Fermentation is a chemical transformation that happens when compounds are broken down or metabolized. Fermentation is a process of “becoming.” It happens thanks to the life process of tiny beings—friendly microbes such as yeast and bacteria whose own life cycles and metabolisms help us humans stay healthy and fed. Milk meets a simple life form and becomes easily digestible yogurt. Cabbage can become kimchi, grapes become wine, and flour becomes bread.

Photo courtesy Joyous Health

What will you remember most about 2018? When it comes to supporting your own well-being and vitality, here are 5 favorite trends from the past year.

Looking for an easy, healthy way to get your chocolate fix this season? Try whipping up this Vegan Chocolate Bark for the holidays. You can even put your own spin on flavors, from spicy cinnamon-cayenne to cool peppermint–all are sure to be yummy!

Kelp. A short word but strong. It starts with a hard glottal consonant, dives through the long smooth L, ends with a popping plosive.

Want to warm up with something that’s tasty and healthy, but not too spicy? Try our super simple tortilla soup recipe! This is a great recipe for a heaping dose of whole-food goodness that takes only ten minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. Enjoy!

After a stellar summer in Vermont, we are now harvesting squash, carrots, potatoes, and apples in abundance.  On a cloudy, cool day when the wind is crisp and gloves are finally necessary, I can’t wait to get into the kitchen to create a heartwarming meal for my family.

Inspired by New Chapter’s 100% vegetarian herbals, this stew includes Turmeric plus Cinnamon, Ginger, and Garlic. Cultures from around the world have used these herbs for tonic and culinary purposes for hundreds of years. Check out our full Force line of pure whole herbals.

This recipe was inspired by some of New Chapter’s beloved ingredients. Pumpkin Seeds are part of our men’s supplement Prostate 5LX™ (as Pumpkin Seed oil). Pure Cinnamon is the centerpiece of Cinnamon Force™, and Flame Raisins are one of the many organic fruits, veggies & herbs delivered in Perfect Prenatal™ multivitamin for moms-to-be.

It’s a fact: mushrooms are notoriously tricky to identify. It’s possible to have two mushrooms that look similar to the eye, but are fundamentally different at a genetic level. So, for as long as humans have been benefiting from mushrooms as food and medicine, we’ve relied on experts to verify their correct identity. Mycologists (mushroom scientists) have been steadily building our body of knowledge on how to distinguish each unique type of mushroom. One of the best ways turns out to be DNA testing.

Whether it’s summer, winter, or something wonderful in-between, eating well should be at the top of your mind all year long. Whole-food nutrients are key for holistic wellness, and eating healthy foods at every meal has its advantages, too.