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…
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…
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…
It is estimated that up to 40 percent of the United States population suffers from gluten intolerance, and that number doesn’t appear to be shrinking. For this unfortunate minority, consuming foods that contain this notorious protein composite, such as wheat, rye, and barley, can lead to countless health issues ranging from bloating and fatigue to constipation and gastrointestinal distress. For the much smaller minority that suffer from the more serious autoimmune disorder, celiac disease, health…
It would be difficult to find a household in the United States that does not contain at least one bottle of vinegar. Indeed, this strong-tasting liquid, which comes in many varieties but is primarily made from acetic acid and water, has been considered an essential ingredient in food preparation for centuries. Aside from being a condiment, it was used to pickle vegetables, make vinaigrette and other salad dressings, and flavor sauces such as ketchup, mustard,…