• Health

    Fermented Foods: From Tradition to Trend

    Where delicious meets nutritious. Long before fermented foods became a wellness trend, they were simply part of life in my family’s kitchen. When I was a teenager in the Philippines, my mother and I made atchara together—a sweet-and-sour relish traditionally made with green, unripe papaya and colorful vegetables. We would grate the papaya into long, thin strips, add carrots and other vegetables for color and crunch, and prepare a tangy mixture with vinegar, ginger, garlic, and a little sweetness. I can still remember working beside her in the kitchen.  We made sweet and salty pickled cucumbers, too. And because German […]
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March 7, 2016
Published by FoodTrients

10 Reasons To Oppose The Senate DARK Act

This week, the Senate Committee on Agriculture will consider a new version of the DARK Act. The House of Representatives has already passed legislation blocking your right to know what’s in your food. Here are the top 10 reasons to oppose the Senate version of the DARK Act: Americans have a right to know – Nine out of ten Americans want the right to know what’s in their food and how it’s grown – regardless of age, income or even party affiliation. 64 nations have GMO labeling – Two-thirds of the world’s consumers – including citizens of Russia and China […]
February 23, 2016
Published by Life Extension

Dong Quai: The Female Ginseng

Dong quai is a root known as the “female ginseng.” Ginseng is well-known for its ability to support endurance, memory, sexual function (particularly for men), and heart health. Dong quai’s use in Chinese medicine has been documented for more than one thousand years, mainly for easing women’s menopausal symptoms, which is why it’s called the “female ginseng.” But it’s not just for women. It can actually benefit men and women alike with many other aspects of health including mood, bone, joints, lungs, brain, and heart. Female Ginseng Offers Relief from Female Hormone Issues Like ginseng, dong quai is used as a […]
February 21, 2016
Published by Life Extension

Does Berberine Fight Diabetes?

Berberine is a yellow compound found in several different plants including barberry, goldenseal, phellodendron and Oregon grape. Berberine has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immune enhancing properties, but in recent years, much research has been published around its role in protecting against cardiovascular disease as well as treating diabetes and insulin resistance. How does It work? Berberine activates a specific enzyme called adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, or AMPK. AMPK is also sometimes called the “metabolic master switch” because it plays an important role in regulating metabolism in the body. Increased AMPK activity benefits the body in so many ways. For those with […]
February 17, 2016
Published by Life Extension

Leafy Veggies Support Good Bacteria

An article reported on February 15, 2016 in Nature Chemical Biology reveals the discovery of Spencer Williams of the University of Melbourne and colleagues of an enzyme needed by beneficial bacteria in order to feed on a sugar known as sulfoquinovose (SQ), which is abundantly produced by leafy, green vegetables. “We discovered the enzyme YihQ, which is used by bacteria to absorb and metabolize these sulfur-containing sugars as food,” explained Dr Williams. “Sulfur is critical for building proteins, the essential components of all living organisms. Sulfoquinovose is the only sugar molecule which contains sulfur, and ‘digestion’ of the molecule by bacteria […]
February 16, 2016
Published by Life Extension

Fenugreek Boosts Female Sex Drive

Not in the mood? An extract from the herb fenugreek may actually help. While most of us are familiar with those “blue pill” ads targeted to males experiencing “Low-T”, female sex drive – or a lack of it – has received far less attention. Interestingly enough, a recent study from Australia showed that fenugreek helped women regain sexual function. The results were published in the journal Phytotherapy Research. Fenugreek Increases Sexual Desire and Arousal in Women A lagging libido can be due to many factors. Relationship issues, depression, and even hormonal imbalances may be at play. Women complaining of low […]
February 2, 2016
Published by Amy Sawelson Landes

Mark Bittman Helps Us Improvise in the Kitchen

Kitchen Matrix is Mark Bittman’s latest book and, as always, it’s worth adding to your food library.In this unique book, Bittman takes the guesswork out of kitchen improvisation, demonstrating the galaxy of dishes that can be inspired by a single ingredient once you’ve unlocked its essential nature. The book is a result of his five-year New York Times “Eat” column and includes formulas, recipe generators and a plethora of ideas for both single ingredients (potatoes) and full dishes (pasta primavera).  “It always seemed like if you could cook one thing, you could cook five things, and if you could cook a […]
January 31, 2016
Published by Scrubs

7 Ways To Keep Your Fitness Resolution

  If you made a resolution to get fit this year, you’re not alone. Becoming healthier and getting in shape often tops the list of New Year’s resolutions. So if you’re hitting the gym and eating healthy at home, you’re off to a great start, but sticking to your fitness resolution while at work can be a little tougher. Depending on your position, you may get a lot of exercise during your shift. All that walking, bending over, and moving equipment can burn a lot of calories. Still, there may be times being at work threatens your fitness resolution. Between the […]
January 19, 2016
Published by Life Extension

Sugar-Sweetened Drinks Increase Body’s Visceral Fat

A new research has found out that drinking sugar-sweetened beverages every day is associated with an increase in a particular type of body fat that may affect diabetes and heart disease risk. Researchers from the American Heart Association showed that among middle-aged adults, there was a direct correlation between greater sweetened beverage consumption and increased visceral fat. Visceral fat or deep fat wraps around a number of important internal organs such as the liver, pancreas and intestines. Visceral fat affects how a person’s hormones function and is thought to play a larger role in insulin resistance which may boost Type […]
January 7, 2016
Published by Life Extension

Probiotics May Relieve Depression

  Probiotics, which are typically known for their effects on the digestive tract, are becoming a hot topic in the field of psychology. Previous research shows a potential role in alleviating anxiety. And now, a recent study suggests that probiotics may even help to alleviate depression. The results were published in the journal, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. Probiotics Reduce Sad Thoughts Rumination, which is the repetition of negative thoughts, is a risk factor for depression. Scientists from the Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition wanted to investigate if probiotics could play a role in the treatment of the disease. For the […]