Matcha can reduce anxiety by activating dopamine and serotonin receptors that are linked to anxious behavior, according to researchers from Kumamoto University in Japan. Matcha, which literally means “powdered tea,” refers to the powder made from finely ground leaves of shade-grown tea tree (Camellia sinensis). Matcha has been used medicinally since ancient times. In Japan, in particular, it is used to help people relax, prevent obesity and treat certain skin conditions. … Continue reading Curb your anxiety by drinking a cup of matcha green tea
Following a plant-based diet may help prevent the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
A review published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition found that a plant-based diet can reduce or prevent the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in the joints, which causes painful swelling and stiffness. This finding can help patients manage the often debilitating effects of the disease, according to researchers from the Physicians Committee for … Continue reading Following a plant-based diet may help prevent the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Eating more flavonoid-rich foods can stave off disease and lower cancer risk, advise researchers
It’s no secret that fresh, nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, salad greens and beans, among others, promote optimal health. Children are taught to eat them for a reason, and adults are expected to incorporate them into a balanced diet. The health benefits attributed to these foods are the result of the synergistic interactions of multiple essential … Continue reading Eating more flavonoid-rich foods can stave off disease and lower cancer risk, advise researchers
5 Health benefits of muskmelon, a sweet superfood that’s rich in vitamin C
Muskmelon is a sweet and nutritious fruit with a variety of culinary uses and health benefits. It belongs to the gourd family and is related to other fruits that are often confused as vegetables, such as squash, pumpkin and zucchini. There are several varieties of muskmelon. There are netted types like cantaloupe and smooth-skinned types like honeydew and casaba melon. These fruits differ … Continue reading 5 Health benefits of muskmelon, a sweet superfood that’s rich in vitamin C
Why is cilantro so good for the brain? Science explains
A study published in the FASEB Journal found that cilantro activates certain potassium channels in the brain which helps prevent seizures. Also known as coriander, cilantro is an herb that is commonly used in traditional medicine. It has anticonvulsant, anti-depressant and anti-inflammatory properties that make it suitable for treating a host of medical conditions, including epileptic seizures. But while its health benefits have been extensively studied, … Continue reading Why is cilantro so good for the brain? Science explains
12 Antioxidant-rich foods you should add to your diet today
Foods don’t gain “superfood” status for no reason. This status is only conferred to foods — often plant-based ones — that contain incredible amounts of natural compounds, such as antioxidants. Claudia Fajardo-Lira, a member of the Institute of Food Technologists and a professor of food science and nutrition at California State University, Northridge, explains that antioxidants are integral … Continue reading 12 Antioxidant-rich foods you should add to your diet today
Quench your thirst in the healthiest way possible by juicing these 9 vegetables
Juicing is a popular health trend among circles of fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers – and for good reason. In a recent article published online, Essex-based nutritionist Kerri Jennings shares that drinking pure juice made from fresh vegetables confers higher doses of macro- and micronutrients than just eating the vegetable alone. This is because it takes larger quantities … Continue reading Quench your thirst in the healthiest way possible by juicing these 9 vegetables
New study reveals regular garlic intake may lower mortality risk
A recent study published in the journal Nutrients found that regularly consuming garlic can lower all-cause mortality risk among older people. Previous research associated garlic consumption with lower mortality risk in younger healthy subjects. But no such evidence had been documented for older adults. The present study, on the other hand, shows the protective effects of garlic among people aged 80 … Continue reading New study reveals regular garlic intake may lower mortality risk
How can a plant-based diet help diabetics? Study explains
A study published in the journal Nutrients found that a plant-based diet can restore the function of beta cells, which are important for insulin production and healthy blood glucose levels. According to the researchers, modern medicine only slightly slows down the decline of beta-cell function in people with Type 2 diabetes. The study, on the other hand, showed that a plant-based … Continue reading How can a plant-based diet help diabetics? Study explains
Diabetes prevention: What to eat and what to avoid
Diabetes can be a lifelong, debilitating illness if left untreated. From poor blood circulation to impaired healing, diabetes can cause a host of problems that can make life difficult for sufferers. There are also no accepted mainstream cures for diabetes, but this does not mean that the disease is a death sentence. Scientists agree that proper diet … Continue reading Diabetes prevention: What to eat and what to avoid
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 