You may know of papaya as the orange-colored tropical fruit that's consumed for its flavor and impressive nutrient profile, but how often do you think about its star ingredient — papain? Papain is a special enzyme that's found in raw papaya. It's popular in folk medicine because of its ability to break down proteins, aid…
Last week, researchers confirmed that a serious fungus has spread across banana plantations in Colombia, and the banana fungus could put the fruit in serious danger. This isn't the first time Fusarium oxysporum has had detrimental effects on banana growth, as it impacted plantations in the Philippines decades ago. But as this fungal disease called Panama…
Proteins, fats and carbs garner a good amount of attention among dieters and health-conscious consumers alike. While it’s true that these macronutrients are absolutely vital to the function of your body, there are many other compounds that play a role in your health as well, including micronutrients. In fact, micronutrients work behind the scenes to…
The Paleo diet plan bases its principles on the eating habits of the Paleolithic era (AKA the Old Stone Age) and promotes foods that could be hunted and gathered during the time period. This means lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Paleo diet recipes limit foods that came about at the age of farming, including dairy…
Legumes are a common ingredient used in a variety of different cuisines around the globe. Not only are they versatile and delicious, but many types are also brimming with health benefits and important nutrients that your body needs. So are beans legumes? Are chickpeas legumes? And what are examples of legumes in addition to these…
We’ve all wondered about the secret to luscious, shining hair. Perhaps we’ve even tried to emulate shiny haired models by trying specially formulated shampoos for our exact hair type and texture, with little effect. Instead of spending money on haircare products that produce lackluster results, consider how your overall health impacts the quality of your…
There's a pretty good chance that you've seen a mulberry tree or two pop up in your local park, neighborhood or even your own backyard. This tree produces a tart and tasty fruit that looks similar to a blackberry and can be used to sweeten up just about any dish. The mulberry fruit may be…
Classified as both a legume and a fruit, the tamarind fruit is unique in just about every way. From its pod-like appearance to its distinct sour-sweet taste, it's true that there's nothing ordinary about this tasty fruit. The tamarind fruit is a staple ingredient in cuisines around the world. Used to make everything from candy…
With a rich red color and distinct peppery taste, annatto has been used for centuries to enhance palatability and make dishes that pop on the plate. Although food coloring has earned a bad reputation for its potential adverse effects on health, annatto stands apart as a natural way to give foods color and flavor without…
Breast cancer treatment is the most common cause of lymphedema in the United States. Worldwide, it most often occurs due to filariasis (a parasite infection). Experts have called lymphedema "one of the most poorly understood, relatively underestimated, and least researched complications of cancer or its treatment." (1, 2) There are other possible causes of primary lymphedema, including…
