Tannic acid, or tannin, is a bitter tasting substance called polyphenol that is derived from plants. This compound acts as an astringent when consumed or applied topically, which means it shrinks or constricts the body tissues. Tannic acid is the...
Tannic acid is a naturally occurring substance and is not usually harmful to human health in and of itself. In fact, it is frequently used as an approved additive in a variety of foods and beverages. However, you should be careful about drinking...
Phytic and tannic acids are products of plants meant to deter infestation of microorganisms and excessive grazing from non-ruminant animals. Both acids are consumed by people mainly via nuts, seeds and fruits. Both acids have been called...
Para cress, also spelled paracress, is a plant that belongs to the Asteraceae – or daisy – family. Para cress originates from South America. In its native Brazil, para cress is used as a spice in cuisine. Maintaining both astringent...
Anemia is a disorder characterized by low oxygen levels in the blood. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, and paleness. One cause of anemia is iron deficiency. Iron is necessary for oxygen to bind to hemoglobin, the active component of...
Although relatively new in the Western world, banaba leaf has been used as a folk remedy to treat diabetes in the Philippines for a number of years. Growing primarily in China and the Philippines, banaba leaf has most recently gained attention in...
Puffy eyes can be a normal part of the aging process or it might occur after you cry, from lack of sleep, or from medical incidences, such as when you retain fluids in your body during menstruation or pregnancy. Home remedies are available to help...
Excessive perspiration in the feet can cause them to smell. Our feet have more than 250,000 sweat glands and can easily produce 1/2 cup of sweat daily. You won't see that much sweat on your feet, and it's absorbed throughout the day. This amount...
Excess swelling or inflammation around the eyes occurs naturally as you age. The bags occur when fat or fluid migrates into the spaces in your lower eyelid area, according to MayoClinic.com. Combating the cosmetic concern is a problem for both men...
Feet spend their days carrying us from place to place, yet they seldom see their destinations, trapped as they are inside socks, hosiery and various types of shoes. When you combine the warm, dark, moist environment of a shoe with the foot's sweat...
You can eat shelled almonds without soaking them, but many people allow them to rest in a bowl of water overnight to enhance the flavor. Some even believe soaking almonds makes them easier to digest. For example, soaking almonds might leach enzyme...
A sty is a red and painful lump on the edge of the eyelid that can resemble a pimple. Usually these are infections, filled with pus. In most cases they are on the outside of the lid, but can sometimes form on the inner part of the eye lid....
Tooth discoloration -- what some call "coffee smile" -- is one of the less savory consequences of drinking coffee. Regular coffee intake can have a deleterious effect on teeth; over time, teeth will become stained, even in spite of regular...
Black tea is a popular caffeinated beverage that may be enjoyed hot or cold. It is safe for most adults, provided that it is consumed in moderate amounts to avoid the side effects of excessive caffeine intake. However, people with iron deficiency...
The body needs iron for the production of hemoglobin -- the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Without sufficient iron intake, the level of hemoglobin drops, leading to a decrease in the number of functioning red blood cells and a...
The mighty oak figures significantly in Native American and colonial history. The acorns of the white oak supplied flour to make breads and puddings, while the wood provided housing and furniture. Even the galls of the tree proved helpful by...
Your smile is one of the first features others may notice about you -- and what you eat and drink can affect the appearance of your teeth. A poor diet that is low in nutrients and high in sugar can erode your teeth, as well as lead to...
Roasted coffee contains three essential groups of acids: aliphatic acid, chlorogenic acid and phenolic and alicyclic acids. Coffee also contains the inorganic acid, phosphoric acid. The specific types and concentrations of these various acids vary...
Food acids are the only edible acids, and add to the sharpness of taste in a food, such as citric acid in an orange. That's why these acids often are used as additives. Ironically, some foods that contain natural acids become alkaline when...
The B.R.A.T. diet is a mnemonic acronym for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. These specific foods are binding, and their purpose is to prevent or treat diarrhea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal problems. Whereas some physicians hold to...
Rooibos, or redbush tea, made from the dried, fermented leaves of a South African plant, was one of few indigenous foods that 19th century European colonists adopted, according to Will Sellick, author of "The Imperial African Cookery Book." Tea...
Razor bumps, also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, occur when shaved hair regrows, curls around and grows back into the skin. According to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System, razor bumps appear most frequently in African...
Your feet can produce up to 8 oz. of sweat in a single day due to their more than 250,000 sweat glands, according to Yoga Journal. When sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin, it can cause an unpleasant odor. In some cases, foot odor can be a...
Liquid green tea extract is made from green tea leaves or leaf buds, and it can also be found in a powder or capsule form. The extract can be taken as packaged or made into a tea. Although green tea extract has many benefits, it is important to...
Foot odor occurs when you sweat excessively. This can be the result of genetics, skin conditions or even anxiety. The added moisture that comes along with the sweat is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast that can cause a bad smell....
A sty is an abscess that appears on your eyelid, near the growth line of your eyelashes. A staph infection causes the sty to appear and typically can spread to cause multiple abscesses. Signs and symptoms of an abscess include swelling, redness...
Dust mites are typically found in beds and your mattress may have anywhere from 10,000 to 10 million mites inside of it, according to the Environment, Health and Safety Online website. Although in most people dust mites may not pose a problem,...
Dry eyelids can have many causes, including allergies and or overuse of makeup and facial cleansers. Dry eyelids may also be caused by blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelid, according to University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. See...
Smelly feet are an embarrassing problem, but you can reduce the odor they produce. Your feet have more sweat glands than any other part of your body except your hands. Both have about 3,000 glands per square inch, according to the Fox Mill Foot...
