Lippia triphylla, commonly known as lemon verbena or lemon beebrush, is a flowering plant native to South America. It was brought by the Spanish and the Portuguese to Europe in the 17th century, where it is cultivated for its lemon-scented oil to this day. The leaves of lemon verbena can retain their odor for years; hence, they are currently used … Continue reading Compound in lemon verbena may help normalize lipid metabolism in diabetics
Fat-soluble vitamins: What are the best dietary sources of vitamins A, D, E and K?
Vitamins are nutrients found in food that help the body function effectively. Two types of vitamins exist: Water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins B and C, dissolve in water, while fat-soluble ones dissolve in fat. Fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E and K, are best absorbed by the body when eaten with foods containing high … Continue reading Fat-soluble vitamins: What are the best dietary sources of vitamins A, D, E and K?
Vegetarian health and nutrition: 7 Nutrients you can’t get from plants
Eating only plant-based foods as a vegan or vegetarian confers numerous health benefits, including improved heart health and a decreased risk of various diseases. But humans have been eating both plants and meat for thousands of years. In fact, many nutrients that are important for overall health can only be found in meat, fish and dairy products. … Continue reading Vegetarian health and nutrition: 7 Nutrients you can’t get from plants
Green tea compounds block key enzyme that allows coronavirus to replicate – study
A study published in the journal Frontiers in Plant Science shows that chemical compounds in green tea and other plant-based foods can block the activity of a key enzyme in the replication of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Researchers at North Carolina State University (NC State) found that many polyphenols in these foods are able to inhibit the function of “main protease” (Mpro) … Continue reading Green tea compounds block key enzyme that allows coronavirus to replicate – study
What’s cooking? Top 5 soy sauce alternatives
Soy sauce is a staple ingredient in most kitchens and is commonly used in Asian cuisine. If you run out of soy sauce or if you’re avoiding it for health reasons, you can replace this condiment with natural alternatives like fish sauce or liquid aminos. Why replace soy sauce? Soy sauce is a condiment with a salty and … Continue reading What’s cooking? Top 5 soy sauce alternatives
Higher vitamin D levels, stronger immune response protect children from COVID-19
How COVID-19 affects children is a topic that’s getting traction, especially with recent studies saying that the disease is less severe in children than in adults. So far, health experts have observed that fewer children contract the virus. Hospitalization rates in children are also lower than those in adults. In a new study, Petra Zimmermann and Nigel … Continue reading Higher vitamin D levels, stronger immune response protect children from COVID-19
Lower your blood sugar and prevent nerve damage linked to diabetes with alpha-lipoic acid
Alpha-lipoic acid, or ALA, is an organic compound that acts as a powerful antioxidant. It’s both water- and fat-soluble, which means it can work in every cell or tissue in the body. The antioxidant properties of ALA are linked to several health benefits, including lower blood sugar levels, reduced inflammation and improved nerve function. For these reasons, experts suggest that … Continue reading Lower your blood sugar and prevent nerve damage linked to diabetes with alpha-lipoic acid
Can aloe vera help prevent diabetic nephropathy?
Aloe vera is one of the most well-known and widely grown medicinal plants on the planet. A succulent plant native to North Africa, Southern Europe and the Canary Islands, aloe vera is now also cultivated in tropical countries around the world. Aloe vera’s history of use as medicine can be traced back to the time of … Continue reading Can aloe vera help prevent diabetic nephropathy?
Researchers identify the compounds responsible for Anacardium occidentale’s (cashew) anti-asthma effects
Researchers from Nigeria investigated the bioactive constituents of Anacardium occidentale, also known as cashew, and evaluated its effects on histamine-induced paw edema and bronchoconstriction. They reported their findings in an article published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine. The leaves of A. occidentale have long been used for the treatment of inflammation and asthma, but the bioactive components responsible … Continue reading Researchers identify the compounds responsible for Anacardium occidentale’s (cashew) anti-asthma effects
Reducing your intake of sugary drinks by 1 serving a day may lower diabetes risk by at least 10%
Researchers from the U.S. and China suggest that drinking a serving of water, coffee or tea in place of a sugary beverage may lower Type 2 diabetes risk by up to 10 percent. In a paper published in the Diabetes Journal, they further revealed that swapping sodas and 100 percent fruit juices for diet sodas and artificially … Continue reading Reducing your intake of sugary drinks by 1 serving a day may lower diabetes risk by at least 10%
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 