Researchers at the Federal University of Technology in Nigeria evaluated the effects of the aqueous extract of garlic, white onion and purple onion on the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a-amylase and a-glucosidase in vitro. They reported their findings in an article published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements. Spices are used in cooking and serve as ingredients in several traditional … Continue reading Extracts from garlic, white onion and purple onion exert inhibitory effects against enzymes linked to diabetes and hypertension
Understanding how niacin treats high cholesterol levels
Niacin is a B vitamin commonly used by your body to turn food into energy. It is also known as vitamin B3 and helps keep your nervous system, digestive system and skin healthy. As a supplement, niacin may help ease arthritis, boost brain function and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, among many other benefits. Studies also show that niacin can improve … Continue reading Understanding how niacin treats high cholesterol levels
Study reveals vitamin C is key for stroke prevention and promoting heart health
Strokes are some of the most common medical conditions in the United States. So common, in fact, that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke every year. Of these cases, 610,000 are classified as first or new strokes, while 185,000 — or nearly 1 of 4—are … Continue reading Study reveals vitamin C is key for stroke prevention and promoting heart health
Fight inflammation with the help of these 6 powerful vitamins
Inflammation is a key immune response to infection or injury. It means that immune cells are actively helping the body to heal. But inflammation that persists could be a sign of an underlying health problem. If the body is in a state of chronic inflammation, it is unable to heal properly. Over time, chronic inflammation could lead … Continue reading Fight inflammation with the help of these 6 powerful vitamins
Medicinal plants: Potent antiviral herbs to add to your diet
Congestion, fever and sore throat are all symptoms that could point to a viral infection. Fortunately, there are many potent herbs that have been used since ancient times to prevent a viral infection or reduce its severity. These herbs’ antiviral properties can be attributed to the numerous potent compounds they contain. These phytochemicals not only help fight harmful viruses, … Continue reading Medicinal plants: Potent antiviral herbs to add to your diet
Curcumin found to have protective effects against renal fibrosis
Chinese researchers investigated the anti-fibrotic effects of curcumin on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by transforming growth factor-B1 (TGF-B1), as well as the mechanism by which it influences the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. Their findings were published in the journal Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. According to animal studies, curcumin has protective effects against the development of renal fibrosis. However, the … Continue reading Curcumin found to have protective effects against renal fibrosis
Dairy products can increase the risk of cancer, but these plant-based diets can REDUCE it
A study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association shows that dairy products may increase the risk of prostate cancer but plant-based diets may decrease that risk. Mayo Clinic researchers based their findings on previous studies that examined the link between certain diets and prostate cancer risk. “Our review highlighted a cause for concern with high consumption … Continue reading Dairy products can increase the risk of cancer, but these plant-based diets can REDUCE it
Lower your cholesterol naturally with these nutrients
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three Americans suffers from high blood cholesterol, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke. Eating plenty of fatty foods and red meat is the usual cause of high cholesterol. However, this health condition does not present symptoms. For this reason, stroke or heart attack often seems … Continue reading Lower your cholesterol naturally with these nutrients
Working out before eating breakfast helps burn more fat and keeps your blood sugar in check, reveals study
While it’s well-known that exercise is important to maintain good health, specifics like the best time to work out remain nebulous and confusing. Now, a team led by British researchers suggests that one optimal time to work out is before eating breakfast. In their study, which was published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, the researchers report … Continue reading Working out before eating breakfast helps burn more fat and keeps your blood sugar in check, reveals study
Rosa damascena hydrosol found to reduce the pathogenicity of microbes and inhibit skin inflammation
Researchers at Teikyo University in Japan investigated the effects of Damask rose (Rosa damascena) water on the growth of Candida albicans and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and on the function of neutrophils, which are key regulators of inflammatory reactions. They reported their findings in an article published in Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. Hydrosol prepared from the flowers of R. damascena is traditionally used to treat various health … Continue reading Rosa damascena hydrosol found to reduce the pathogenicity of microbes and inhibit skin inflammation
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 