In The Media

MarthaStewart.com, August 25, 2025

5 Vegetables That Are Healthier Cooked Than Raw, According to Dietitians

"According to registered dietitians, cooking certain vegetables can be more nutritious than eating them raw. Ashley Koff, RD, nutrition course director for the Samueli Institute's Integrative & Functional Medicine Fellowship, offers her expertise." (Ashley Koff, RD)
Robert McCarron, DO
U.S. News & World Report, August 20, 2025

9 Daily Habits to Boost Your Mental Health

"Cultivating mindfulness is a powerful way to help improve your mental well-being. Robert McCarron, DO, DFAPA, FAIHM, the director of education at the Samueli Institute and a professor in the department of psychiatry and human behavior, spoke to U.S. News & World Report about how mindfulness can help center you in the present moment – and divert your attention away from any anxieties that may be trying to occupy your mind." (Robert McCarron, DO, DFAPA, FAIHM)
MarthaStewart.com, June 24, 2025

The Health Benefits of Yogurt and the Best Ways to Enjoy It

"As a fermented food, the benefits of yogurt are often associated with gut health, but the tangy ingredient offers so much more. It's packed with essential nutrients and minerals, making it an excellent food for supporting overall health. Ashley Koff, RD, nutrition course director for the Samueli Institute's Integrative & Functional Medicine Fellowship, offers her expertise on the nutritional benefits of yogurt." (Ashley Koff, RD)
Michelle Luhan
MarthaStewart.com, June 2, 2025

7 of the Most Nutrient-Dense Foods to Eat, According to Nutritionists

"If you want to get the most out of your meals, try incorporating more nutrient-dense foods. Such options offer a high amount of essential nutrients per serving, making them valuable for supporting health and meeting your daily nutrient needs. Michelle Luhan, MS, RDN, CDN, highlights seven nutrient-dense foods and how you can incorporate them into your diet." (Michelle Luhan, MS, RDN, CDN)
Michelle Luhan
MarthaStewart.com, May 15, 2025

9 of the Best High-Fiber Foods to Eat, According to Nutritionists

"Fiber is a key component of a balanced diet. Not only does it support gut health and digestion, but it also promotes satiety, keeping you full between meals, and reduces the risk of disease. Needless to say, it's worth adding more high-fiber foods to your plate. But, what foods are high in fiber, and where does one start? Michelle Luhan, MS, RDN, CDN, integrative dietitian at the Samueli Institute, offers her expertise." (Michelle Luhan, MS, RDN, CDN)
jessica drew de paz
UC Irvine News, April 14, 2025

Ways to Wellness

"The Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute offers culinary, nutrition, mindfulness and tai chi programs regularly to the community. Participants in the wellness classes take away a fresh perspective, good ideas and plenty of tangibles. Through our evidence-informed integrative health practices, we help you nourish the whole person: mind, body and spirit,” says Dr. Shaista Malik." (Jessica Drew de Paz, PsyD; Shaista Malik, MD, MPH, PhD; Jessica VanRoo, CCMP)
Irvine Standard, February 4, 2025

25 Ways to Boost Wellness in 2025

"Founding Executive Director Shaista Malik, MD, PhD, MPH, spoke to the Irvine Standard about the benefits of taking our community classes, which include nutritional education cooking classes in the Mussallem Nutritional Education Center, mindfulness courses, and Tai Chi classes." (Shaista Malik, MD, PhD, MPH, Founding Executive Director)
Daily Mail, November 18, 2024

Meet Britain’s Botanical Indiana Jones in Search of Medicinal Treasures

"Professor Geoff Abbott is a botanical Indiana Jones. He leads expeditions into Earth’s wild places to find medicinal treasures – herbal remedies used by indigenous peoples that may contain life-saving chemicals that will revolutionise treatments for serious disorders." (Geoffrey W. Abbott, PhD)
Jessica VanRoo
USA Today, September 12, 2024

Executive Chef Jess VanRoo Explains How Sesame Oil Can Benefit Your Health

"Regular sesame oil is produced by pressing raw sesame seeds, says Jessica Vanroo, CCMP, NBC-HWC, executive chef for UC Irvine’s Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute. Toasted sesame oil is made by pressing toasted sesame seeds. Today, we’ll break down what you need to know about sesame oil’s nutritional benefits." (Jessica VanRoo, CCMP, NBC-HWC)