If you're looking to avoid wheat flour and/or gluten and aren't sure where to turn, rice flour is an option for you. This gluten-free flour, also know as rice powder, is made from finely milled rice. It can be found in both white rice and brown rice forms, and it's a staple food in Southeast Asia, Japan…
Rich in nutrients and boasting a long list of health benefits, the Indian gooseberry definitely meets the criteria for qualifying as a superfood. In fact, the tree that bears this beloved fruit literally has an entire Hindu holiday dedicated to it. For most, gooseberries are relatively unknown, virtually undistinguishable from the long list of exotic…
Maybe we don't give enzymes enough credit. They are required for literally every single chemical action that takes place in our bodies — from digestion to immune function and blood flow. We are able to see, think and breathe because of protease. What are proteases? They're enzymes that allow for the breakdown of proteins in…
Colorectal cancer — now the second most common cause of cancer death in the U.S. — usually begins as a "polyp," which is why another name for colon polyps is "colorectal polyps." The type of colon polyp called an adenoma is a known precursor of colorectal cancer. While in some cases small colon polyps will develop…
Can a plant that has been used to make a novelty itching powder actually do wonders for serious health problems such as Parkinson's disease? It actually appears the answer may be "yes"! I'm talking about the plant known as Mucuna pruriens or velvet bean, which has been shown to counter Parkinson symptoms and offer help…
Niacin is one of the few micronutrients that is frequently prescribed by doctors as an alternative to drugs and traditional medications. In fact, niacin is commonly used to treat high cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, but emerging research has also linked it to better brain function, decreased joint pain and protection against…
Kyphosis, sometimes called a hunchback or dowager’s hump, is a curve in the back that is more extreme than normal. Although it mostly affects older women, it can happen to people of any age. In its mild stage, it causes few problems. Left untreated, however, it can cause serious complications. Read on to learn about…
Frequently used as a garnish to throw in a bit of color to a dish, scallions are often overlooked and overshadowed by other ingredients. Believe it or not, though, this vegetable has a whole lot more to offer than some added color. In fact, scallions are low in calories, rich in nutrients and boast some…
Gingivitis is the most common type of gum disease. It is rare in children but often starts during puberty or early adulthood, and can come and go throughout life. (1) As many as 70 percent to 90 percent of adults in the U.S. have gingivitis. In most people, it is caused by a buildup of plaque…
Have you ever heard of the mask of pregnancy? It refers to a skin condition that's triggered by hormonal changes and develops around your forehead, lips, nose and cheekbones. It's actually common for pregnant women to develop dark, blotchy spots on their face — a condition known as chloasma or melasma. Changing hormone levels stimulate…
