Manganese is a nutrient that is critical for the production of several different enzymes. Your body uses many of these enzymes to support antioxidant activity,[1] nutrient absorption,[2] bone development,[3] metabolism,[4] and the healing of wounds.[5] Like any other mineral, manganese works best when it’s obtained from natural, whole-food sources. Foods that are rich in manganese include nuts, seeds, grains, vegetables, legumes, herbs, and spices. (more…)
Gravel root, also known as Joe Pye weed, is a therapeutic herb that's been around for centuries. Historical records from Turkey indicate its use as early as the B.C. era. Throughout history, many cultures have used gravel root as a remedy for an assortment of health complaints. Many of the bioactive compounds responsible for gravel root’s benefits are beginning to be analyzed by the scientific community in order to validate the age-old claims. (more…)
Polysaccharides are molecular strands that contain multiple monosaccharide or disaccharide units. Think of these as simple sugars linked by glycosidic bonds. When it comes to nutrition, polysaccharides play a huge role in the body. Polysaccharides, sometimes called “glycans”, have two roles: some, like starch or glycogen, help store the energy we gain from consuming food. Others help with cell structure. One common example of a polysaccharide used for storage is cellulose. [1] Polysaccharides Known for Storing Energy There are two types of polysaccharides that the body uses for storing energy: […]
A "cherry on top" is always a good thing — that famous saying means something great is now even better. That’s certainly the case if you’re talking about an acerola cherry. "I’ve been using acerola for many years, both in raw and supplemental form. Acerola could be the most underrated tropical fruit out there," says Lina V., a doctor from Sofia, Bulgaria. "It’s a superfruit with a high concentration of vitamin C." This tart-flavored cherry grows in the tropics but has become a popular supplement of late, whether in powder […]
Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. It’s grown in over 70 countries and amounts to over 16 billion pounds of beans every year. That’s a lot of beans… and when they’re only used once and thrown away, it also amounts to a huge amount of waste. If you drink a lot of coffee or have worked in a coffee house, you have probably looked at the massive amount of coffee grounds being thrown away after one use and wondered, “isn’t there something these can be […]
