It’s not difficult to find research exposing the many health benefits of avocados. Studies show that these pear-shaped fruits, which are native to Mexico and Central America, are packed with essential nutrients that can aid weight loss, boost vision, and guard us from cancer. Moreover, avocados are rich in antiestrogenic sterols, such as beta-sisterol, that can increase testosterone levels in men and progesterone levels in women. However, a new study published in the January 2015…
Olive oil, which is obtained by pressing the fruits of the olive tree, is considered to be one of the most nutritious oils in the world. According to Hippocrates, it could heal a large number of serious ailments, including mental illness. The ancient Greeks and Romans generously poured olive oil over their food, cherishing it for its pleasant taste and medicinal qualities. Even in the contemporary Western world, where fats have been demonized for decades,…
Manganese is a trace mineral that is present in only small amounts in our bodies. It is considered an essential nutrient and is responsible for a large number of biological roles, including proper enzyme functioning, wound healing, nutrient absorption, and bone development. Manganese is also a component of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), which helps fight cell-damaging free radicals. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, up to 37 percent of the American…
Since the beginning of recorded history, apple cider vinegar has been used as an effective medicine to remedy a wide variety of ailments. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, for instance, was known to treat his patients with apple cider vinegar and honey for serious digestive conditions. Christopher Columbus would store barrels of apple cider vinegar aboard his vessels to guard his sailors from scurvy. Even the feared samurai warriors of Japan often relied upon apple…
One of the easiest and healthiest ways for us to stay warm during the coldest times of the year is to eat more so-called “warming” foods. Warming foods, which ancient Chinese medicine referred to as “yang” foods, are foods that contain one or more active compounds that help raise our core temperature – often by boosting blood circulation or removing excess water from our tissues. Seeds, nuts, oats, garlic, and onions are classic examples of traditional…
