July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Go Nutty Over Health This January: Dr. Mao’s Wellness Living:

Most people give up their New Year’s resolutions before January even ends! However, before you give up this year, try to find a few new foods that might keep your health kick on track and maybe even expand your recipe collection. Below are some nuts that can be eaten as a snack or added to a meal as a way for you to stay healthy and increase your longevity for years to come.

Pecans

A nutritionally very balanced food, pecans have a high iron content, making them especially beneficial for women. Pecans are full of phytosterols (plant compounds that decrease bad cholesterol in the body) and they provide 10 percent of the recommended daily amount of fiber, which also benefits cholesterol levels and aids in digestion. Additionally, pecans may help control high blood pressure, reduce the risk of cancer, and defend against neurological disease. They can be a part of weight management programs, but don’t eat more than a handful a day, as they are high in calories.

Pine nuts

Pine nuts are not actually nuts at all, but the edible seeds of pinecones. They are very beneficial for heart health because, like nuts, they are high in monounsaturated fats. In addition, the potent antioxidant called pycnogenol protects the vascular endothelial cells) which make up the lining of the heart and blood vessels) from free radical damage. Pycnogenol also helps protect the brain from free radicals, works as an anti-inflammatory, and helps preserve skin structure. Pine nuts can go rancid quickly, but you can extend their life by keeping them in the refrigerator.

Chestnuts

Unlike other nuts and seeds, chestnuts are fairly low in calories and fat, but still contain a wide array of beneficial vitamins and minerals. Very high in fiber, chestnuts can help lower cholesterol levels. Chestnuts’ rich source of vitamin C protects against free radical damage and bolsters immunity. Of all the nuts, chestnuts contain one of the highest levels of folate. As a nut, it also contains high levels of essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, which benefit heart health. Provided you aren’t allergic, these crunchy treats will serve you and your longevity well.

Sautéed King Prawns with Chestnuts and Figs

Bonus Benefits: Heart, Metabolism, Digestion, and Sexual Health

20 dried, peeled chestnuts, 
soaked in hot water for 1 hour

12 ounces king prawns, shelled and deveined

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon white pepper

3 fresh black figs (or dried figs soaked in warm water to reconstitute)

1/3 cup port

3 tablespoons rice bran oil

1 cup snow peas

1 scallion, sliced into long, thin pieces

4 slices fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into matchsticks

1 tablespoon dark soy sauce

1 cinnamon stick

3 whole star anise

1) Bring a saucepan of water to a boil and cook the chestnuts until slightly soft (about 30 minutes), drain and let stand until cool.

2) Rub the shrimp with salt and white pepper. Quarter the figs lengthwise, put them into a small bowl, and pour the port over them. Let stand for 10 minutes; drain and reserve the port. 3) Reheat a wok over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes; then add the vegetable oil and heat until rippling. Carefully add the shrimps and stir-fry briefly; remove them from the wok as soon as the color changes and transfer them to a plate.

4) Add the snow peas, drained figs, scallion, and ginger to the wok and stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to the plate with the shrimp.

5) Add the chestnuts, reserved port, soy sauce, cinnamon stick, and star anise to the wok and simmer until the sauce is reduced and thickened. Return the cooked shrimp and vegetables to the wok and simmer, stirring occasionally, for another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick and star anise, transfer to a large shallow bowl, and serve immediately.

Enjoy!

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

Dr. Mao Shing Ni, best known as Dr. Mao is a bestselling author, doctor of Oriental Medicine and board certified anti-aging expert. He has recently appeared on “The Ricki Lake Show,” “Dr. Oz,” and contributes to Yahoo Health and The Huffington Post.  Dr. Mao practices acupuncture, nutrition, and Chinese medicine with his associates at the Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica, Newport Beach, and Pasadena. Dr. Mao and his brother, Dr. Daoshing Ni, founded the Tao of Wellness more than 25 years ago in addition to founding Yo San University in Marina del Rey.  To make an appointment for evaluation and treatment please call 310.917.2200 or you can email Dr. Mao at contact@taoofwellness.com. To subscribe to his tip-filled newsletter please visit www.taoofwellness.com.

in News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...