Flax, also called linseed, is a flowering plant native to the temperate and subtropical regions of the world. It is one of mankind’s oldest cultivated crops, and its bast fibers are commonly used to produce the soft and natural textile linen, from which a large number of environmentally-friendly garments are made. The seeds of the plant, though usually processed to make linseed oil, are also nutritious foods in their own right and contain many health…
Walnuts are the large, single-seeded fruits of the walnut tree. Though different species of walnut exist, the English walnut, which originated in Persia, remains the most popular species. In fact, virtually all of today’s commercially-produced walnuts are either English walnuts or hybrids thereof. Other species of walnut, such as the black walnut, are seldom cultivated due to their comparatively tough shells and poor hulling qualities. Walnuts are highly nutritious, and their health benefits have been…
People have long believed that cognitive decline is an inherent and inevitable symptom of aging. In reality, however, most age-related mental conditions – from minor irritations like forgetfulness to serious neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia – are the product of toxic environments, unhealthy lifestyles, and poor nutrition. For this reason, there are many things that individuals of all ages can do to prevent age-related cognitive decline, including getting enough sleep and exercise, and optimizing…
Chia is a species of flowering plant that bears oval-shaped, multicolored seeds. These seeds, which have a neutral taste and crunchy texture, have been cultivated for centuries as a survival food in their native Mexico and Guatemala. Chia seeds had only just begun to enjoy recognition in the United States, however, when the eccentric Californian gadget company, Joseph Enterprises, began to market them in the 1980s as “Chia Pets,” which are terracotta figurines that sprouted…
Sunflower seeds are the fruits of the beautiful sunflower plant, which is native to North America and is characterized by its impressive height and light yellow petals. These seeds possess a firm texture and a mildly nutty taste, and were a significant source of food for the American Indians. Sunflower seeds remain a popular food in contemporary America, too, although they’re more likely to be consumed raw as a snack than incorporated into cooked meals….
