In "Successful Berry Growing," Gene Logsdon writes that berries offer unmatched flavor, beauty and financial rewards with minimal effort. Homegrown varieties surpass store-bought in taste and cost-efficiency, yielding bountiful harvests for personal or small-scale commercial use. Beyond fruit production, berry plants enhance gardens aesthetically. Blueberries blaze with red fall foliage, strawberries make charming borders, and … Continue reading Gene Logsdon unveils the flavor, beauty and smart economics powerhouse in your garden
Want to improve your brain health naturally? Eat more fermented, cultured foods
New research out of Ireland has confirmed that fermented and cultured foods are good both for gut and brain. Eating foods that are alive and thriving due to beneficial bacteria – a few common examples include yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and kimchi – can greatly improve one’s mental health, concludes the review, which was published in the journal Preventive … Continue reading Want to improve your brain health naturally? Eat more fermented, cultured foods
Breakthrough: This fermented Japanese superfood can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infections, researchers find
Natto, a fermented soybean dish typically served for breakfast in Japan, can inhibit the ability of SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes COVID-19 — to infect healthy cells, according to a study by Japanese researchers. Published Tuesday, July 13, in the journal Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, the study showed that unheated natto extract degraded the receptor-binding domain (RBD), … Continue reading Breakthrough: This fermented Japanese superfood can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infections, researchers find
Researchers discover that Kefir (fermented yogurt) can halt cytokine storms observed during SARS-CoV-2 infections
One of the most important areas of scientific research for combating SARS-CoV-2 involves understanding cytokines and mitigating cytokine storm. Cytokines are cell signaling molecules that facilitate immune responses. These molecules communicate between cells to stimulate the movement of immune responsive cells toward sites of inflammation and infection. Israeli scientists have found that yogurt (kefir) can halt … Continue reading Researchers discover that Kefir (fermented yogurt) can halt cytokine storms observed during SARS-CoV-2 infections
Eating probiotic foods helps improve bone health in women
In 2001, a group of international scientists working on behalf of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) agreed to change the definition of probiotics. What they came up with became the most widely accepted definition of probiotics — that is, “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health … Continue reading Eating probiotic foods helps improve bone health in women
Here’s another reason to love blueberries: They protect against inflammation
Blueberries are among the most well-known and best-loved superfoods on the planet. Aside from being a delicious and versatile food ingredient, blueberries also provide plenty of essential nutrients and disease-fighting phytonutrients. For instance, research suggests that blueberries have one of the highest antioxidant levels of all plant-based foods. Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, a harmful event that has … Continue reading Here’s another reason to love blueberries: They protect against inflammation
Kombucha and probiotics: Why is this fizzy drink good for you?
Kombucha is a rising star in the realm of health foods. But make no mistake. This fermented, carbonated drink is more than just a food fad. In fact, scientists are turning to kombucha in an attempt to understand the relationships among microbial communities. In a recent article published in PeerJ, scientists from Arizona State University (ASU) and the University of New … Continue reading Kombucha and probiotics: Why is this fizzy drink good for you?
The sweet and the sour: Health benefits of honey and apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar starts life as an apple juice. It is then fermented twice with yeast. It is most notable for its strong, sour flavor, which is due to its main ingredient acetic acid. In turn, this substance is said to be responsible for the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. Meanwhile, honey is a sweet and viscous substance … Continue reading The sweet and the sour: Health benefits of honey and apple cider vinegar
The gut-healing wonder drink: How to make your own water kefir
Kombucha is a popular health drink, but it may put people off because of its intense vinegary smell. If you’re looking for a gut health-boosting drink that’s easier on the stomach, try water kefir. Kombucha and water kefir: What’s the difference? Both kombucha and water kefir are fermented drinks that can be brewed at home and infused with different … Continue reading The gut-healing wonder drink: How to make your own water kefir
Blueberries offer a variety of health benefits — add heart-healthy to the list
Blueberries are some of the healthiest fruits you can eat. According to a recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating blueberries helps improve cardiometabolic function. Researchers looked at the benefits of regular blueberry consumption and found that eating a one-cup serving of the fruit daily helped relax stiff arteries, reduce cholesterol levels and minimize the risk of coronary … Continue reading Blueberries offer a variety of health benefits — add heart-healthy to the list
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 