Coriander, also known as cilantro, you may be interested to know, acts as an aphrodisiac. It also protects against the Salmonella bacteria, works as a natural chelator (remover of metals) from the body, aides in digestion and helps settle the stomach and prevent flatulence, acts as an anti-inflammatory that may alleviate symptoms of arthritis, protects against urinary tract infections (which are more prevalent during the winter), prevents nausea, relieves intestinal gas, lowers blood sugar, lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and raises good cholesterol (HDL), good source of iron and magnesium and rich in phytonutrients and flavonoids.

Collards are a staple in JOOS. Why? Because they are one of the food powerhouses. Some botanists say that collards are actually a form of kale, although both are considered a loose leaf cabbage. Collards have been around for thousands of years, but, with the exception of the southern part of the US, unfortunately have not been wildly popular in the US. Julius Caesar ate a hearty serving of collards as a preventive to indigestion after attending royal banquets, a testimony to their detoxifying abilities. They are also known as a cancer preventative, according to several studies. They are great for detoxification and cleansing and boosting the immune system. Collards are loaded with nutrients, including Vitamins A, C, E, B6, B2, calcium, magnesium, manganese and folate, to name a few.

Well maybe George Bush didn’t like his broccoli, but perhaps if he had just a little more information about how good broccoli is for us, he’d give it a second chance. My kids can’t get enough of it and, from what I’ve seen in their friends, my kids are not alone.

Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables (so named because the petals have a cross shape). It is similar to cabbage and cauliflower and is highly nutritionally dense.

Studies are showing that the phytonutrients in broccoli can protect against many types of cancers, including breast, prostate, ovarian, bladder and skin cancer. Broccoli also can boost detoxification, support digestive health, promote cardio vascular health and prevent cataracts. Equally important, broccoli is so high in calcium (one cup of cooked broccoli contains 74 mg of calcium, plus 123 mg of vitamin C) that it is a great for bone protection and boosts our immune system. Broccoli is also high in folate and potassium.

During winter, we move to eating more roots. In this vein, here’s a suggestion: Think about using celery root instead of potatoes or at least mashed in with your potatoes. Why? Celery root has similar consistency to potatoes, but are far healthier. They are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium and manganese, and a very good source of vitamin C and phosphorus. They have a lower glycemic load than potatoes, which means they lower your blood-sugar response.

A great winter food, red roots help build our immune system by draining our lymph. Beets also are considered beneficial to the blood (as a cleanser), heart, liver and digestive system. They are known to treat skin problems, headaches, lethargy and constipation. They are used to cure bad breath, coughs and headaches. They are also believed to act as an aphrodisiac! Recently, beets have been found to prevent cancer and increase immune system function (this is part of the lymphatic drainage). Beet root is high in many important minerals and micronutrients.