Have you ever tasted cardamom? Maybe you enjoyed it in a dish like garam masala or in a cardamom bread. Often referred to as the "queen of spices," cardamom, or elaichi, is one of the most common spices seen in Indian households, and it's loved and used all around the world. The seeds have a…
If you follow a vegan diet, you're probably already used to checking ingredient labels carefully and skipping any treats that you suspect might not be totally plant-based. Many vegans make a strong effort to eat a nutrient-dense diet overall, but this doesn't mean they never want to indulge in something like dessert or candy occasionally…
Although it's only a small part of the brain in terms of volume, the limbic system has some of the most basic, life-sustaining and meaningful roles of all brain structure. The word limbic comes from the latin word limbus, meaning "border." That's because the limbic system forms a curved border around the subcortical parts of…
Phytonutrients are nutrients found in plants that develop to protect the plant from damaging environments. Plants are exposed to excess ultraviolet radiation, predator pests, toxins and pollution, resulting in the generation of dangerous free radicals within their cells. These free radicals can then bind and damage proteins, cell membranes and DNA of the plant. Fortunately, phytonutrients…
Many of our friends and family members have been duped into believing that artificial sweeteners like Splenda® are saviors to prevent diabetes and obesity. However, the health risks associated with the ingredients in Splenda, or sucralose, are extensive and downright troublesome. As research continues to investigate the details, more negative effects are surfacing. Sucralose is…
Erythritol is now one of the most popular “natural” zero-calorie sweeteners available. What is erythritol exactly, and is it safe to consume on a regular basis? Because it’s seemingly less problematic than the controversial artificial sweetener called aspartame, it makes sense that more and more people are choosing erythritol in hopes of decreasing added sugar in their…
As a concentrated form of antioxidants and phytochemicals taken from the plant’s stems and leaves, citronella oil has been used for centuries in China, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Its uses include helping decrease rashes, inflammation, infections, pain and more. What is citronella? The oil itself comes from the Asian grass plant known as Cymbopogon nardus. It’s…
While we’ve always known that what we eat affects our bodies and how we look, scientists continue to uncover evidence that what we eat plays a huge role in the health of our brains. Yes, when it comes to staying mentally sharp and focused, eating plenty of brain foods matters, especially for our gray matter.…
Hydrochloric acid (also called HCL, HCL acid or betaine hydrochloride in supplement form) is considered one of the most important fluids (or "juices") found in the human body. Hydrochloric acid is found inside the stomach and needed for many processes involved in digestive health. Unfortunately as we age, our production of hydrochloric acid decreases —…
What do Edgar Degas, Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso all have in common aside from their incredible painting abilities? These three artists all shared a love of absinthe, a botanical spirit made from wormwood, anise and fennel. You may have heard of wormwood because of its inclusion in this famous European beverage, but did…
