Biotin is part of the B vitamin family. Like the rest of its members, it plays a key role in the body’s metabolic processes. Mainly known for the benefits it confers to nails, biotin is needed for so much more. Deficiencies may lead to many health problems and can even be deadly. Biotin has also been called vitamin H, which stands for haar and haut – German words for hair and skin – where biotin deficiency often shows itself. Biochemist Dean Burk is credited as being one of the co-discoverers of biotin in the early 1930s. Biotin Deficiencies Happen Although biotin is made in the intestinal […]
I’m sure you’ve had this experience. You eat healthy most of the day, but at about three o’clock in the afternoon you crave something sweet. Or salty/crunchy. You indulge and feel great for a short time, and then you’re more tired and hungry than ever. What’s happening is that the simple carbs in these snacks spike the level of the sugar in your blood and trigger a surge of insulin, which the body manufactures to metabolize sugars. These extreme swings in blood sugar levels will not only play havoc with your energy and moods, but can present serious challenges to […]
The current issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition published the finding of Sheila G. West and her associates at Penn State University of an improved response to stress among those who consumed walnuts and walnut oil. “People who show an exaggerated biological response to stress are at higher risk of heart disease,” explained Dr West, who is an associate professor of biobehavioral health. “We wanted to find out if omega 3-fatty acids from plant sources would blunt cardiovascular responses to stress.” In a crossover study, Dr West’s team gave 22 healthy men and women with elevated cholesterol an […]
Summer is here. Are you and your body prepared for it? As much as you may love your fun in the sun, the summer also “cooks up” its own range of health-related considerations. To help you get prepared, we’ve pulled together a list of summer-specific health tips that should get you and yours well-positioned for a happy and healthy season of sun. Try Natural Insect Repellents This Summer Nobody enjoys being bitten by mosquitoes and the longer you stay outside, the higher your chances of becoming a victim. If you’re like me, you’re a culinary delight for mosquitoes. I have […]
Here are five super seeds that health experts around the world recommend people should include in their diet. Sprinkle these over your baked dishes and breakfast cereal for a health boost Good things come in small packages. In the world of wellness, super seeds embody this truism like no other food. Packed with essential nutrients and with multiple health benefits, they are nature’s precious gifts to humanity. 1. Chia seeds: Vegetarians miss out on Omega-3 fatty acids since they can’t eat seafood. An easy solution to their dietary dilemma is chia seeds (and flaxseeds), which are a good source of this nutrient. […]
Within the last couple of decades, significant strides have not been made in the field of pancreatic cancer. To date, the best treatment option (if diagnosed early) is a surgery called the Whipple Procedure which was developed in the 1930s. With few treatments on the horizon, it makes sense to seek alternatives. One nutrient which seems promising is curcumin. In an animal study, it significantly decreased the size of pancreatic tumors. Curcumin Reduced the Size of Tumors by 42% Curcumin is extracted from an Indian spice called turmeric. It is one of the most important anti-cancer nutrients studied today. Over 2,000 published studies show […]
My mother made this dish for our family dinners whenever we wanted comfort food. I always think of her when I make it. It has chicken and egg–symbols of the life cycle. I usually serve it over some form of potato: mashed, boiled baked, or even fried (baked potatoes are the healthiest option). The chicken provides detoxifying selenium, and the tomatoes offer heart-healthy lycopene. The garlic contributes immune-boosting allicin compounds, while the olive oil adds natural anti-inflammatory compounds (oleocanthal and oleuropein). SERVES 4 Ingredients 2 Tbs. olive oil 2 Tbs. minced garlic 1/2 cup diced onion 2 cups […]
Bone-building protein is in abundant supply in meats and dairy products, such as yogurt and cream. Seafood also has plenty of protein per square inch. Seafood chowder with cream and potatoes is very good for bone health. Beans are an excellent vegetarian source of protein. A lentil and kale salad is a significant source of both protein and calcium. You can even combine all of the above nutrients into a bone-building recipe or two. Try making a seafood gumbo with beans, collard greens, and miso paste. Or create a fruit salad of kiwi fruit, figs, apricots, and bananas to spoon […]
If you’re having problems with those senior moment memory glitches, wouldn’t it be great if you could just smell something regularly to improve them? Well, with the results of new research out of Wales, you may be able to do just that. I’d like to share with you the findings of that research using an ancient, common spice believed to boost memory. Just by smelling it… Rosemary: Just The Smell of it Boosts Your Memory A few decades ago, aromatherapy became the big thing on the New Age, natural health scene. Practitioners were having their clients diffuse essential oils and […]
For those won’t haven’t heard of Aloe Vera before, this is one plant that you should definitely take interest in. Recently there has been lots of breaking news on this so-called miracle plant—and for some very good reasons. It’s possible that you’ve seen tubes of its gel at the drugstore, or maybe it’s even growing in your yard. Aloe has been commonly used in the past to soothe sun-burned skin…but did you know that it has many other health benefits? About Aloe Vera The aloe vera plant is a very old species, which probably originated in North Africa. It has been used […]