It seems everyone is going against the grain. Of course, people who are sickened by grains should avoid them at all costs… that would include anyone who suffers a severe reaction to gluten, like those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. But if you want to live longer, avoid heart disease and cancer — you may want to make ‘nice’ with grains again.

When I was in college, I accompanied one of my sorority sisters to a wedding in South Carolina. But what I remember most was an appetizer that was served at the reception: Pickled shrimp. It was delicious. I know it’s meant to be an appetizer, but on sweltering summer days I like to serve it on top of a bed of lettuce as dinner.

If you want to prevent cancer, you need to do one thing above all else: detoxify. Because let’s face it, you’re confronted by carcinogens around every corner — in your furniture, clothing, food, air, water — and your body needs help getting rid of them.

Yes, I know that when most people eat meat or poultry, they’re eating things like steaks, roasts, breast meat, chicken legs and wings. But the conventional wisdom that restricts us to these kinds of foods is giving you a bum steer. For optimal nutritional health …

My favorite tomato sandwich has always been bacon, lettuce and tomato on toasted white bread with mayonnaise. But I’ve come up with a new, healthy way to get my BLT fix…

Bananas are a favorite in the Martin house because of their links to lowering blood pressure, reducing cancer risk and improving heart health. And of course, they add just the right amount of sweetness to monkey salad.

When I switched diets, some of my friends ridiculed the idea that such a simple diet change could clear up my arthritis. But they were proved wrong when research found how certain foods can set your joints on fire. As far as a clearer mind, well, they’ve caught up to that truth as well…

Diabetes is a symptomatic disease: You get it because of a more serious underlying condition … insulin dysfunction. But one basic food ingredient may defeat this illness and put you on a path to optimal health.

Trying to find a tasty treat these days without added sugars is almost impossible. And please don’t get me started on artificial sugars — I’d rather gain a few pounds than risk cancer or autoimmune disease. But with these raspberry pops you don’t have to do either…

Watermelon is an excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant carotenoid that’s been studied for it’s potential role in reducing risk of heart disease, various cancers and offering skin protection from harmful UV rays…

If you’re a coffee lover, you can breathe a sigh of relief: coffee doesn’t cause cancer. The World Health Organization has finally taken coffee off of its list of possible carcinogens. But if you drink it really, really hot, well, that’s another story…

Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids. This trifecta of goodness is said to be “essential” to your health, with numerous studies showing its effectiveness in lowering triglyceride levels, improving cardiovascular health, reducing pain and inflammation and helping with stroke.