According to the American Nutrition Association, over 70 million people across the United States regularly suffer from heartburn, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal pain, bloating and other gastrointestinal problems. Many of these problems are linked to food sensitivities (especially gluten and dairy), consumption of processed foods, and gut flora imbalances, while others are often simply the result of eating too quickly. Regardless of their cause, gastrointestinal problems are almost always uncomfortable to endure, and…
The seeds of the mustard plant have enjoyed a close connection with human civilizations since time immemorial. The Ancient Greeks and Romans would regularly use them for cooking, and they have been a staple in Indian cuisine for centuries. These robust, spicy-smelling seeds were even mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible in the “Parable of the Mustard Seed,” in which Jesus emphasized that the Kingdom of Heaven could grow from humble beginnings. The…
Let’s face it: the word “superfood” has become overused. This title, which was originally intended for foods whose nutritional value considerably exceeded that of the average fruit or vegetable, seems to be attached to almost any natural food these days. Mainstream health magazines are particularly guilty of this abuse, often preferring to use “superfood” as a marketing term rather than an objective declaration of nutritiousness. That said, there are a small number of foods that…
Sweet potatoes are the tuberous roots of the sweet potato vine, which thrives in the warmest regions of the world. They are characterized by the vivid colors of their flesh, which range from deep orange to light purple, and tend to be longer and thinner than regular white potatoes (to which they’re distantly related). Moreover, sweet potatoes are not the same as yams, despite their close physical resemblances. Sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest…
Aloe vera (“true aloe”) is the best-known species of the aloe genus, which is native to Africa and certain parts of the Middle East. Renowned for its medicinal properties, aloe vera has been utilized for thousands of years to treat numerous medical conditions ranging from skin irritations and herpes to constipation and diabetes. Indeed, this succulent and mucilaginous plant was one of the most frequently prescribed medicines throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. For the…