December 11, 2018
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Galangal Is a True (and Tasty) Superfood

A traditional Chinese medicinal root, you may recognize galangal as alpinia or Chinese Ginger. Similar to ginger in some ways and also part of the rhizome family, there are many medicinal uses for galangal including stomach soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. This root was being used in Europe to treat conditions before it was identified in 1870 with origins in the South of China. It is also an Ayurvedic herb with a pungent/bitter taste and heating energy good for Vata and Kapha. In Ayurveda is it commonly used as a digestive or to reduce blood sugar or blood pressure. A true […]
Do you like it?
Read more
October 9, 2018
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Who Knew Licorice Had So Many Benefits?

Often found on the candy shelf in red and black varieties, licorice is so much more than a snack at the movies. In fact, licorice products manufactured in the U.S. often don’t even contain any licorice root at all. Licorice is actually an herb native to the Mediterranean, Russia, Asia and the Middle East that contains the anise oil responsible for the classic aroma and flavor of black licorice. This flavor can be polarizing – some people love it and others avoid it – but it does have many uses for the health of the body and has been used […]
Do you like it?
Read more
September 11, 2018
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Cardamom: Is It the New Miracle Spice?

Move over turmeric, cardamom is gaining attention for both culinary and health properties. Native to the mountains of India, Pakistan, Burma/Myanmar and Sri Lanka, this pod-containing plant yields cardamom spice and essential oils as well. A sweet spice, cardamom can be used in a variety of dishes and was important in world trade for centuries. Medicinally, cardamom is used for: Setting the GI including treating nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea and IBS Fighting colds and other viruses that cause fevers or a cough Antibacterial properties Fighting fungal infections Liver and gallbladder support Cardiovascular support including treating high blood pressure Anxiety, tension […]
Do you like it?
Read more
September 4, 2018
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Hops: For Anxiety, Sleep, and More?

When you think of hops you may think first of beer – a main reason that we grow this crop. But these climbing vines native to Eurasia and North America have a rich history of medicinal use as well. In fact, hops are related to the cannabis plant; they even have some similarities in flavor and aroma. Famous for treating sleep disorders, research on this medicinal plant continues to gain traction (outside the brewing industry!). Medicinally, hops are used for: Anxiety Sleep disorders including insomnia Tension, nervousness, irritability and excitability Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) To stimulate the appetite and treat […]
Do you like it?
Read more
August 7, 2018
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

The Happy, Healthy Benefits of Hibiscus

You may have noticed food trend hibiscus popping up on local restaurant menus in the past couple of years. From hot and cold tea and infused beverages to being added to salads and even quesadillas and desserts, this beautiful purple edible flower also promises some interesting health benefits. You’ll commonly encounter hibiscus in warmer climates as it is native to Central and West Africa, India and Southeast Asia and the West Indies. Medicinally, hibiscus is used for: cardiovascular disease high blood pressure high cholesterol diabetes anxiety loss of appetite colds and upper respiratory tract infection urinary tract infections (UTIs) kidney […]
Do you like it?
Read more
July 31, 2018
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Natural Weight Loss Supplements

Are natural weight loss supplements safe? Weight loss supplements are among the most utilized and misunderstood products out on the market. Studies estimate that one in three overweight or obese American adults are using these products and with a tainted history, it is important to approach weight loss supplements with vigilance. News articles abound with information on problematic supplements, most recently additive β-methylphenylethylamine (BMPEA) an amphetamine-similar stimulant, being added in place of other products. In a 5-part series, FoodTrients has  highlighted some weight loss products currently on the market, discussing the science behind them, any health warnings associated with them […]
Do you like it?
Read more
July 24, 2018
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Are Apricot Seeds Safe or Toxic?

Did you know that inside the pit of an apricot there lies a small, almond-shaped kernel? Also referred to as laetrile® or B17, apricot kernels are used as an alternative treatment for cancer. Apricot seeds contain plant substances called Nitrilosides. Amygdalin is a type of nitriloside which can convert to cyanide when consumed, a known toxin that exists in some plant sources. So, do apricot kernels or their extracts improve health or is this a poison? Read on to learn more about B17/laetrile®. Apricot seeds are sometimes eaten whole as an alternative anti-cancer treatment but there are also many supplemental […]
Do you like it?
Read more
July 17, 2018
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

CBD Oil Has Exciting Health Benefits

Mystery and intrigue surround the cannabis sativa plant — also known as marijuana — and its possible medicinal properties though it has been used since ancient times. Utilized for food, fiber, oil, medicine and recreation, there are many things the cannabis plant provides us, but perhaps the most intriguing for health is cannabidiol or CBD oil. This compound is the non-psychoactive part of the cannabis sativa plant. Medicinal preparations made from the flowers and resin of the cannabis plant have been used in ancient Chinese medicine, medieval times, Ayurvedic medicine, and even in modern Western medicine into the 1800’s when […]
Do you like it?
Read more