin at any age comes down to one common denominator that’s no secret at all. It’s simply taking good care of your skin.

After all, your skin is your body’s single largest organ. It’s your protective shield, but it can also reveal the truth of your age, especially if you’re lax when it comes to regular skin care.

Make hydration a priority. Keeping the skin hydrated maintains its barrier integrity. When the skin becomes dry, it reduces the effectiveness of the skin barrier, making it less resilient against irritants and allergens.

Often, when the skin is dry it feels more rough or flaky. With proper hydration, the skin feels smoother and looks more supple. Achieving hydration through a better skin care routine, drinking plenty of water daily and eating certain fruits and vegetables can improve your skin’s appearance, maintaining a radiant, healthy complexion.

Use the right soap. Despite what your mother may have told you, squeaky clean isn’t always best. A better bet when it comes to soap is a product that respects your skin’s moisture balance and cleanses without creating tightness or irritation.

Mild options such as Pears skin cleansing products are specifically formulated and dermatologically tested to be gentle on the skin. They’re made with plant-based glycerin, which is a powerful humectant that attracts water from the environment and deeper layers of the skin to the outer layer, keeping it hydrated. Glycerin-based cleansers can help prevent stripping of the skin’s natural oils, which averts a tight, dry feeling.

“More than ever, consumers are looking for mild and gentle products that are effective, smell good and work well,” said Dr. Adriana Lombardi, founder of the Skin Cancer & Cosmetic Surgery Center of New Jersey. “Pears soap checks all the boxes. It creates a really nice, thick lather and smells crisp and clean while leaving the skin hydrated.”

Avoid hot showers. Even the best products may not overcome the potential harm that comes from taking showers that are too hot. The heat removes your skin’s natural oils, which leaves you prone to itching and dryness and may worsen skin conditions.

Instead of cranking up the heat, opt for lukewarm temperatures and keep the shower time brief. Use moisturizing cleansers, and after your shower, immediately apply moisturizer to replenish and rehydrate your skin.

Protect your skin from the sun. After completing your skin cleansing routine, there’s an additional step to help maintain healthy, hydrated skin before heading outdoors: Take time to apply a layer of sunscreen to skin that will be exposed, including your face, ears and hands. Reapply every two hours if you’re spending a great deal of time outside. Sun damage can prematurely age the skin. You may not feel the heat as much during colder times of year, but the rays are still capable of damaging your skin, maybe even more so because you don’t feel the burn

Find more advice for keeping your skin supple and soft at Amazon.com/pears.

3 Steps to Practice a Healthy Skin Routine

Use a humidifier in your room. Adding moisture to your environment may help prevent over-drying and promote better air quality for your overall health, including your skin.
Use glycerin-based soap. A glycerin-based soap like Pears gently cleanses your skin without stripping essential moisture.
Moisturize immediately after showering. Showering, especially at higher water temperatures, can strip your body’s natural oils. Applying lotion immediately after you shower helps retain the moisture your body nee

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock (woman applying moisturizer, man applying moisturizer)

SOURCE:
Pears