Heartburn, a form of uncomfortable indigestion, affects millions of people every day, yet is largely preventable and treatable. Roughly 20 percent of adult Americans put up with painful heartburn or acid reflux symptoms on a recurring basis — and more than 60 million yearly. In April 2o20, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) called for retailers in the U.S. to…
There are many herbal and inexpensive concoctions that people claim can help to fight cancer. One example is Essiac tea, a mixture of plant ingredients that may have some anti-carcinogenic effects, although this remains unproven. What is this mysterious brown liquid? Essiac tea is a traditional Native American formula that was rediscovered by a cancer…
Royal jelly sounds prestigious, stirring up curiosity, and for good reason. The name alone can draw you in, but what else makes it appealing? Well, for starters, it’s been reported to have antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antibacterial and wound-healing properties. Can humans eat royal jelly? You bet. Just like some of the top uses for honey, royal jelly…
We can give thanks to the coconut tree for the numerous healthy products it yields: coconut water, desiccated coconut flakes, coconut vinegar and wine and, many people's personal favorite, coconut oil. Now meet coconut sugar. The inflorescence of the coconut — or coconut blossoms of the coconut tree (not to be confused with the palm…
Guar gum beans which have uses spanning several industries are grown all over the world for food, household and industrial/manufacturing applications. Today, it’s estimated that food-industry applications account for the vast majority (more than 70 percent) of the world’s supply of guar gum. Considered to be a type of galactomannan, guar gum is produced in…
Full-fat cheeses, eggs and beef liver might not be the types of foods that come to mind when you think about eating a heart-healthy diet. But, you’d probably be surprised to know that in recent years, one of the most researched nutrients in the field of cardiovascular health has been vitamin K2, found in these…
Recent research suggests that worldwide, up to one in seven people is dealing with selenium deficiency. What is selenium and why do we need it? Selenium can help to increase immunity, takes part in antioxidant activity that defends against free radical damage and inflammation, and plays a key role in maintaining a healthy metabolism. You can see…
All of the vitamins and minerals we eat, plus all of the hormones our bodies produce, need enzymes in order to work properly. Additionally, enzymes, such as proteolytic enzymes, regulate metabolic functions and assist in maintaining our stamina and energy levels. Proteolytic enzymes are the type that specifically aid in the digestion process. They help…
Proteins, fats and carbs garner a good amount of attention among dieters and health-conscious consumers alike. While it’s true that these macronutrients are absolutely vital to the function of your body, there are many other compounds that play a role in your health as well, including micronutrients. In fact, micronutrients work behind the scenes to…
Biotin deficiency is rare in developed countries where most people are able to consume enough calories and a variety of different food groups, yet it's still possible. Some infants are born with biotin deficiency due to having an inherited enzyme deficiency, and adults can also develop deficiency later in life due to illnesses or medication…