Yerba mate is a caffeine-laden beverage from South America that is brewed from the leaves of the yerba mate bush. Yerba mate tea, also simply called mate, is now a popular drink in other parts of the world, including the United States. Not only is...
Cinnamon has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for memory problems, anxiety and depression among other conditions. According to scientific findings, there a several potential reasons to consider taking cinnamon capsules with regard to...
According to MedlinePlus, astragalus is a Chinese herbal supplement commonly used to treat common colds, other respiratory diseases, heart disease and hepatitis. Astragalus functions in part through its ability to enhance immune system activity....
Many types of algae are not only edible, but they may also provide health benefits. Scientific studies show that compounds in algae have improved certain health conditions. Consult with your doctor before trying to prevent, treat or cure any...
Lycopene is a carotenoid found in foods such as tomatoes, tomato products, watermelon, pink grapefruit and guava. It has potent antioxidant properties responsible for a laundry list of health benefits, from improving heart health to reducing the...
Apricot and peach pits contain a cyanogenic substance called amygdalin, better known as vitamin B-17, which is used as an alternative cancer treatment. The U.S Food and Drug Administration has not approved B-17 for clinical use. According to the...
Olives are the fruit product of the olive tree. Black olives are simply olives that are allowed to fully ripen on the tree before harvesting. Green olives are the unripened fruit of the olive tree. According to Food Scout, the black olive is...
Turmeric is a spice that has been traditionally used in both Chinese and Indian systems to treat a wide range of ailments, from digestive problems to wounds. The main compound in turmeric is curcumin, which possesses antioxidant and...
Fucoidan is a polysaccharide that is found in many forms of brown algae. It has also been found in the sea cucumber. Fucoidan is marketed as a dietary supplement due to its high concentration of antioxidants. A study published in April 2007 in...
Chili peppers contain a plant compound known as capsaicin, which is the source of the fiery effects associated with this spice. Capsaicin has a long history of therapeutic application in traditional medicine. Recent research also suggests that...
While colon cancer is a serious condition that requires a multi-faceted treatment approach, herbs may help with the treatment of this disease. Certain herbs have been identified in the scientific research to have a beneficial effect on colon...
Tart cherry, which is also commonly referred to as sour cherry, is a popular fruit that is also available as a nutritional supplement. It contains many antioxidants, which helps the body fight against strokes, heart disease and cancer. Tart cherry...
Tart cherries contain anthocyanins, powerful antioxidant compounds that give the cherries their deep red color and can relieve inflammation. These bioactive phytochemicals can reduce muscle pain, lower uric acid in the blood, help prevent colon...
Edible algae, also known as sea vegetables, are rich in minerals, vitamins and other health-boosting nutrients. They have been a part of traditional Asian cuisine for centuries, but have been introduced in Western diets only recently. Algae grow...
Including brown algae in your diet can benefit your health, as these sea vegetables are a good source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Brown algae grow in various parts of the world and range from microscopic to several meters in length....
The Chinese medicinal herb Angelica sinensis, also known as dong quai or tang kuei, is one of the most commonly prescribed herbs in Asia. Sometimes called the "female ginseng," this herb has long been used in the treatment of gynecological...
Grape seed extract is a rich source of plant chemicals that may protect health in a number of ways. Some studies have shown that it may help protect against cancer. However, consult with your doctor before trying to prevent or treat cancer with...
Cancer is a group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, invading healthy tissues and spreading to distant locations by traveling in the lymph or blood. There are more than 100 different types of cancer, identified by the organ...
Black rice was known in ancient China as "forbidden rice" because no one but the emperor was allowed to eat it. This form of rice turns color from dark black to dark purple when cooked. The dark purple color is due to the high concentration of...
Fenugreek, an herb that resembles clover, is often used as a constituent of curry spice. The leaves and sprouts of fenugreek are eaten fresh and the seeds are used for seasoning and in herbal medicine. Research has revealed supportive evidence for...
Sea kelp, a member of the brown algae species, is found on rocky coasts around the world. In many coastal regions, such as Indonesia, Hawaii, and China, it is gathered and eaten for its taste and nutritive value. In addition, the food industry...
Curcumin is the active compound in the spice turmeric, a common ingredient in curry and the subject of considerable research for its health effects. Curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, and some studies have revealed information...
Cabbage, a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables, contains a variety of compounds that inhibit or prevent certain forms of cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Selenium- and sulfur-containing compounds in these...
Sea kelp is a table vegetable, an industrial product, a popular nutritional supplement and may also be an anti-cancer agent. Sea kelp, or laminiaria, is a traditional sea vegetable eaten in Asian countries and commercially farmed in Japan, Korea,...
Cervical cancer, which initiates in the cervix, is the third most common type of cancer in women. The development of cervical cancer may be slow and can be detected by a pap smear. The National Institutes of Health reports that almost all cervical...
Sarsaparilla is a vine with prickly stems and reddish-brown roots that grows naturally in warm climates. Smilax regelii, also known as Smilax officinalis, is the most commonly used species of sarsaparilla for commercial purposes, according to...
Bladderwrack seaweed, known scientifically as Fucus vesiculosus, is found on northern shorelines of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as the Baltic and North sea. A brown seaweed, bladderwrack should not be confused with kelp, as it is a...
Saw palmetto, also known as the American dwarf palm tree or cabbage palm, is a small palm tree native to the United States. Diosgenin comes from the roots of the wild yam. It is a phytoestrogen and can be chemically converted into the hormone...
Citrus aurantium is a citrus fruit also known as a Seville orange or sour orange. Although the fruit originated in southeastern Asia, it grows today in numerous subtropical areas around the world. Herbalists have long valued the essential oil,...
