Adenosine 5' monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an enzyme that is known as the body's "master regulator of energy metabolism." Why? It works as an energy sensor within our cells. Researchers believe that as we age, AMPK activity significantly decreases. This is one reason why we experience changes in appetite, body weight, energy levels, etc.…
The thought of pumpkins may have you itching for fall, lattes and pie, but you’re about to find out that pumpkin isn’t just for autumn anymore — if you want to fight disease all year long, that is! In fact, pumpkin seed oil is a handy ingredient to keep around and use on a daily…
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the herb commonly called horny goat weed in the West is known as Yin-Yang-Huo. (1) TCM practitioners have used the leaves of the horny goat weed plant as an aphrodisiac to help enhance sexual health and also to treat various problems such as kidney or bone disease for centuries. According to…
Often dismissed as nothing more than an invasive and pesky weed popping up in yards across the country, you may want to think twice before pulling out the weed killer on this powerful medicinal plant. As a staple in natural medicine for thousands of years, Tribulus terrestris has long been used to treat everything from…
Can a plant that has been used to make a novelty itching powder actually do wonders for serious health problems such as Parkinson's disease? It actually appears the answer may be "yes"! I'm talking about the plant known as Mucuna pruriens or velvet bean, which has been shown to counter Parkinson symptoms and offer help…
Unfortunately, mint leaves are often considered little more than an ingredient used to spice up drinks or settle an upset stomach. In reality, though, the potent little mint herb offers an impressive array of important vitamins, minerals and health benefits that make it a true powerhouse of nutrition. That's why mint earns a spot as…
An MTHFR mutation is a problem associated with poor methylation and enzyme production. MTHFR mutations affect every person differently, sometimes contributing to hardly any noticeable symptoms at all, while other times leading to serious, long-term health problems. Although the exact prevalence rate is still up for debate, it's believed that up to 30 percent to 50 percent…
Roughly 1 in 75 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer at some point during their lifetimes. According to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, in women between the ages of 35–74, ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. (1) Considering how serious ovarian cancer tends to be in its later stages, both preventive…
About one in every nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. The risk for developing prostate cancer is greatest for men over the age of 65, especially those who African-American. In the Unites States, second to skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men. It's estimated that about…
Hirsutism is a condition that affects women, causing male-pattern hair growth. The hair grows in dark and coarse in places like the chest, face and back. It can range in severity and its impact on self-esteem and mental health. Some women may find the hair growth manageable and not bothersome, while others may find it…
