You may have heard that zinc benefits include the ability to help people recovering from the common cold or other illnesses, but this mineral is also needed by those who aren’t sick and who don’t have compromised immune function. As an essential mineral, zinc should be consumed in small amounts every day in order to…
Christopher Columbus was known to call papaya the “fruit of the angels.” This orange-colored, melon-like fruit is part of the Caricaceae family of plants and grows on the Carica papaya tree. It's native to southern Mexico and Central America but can be grown in most tropical areas. When ripe, it is commonly used around the world…
Peanut oil is a popular choice for fried foods thanks to its low cost, versatility and high smoke point. Interestingly enough, it's also been linked to some health benefits, including improved heart health and better blood sugar control. However, there are several downsides to consider as well, especially when it comes to its ability to…
Ever wonder how to get rid of period cramps? While many women suffer from PMS symptoms each month, period cramps are the most commonly reported menstrual disorder — with over up to 84 percent of young women experiencing some level of menstrual pain at some point during their lives. Forty three percent report that pain…
Manganese is an important trace mineral needed for many vital functions, including nutrient absorption, production of digestive enzymes, bone development and immune system defenses. This essential nutrient works closely with other minerals, including iron. Key for normal growth and development, manganese has an important role in the synthesis of nutrients like cholesterol, carbohydrates and proteins.…
You're probably well aware of the benefits of vitamin E for skin. Chances are that it's an ingredient in some of your body care products, but did you know that tocopherol, a class of compounds under the umbrella term "vitamin E," is what gives this nutrient so much power? Tocopherol, which is found in a…
According to research published by Gallup in 2023, people who follow a vegetarian diet is 4 percent among Americans. In the U.S., those who follow the more strict vegan diet — meaning they avoid all animal products — represent just 1 percent of the total adult population. Several analyses that have compared vegetarian diets to…
Most people have never even heard of GABA, let alone know what it does in the body. However, for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia, this important neurotransmitter can be the key to reducing symptoms. In fact, many medications that are used to treat these conditions function by boosting the activity of this neurotransmitter in…
Did you know the average 75-year-old Okinawan male has much higher levels of testosterone than the average American male who is 30 years younger, and today, low testosterone in males is rapidly growing? There are a few factors, including lifestyle, body weight and not eating enough foods that boost testosterone. Maintaining the right level of…
Cholestasis is a condition that's characterized by the flow of bile from the liver slowing down or stopping, which can be caused by disorders of the liver, bile duct or pancreas. Up to 200,000 people in the United States are affected by this condition every year, and it can lead to serious health conditions if…
