Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin required for growth and repair of tissues, wound healing and maintenance of gums, bones and teeth. It is also a powerful antioxidant which helps to prevent cell damage caused by unstable oxygen molecules known as free radicals. Oxidative damage contributes to a variety of diseases including cancer,…
Turmeric is a popular yellow spice used in Indian and other Asian dishes and is also used in traditional Indian medicines to treat a variety of disorders. It is the most studied herb there is and has thousands of studies to back it up. Turmeric contains active polyphenols called curcuminoids. One of these compounds, curcumin, is…
Vitamin D is often associated only with strong bones, but it plays a much wider role in maintaining one’s overall wellness. Vitamin D receptors are located in cells throughout the body including the skin, brain, heart, breast, prostate gland and cells of the immune system. According to a report published in the Archives of Internal…
Fragrant plants have been used in folk medicine for thousands of years across many cultures. Methods for capturing the ‘essence’ of plants were first discovered in the Middle Ages. Essential oils are distilled or extracted from large quantities of flowers, leaves, peels, resin, bark or roots. For example, it takes about 220 pounds of lavender…
Chocolates is a perfect gift for everyone during the holiday season. Chocolates and other candies are the #1 gift given during Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day can be particularly difficult if you are trying to shed a few pounds, or are health conscious. Do you love chocolate, but worried about packing on the pounds? Are you…
Vinegar has been used for centuries for various disinfectant and antimicrobial purposes. The most widely used vinegar in the natural health world is Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). ACV is one of the favorites and most universal when it comes to natural remedies. Some of the uses of this vinegar are: anti-microbial, anti-fungal, increases immunity and…
Coconut oil, once limited to specialist Asian food stores, is now widely available in health food stores, online and supermarkets. Its popularity is due to an increasing number of media reports concerning its health benefits. While some of the health claims are based on anecdotal evidence, many are grounded in science. Indeed, coconut oil has…
According to a National Coffee Association survey, 59% of Americans drink a daily cup of coffee. The beverage is so embedded in our culture that we tend to take it for granted. Coffee isn’t normally thought of as a superfood, but considering its many health benefits, it should be. Coffee is rich in the antioxidant…
Honey is a sweet thick syrup obtained from the honeycomb of bees. It is a staple found in most kitchens around the world. Everyone knows that honey is a healthier alternative for sugar, but did you know that it is also packed with numerous health benefits? In fact, the use of honey to treat ailments have been traced…
