If you are mentally relegating cayenne pepper to the “Cajun seasoning” file in your head, you are missing out on a fantastic seasoning with some surprising health benefits. Introduce this punchy red pepper into your weekly nutrition plan and spice up your life – literally.

I've finally figured out how to have an amazing Valentine's Day: Treat myself like a princess, wear a pretty outfit, eat and drink what I like -- and oh yes, accept gifts of love from anyone worth my attention. Whether you're focusing on yourself by default this year, or sharing your happiness with somebody special, start preparing for a fabulous day now by making this traditional Eastern European liqueur made with sour cherries. It'll be ready when you are to mix up fun, bright pink cocktails that make delicious antidotes to Cupid's poison arrows.

I like to think that I know what I should (and shouldn’t) be eating for good heart health, but a reminder every now and then certainly doesn’t hurt! February is American Heart Month – the perfect time to jog our memories about heart-healthy eating habits, or to learn more about heart health in general.

Food Additives. Say that ten times fast and the absurdity becomes even more obvious. If something truly is food, then why does it need any additives? There are plenty of excuses—from preservation to enhanced flavor—all equally as unfounded as the practice of adulterating food in the first place. Yet there seems to be no end in sight to the science of tinkering with food, even as research links more and more additives to health and environmental risks. Here are the worst offenders.

Shrimp is the number one seafood eaten in America. Even non-seafood lovers eat shrimp: shrimp cocktail, shrimp kebabs, shrimp dip, shrimp scampi… it’s a delicious little treat. Unfortunately, it’s also an unsustainable one. From devastating ocean life to degrading mangrove habitats and local communities, the shrimp business can be a nasty one. You don’t have to give it up, completely, though. Just as there are better burgers, better potatoes, and better corn options out there, you can also find better shrimp choices. Read on for your guide to finding sustainable shrimp.

Chocolate is a traditional Valentine’s gift that’s not gone, and most likely never will go, out of style. Chocolate’s sweet, sharp flavor brings even the coldest hearts to a quick boil. Before you reach for that heart-shaped box of chocolates at your local grocery store, however, stop and think: Is this chocolate Fair Trade certified? Is it organic? Do I really want to buy chocolates I know nothing about?

Weight Watchers has been one of the most successful weight-loss programs ever and their system of counting points for different food items has helped thousands and thousands of people, including a few celebrities, not only lost the pounds, but also keep them off.

So why did Weight Watchers recently overhaul their entire points system, introducing a new “PointsPlus” program that all standing members would have to learn anew? If it wasn’t broke, why did they fix it?

'Tis the season for sneezin’, and despite your best precautions, the signs have arrived: You’ve caught a cold. Along with sneezing comes a runny nose, sore throat, sinus congestion, annoying cough and an overall feeling of malaise. While colds often just have to run their course, people have been putting up with the common cold for many centuries, and each culture has a unique way of dealing with the symptoms so that you can feel better soon. The next time a cold has caught you, try these home remedies from around the world for faster healing.

There are certain corners of the universe where, despite even the most valiant efforts, the dry skin epidemic cannot be eradicated. Though the official figures are unknown, it’s no mystery that dry skin plagues dozens - perhaps even hundreds - of innocent victims every winter. Making matters even worst, many sufferers are beset with sensitive skin issues, as well.

That is, until now. Meet John: John Masters and his organic pomegranate facial nourishing oil.

As we long to crawl our way out of the winter months, let's take a moment to stop, wallow a bit (in the best sense of the word) and appreciate one great comfort to come from the ground this chilly time of year: Root vegetables. Hardy and versatile, flavorful and unique, root veggies hold up to all kinds of cooking and can be done both simply or exquisitely. And the blogosphere is rife with creative expressions of the humble root vegetable. Here are just a few ways to get rooted this Meatless Monday. 

According to the Organic Trade Association, U.S. sales of organic food and beverages have risen from $1 billion in 1990 to nearly $27 billion in 2010. The benefits of organics can't be overstated: From flavor and quality to free of pesticides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers and genetically modified ingredients, there's no question that organic is here to stay. But despite the booming industry, access to organic food is not always the easiest. So perhaps you might consider moving closer to one of these top nine cities for the organic lifestyle.

Many of us have been told since infancy to drink our milk to grow up and have strong, healthy bones. But milk isn’t the only way to get this vital mineral in your diet. A number of vegetables, legumes and even fruits are rich in calcium, and they also offer a more robust portfolio of minerals and nutrients within. Check out these seven non-dairy sources of calcium that have been scientifically proven to supply long-term bone health.

My first brush with parsnips was unfortunate. A well-meaning babysitter, attempting to fulfill my request for a whole peeled carrot as a snack (I was raised in a household where this was a normal request), rummaged through the vegetable bin, pulled out something that resembled a white carrot, peeled it and handed it to me. I ate it -- she told me not to waste food -- but I did not enjoy it. Luckily, once I reached adulthood, I decided to give parsnips another chance... and I fell in love.

While many countries around the world have serious bans or restrictions on genetically modified foods, the U.S. has none, but not if Pamm Larry has anything to say about it. She is the force behind the LabelGMOs campaign aiming to give Californians the right to have foods containing GMOs labeled.

When you are struggling to grow past a bad experience in your life and leave it behind you, everyone will have the same advice:

“You have to let go.”

“You need to move on.”

Everyone can tell you what to you, but nobody can tell you how to do it. How exactly does one “let go” of emotions that course through the body, saturate the spirit and even inform one’s identity?

Mashed potatoes are one of the most versatile side dishes: perfect with stews, roast chicken or even on all on their luscious own. But as winter trudges on, I start looking for ways to perk up my favorite purée... and perhaps add a few extra vitamins to the starchy side! Whether you're looking for something new and different or trying to hide veggies in a friendly form for picky kids, here are three great alternatives to mashed potatoes.