Ground flaxseed is a great source of omega-3's. Studies show that it can lower your cholesterol, and therefore may reduce the risk of heart disease. Sprinkle some over hot or cold cereal. Use baked flaxseed in cookies, muffins, breads and other baked goods.

Organic Pink Himalayan Sea Salt aka White Gold--This salt has great flavor, and it's good for you. Use it in place of your favorite salt in dishes to promote a healthy pH balance in the body. Some of White Gold's benefits include regulating sleep and blood pressure, preventing muscle cramps and strengthening the libido.

Arm yourself with garlic during flu season--Garlic detoxifies the body and protects it against infection by fortifying the immune system. It also lowers blood pressure and improves circulation. Garlic is a versatile ingredient that tastes great. You can eat garlic raw chopped in a salad, infuse it in some olive oil, roast it in the oven and spread it on a baguette or add it to your favorite tomato sauce.

Primrose oil--This oil has essential fatty acids for the body. Studies show that it helps reduce hot flashes and some of the other negative side effects of menopause. Other benefits include regulating menstruation, lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure. You can take it in capsule form or add a tablespoon to your salad, oatmeal or smoothie. Primrose oil is available at most health food stores.

Kelp--This is a type of seaweed that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. It contains iodine which is good for treating thyroid problems. Studies show that kelp is great for hair loss, obesity and ulcers. Other benefits include strengthening nails, blood vessels and brain functions. Eat it raw, sauté it or use it as a salt substitute in its dried, ground form. Kelp is available at most Asian markets and health food stores.

Wheatgrass--This grass is a rich nutritional food that contains large amounts of chlorophyll which helps the blood carry oxygen to cells and tissues in the body. One pound of fresh wheatgrass is equal in nutritional value to 25 pounds of fresh vegetables. The suggested juice amount is a three-ounce shot glass. The flavor is very intense, so you may prefer to add it in powder form to a smoothie. Wheatgrass is available at most farmer's markets and health food stores. You can also order it in smoothies at Java Juice and Robeks.

Honey--A natural sweetener and antiseptic, rich in essential vitamins and minerals that promotes healing. You can use it as a salve for burns and wounds. Also, apply honey to your skin as a mask like the ancient Egyptians did to beautify your skin. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used as a white sugar substitute. For example, add honey to tea, oatmeal, smoothies and baked goods.

Pumpkin seed oil--Rich in vitamins and minerals, this oil adds a nutty flavor to salad dressing, vegetables and baked goods. Chefs throughout the world are now embracing this product that's been popular for years in Austria. Medicinal benefits include lowering cholesterol levels, and it helps to prevent and treat bladder and prostate problems.

Yams--I just love them. Mashed, roasted, in a pie or soup, the holidays wouldn't be the same without them. High in fiber and Vitamin C, yams are as sweet as candy, but they have a positive effect on blood sugar because they actually stabilize it. Even though yams and sweet potatoes are different, yams are generally referred to as sweet potatoes in the United States because of their similar taste and appearance.

Eat raw to help lose those extra holiday pounds --Raw food dishes energize the body, mind and spirit. Their vitamins, enzymes and minerals are more potent and nutritious. In addition to weight loss, studies show that raw food benefits include treating everything from body odor, acne and arthritis to cancer and menstrual cramps. So whip up a dish or try one of my restaurants in the Washington, DC.

Salt is a great natural, household cleaner--Use inexpensive table or regular sea salt and go green! Mix a little with hot water to clean dishes and remove soap scum from showers and bathtubs. Use it to deodorize drains and garbage disposals. Sprinkle some on dirty pots and pans to absorb the grease and oils, let sit for a few minutes and wipe clean.

Agave nectar—This natural sweetener is a healthy sugar substitute. Its syrup consistency is a great alternative to honey. I love it in tea. It’s also delicious in baked goods like cookies and cakes. Try it on pancakes or drizzled on top of a sundae. Agave nectar is available in health food stores.

Extra virgin coconut oil—This oil is a great alternative to extra virgin olive oil. Both oils lose some of their nutritional value when you cook them, but extra virgin coconut oil tends not to lose as much. It is often referred to as “super food” because it contains essential fatty acids that are good for the brain. Other medicinal benefits include helping to prevent heart disease and strokes, strengthening the immune system and encouraging weight loss. It’s also good for your hair and skin.

Prunes aka dried plums—Sweet, chewy, a bit sticky and oh so good, this natural laxative will help keep you regular. Prunes are filled with nutrients that include vitamin A, potassium and fiber. Studies show that this dried fruit helps lower high blood pressure, cleanses the colon and strengthens the immune system. Eat prunes or drink them in juice. They are also great baked in savory and sweet dishes.

Figs—This pear-shaped fruit is much more than the main ingredient in the popular Fig Newton cookie. It’s sweet, luscious flavor and unique chewy texture makes it a great compliment to many dishes. For example, add some dried or fresh figs to your favorite cereal or salad. Poach some in red wine and serve with ice cream. Just make sure you gently rinse them off with cold water first, remove the stem and pat dry. Fresh figs are extremely perishable, so buy them a day or two before you plan to eat them. Added benefit—they are rich in potassium and fiber.

Eat chocolate without the guilt -- How? Eat cacao (aka raw chocolate). Cacao is usually cooked and combined with dairy products and sugar which drastically reduces its health value, but in its raw form, chocolate is filled with nutrients, making it reportedly one of the top antioxidant foods. I suggest mixing a cup of cacao powder (available at organic health food stores) with 1 1/2 cups of agave nectar to form a sweet chocolate syrup that tastes great drizzled on top of a sundae, pancakes, fruit or your favorite cake.

Grow your own herbs— Store-bought herbs are expensive, and you usually have to buy much more than you plan to use. Herbs like thyme and rosemary are really easy to grow indoors. Just plant a few seeds in a small pot and watch them grow in a window, then they will always be on hand when you need them. Kaye from Washington, DC shared her budding window garden (see photo) with us to show just how easy it is to get started. Thanks Kaye!

Raw Pie Crust—This is a great alternative to the standard cooked crust that’s typically filled with butter and/or shortening. Here’s a simple recipe. In a food processor, add a cup of pecans or cashews, two cups of dried banana chips, a pinch of cinnamon and a few tablespoons of agave nectar. Pulse until the ingredients form a ball. Use your hands to shape the dough into mini crusts or one large crust, then top with your favorite dairy-free custard filling and/or fresh fruit and serve.