In “Clinical Nutrition Insights,” Joseph L. Mayo, MD, writes that chasteberry contains numerous compounds that help to balance and normalize the female reproductive system. Chasteberry appears to indirectly affect two hormones: progesterone, important for ovulation, menstruation and fertility, and prolactin,…
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Overview The human body is made up of many types of cells that are each uniquely suited to their jobs. One such type of cell is the fat cell, a.k.a. adipocyte. Obesity is defined as excessive fat tissue in the…
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The waistline can be a problem area for many men when it comes to weight gain, and is the reason there are many diets on the market for men that target the love-handle area. Diets that promote quick fat-loss in…
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A healthy immune system serves as a protective network that helps the body combat viruses, infections and disease. Numerous factors affect a person’s immune system, including lifestyle habits, age, stress and genetics. A nutrient-rich dietary lifestyle can help strengthen the…
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Overview The castor plant, or ricinus communis, is a green leafy species native to east Africa. Today, this plant can be found in many different parts of the world, including large areas of the southern U.S. The castor plant is…
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A weak bladder can be uncomfortable and inconvenient for those who suffer from it. When prescription drugs are not an option due to budgetary constraints or allergy restrictions, natural herbs serve as soothing substitutes. There are various vitamins, supplements and…
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Saw palmetto is widely suggested as a treatment for reducing hair loss due to male pattern balding, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, the NIH warns that scientific evidence for such use is “unclear.” You may also experience…
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The benefits of water exercise are as numerous as the fish in the sea. Commonly touted benefits include increased cardiovascular capacity and increased strength, but there are a number of other benefits that aren’t as well known, many of which…
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Like most people, you surely have suffered from the anguish of a headache at some point in your life. Some headaches are rather mild, and they serve more as a hindrance than anything else. However, other headaches can be excruciatingly…
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Carbohydrates are compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. They are one of the three central components of the human diet, along with fat and protein. Enzymes in your digestive system break carbohydrates down into blood sugar, or glucose,…
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The acai tree is a common palm native to Central and South America, where the juice of its red-purple fruit is consumed widely as a beverage. The fruit comprises one of the main food sources of certain native tribes in…
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Camellia sinensis is the botanical name for green tea, a common additive in herbal supplements and a popular beverage touted for its purported anti-carcinogenic effects. Side effects from normal amounts of Camellia sinensis are generally mild, but more serious complications…
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Overview If you do not eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, you may miss out on an abundance of nutrients that promote health and prevent disease. Phytonutrients, found in plant foods, supply your body with…
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Bee pollen has earned a reputation as a natural health food that can be safely eaten to ease arthritis symptoms, aid in weight loss, improve athletic ability, reverse aging, cure sexual dysfunction and increase energy levels. According to Quackwatch, a…
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Capsicum annuum, more commonly known as cayenne pepper, is a food used to spice up many styles of cooking. People also have been consuming cayenne pepper as an herbal remedy for thousands of years, according to the University of Maryland…
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Overview Caffeine can be found in many products such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks and even some sweets and over-the-counter medications. Caffeine is a bitter substance that stimulates the central nervous system, giving a boost of energy and…
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The organic compounds known as vitamins are found in various foods and help your body function properly. All vitamins play a role in the overall health of your body, but several specific vitamins play a crucial role in energy production…
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Tea is the second-most popular beverage in the world after water, but scientific research is beginning to show that it’s not just good for drinking. Green tea, an unfermented form of the leaf, is particularly promising for its health benefits,…
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Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and weight loss. Traditional treatments for Crohn’s include medication, stress reduction, smoking cessation, exercise, dietary precautions and,…
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Banaba, known scientifically as Lagerstroemia, is a flowering tree that is native to the Philippines and India, where it has been used for thousands of years as a treatment for digestive problems, kidney inflammation and diabetes. The Medical Health Guide…
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Vitamins are essential nutrients which are necessary for the health and proper functioning of the human body. Because they cannot be synthesized by the body, vitamins must be obtained through the diet. One of the many aspects of health that…
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If you are looking for an alternative means to treat minor health ailments or disorders, such as insomnia or fatigue, goji berry extract (commonly referred to as goji juice and derived from a plant by the same name) can be…
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Eighty-five percent of Americans get their drinking water from community water systems, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Such systems treat the water through various methods before sending it down the line to consumers. But some people filter their own…
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Hoodia gordonii, a succulent plant that grows wild across South Africa, has been used medicinally by native Africans for centuries as a remedy for intestinal problems and for treating infections. San Bushmen also use hoodia as a stimulant and appetite…
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Turmeric, known scientifically as Curcuma longa, is an herb that has been in use for thousands of years. In cuisine, it is often used to give Indian curry its flavor and color, and in traditional herbal medicine it has been…
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Overview Fructose corn syrup and sugar both contain the simple sugars of fructose and glucose. According to most manufacturers, there is no difference between the two. Fructose corn syrup is less expensive to use than sugar and extends the shelf-life…
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Located in the neck below the throat, the thyroid is a gland that helps the body convert oxygen and calories into energy and regulate its metabolism. Like other glands in the body, it can experience delays or accelerated function. Two…
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Eugenia aromatica, more commonly known as clove, is added in small amounts to foods for flavoring, gum and tobacco in cigarettes. Clove oil, technically called eugenol, has anti-inflammatory, pain relieving and antibacterial effects, as noted by the National Institutes of…
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Nutrient rich, thick and milky—royal jelly is literally the food of royalty. Worker honeybees secrete this substance to feed the hive’s queen and larval bees. Historically utilized as a life-extending substance, royal jelly is now consumed as a health supplement…
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Overview Many dieters dream of one day having flat abdominal muscles–a goal that’s certainly no easy feat. A flat stomach can make a person not only look great but also be in better overall health. A healthy diet should include…
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