Achieving quality sleep and relaxation can be challenging, especially during modern times. Sleep is very important for many processes within the human body, including cognitive function, energy restoration, and immune health. Relaxation is closely related to sleep in its broad health benefits and ability to help achieve better sleep. Certain botanicals have...
Rosemary lends its distinct flavor and aroma to many dishes, and it also has a long tradition of medicinal use. The phytochemicals in rosemary impart potential beneficial actions, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. Researchers have investigated some of these phytochemicals, in addition to rosemary, to determine their potential to help reduce...
Most nutritionists and healthcare providers would agree that eating a balanced diet containing nutrient-dense foods is the best way for individuals to obtain required nutrients. However, many individuals consume a less-than-perfect diet high in calories and short on nutrients. Therefore, most adults do not obtain adequate vitamin and mineral intakes...
There are only a few natural products that have demonstrated the wide range of protective properties such as curcumin. Turmeric has three main bioactive components: curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. These curcuminoids have many biological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antibacterial and antiviral properties. According to a new review published last...
You’d have to be living on a different planet to have missed the exploding popularity of low-carb ketogenic diets the last couple of years. The numerous health benefits of this way of eating are largely the product of a reduced carbohydrate intake resulting in lower blood glucose and insulin levels. However, people who...
If you’re trying to eat healthy and get a handle on your overall wellness, but still crave sweets, there is no better treat to choose than chocolate. If properly selected, dark chocolate provides a wide range of health benefits without overdoing it on the added sugar. Dark chocolate can be...
Restful sleep not only leads to a refreshing morning, but it also supports long-term health. Insufficient sleep increases the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Based on data from one study, insufficient sleep also increases mortality risk by up to 13%. In addition, lack of...
Vegan. Paleo. Low Carb. Keto. And no weight loss. You’ve tried a million diets and still none of them have worked. And apart from your determined diet and exercise, everybody is different, different down to their genetic makeup, which from a growing field of study called nutrigenomics, focuses on diet-gene...
People have noted that while coffee makes them jittery, green tea—despite its caffeine content—has a calming effect. It’s possible the difference is due to green tea having substantially less caffeine than a typical cup of coffee, but maybe there’s an additional factor at work. The presence of L-theanine in green tea might...
Adequate zinc levels are essential for the healthy functioning of every cell in the body. The beneficial effects of zinc are extensive, due to this mineral's status as the most abundant intracellular trace element. Zinc plays a pivotal role as a catalyst for metabolic activity, with over 200 enzymes being...
Antioxidants have been commonly used to protect against damage secondary to exercise; however, there have been mixed results. In addition, there has been some debate that using high doses of antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, may counteract the upregulation of endogenous antioxidant defenses that are naturally triggered as...
What is Allulose? Allulose is a compound found naturally in figs, raisins, jackfruit and maple syrup. It has a sweet taste — very much like regular sugar (sucrose) — and it occurs in relatively small amounts, so it’s referred to as a “rare sugar.” No Impact on Blood Sugar* While...
The Interconnected Relationship Between Zinc and Melatonin The complexity of the neuroendocrine system requires many key micronutrients for optimal function. In many cases, certain hormones or neurotransmitters may play a role in the regulation of these micronutrients to ensure adequate quantities, creating an interconnected relationship between the two. One such...
Have you heard of Annatto E? Well if you’ve heard of Vitamin E, you’re pretty close to it. Annatto E has a multitude of benefits including antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Annatto is a type of food coloring made from the seeds of the achiote tree, a plant native to South...
During a time when people are stocking up on hand sanitizer and face masks to bolster their external defenses against viruses and other pathogenic microbes, it’s also important to consider ways to reinforce the body’s internal immune defenses. Several lifestyle factors can play a significant role in immune function. Stress management, good sleep, healthy...
