Black pepper is a household staple that is likely sitting on your kitchen counter right now. One of the most widely used and common spices in the world, it is a well-known flavor in many types of cooking. But it also has some medicinal and topical uses as well. The active compound, piperine, has shown promise for health benefits when eaten, and also when used as an essential oil. There is evidence that black pepper was used in kitchens dating back to 2000 BC in India. Reference to this spice also shows up in Greek and Roman texts. It has […]
In an article published on September 14, 2017 in Nature Communications, Temple University researchers reveal an explanation for the life extending effect of calorie restriction. Jean-Pierre J. Isaa, MD, and colleagues discovered that restricting the amount of calories consumed slows the aging-related rate of change of the epigenome, which consists of proteins and other compounds that can attach to DNA and control its action. The team is also the first to demonstrate that the rate of epigenomic change is associated with lifespan. “Our study shows that epigenetic drift, which is characterized by gains and losses in DNA methylation in the genome over […]
I’m nuts about nuts, but some of them are better for us than others. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and pecans are all great for helping to control blood sugar. Nuts may be small in size and have relatively high levels of calories and fat, but they are nutrient dense. They are full of protein, unsaturated (healthy) fat, vitamins and fiber. These factors help keep blood sugar levels low. Healthful as they are, nuts are high in calories, so it’s a good idea to substitute nuts for high-carbohydrate foods, such as croutons or pretzels. Sprinkle them on yogurt and salads, or nibble […]
One of my fondest memories as a young teenager were that of my grandparents coming to stay at our house every summer on one of their annual cross-country road trips from their home out west. It was the first time I had ever heard of Korean ginseng, or as its sometimes also called Korean Panax ginseng, an herb native to Korea and China. Every morning, my grandfather would ritually take his Korean ginseng capsules. He was 82 at the time and still in great physical shape, looking 2 decades younger and full of energy. My grandmother, age 78, also took the […]
By Jenny Ivy Second only to teeth, bones are your body’s strongest material. And even though they’re solid, bones are dynamic, living tissue, made mostly from collagen and calcium phosphate, a mineral that hardens bone exterior. But as you age, existing bone density breaks down faster than new bone is made, increasing risk of osteoporosis, a condition that reduces bone density and raises chance of fractures. Stay strong with naturally minded advice from a physical therapist (Marilyn Moffat, PT, New York University, New York), a nutritionist (Ann Gibson, CHHC, founder, AdventureWellness.com, Boulder, Colorado), and a naturopathic doctor (Justin Pollack, ND, […]
In medical circles, it’s believed that what’s good for the heart is good for the brain. So, as a cardiologist, I’d like to tell you about 4 amazing gifts from Nature that both help your heart and help you ward off Alzheimer’s disease. No small feat! They’re economical, they taste great when added to the food you eat everyday, and Alzheimer researchers have proven them to add real benefit to the fight against Alzheimer’s. Here’s what you should know… These 4 Amazing Spices Help Fight Alzheimer’s Even though I don’t treat Alzheimer disease, I often see heart patients who also have this […]
Inflammation is traditionally thought of as a symptom of sleep apnea, but it might actually precede the disorder,
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California lawmakers unanimously approved sweeping legislation today that could
An article appearing on August 21, 2017 in Nature describes research conducted at the University
When I was in China recently, I discovered a well-kept beauty secret of the elite – Jade Rollers. Jade rollers as beauty aids have been around since the 7th Century in China, but they are relatively new to the U.S. market. If you’ve stayed up too late, had a little too much to drink, or just had a stressful week, that can take a toll on your face. After long flights and time differences, I found myself struggling to get back on California time, and my face was puffy from losing sleep. When I tried my new jade roller, it […]