Has anyone ever told you, "You're so pitta?" Not sure what it means? Pitta is one of three main "doshas" in Ayurveda. In a way, it's kind of like an ancient system of understanding (and working with) your body and personality type. If Ayurveda medicine is new to you, you're not alone. But this 5,000-year-old…
Maybe you took your first Ayurvedic body type or "dosha" quiz and your result came back as primarily "kapha." What does it all mean? To better understand your primary dosha type, we first must take a look at Ayurveda, which roughly translates to "the science of life." Ayurveda is a buzz word popping up in…
While mung beans may be new to most people in the U.S., they’ve been a part of traditional Ayurvedic diets in India for thousands of years. In fact, they are considered “one of the most cherished foods” in this ancient Indian practice that’s been a traditional form of medicine since roughly 1,500 B.C. Among plant-based…
What is black rice? Despite being less popular than brown rice or wild rice, black rice, also known as "forbidden rice" or "emperor's rice," is an ancient grain that has even more impressive health benefits than many other rice varieties. Not only is it the type of rice that is richest in powerful, disease-fighting antioxidants,…
Copper is an essential mineral that benefits bone, nerve, and skeletal health. Therefore, although it is not that common, a copper deficiency can actually harm the body in multiple ways. Copper is important for the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells, as well as for the proper utilization of iron and oxygen within the…
What diet is best for kidney disease? According to the American Society for Nutrition, "The renal diet is commonly recommended for those with late stages of chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease." Many people with these kidney conditions are undergoing renal replacement therapy, also called hemodialysis, but additionally require dietary changes in order to avoid…
Most people experience cravings for sweet foods or salty snacks from time to time, regardless of whether they're in the form of chocolates, chips or cheese. However, typically very few people find themselves seeking something bitter in the midst of midnight snacking. In fact, despite the multitude of benefits associated with bitter foods, their flavor…
The soapwort plant is most well-known for creating a foamy lather that has gentle cleansing properties. In fact, soapwort is one of the most concentrated sources of compounds called saponins in the world, which studies suggest fight bacteria, inflammation and have astringent properties. Some records show soapwort may have been used as a washing agent…
Teff may not be as well-known as other gluten-free grains such as quinoa or buckwheat, but it rivals even the most popular varieties in terms of taste, texture and health benefits. Not only does it provide an impressive set of nutrients, but it's also been associated with a wide range of benefits, including improved circulation,…