You may see it listed on labels as calendula but better recognize its common name: marigold. These decorative yellow and orange annual flowers are native to Asia and southern Europe. They have a history of medicinal use and calendula is the common name found in supplement form. The main active components that may be health promoting in calendula are antioxidant triterpenoids and flavonoids. In a lab setting, calendula has shown antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antiviral effects. This extract can lower blood pressure as well as blood sugar. It is sedative and aids in wound healing when applied topically. Preparations […]
As one of America’s leading geriatric psychiatrists, Marc E. Agronin, MD sees both the sickest and healthiest of senior members of society; he observes what makes their lives better and more purposeful, and what doesn’t. The latest scientific research and Dr. Agronin’s first-hand experience are brilliantly and often movingly distilled in his newest book, The End of Old Age, which is both a call and a plan to no longer see aging as an enemy and start seeing it as a developmental force for enhancing wellbeing, meaning and longevity. Realistic and optimistic, The End of Old Age empowers readers and […]
Doctors often need to give patients advice on their diets. I have talked with countless patients who are confused about the huge amount of information on what will keep you healthy, what will keep you thin, and what will keep you young. Furthermore, the latest news about healthy eating often changes from year to year and even month to month. To make life easier for my patients, I follow the latest research in nutrition and healthy eating. One food that consistently makes headlines has actually been around for hundreds of years. I am talking about kefir, the cultured milk beverage. […]
As a doctor, I’m always telling my patients to pay closer attention to what they eat to decrease their risk of heart and other diseases. Lately, I’ve been telling them to watch how much of this particular type of food they eat to decrease their risk of both heart and colon disease. Let me tell you why eating too much of this food can be risky for your health… Over 40 Grams of Processed Meats A Day Raises Your Risk Who doesn’t love a good hot dog, salami or ham sandwich from the deli? And who doesn’t love a good […]
Plant-based and plant-centric diets have been big buzzwords lately, and a string of new research will bolster not
WASHINGTON – Two decades after pollution from highly toxic fluorinated chemicals was first reported in American communities and drinking water, the number of known contamination sites is growing rapidly, with no end in sight. The latest update of an interactive map by EWG and the Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute at Northeastern University documents publicly known pollution from so-called PFAS chemicals at 94 industrial or military sites in 22 states. When the map was first published 10 months ago, there were 52 known contamination sites in 19 states. The map and accompanying report are the most comprehensive resources tracking PFAS pollution in the U.S. “With […]
So the race to lose weight is in full swing. All of the ‘resolutioners‘ are packing the fitness centers and the annual
Cancer is responsible for 1 out of every 4 deaths in the U.S.A. In 1880, when record-keeping began, 1 in 35 people developed cancer in their lifetime. That figure has grown to 1 in every 2 men and 1 in every 3 women. Since the occurrence of cancer increases as we age, most cases affect adults middle-aged or older. One of the best cancer-prevention tools for health is eating the right foods, but finding the motivation to eat right sometimes alludes us until we, or someone we love, is faced with a deadly disease. When this happened to someone dear […]
Avocado toast has got to be the trendiest meal around. Packed with good fat, fiber and vitamins and paired with whole-grain bread, it’s filling and healthy. Rather than the same combo every day, try some flavorful twists. Directions: Spinach, avocado and snap peas with Japanese Rice Seasoning: Layer spinach leaves on toast; then spread with half a mashed avocado. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon Japanese rice seasoning (made with bonito flakes, sesame and soy) over the avocado. Top with ¼ cup blanched or raw sugar snap peas. Asparagus, dill and sliced avocado: Slice ½ avocado onto toast; add blanched asparagus, chopped fresh […]
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 […]
