The term amino acid might sound a bit strange, but the definition is straightforward: Strands of these molecules form the building blocks of protein. When you digest protein, your body breaks it down into individual amino acids and then reconstitutes them as needed. Amino acid supplements are most often associated with bodybuilders. After all, muscle consists of protein, and amino acids do help build muscle, and not just in young men. But individual amino acids also serve a variety of health-promoting roles in the body. For example, they can influence mood, reduce stress and boost immunity. As a consequence, shoppers […]
Let’s say you twisted your ankle and it’s causing unbearable pain. You’ll likely go to a doctor, who will examine you and probably order an X-ray. If it’s just a sprain, you’ll be advised to apply ice, elevate and stay off it, and you’ll need crutches to get around for a while. If it’s a break, you might get a cast or a brace, or possibly an appointment with a surgeon, and some time off to heal. But what happens when your unbearable pain isn’t visible, can’t easily be explained or diagnosed, and doesn’t have a commonly accepted medical treatment? […]
Did you know that inside the pit of an apricot there lies a small, almond-shaped kernel? Also referred to as laetrile® or B17, apricot kernels are used as an alternative treatment for cancer. Apricot seeds contain plant substances called Nitrilosides. Amygdalin is a type of nitriloside which can convert to cyanide when consumed, a known toxin that exists in some plant sources. So, do apricot kernels or their extracts improve health or is this a poison? Read on to learn more about B17/laetrile®. Apricot seeds are sometimes eaten whole as an alternative anti-cancer treatment but there are also many supplemental […]
Summer is a time of abundance, everything from fresh vegetables in your garden to long hours of sunshine. The abundance of sunshine will provide our bodies with vitamin D, the “sunshine vitamin”, which supports healthy bones, our immune system and our nervous system. But the long hours of daylight affect people in other ways, such as limiting hours of sleep. There are about 15 hours of daylight between sunrise and sunset during June and July, and when you factor in the twilight and dusk hours, that leaves only about 8 hours of darkness. The long daylight hours can affect our […]
I like to prepare this condiment in different ways: chunky when scattering over my Mexican Lettuce Wraps, and smooth as a dip for my Flaxseed Tortillas. In addition to all of the age-defying and healthy benefits of tomatoes, the indoles (sulfur compounds) in onions help neutralize carcinogens. Cilantro is a good source of vitamin K, which helps keep your bones strong. BENEFITS: Tomatoes contain lycopene, which lowers cancer risk and aids cognitive function. The indoles (sulfur compounds) in onions help neutralize carcinogens. Cilantro is a good source of vitamin K, which helps keep your bones strong. Yields 2 cups Ingredients […]
More than 90 percent of Americans fall short of meeting estimated average requirements for at least one vitamin or mineral. A big part of the problem? A diet heavy in nutrient-poor, refined and highly processed foods. Another culprit: modern farming techniques, particularly the practice of planting vegetable and fruit varieties that increase yields but result in less nutrition per bite. Getting the nutrients you need not only helps you avoid deficiency-related conditions, but also may increase your energy levels, keep your immune system in top shape and ward off chronic diseases. So eat as healthfully as you can, and use […]
Americans have a history of obsession with fads designed to help us live forever. But to what end? Death, notes author Barbara Ehrenreich in her new book, Natural Causes, still awaits us all. In this lively cultural history of our attempts to control our fate, she details the extreme lengths we will go to keep from dying. A razor-sharp polemic which offers an entirely new understanding of our bodies, ourselves, and our place in the universe, Natural Causes describes how we over-prepare and worry way too much about what is inevitable. One by one, Ehrenreich topples the shibboleths that guide […]
Need a pick-me-up without resorting to energy drinks or caffeine? Add these 9 ingredients to your next dish to get an all-natural mood booster. Use in a recipe: Nutty Lentil Burgers Use in a recipe: Berry Crisp Use in a recipe: Beet-Raspberry Lentil Bowl Use in a recipe: Leek, Mushroom and Zucchini Noodle Soup Use in a recipe: Kale-Stuffed Portobellos with Millet Use in a recipe: Warm Millet Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pine Nuts Use in a recipe: Cherry-Walnut Bites Use in a recipe: Walnut-Crusted Salmon with Edamame Mash Use in a recipe: Chinese 5-Spice Shrimp with Mango-Carrot Slaw […]
Here’s the good news: melanoma and other skin cancers may show visible signs. Learn how to spot the risk signals by using this self-check guide. The rate of melanoma cases is on the rise. At least 90,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year alone. Keep in mind that melanoma and other skin conditions may show some visible signs. If you’re tuned in, those visual clues can be helpful for a diagnosis. The Skin Cancer Foundation says you should do a head-to-toe exam of your skin every month. You’ll want to look for new or changing lesions that may be cancerous or pre-cancerous. […]
With all the stress we juggle—packed schedules, deadlines, work, family responsibilities, and everything in between—we could all use a little pick-me-up sometimes. It’s easy to reach for coffee or even a glass of wine, but both come with drawbacks that can mess with mood, energy, and mental clarity. When I need a little extra support to power through a busy day, calm my mind, or even get better sleep, I turn to something I trust: herbal tonics. These natural remedies have been used for centuries to restore balance, and they’ve become my go-to for staying energized and centered. Tonics Are […]