Maybe the question “What’s good here?” should be replaced by a more important phrase: “What’s good for you here?” If we are what we eat, most of us are walking, talking piles of Tex-Mex enchiladas, barbecued balogna and double onion burgers. Eating right and eating well aren’t mutually exclusive concepts, friends, and here’s the proof.
By Greg Elwell
Photos Gazette / file
Vintage Coffee
1101 NW 49th St.
405-752-0038
Bronchodilator sounds like your favorite local band, but it’s actually a substance that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, widening air passages and making it easier to breathe. One of the most satisfying bronchodilators can be had by the shot, mug or to-go cup at Vintage Coffee. Yes, caffeine can help you draw in oxygen, which is a proven facilitator of keeping people alive. (Yay, science!)
Chae Modern Korean
1933 NW 23rd St.
405-600-9040
Enjoy the flavor and health benefits of Chae’s exquisite daily pickled vegetable collection. Sure, they’re good for your intestines and might help reduce your chances of developing cancer, but they’re also just really, really tasty. Order them on their own or mix your pickled veggies in with the restaurant’s beloved cast iron bibimbap.
Woodbridge Restaurant
3701 S. Western Ave.
facebook.com/woodbridgerestaurant
405-636-4021
Research shows blueberries reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. They’re also really delicious in pancakes, which is one of many reasons to visit Woodbridge Restaurant. There’s no word from researchers about the effects of crispy bacon and over-easy eggs on the brain, but they’re definitely good for powering up your busy day with protein; vitamins like A, B2 and D; and minerals like copper, iron and zinc.
Fung’s Kitchen
3321 N. Classen Blvd.
405-524-4133
Wolverine would’ve been the easiest mutant to defeat if he had osteoporosis. And while everyone’s favorite fictional Canadian superhero drank plenty of milk, he also got 70 mg of calcium a day from broccoli. You’ll find some in an order of Fung’s Kitchen’s beef and broccoli. Adults need about 700 mg of calcium daily, whether or not they’re fighting Sabretooth, so get to eating. A word to the wise, though: Sheath those claws and use the chopsticks.
The Oil Tree by Olive & Co.
7602 N. May Ave.
405-242-6457
Olive oil leads to smooth skin. Researchers say women who ingested more than two teaspoons a day of olive oil showed fewer signs of aging. It can also make you happier if you’re eating the good stuff, which you can find at The Oil Tree by Olive & Co. Whether sprinkled on vegetables, tossed with pasta or brushed on bread, olive oil is a treat for the skin and the taste buds.
Michelangelo’s Coffee and Wine Bar
207 E. Main St., Norman
facebook.com/michelangeloscoffeeandwine
405-579-3387
Give your heart a healthy dose of red wine to improve your levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. A 4 oz. pour or two a day will do, so don’t drain the bottle. Visit Michelangelo’s Coffee and Wine Bar in Norman for a glass of vino and maybe share an ensalata di caprese salad with someone special. See? Wine can be good for the heart in more ways than one.
Paseo Grill
2909 Paseo Street
405-601-1079
Trying to pinpoint just one part of the body that salmon can benefit is difficult. The omega-3 fatty acid-laden fish has been linked to healthy kidneys, better brain function and decreased blood pressure. If you order it at Paseo Grill, it also will help your smile as you grin while eating delicious grilled salmon topped with beurre blanc and served over toasted pine nut orzo.
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