Garlic (Allium sativum) is a plant used in cooking and medicine, best known for its distinctive flavor and aroma. While frequently used as a seasoning, garlic is technically a vegetable. A member of the Allium family, it’s a close relative of onions, shallots, leeks, and chives. The benefits of garlic don’t end with adding flavor to food, it’s a legitimate superfood that has been used for an astounding variety of medical applications for thousands of years. (more…)
Iron deficiency knows no borders, it's common throughout the world and in all economic classes. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 30% of the world's population has an iron status that is considered below normal. This may seem like a wildly inflated or inaccurate figure, but healthy adults only store about 3-4 grams of iron in their bodies. This is an incredibly small amount of this essential element and the loss of just a few extra milligrams every day can quickly add up to an iron deficiency.[1] (more…)
Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS or functional gastrointestinal disorder, is a combination of symptoms that include abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. It's more prevalent in women than men and affects about 10 to 15 percent of the American population.[1] If you suffer from IBS, making simple lifestyle adjustments, especially to your diet, can make a huge difference. (more…)
Antioxidants have the ability to neutralize and reduce free radical damage. To deeply comprehend the power of antioxidants, you must first understand what free radicals are and how they react in the body. Free radicals are harmful compounds that have an unpaired electron, an aspect of their structure that makes them highly unstable. Their instability causes them to wreak havoc on cells, fatty acids, and other structures in your body. Free radicals also act as catalysts for diseases, many diseases. (more…)
Polyphenol is a term for the several thousand plant-based molecules that have antioxidant properties. The health benefits of antioxidants are well known! Besides their antioxidant nature, polyphenols also help regulating enzyme function and stimulate cell receptors.[1] Polyphenols are divided into four primary groups: phenolic acids, lignans, stilbenes, and flavonoids.[2] Plants with polyphenol activity have played a major role in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. With an anti-inflammatory action, support for the liver, and promoting normal circulatory health, their benefits are plentiful. (more…)
