A soap molecule is a hydrocarbon with a carboxyl group (COO-) on one end. The carboxyl group consists of a carbon atom attached to an oxygen atom with a double bond. The carbon atom is attached to the other oxygen atom with a single bond. This...
Depression is a serious mental health condition characterized by prolonged feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety and loss of interest in everyday life. If you have depression, your doctor will likely prescribe antidepressant drugs, psychotherapy,...
Long a staple of Indian and Asian food and medicines, turmeric is now the focus of attention by Western scientists for its potential disease prevention effects. The yellow powder made from the dried stems of the turmeric bush are loaded with...
Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest tree species, the leaves of which produce a variety of therapeutic effects. Ginkgo leaves contain a host of biologically active compounds, including bilobalide and ginkgolides, which may help to improve cerebral...
It is natural to feel low from time to time, but if you feel sad, angry and tired most or all the time you may be suffering from depression. A serious mood disorder, depression affects 18 million Americans every year, according to the University...
Everyone feels sad from time to time, but if you are constantly feeling angry, frustrated and your mood is permanently low, then you may be suffering from depression. A common mood disorder, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that it...
The emu is a large, flightless bird endemic to Australia; its body fat is the ultimate source of emu oil. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) notes that, until the 1990s, emu farming was illegal in the emu's homeland of Australia....
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble group of lipophilic, hydrophobic vitamins found in various foods. An adequate amount of vitamin K needs to be consumed to maintain body functions and basic life processes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is...
Muscle fatigue occurs when the muscles in your body are unable to exert normal force. In cases of dieting and exercise, the muscles need time to rest between workouts and will grow stronger if a regimen is kept up accurately. Consulting your...
Essential oils are substances that are highly aromatic, with a complex chemical structure. Essential oils are plant-based and found in the stems, bark, leaves and flowers of 10 percent of all plants. These oils can affect people physically,...
Antioxidants are compounds found in food that help to prevent damage from free radicals. Free radicals are damaged molecules that are believed to contribute to aging and degenerative diseases. Important antioxidants that have been identified...
Tumeric is a spice used in curry and other dishes. It is a perennial plant belonging to the same family as ginger. Scientific studies show that turmeric tablets may provide a variety of health benefits. However, consult with your doctor before...
Billions of dollars are spent each year by women all over the globe on moisturizing products, creams, lotions and serums in an all-out effort to counteract dehydration of the skin, especially the delicate facial skin. On the other hand, many of...
There is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease, the progressive brain disorder that afflicted 5.4 million people in 2011, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Researchers continue to study potential treatments and preventatives for the...
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your skin, a change in diet may make a difference. Without consuming adequate amounts of certain vitamins and minerals, your skin may become dry and dull looking. Fruits are nutrient dense foods and...
You don't actually require vitamin D in your diet, because your body can synthesize it with the aid of a little sunshine. The active form is 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, a highly lipophilic or fat-soluble molecule that gets around in the blood...
Black cohosh is a popular herbal supplement for symptoms of menopause and menstruation. Unfortunately, little medical research exists to confirm the plant's ability to alleviate pain and regulate these occurrences. Always consult a physician...
Known as the classic Idaho potato, russet potatoes feature a high starch content and brown skin. It makes a good choice for mashed potatoes and baked potatoes due to its dry flesh. You can find russet potatoes in most any grocery store. They are a...
Akathisia is a common movement disorder characterized by a feeling of inner restlessness and a compelling need to be in constant motion. It is a disorder of the dopamine system in the basal ganglia of the cerebrum. People with alcohol abuse...
Alternative and home treatments have shown a modicum of success in helping with sweat and its problems. While excessive sweating may require more drastic methods, certain lifestyle changes can give relief to those with mild sweating problems....
Vitamins are essential for keeping the inside of your body healthy and strong, but more and more evidence suggest that some vitamins are also good for your appearance, reducing wrinkles and rejuvenating your skin. Whether you are ingesting these...
Fluoride is derived from fluorine, an element with unique properties that are ideal for synthesizing drugs. Fluorine is the most electronegative element and can substitute for hydrogen in medicinal compounds, making the compound stronger and more...
Capsaicin, an odorless compound related to cinnamon, clove and vanilla, is found in most peppers and gives many hot, spicy foods their zing. A solution of just 10 parts capsaicin per million sends pain signals to the brain, which the tongue...
Depression is a serious mental illness characterized by long-term feelings of sadness and hopelessness. According to the U.K. National Health Service's website, NHS Choices, around 10 percent of people will experience depression at some point in...
People often crave fat-filled foods such as potato chips, corn chips and other snacks that combine salt, sugar and fat. Olestra, a calorie-free fat substitute created by Proctor and Gamble, allows you to eat what the company calls "savory snacks"...
If you follow health and nutrition news, you've likely heard about the benefits of antioxidants, compounds in natural foods that can guard against damage caused by free radicals in the body. According to MayoClinic.com, antioxidant-rich foods can...
Saw palmetto, also called shrub palmetto, is a small palm native to southern California and the southeastern United States. Several Native American tribes used the berries of this plant to treat respiratory disorders. Today, saw palmetto extract...
Mulberry tea is a caffeine-free drink produced from the dried leaves of the mulberry tree. Mulberry tea has been used in Asia for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments and is currently used to reduce cholesterol, balance blood sugar...
When making soup, you use several types of ingredients that may not completely stick together. Emulsifying simply means combining two ingredients that do not normally mix well, such as oil and water. There are several emulsifying steps you need to...
