eastern-medtech

“Jen, I’d like to change my business by putting the current business out of business.” That was how the conversation began between my best friend from college, Peter, and me. I was taken aback. “I’m not sure I follow, Peter. You sell medical devices, but you don’t want to anymore?”   He explained, “I’m truly in this business to help people. Isn’t that what healthcare is about? Many chronic conditions are driven by behavior—behaviors that can be hard to change or control. Some are simply bad habits, and others are influenced by socioeconomic factors. There’s a lot at play. Sure, a continuous glucose monitor or CPAP device can help, but what can help even more is creating a community. A space where my customers, their friends, and families can come together to support each other and share information. A place where they can learn how to manage diabetes and sleep apnea through lifestyle changes, not just medical devices.” Peter went on, describing his vision. He didn’t want to just treat symptoms anymore. He wanted to build something that provided tools and education for people to prevent and manage chronic conditions, starting with type 2 diabetes. “If we can make this work, the rest will follow. Selling products to treat symptoms is easy. Sometimes doing what is hard comes with more reward. We’ll pivot from being a company that treats symptoms to one that empowers people to take control of their health. I want you to help me by writing recipes that are healthy, pretty easy, and delicious. Will you do that?” From there, who knows? Maybe we have an app we will launch soon to help people track their progress, coach them or maybe even “gamify” healthy living. That would be something my co-workers, customers, kids could be really proud of. Plus shouldn’t we all model the best behavior we can for our family and friends?” That conversation, which took place in August 2024, quite literally changed the way I think about food. Peter’s vision for his business opened my eyes to the potential for food to be more than just fuel. He was asking me to help educate others, but in doing so, I started educating myself. Wearing a glucose monitor and tracking how my body reacts (or doesn’t) to different foods has been eye-opening. It’s fascinating to see how small tweaks in diet can make a significant impact on health. Peter’s goal is big and audacious, to say the least. He wants to shift the way we think about health—by helping people control or prevent type 2 diabetes, he’s striving to make his own business obsolete. Is it a typical business plan? Not exactly. But it’s a plan rooted in something much deeper: the desire to truly help people live healthier lives.  This is how the “Food as Medicine” blog series was born. It’s about more than just recipes; rather, it explores the connection between what we eat and how we feel. Helping people make small, meaningful changes that can have a big impact on their health. And maybe, just maybe, it’s about changing the world—one healthy recipe at a time. Speaking of recipes, if you’ve missed our blog post series, you can catch up quickly by clicking the following links:  Introducing Food as Medicine – A Weekly Blog Series with Recipes and Videos Curated by Renowned Chef JenRess Brulé Food as Medicine Spotlight 1 – Portuguese Kale Soup Food as Medicine Spotlight 2 – Tuna & Broccoli Cakes Food as Medicine Spotlight 3 – Apples, Leeks & Honey Chicken  We also encourage you to follow Chef Brulé on TikTok @chefjenress for more healthy culinary inspiration! 

Welcome to our third installment of the Food as Medicine blog post and video series, focused on the power of smart food choices to optimize our overall health and wellness.  So far, our series has featured tuna and broccoli cakes and Portuguese kale soup. This week, we are celebrating our Jewish community by presenting a recipe in honor of Rosh Hashanah, the New Year in Judaism.  Given that apples and honey are eaten in hopes of a sweet and fruitful year, Chef Brulé brings us apples, leeks, and honey chicken.   To your health and L’shanah tovah to all who celebrate!  A Word from Chef Brulé Do you think apples taste better in the fall? I do. There’s just something deep in our DNA that appreciates autumnal harvest ingredients. Pairing tart apples (like Granny Smith)  with sweet honey is a classic combination that, for many, has a deeper meaning. This is a great dish for the holidays, but simple enough to make for a weeknight dinner. You can double the number of chicken thighs without doubling the sauce amount– as is, this recipe makes copious sauce, great for slathering over roasted cabbage or mashed cauliflower. Apples, Leeks & Honey Chicken Directions:  Check out Chef Brule’s quick video for a behind the scenes glimpse into the making of this recipe:  Medicinal Properties of Featured Ingredients As always, we’re sharing our disclaimer that these “Food as Medicine” posts are not intended to cure chronic health conditions or diseases. However, these recipes are featured for their well-documented medicinal properties, reported to optimize health and wellness. So, here goes!  Apples Apples are incredibly nutritious and often associated with the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” for good reason. They are rich in dietary fiber, particularly pectin, which supports digestive health by promoting healthy gut bacteria and improving bowel regularity. Apples also contain vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that boosts immune function and skin health. The polyphenols in apples, including flavonoids like quercetin, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may help lower the risk of heart disease, improve brain health, and support respiratory function. They also contribute to balanced blood sugar levels due to their low glycemic index. Leeks Leeks, related to onions and garlic, are a nutritious allium vegetable. They are rich in vitamin K, which plays a key role in bone health and blood clotting, as well as vitamin C and manganese, which support the immune system and antioxidant defense. Leeks contain kaempferol, a flavonoid known for its anti-inflammatory and heart-protective properties. They are also a source of prebiotic fiber, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy digestive system. The sulfur compounds in leeks may contribute to detoxification and support liver health. Honey Honey has been used as a natural remedy for centuries due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Raw honey, in particular, contains antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols, which can protect the body from oxidative stress and support heart health. Honey is also effective in soothing sore throats, supporting wound healing, and reducing cough symptoms. Its natural sugars provide a quick source of energy, and it can help regulate blood sugar when consumed in moderation, especially when paired with other foods. Additionally, honey has been shown to promote gut health by acting as a natural prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria. Chicken Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function. It contains important vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins (particularly B6 and B12), which support energy metabolism, brain function, and red blood cell production. Chicken is also rich in selenium, an essential mineral with antioxidant properties that support the immune system and thyroid health. Additionally, chicken provides tryptophan, an amino acid that helps boost levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation and relaxation. Sage Sage is an herb with a long history in both culinary and medicinal uses. It contains a variety of antioxidants, such as rosmarinic acid, that can reduce oxidative stress in the body. Sage is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which make it beneficial for immune support and oral health (it is often used in gargles and mouthwashes to reduce inflammation and bacteria in the mouth). Sage has been studied for its positive effects on cognitive health, particularly in improving memory and concentration. Additionally, it has been traditionally used to aid digestion and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. Did you make this recipe? Show it off on social media and send your favorite ingredient or meal requests in the comments! Chef Brulé might just pick yours and create something phenomenal! Stay tuned for next week’s recipe and keep up with Chef Brulé on TikTok @chefjenress Cheers! Chef JenRess Brulé is a renowned chef, food writer, and recipe developer with a passion for creating healthy, innovative dishes. She completed her undergraduate studies at the Baltimore International Culinary College (BICC) and pursued post-graduate work at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Her work has been featured in top publications such as Cooks Illustrated, Cooking Light, Shape Magazine, Fitness Magazine, and the New York Times. A familiar face on television, Chef Brulé has appeared on NBC of the Carolinas since 2011, made quarterly appearances on CNN Headline News Network, and showcased her culinary talents on the Food Network. With over 15 years of experience as a restaurant consultant, she also owned and operated her own restaurant for six years.

We’re back with our second issue of the Food as Medicine blog post and video series, celebrating the power of smart nutritional choices to elevate our health and wellness.  In case you missed it – and trust us, you don’t want to – our very first installment of the Food as Medicine series featured Portuguese kale soup. Fall is coming, folks. You’re going to want to bookmark this one!  Today, Chef Brulé is psyched to share a quick and easy recipe, inspired by her culinary training in Baltimore, where the blue crab reigns supreme. In deference to our readers who live further afield of Charm City, Chef Brulé offers a healthy alternative, not to mention a more affordable alternative: canned tuna.  We believe that convenience and accessibility is key to embracing food as medicine, so, whenever possible, these recipes will feature ingredients that likely already have a home in your kitchen or pantry. Following Chef Brulé’s recipe and video, we will isolate the ingredients that check the box on tuna and broccoli cakes as food that could be considered medicine.  To your health! But first…  A Word from Chef Brulé I received most of my culinary training in Baltimore (or, “Balmore, hon!” if you’re a Marylander) where the blue crab is king. Crab cakes remain in my seafood rotation but, sometimes, I switch it up by replacing costly crab with affordable canned tuna.  Both crab and tuna are good sources of protein and potassium but tuna has less than half the cholesterol of crab. I’ve amped up the nutrients and fiber significantly by adding chopped, raw broccoli.  You’ll get two patties (2 servings) from one 5-ounce can. They’re delicious as is, or on a bed of dark, leafy greens or in a multigrain bun. It’s a quick and delicious way to serve canned tuna! Tuna and Broccoli Cakes  *Tastes like tuna noodle casserole but WAY healthier! Makes 2 cakes Directions:  Don’t miss Chef Brule’s video for a quick tutorial on how to make these mouthwatering tuna broccoli cakes. Medicinal Properties of Featured Ingredients Remember, the purpose of these “Food as Medicine” posts is not to promise a cure or fast fix to any chronic health condition. Rather, these recipes have been carefully curated for their well-researched medicinal properties, which may enhance your health and wellness.  Take a look…  Broccoli Broccoli is a nutrient powerhouse, offering numerous health benefits. It is rich in vitamins C and K, which are essential for boosting the immune system, supporting collagen production for healthy skin, and promoting bone health and blood clotting. Broccoli also contains sulforaphane, a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, which helps neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Being high in fiber, broccoli aids digestion and promotes gut health, contributing to overall wellness. Additionally, its detoxifying properties are due to high levels of glucoraphanin, which support the body’s natural detoxification processes. Tuna Tuna is packed with essential nutrients that offer key health benefits. It provides a high-quality source of lean protein, vital for muscle repair, hormone production, and overall tissue health. Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation, support heart health, and improve brain function. It also supplies a wealth of B vitamins, particularly B12, which aids in energy production, cognitive function, and red blood cell formation. Despite being nutrient-dense, tuna is relatively low in calories, making it an excellent option for weight management. Shallots Shallots offer several wellness-enhancing compounds that contribute to overall health. They are rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids and sulfur compounds, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Shallots also possess natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in managing conditions like arthritis and heart disease. They support digestion by containing prebiotic fiber that feeds healthy bacteria in the gut, promoting better digestion and immune function. Historically, shallots have been valued for their antimicrobial properties, which help fight infections. Dill weed Dill weed is an aromatic herb that provides more than just flavor. It is rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which help protect the body against oxidative damage and may reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Dill has been traditionally used to support digestive health by soothing indigestion and reducing bloating through its carminative properties, which promote gut health. Additionally, dill’s natural anti-inflammatory compounds may help reduce inflammation in the body and support joint health. This herb is also a good source of calcium, playing a key role in maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis. Give this recipe a try and share your thoughts with us on social media! Got a favorite ingredient you would like to see included in an upcoming Food as Medicine blog post? Let us know in the comments and Chef Brulé will work her magic!  In the meantime, be sure to mark your calendar for next week’s recipe!  Cheers! Chef JenRess Brulé is a renowned chef, food writer, and recipe developer with a passion for creating healthy, innovative dishes. She completed her undergraduate studies at the Baltimore International Culinary College (BICC) and pursued post-graduate work at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Her work has been featured in top publications such as Cooks Illustrated, Cooking Light, Shape Magazine, Fitness Magazine, and the New York Times. A familiar face on television, Chef Brulé has appeared on NBC of the Carolinas since 2011, made quarterly appearances on CNN Headline News Network, and showcased her culinary talents on the Food Network. With over 15 years of experience as a restaurant consultant, she also owned and operated her own restaurant for six years.

Are you ready to revolutionize your relationship with food while enhancing your health in the process? Look no further than the launch of our upcoming blog series, Food as Medicine, where we’ll explore the powerful connection between what we eat and how we feel. Each week, we’ll introduce you to healthy recipes that not only taste amazing but are packed with medicinal benefits to fuel your body and mind.  Our celebrated guest curator for this series is JenRess Brulé, an accomplished chef and successful restaurateur whose expertise has been shared in Cooks Illustrated, Cooking Light, Shape Magazine, Fitness Magazine, and even the New York Times. Chef Brulé has dedicated years to perfecting the art of creating meals that are as healing as they are delicious. Together, we’ll embark on a journey to uncover the magic of everyday ingredients that can transform your health and well-being. Here’s what you can look forward to: Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just beginning to explore the concept of food as medicine, this blog series is designed to inspire you. Get ready to nourish your body, expand your palate, and discover how the right ingredients can improve your well-being. Stay tuned for the first recipe drop next week. You won’t want to miss it!