Most people think of bacteria within the body as a cause of getting sick or developing certain diseases, but did you know that at all times there are actually billions of beneficial bacteria present within all of us? In fact, bacteria make up the microbiome, an integral internal ecosystem that benefits gut health and the…
Haritaki is a fruit used in Ayurvedic medicine for a wide range of traditional remedies, such as treating pain, anxiety, certain infections and indigestion. It's one of three main ingredients found in triphala and is considered in Ayurveda to be a naturally rejuvenating herb, especially well-suited for people with inflammation and trouble relaxing. It's even been referred to…
While knowledge about the benefits associated with probiotics has exploded over the past decade, many people are still unsure about how prebiotics and postbiotics work. Probiotics are the "good" (or "friendly") bacteria that colonize the digestive system and support many functions of the immune system. Prebiotics essentially feed probiotics, helping them survive and reproduce through the…
Amasai is traditional, fermented milk beverage that is very similar to kefir. It has the consistency of a liquid yogurt and a tart, fermented taste that let's you know it contains valuable probiotics. A nutritional staple for most South Africans for hundreds of years now, amasai has recently come into the mainstream more as probiotic…
You should learn to love your peach fuzz — and no, I’m not referring to the facial hair. Peaches are a valuable source of nutrition, and peach nutrition helps your body fight free radicals, prevent cancer and protect your heart from disease. A native fruit to China, the peach has been around for millennia and…
A lot of someone's health can be traced to the gut — specifically gut bacteria. In the 1670s, scientist Antony van Leeuwenhoek first discovered the complex world of bacteria. At the time, he defined it as "free-living and parasitic microscopic protists, sperm cells, blood cells, microscopic nematodes and rotifers," according to the University of California…
If you’ve ever had Jell-O before, you’ve come into contact with gelatin whether you realize it or not. What might surprise you is that it’s a lot more than just a creative way to make your dessert jiggle — it’s also a source of important nutrients. What is gelatin exactly? As a type of protein…
Whether you realize it or not, fermentation is a process that’s used to produce some of the world’s favorite foods and beverages. What are some foods that are fermented? Popular fermented foods include things like wine, beer, yogurt, certain aged cheeses, and even chocolate and coffee. One of the most popular fermented foods globally is…
Digestion and assimilation of nutrients are complex processes that occur over several hours, starting from the moment that you place food into your mouth. The pancreas is essential in digestion, as it it secretes pancreatic enzymes that facilitate the breakdown of foods into smaller molecules — allowing the body to actually use fats, vitamins, minerals,…
Chickweed is a fast-growing plant that has been utilized as a folk remedy for many conditions, including arthritis pains, skin conditions, such as rashes and eczema, asthma, constipation, and kidney related issues. While there have been few reliable studies investigating chickweed benefits compared to those of other common greens, there's reason to believe that this…
