​The dietitians informed us that glutamic acid supports the health of our immune and digestive systems. It has the benefit of protecting the intestinal mucosa, destroying harmful bacteria, and lowering the colon cancer risk. It contributes to boosting the health of the nervous system and produces serotonin to reduce stress and anxiety. Food such as shellfish, kombu, mushrooms, and tomatoes contain glutamic acid. Bouillabaisse is one of my favorite soups, not only for its delicious taste but also for its health benefits.  What is bouillabaisse? It is the classic Provençal seafood stew from the French port city of Marseilles. This seafood broth is the perfect way to savor fresh, delicious seafood. The quality of the ingredients allows the seafood flavors to shine through and elevate the culinary art.

Fishes

• Cod, sockeye salmon, red snapper fillets, halibut fillet
• Use 2 to 3 kinds of fishes.
• Pick what is in season and what is fresh in the store
  

Shellfishes

• clams, shrimps, mussels
  

Vegetables

• Leek, fennel bulb, garlic cloves, bay leaves, tomatoes, potatoes, onion
  

Herbs

• thyme, marjoram, parsley
  

Flavor

• Saffron, cayenne pepper, Black Peppercorns, sea salt
  

Others

• Olive oil and white wine
  

1. Make sure the fishes are fresh

​When selecting seafood, I like to choose those in season or have recently caught by local fishermen. To determine if fish is fresh, it should have a scent resembling seawater rather than a fishy or rotten smell. Additionally, the eyes of the fish should appear black and white with a transparent reflective color, as opposed to a cloudy color. Lastly, the fillet should appear light red rather than a pale and dull appearance.

If you bought the fish from the store but did not prepare it to cook immediately, never try to wash or rinse the fish but wrap them up with paper, put them inside a plastic bag, and store them in the fridge to prolong the freshness of the fish.

Cod is my favorite fish type. Choose white-light skin cod from cold oceans where they thrive. Cod with darker skin tastes fishy because they come from warmer oceans.

​The shells appear shiny if they are the product of aquaculture. Sea-caught shellfish have a better taste. Add white wine to reduce the fishy smell and taste.

3. Use the best oil

​There are different types of healthy oils, including sesame oil, walnut oil, and Moroccan culinary argan oil. Olive oil is also a great option, but it can be complicated to determine its quality. Some people believe extra virgin olive oil is the best type, while others might use chemical enhancers. So, how can you tell if the oil is good?

​Meat and fish are rich in nucleic acid. Nucleic acid contains inosinic acid, and guanylic acid helps to boost mentalism with anti-aging properties. Probiotic food such as fermented tuna, miso soup, yogurt, and raw cheese helps to prevent illnesses like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), diverticulosis, and colon cancer. You know what? If you have a healthy bowel movement and your colon is clean, it helps to maintain healthy skin and anti-aging.

Like most of the parents, I do believe my child well equip with his unique talents. He would not be a background character in someone else film.  It’s my responsibility to help him hear his inner voice, follow his passion, and unlock his talents for crafting the path leading to happiness and success. 

People talk about talent.  Most people would get more than one talent.  How to spot and nurture talent in your child?   What would your child love to do for the sake of doing? Even just for 15 minutes. Just like the fish is the last to realize the water. Does the kid get the instinct talking to him as if he already knows what he wants to do, how to do it, and can do better than anybody else?

However, I couldn't agree more that talent is only half way journey.  It is not uncommon a child is vulnerable to the distraction from all sort of entertainment. The child is easily getting bored. My kid is a genius in playing musical instruments, but he has a bad habit for not able to finish what he had started.  One day, I asked my kid, “What is your dream?” You know what? When I expected he would tell me he wanted to be a musician or to be a bus driver.  He told me his dream was effortless to get everything he wanted!  All gain, no pain?!  Maybe he watches the TV program too much.

Success won't happen without perseverance.

Imagine a sculptor looks at his piece of stone and endlessly questions of new ways to shape it. Learning and practicing day after day so that the work always in progress.  Doing what the child is good at is important, and develop the habit of the child keeps on practicing until he can master the skill for proficiency is more important.  Well, yes, the child should develop the virtue of perseverance and this can begin at home. 

Home is where the kid learns the virtues of life.  It's where our children learn how to love and care.  Our virtues imbue in our children shape their lives and futures.  I think gardening or planting with kids is a great way to build the virtue of patience. Planting seeds and watching them grow helps children learn the beauty of patience. Children learn they can’t achieve the desired end overnight.  It takes time and effort same as the plant starts from a seed, grow to become strong, flowering and blossom. They gain the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment from caring something over time.