Omega-3 fatty acids are important for a number of functions in the body. These functions include: Relaxation and contraction of muscles Blood clotting Digestion Fertility Cell division Growth Movement of calcium and other substances in and out of cells Sources Available in dietary supplement form, omega-3s are found naturally in certain foods. Oily fish, such…
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Guar gum is a type of fiber extracted from guar beans (a plant mainly found in India and Pakistan). Used as an ingredient in certain foods, guar gum is also available in dietary supplement form. Uses In alternative medicine, guar gum is often used as a laxative. In addition, guar gum is touted as a…
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Vitamin K is a nutrient that plays a key role in blood clotting. Found naturally in leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach, vitamin K is also sold in supplement form as well as topical creams. Vitamin K is actually a group of compounds, the most important of which are vitamin K1 (phytonadione) and vitamin…
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Cortisol blockers are drugs and supplements that are designed to lower your cortisol level. They have a medical use in treating hormonal disorders such as Cushing’s syndrome. Cortisol blocker supplements are marketed as a training aid, weight loss, and stress relief remedy. This has resulted in Federal Trade Commission and USDA charges of unsubstantiated medical claims…
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Cha de bugre is a substance often touted as a natural weight loss aid. Also known as “cafe do mato,” cha de bugre is the fruit of the Cordia salicifolia tree (a plant that grows in tropical forests throughout South America). Often roasted and consumed in tea form, cha de bugre is also available as…
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Herbal medicine has grown in popularity as many people look for more natural solutions. Herbs are even finding their way into more and more foods and beverages. While many can have beneficial effects, there are safety considerations that need to be kept in mind. Perhaps because herbs are natural, or because they are not regulated…
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Beta-carotene is a compound found naturally in a number of foods and available in dietary supplement form. It’s classified as a carotenoid, which is a type of pigment that helps give many fruits and vegetables their color. It’s said that increasing your intake of beta-carotene can protect against a host of health issues, particularly those…
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Vitamin K2 is a member of the vitamin K family, a class of nutrients involved in blood clotting and maintaining bone health. Found naturally in chicken, cheeses, butter, egg yolks, and natto (a type of fermented soybean), vitamin K2 is also synthesized by bacteria. In addition, many people take vitamin K2 in supplement form. Vitamin…
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Forskolin is a natural substance extracted from the root of the Indian coleus plant (Coleus forskohlii), a herb related to mint. The plant is native to India, Nepal, and parts of Southeast Asia and has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and folk medicines. Forskolin is known to activate adenylate cyclase class III (AC-III), an enzyme involved in…
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You may know of saffron as the spice used to flavor dishes like bouillabaisse and paella, but saffron extract has a long and varied history in herbal medicine spanning over 2,500 years. According to a review study from 2014, it’s been used in various countries to treat skin disease, respiratory issues, poor vision, pain, mental…
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Turmeric is perhaps the most legitimate of the so-called superfoods. It has been extensively studied and researched; and, unlike Noni Juice or Goji Berries, turmeric has been around for centuries and doesn’t have a marketing campaign behind it. Basically, turmeric is just a spice that researchers are studying and discovering the health benefits in it…
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Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) is a plant that produces large, edible seeds rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, protein, and other substances such as vitamin E and beta-sitosterol. Native to Peru, sacha inchi is also known as sacha peanut, jungle peanut, or Inca peanut. Sacha inchi oil has a similar fatty acid composition to flaxseed oil.…
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