Researchers at the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine investigated the antiviral activities of the bioactive components of Aloe vera. They reported their findings in an article published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. Previous studies have found that the ethanolic extract of Aloe vera (AVE) has significant anti-influenza activity, but the mechanisms underlying this activity and the constituents responsible for … Continue reading Components of aloe vera extracts show antiviral activity against influenza A
Lower Type 2 diabetes risk by following a plant-based diet and eating less meat
A review published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that plant-based diets can help lower a person’s risk of Type 2 diabetes by as much as 23 percent. This result was associated not only with vegetarian and vegan diets, but also with more lenient eating patterns that allow the consumption of small amounts of animal-based foods. According to the Centers for Disease Control … Continue reading Lower Type 2 diabetes risk by following a plant-based diet and eating less meat
Scientists explore the effects of certain phenolic compounds on sirtuins and hepatic inflammation
Resveratrol is a powerful natural compound that’s known for its heart benefits. Found abundantly in the skins and seeds of grapes, peanuts, cocoa and berries, resveratrol has cardioprotective, antiviral, neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, according to studies. Piceatannol is a natural derivative of resveratrol that’s also found in fruits and vegetables. Reports suggest that piceatannol has anti-cancer … Continue reading Scientists explore the effects of certain phenolic compounds on sirtuins and hepatic inflammation
Study: Vitamin C improves sepsis survival rates
A recent study published in the journal JAMA suggests that vitamin C may be beneficial for people with sepsis. Researchers examined the effect of vitamin C on organ failure, a common complication of sepsis that often leads to death. They found that it lowered mortality rates among patients with sepsis and reduced how long they stayed in the hospital. While more research is needed, … Continue reading Study: Vitamin C improves sepsis survival rates
Essential oils for the treatment of fungal diseases
Essential oils are known for their use in aromatherapy and massage therapy. When inhaled or applied topically, these natural products exert beneficial effects on mental health. Essential oils can also be used as remedies for common health problems, such as headache, constipation, sinus infections and skin infections. In fact, various essential oils are well-known for their antimicrobial properties. In … Continue reading Essential oils for the treatment of fungal diseases
Quench your thirst with a refreshing glass of cucumber water
Cucumber water is a popular detox drink infused with antioxidants and essential nutrients. Recent studies show that this health drink can confer several health benefits, from glowing skin to weight loss. If incorporated into a balanced diet, cucumber water helps to promote optimal health. It also takes no more than 15 minutes to make a … Continue reading Quench your thirst with a refreshing glass of cucumber water
Natural, soothing remedies: 4 Benefits of an Epsom salt foot bath
Epsom salt is a natural mineral compound known to relax the muscles and alleviate pain. It is named after a bitter saline spring at Epsom in Surrey, England. Practitioners of integrative medicine incorporate Epsom salt in their medicinal arsenal for its physical and mental benefits. That’s because Epsom salt helps stabilize mood and relieves stress … Continue reading Natural, soothing remedies: 4 Benefits of an Epsom salt foot bath
Celery is a crunchy superfood that reverses metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome refers to a group of risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases. This includes abdominal obesity, or having an apple-shaped body; elevated levels of triglyceride, or excess calories that increase the risk of heart disease; low high-density lipoprotein levels, better known as “good” cholesterol; having high blood pressure and high fasting blood sugar … Continue reading Celery is a crunchy superfood that reverses metabolic syndrome
Vitamin D supplementation can REDUCE cancer death risk by 16%, study shows
Vitamin D is best known for its role in bone formation. It helps the body absorb calcium and maintain phosphorus levels in the blood, both of which are vital to bone health. But latest research found that it also reduces the risk of dying from cancer. A recent review published in the British Medical Journal analyzed studies … Continue reading Vitamin D supplementation can REDUCE cancer death risk by 16%, study shows
Better than it smells: 5 Health benefits you can get from the durian fruit
When it comes to tropical fruits, the durian stands out, because of two reasons: its appearance and its smell. Visually, the durian (Durio zibethinus), endemic to Southeast Asia, looks like a large, thorn-covered football, with the fruit often reaching 1 foot in length. The fruit’s most noticeable characteristic, however, is its smell, which some have described … Continue reading Better than it smells: 5 Health benefits you can get from the durian fruit
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 