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 […]
There is nothing like red fruits and vegetables to warm our hearts — and protect them, too. Here’s an in depth look at some of the season’s reddest, healthiest choices. Pomegranates. Pomegranates are a good source of blood-clotting vitamin K, tissue-repairing antioxidant vitamin C, and filling fiber, but they really stand out for their phytochemicals. The rich, red color of this fruit comes from flavonoids called anthocyanins, which have been linked to numerous health benefits including lower risk of coronary artery disease. Pomegranates also contain ellagic acid, which has been investigated for its cancer-fighting and anti-inflammatory effects. Submerge cut sections […]
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 […]
Neither fish nor foul, not animal nor even technically a plant, mushrooms occupy a nether-region of life, with tantalizing health benefits such as better athletic performance and even, perhaps, an answer to cancer. Mushrooms are much more than just stir-fry fodder. Mushroom compounds called polysaccharides have been studied for decades for improving immunity. Beta-glucans in mushrooms have been proposed to act as “biological response modifiers,” based on their effects on the immune system. This means that they don’t so much stimulate the immune system as they simply make it work better. Want more mushroom magic? A few years ago a […]
Eating nuts regularly could prevent the development of heart failure and an irregular heartbeat, research
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 […]
Contrary to common belief, coffee does not increase abnormal heart rhythms known as arrhythmias but, rather, helps prevent them, according to a review published in the April 2018 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Clinical Electrophysiology. “There is a public perception, often based on anecdotal experience, that caffeine is a common acute trigger for heart rhythm problems,” stated lead author Peter Kistler, MBBS, PhD, of Alfred Hospital and Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in Australia. “Our extensive review of the medical literature suggests this is not the case.” One cup of coffee contains an average of 95 milligrams of caffeine. […]
Surprise mom with a beautiful breakfast! Three amazing dishes that can be served for breakfast or brunch that she will absolutely love! For those of us who grew up in Southeast Asia, big, savory breakfasts were the norm. A popular breakfast staple was smoked fish with scrambled eggs and tomato salad. Fried rice, fried eggs, sausages called longaniza (a bit like Spanish chorizo), and rice porridge with fish or meatballs were also regularly on the menu in most homes, but not in mine. My father, who was a physician and very health-conscious, always ate plain oatmeal, and he insisted we eat it, […]
You have probably heard of the Mediterranean Diet. Besides conjuring visions of sipping chilled prosecco overlooking a sparkling sea, this way of cooking and eating is a heavily plant-based diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, herbs, fish, lean meats (in moderation) and monounsaturated oils, such as olive oil. It’s a true farm-to-table diet that relies on locally produced/caught/raised foods. In a number of studies, people who live around the Mediterranean in Southern Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Greece, as well as countries such as Croatia, Israel and Morocco, and live a mostly agrarian life tend to have lower incidences […]
Health issues can occur anywhere along the GI tract from heartburn and stomach pain to absorption problems in the small intestine and disturbances in the flora of the large intestine. No fear! Healthy, whole foods can heal the gut anywhere you encounter problems. Here are the FoodTrients top 10 foods that heal the gut: 1. Aloe Soothing aloe can be used for more than just a sunburn. Aloe can be used as a laxative to relieve constipation and improve stool consistency. It sooths the skin in the mouth and gums, providing healing effects to the inside of the body. Aloe […]