Ginger Hultin Archives - Page 17 of 19

May 8, 2018

Sage Advice: One Spice’s Long List of Benefits

Soft, fuzzy sage leaves have a rich history and use culinary as well as medicinally. Sage has been used in Europe for centuries as a spice and a medicine. There are many different species of sage, perhaps as many as 900, but Salvia officinalis is most commonly used medicinally, horticulturally, and commercially. Used commonly as a savory culinary spice in everything from sauces to poultry seasoning to modern cocktails, sage also has a rich history of medicinal use. The essential oil in sage contains monoterpenes and tannins which may contribute to the way it can benefit health and the human body, exerting […]

April 10, 2018

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Willow Bark Is a Legendary Pain Reliever

Willow bark has an important place in medicine and in human history. Known by many names– pussy willow, purple willow, black willow, it is traditionally used to reduce pain and fever and was the original source of salicin, a chemical similar to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) from which the drug was created in the 1800’s. The medicinal use of willow bark dates to 400 BC when people were advised to chew on the bark to reduce fever and inflammation in the body. Since then it has been used in many cultures for these purposes. Willow bark contains many benefits to the […]

April 3, 2018

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Top 50 Foods for Longevity

Want to live a longer, healthier life? Of course! People in every culture seek the fountain of youth but in fact it very well may be sitting in your kitchen cabinet. Healthy eating plays a role in living longer and supporting your cells as you age. Healthy aging relies on foods that support many systems including brain and heart health. These foods often contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting optimal health on a cellular level. Here is the ultimate Foodtrients list of the top 50 foods for longevity with a 360-degree view of the many factors that contribute to aging […]

February 12, 2018

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Leucine Improves Endurance and More

If you’re interested in sports supplements, you may have heard of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) and perhaps even read about one of them with some good research behind it regarding performance enhancement: L-leucine. Of all the BCAAs, leucine has been the most thoroughly researched because during exercise, the rate of oxidation for this amino acid is higher than the others, isoleucine and valine. Leucine is known to stimulate protein storage in muscle and it is known that after aerobic exercise, it decreases significantly in the body and needs to be replaced. Leucine is found both naturally in food as […]

January 3, 2018

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Can D-Ribose Help Energy, Heart & Pain?

You may have seen ribose or D-ribose in the supplement section of exercise performance enhancers and for good reason. A building block of DNA and the sugar that begins the metabolic process for production of energy in the form of ATP, the major source of energy used by cells, ribose has some interesting research backing it. It is found in food and in supplements and while research is mixed, there may be a future for ribose in enhancing our lives. Orally, ribose supplements are used for: increased muscle function recovery and to boost muscle tissue energy for athletic performance chronic […]

December 29, 2017

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

The Medicinal Wonders of Yarrow

The ancient medicinal healing herb yarrow goes by many names including Achilee, Devil’s Nettle, Noble Yarrow, Nosebleed, Old Man’s Pepper, and Soldier’s Wound Wort among others. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) has been most famously used as an herbal remedy used for wounds, cuts and abrasions. It’s genus name comes from the Greek character, Achilles, who was reported to carry it with his army to treat battle wounds. It grows naturally in sunny locations on thin, sandy soils. You may even see it growing along roadsides, in fields or on lawns. Yarrow is native to Eurasia but now grows all over the world in North […]

December 5, 2017

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

The Beauty and Health Benefits of Biotin

You may have heard of biotin supplements for hair and nail growth. But does it work? And what is it anyway? This vitamin underdog is in fact a B vitamin – B7 – and is critical for other reasons lesser known but important to the body, hair growth aside. Why do we believe biotin creates silky locks? What else is it used for? Where do we find it? Read on to learn what you need to know about biotin. Medicinally, biotin is used for: · Treating biotin deficiency · Brittle nails · Diabetes · Peripheral neuropathy Biochemically in the human […]

November 28, 2017

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

The Best Herbs To Fight Your Stress

By Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO Stress: a multi-factorial problem for so many as we move through a busy and sometimes chaotic life. Under stress, the body has to adapt by altering a variety of hormones and making adjustments in blood pressure and other regulations. Stress could be emotional or mental – imagine a work deadline, relationship problems, or balancing money or family priorities. Stress could also be physical – toxins in our environment, an unhealthy diet, chemical exposure from cleaning and body products, or air pollution. Some stress is good; for example, physical activity challenges the body and helps […]

October 17, 2017

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Black Pepper Shakes Up the Benefits

Black pepper is a household staple that is likely sitting on your kitchen counter right now. One of the most widely used and common spices in the world, it is a well-known flavor in many types of cooking. But it also has some medicinal and topical uses as well. The active compound, piperine, has shown promise for health benefits when eaten, and also when used as an essential oil. There is evidence that black pepper was used in kitchens dating back to 2000 BC in India. Reference to this spice also shows up in Greek and Roman texts. It has […]