Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO, Author at FoodTrients

March 21, 2017

Gingko Biloba Boosts Memory & Longevity

The herb Gingko biloba, or gingko for short, has been used medicinally both in Europe and the U.S. since the 1700s though it is native to China, Japan and Korea. Though it is one of the most frequently prescribed herbal remedies in Germany currently, there is evidence of ancient Chinese healers describing this herbs medicinal properties. Used to treat many health conditions, gingko is especially used for cognitive function including for memory improvement and even for longevity, possibly because of its link to cardiovascular health support. Read on to learn more about the potential benefits as well as the risks […]

March 7, 2017

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Passionflower Eases Anxiety & May Help Sleep

Purple passion flower is an indigenous herb used both in food as well as medicinally also called Passionflower or Passiflora incarnata. You may also recognize it as Wild Passionflower, apricot Vine, Holy-Trinity flower, or Maypop. Dried aerial parts of this flower have been used as both a sedative and hypnotic for sleep and relaxation. This herb has also been used to help with gastrointestinal distress caused by nerves. There is evidence that Native American tribes including the Houma and Cherokee used it both in their diets as well as medicinally. Purple Passionflower is a perennial vine that blooms in the […]

January 3, 2017

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Is Alipotec a Safe Weight Loss Supplement?

Weight loss supplements and herbs abound in drugstores, health stores, and online. There are some plant extracts that may aid in weight reduction though most research suggests a very small added increase in weight loss when used in conjunction with reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity. Tejocote or its root form, Alipotec, is an herb showing up in supplements on shelves in the U.S. but is it safe or effective? A medicinal hawthorn plant, Crataegus Mexicana, is a species native to Mexico and commonly called Tejocote. It produces a fruit similar to a crabapple and is used in the […]

August 27, 2015

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Ashitaba: The ‘Longevity Herb’ Is a Plant with Real Promise

By Ginger Hultin, MS, RDN, LDN Known as the ‘longevity herb,’ Ashitaba is used medicinally for many conditions and shows evidence of exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This herb is native to Japan and though used primarily in Asia both in the diet and as a dietary supplement, is gaining popularity in the U.S. because of its promising health effects. There are many other names for Ashitaba including Japanese Ashitaba, Angelica keiskei, Kenso or Leaves of Tomorrow. Ashitaba leaves are consumed within the diet as food or juiced in some cultures but can also be used in powdered form or topically. The […]

August 5, 2015

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Turkey Tail Mushrooms: Immunity Boosting Heroes!

By Ginger Hultin, MS, RDN, LDN After a 2012 clinical study on the medicinal turkey tail mushroom showed that this functional food does improve the immune system of patients treated for cancer, research continues to grow in support of this healthful fungi. The National Institute of Health (NIH) funded study found that turkey tail mushrooms increased natural killer cells in women with breast cancer before they ended radiation therapy. Turkey tail mushrooms have been used as adjunct therapy to traditional cancer treatments in Japan for years for a variety of types of cancer including breast, head and neck, gastric, colon […]

May 19, 2015

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Weight Loss Products Part 6: Garcinia Plus Meratrim® Gold

By Ginger Hultin, MS, RDN, LDN Garcinia Plus Meratrim® Gold™ by NutriGold® is a combination of Super Citrimax® Garcinia Cambogia extract at 1500mg (60% Hydroxycitric Acid or HCA) in two caps combined with a proprietary blend of Meratrim® 400mg Sphaeranthus indicus extract and garcinia mangostana extract aiming to help with weight reduction and promote a healthy body weight. A low dose of calcium (100mg) and potassium (210mg) accompany the ingredients. Based on research surrounding these compounds, the product could potentially aid in weight loss for some individuals when combined with a healthy diet and physical activity but consumers should also […]

May 13, 2015

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Weight Loss Products Part 5: White Kidney Bean Carb Intercept

By Ginger Hultin, MS, RDN, LDN White Kidney Bean Carb Intercept® by Natrol® is a product that claims to work by controlling fat storage related to the ingestion of too many carbohydrates. It works by interfering with specific digestive enzymes and may be appropriate for a client looking for a supplement that is not a stimulant like so many products in the weight loss category. By combining 1000mg white kidney bean extract and 40mcg Foodbound® Chromium, this product claims to neutralize carbohydrates in a non-stimulating way, supporting weight loss. Chromium has been studied for general blood sugar control and in […]

May 6, 2015

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Do Natural Weight Loss Product Work? Part 4: Super Citrimax®

By Ginger Hultin, MS, RDN, LDN The Super Citrimax® product by NOW supplement brand aims to improve blood sugars while also promoting a healthy body weight. A low dose of calcium (100mg), iodine from kelp (300mcg) and naturally occurring sodium (15mg) accompany the ingredients that will likely be more active in accomplishing said benefits: ChromeMate® provides 200mcg chromium and the Super CitriMax is a Garcinia cambogia extract containing active ingredient Hydroxycitric Acid or HCA at 1.5grams. Garcinia cambogia is often used as a tool for weight loss. This product also contains 200mg of Panax Ginseng Root Extract which is commonly […]

April 29, 2015

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Are Natural Weight Loss Products Safe? Part 3: Bitter Orange

By Ginger Hultin, MS, RDN, LDN The active component in Nature’s Way Bitter Orange product has been studied with interest for its role in weight loss, and despite much caution with regards to side effects, has proven relatively safe in some animal and human research. The product has shown some efficacy for modest weight loss and has made its way onto the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list when consumed as a food (peel, flower or leaf). However, when taking the extract which acts like a stimulant to the sympathetic nervous system, or the body’s fight-or-flight system, there are some […]