Recipes

7 Health Benefits of Eggs and A Recipe For Baked (Shirred) Eggs with Arugula and Sun-dried Tomatoes

December 10, 2017 By Dr. Ed McDonald 4 Comments

Shirred or baked eggs is one of my favorite ways to cook eggs. Since I’m writing about eggs, I know some of my vegan friends may disown me and brand me an ‘Eggs Benedict Arnold.’ I’m still an ardent supporter of vegetarian and flexitarian diets. These diets are great, but I’ve seen some vegetarians struggle with adequate protein intake.

Some plant-based diets are low in protein—Eggs may help

Just a couple of weeks ago in clinic, I saw a woman losing her hair months after switching over to a protein-deficient, plant-based diet. Eating enough protein was tough for her. She didn’t like eating a lot of beans due to bloating (see my bloating article) and she refused to eat tofu because she thinks it tastes like “dirty sponges soaked in swamp water.” I don’t entirely endorse her tofu opinion, but I get it.

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Afraid of prostate cancer? Decrease your risk with some knowledge and this delicious recipe.

October 6, 2017 By Dr. Ed McDonald 7 Comments

My prostate needs a witness protection program. It hasn’t committed any crimes, but it’s higher up on a target list for prostate cancer—simply because I am a black male.

I first became aware of my prostate’s vulnerability during a lecture on prostate cancer I attended as a medical student. The lecturer began his talk by highlighting risk factors for prostate cancer. He emphasized that black men are 1.6 times more likely to get prostate cancer compared to others. As he said “black men,” he slowly turned towards me—one of few black dudes in the class— and awkwardly stared for several seconds, subconsciously making my prostate feel like it needed some hardcore church “Prayer Warriors.” After further research, I realized two things: there are no witness protection programs for prostates and certain foods may decrease my prostate’s chances of ending up on a “Prayer Bulletin.” September was prostate cancer awareness month, and it’s now October. I may be late, but useful information shouldn’t have a month-long expiration date.

So, let’s talk about some prostate facts, the role of foods in prostate cancer prevention, and a delicious prostate-friendly recipe.

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Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chia Seed Vinaigrette: A Salad with Multiple Health Benefits

September 25, 2017 By Dr. Ed McDonald 4 Comments

We need to eat more fruits and veggies

Most people in the U.S. do not eat the recommended amounts of fruit and vegetables despite their well-known health benefits. There are numerous reasons why people fall short in eating enough fruits and veggies. Countless studies cite busy schedules, lack of knowledge, costs, and taste preferences as common barriers to eating fruits and vegetables. I can understand the impact of a lack of finances—food insecurity is a real issue. However, taste preferences, time limitations, and knowledge are surmountable obstacles. Simple salads, like this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chia Seed Vinaigrette, are the perfect tool for overcoming these barriers. If there were such a thing as “gateway dish” for veggies and fruit, a salad with fruit would be that dish.
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