When it comes to functional foods, the turkey tail mushroom may top the list. Named for the colorful fall-like palette of stripes it adorns that favor the plume of feathers on turkeys, turkey tail mushrooms have been brewed for thousands of years by the Chinese as medicinal teas. It's been used as early as the…
Nutritional yeast, also known as savory yeast or nooch, is an inactive type of yeast made from sugarcane and beet molasses. In the scientific form Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or sugar-eating fungus, yeast cells use the sugar for energy. Yellow in color, nutritional yeast comes in flakes, granules or a powder-like form and is often used as…
The lymphatic system is a critical part of the immune system. It's vital for protecting us from illness and damaging, disease-causing inflammation. The best way to protect the complex series of criss-crossing lymphatic vessels and "nodes" that span almost the entire body (every one except for the central nervous system) is to eat a healing diet,…
What looks like a fruit, tastes a little like bread and has so many nutrients it’s almost hard to keep track of all of them? The answer: breadfruit. This powerful fruit has been a staple for quite some time in the tropical areas where it commonly grows, and that’s a very good thing. Breadfruit offers…
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…
Did you know that cranberries contain one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants of any fruit? That's right — these incredible berries are loaded with health-promoting antioxidants, which studies show help protect cells against free radical damage and aid in the prevention of chronic disease. Cranberries should be a staple on every shopping list for many reasons,…
Because it may help turn off reactions of the immune system that drive up inflammation and swelling, boswellia is a potential natural treatment for cancer , capable of helping to fight pain in addition to inflammation. Boswellia serrata extract is so powerful that today it's considered comparable to NSAID pain relievers (the leading type of chemical anti-inflammatory medications).…
The Western diet and lifestyle are linked to a growing number of digestive diseases. The health of your digestive system has a lot to do with lifestyle, since it's in part determined by the food you eat, the amount of exercise you get and your stress level throughout the day. By better understanding the digestive…
Known for its tart flavor and distinct apricot color, this nutritious fruit is good for so much more than just making jams or baked goods. Boasting an extensive nutrient profile and a long list of benefits, the apricot is equally rich in both flavor and health-promoting properties — just like apricot seeds. Apricots are considered…
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,…
