Eat to heal: Okra, the people's vegetable, is a potent antioxidant with a special place in our hearts. By Sarah Khan

Cardamom, treasured for flavor and immune system benefits, is due for a shift to organic cultivation. By Sarah Khan

In Japan, ancient foods made from seaweed and yams provide nutrition with few calories. By Sonoko Sakai

How the 'low-fat' trend fueled an unhealthy switch to more carbs and salt. By Martha Rose Shulman

Eat to Heal: Cinnamon can perk up your appetite, and new organic methods protect those who cultivate it. By Sarah Khan

Eat to Heal: Coquito infused with ginger might be just what the doctor ordered for the holidays. By Sarah Khan

Oakland-based doctor Preston Maring made farmers markets a public health issue. By Judith Weinraub

A key ingredient in pumpkin pie, nutmeg can also be found in traditional remedies and modern medications. By Sarah Khan

Eat to Heal: Prized in Asian medicinal traditions, basil may boost the immune system. By Sarah Khan

Eat to Heal: Parsley, bay leaf and thyme can be tied into a healthful 'bouquet garni' for cooking. By Sarah Khan

Concentrated industrial farming is largely to blame for widespread contamination of eggs. By Terra Brockman

Eat to Heal: Cilantro leaves and coriander seeds are rich in disease-fighting antioxidants. By Sarah Khan

A pair of former 'Top Chef' contestants take on school lunch woes in Washington D.C. By Mackie Jimbo

In her school lunch blog, anonymous teacher 'Mrs. Q' goes to the table to take on poor nutrition issues. By Jess Kapadia

Eat to Heal: The spice turmeric can reduce inflammation, combat toxins, even battle cancer cells. By Sarah Khan

Antonia Demas' "Food Is Elementary" program makes cooking sizzle for kids, but hurdles remain. By Mackie Jimbo

Eat toHeal: New medical research joins Ayurvedic tradition in recognizing pepper as a healing agent. By Sarah Khan

The Harvard doctor behind Healthy Kitchens/Healthy Lives opens the kitchen for lessons in nutrition. By Louisa Kasdon