Nutrition

Published March 25, 2022

Propolis is a resin produced by bees. It is composed of beeswax, bee saliva, and plant and tree substances. Bees use it to plug the holes in the hive and keep out intruders. Additionally, propolis contains antibacterial properties, which may help protect bees from pathogens.

Propolis may provide some health benefits to the people, but additional large-scale research is needed. Sometimes referred to as “bee glue,” bees use it as a sealant. Historically, humans have applied it topically or taken it orally. It is, however, not suitable for everyone.

What Propolis Is Made Of

Propolis is composed of a variety of substances. Propolis has around 300 distinct compounds, according to scientists. The exact composition varies according to the beehive’s location.

Propolis is often composed of the following components:

• Resins from trees and plants: 50% 
• Beeswax: 30%
• Essential oils: 10%
• Pollen: 5%

Additionally, bee propolis contains polyphenols like flavonoids, which act as an antioxidant.

Bee Propolis Benefits

Modern research indicates that propolis benefits the following:

1. Oral Health

Propolis appears to help prevent the production of calcium phosphate, the primary component of dental plaque, according to a 2015 study.

Additionally, propolis is antibacterial, making it potentially beneficial as an additive in dental care products.

According to a small study included in the review, propolis greatly reduced the bacteria found in the saliva of persons suffering from periodontitis.

2. Minor Wound Healing

According to another 2015 study, propolis may aid with wound healing. Propolis was shown in an animal study on diabetic rats to assist the skin in growing new cells to repair itself.

Due to the fact that patients with diabetes may experience slower wound healing, this shows that propolis may be beneficial in promoting better skin healing. In addition, because propolis also destroys certain types of bacteria, it may aid in preventing infection.

Published March 18, 2022

When you’re feeling unwell, eating may be the last thing in your mind. In contrast, eating the right foods when you’re sick can offer far more than simply replenishing your energy.

What to Eat When Sick

Certain foods may assist you in feeling better, recovering more quickly, or maintaining proper hydration during your recovery. Experts answer the question of “what to eat when sick?” by making a list of proven food treatments aiming to treat symptoms, prevent sickness, and help in recovery.

1. Honey

Other than being a tasty treat while you’re sick, honey helps soothe an itchy throat and boosts your immune system. Other food or drinks high in sugar should be avoided as they can affect your immune system’s performance.

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are packed with anthocyanin, a potent antioxidant that contributes to the blueberries’ vibrant blue or purple colors. All of their antioxidants also benefit the immune system and the health of your brain.

3. Dark Green Leafy Vegetables

Dark green leafy vegetables like arugula and kale are incredibly effective for your health because of their high nutrient content. In addition, they are helpful when you are sick, and your body is low in nutrients.

4. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are technically fungi, and while you may avoid them on a general basis, they are packed with antioxidants that work as a sports drink for your immune system. In addition, they contain potassium, vitamin B, and fiber, which can aid in the fight against a cold.

5. Vitamin D

While your body produces vitamin D when the sun shines on your skin, you’re probably not getting plenty of this important nutrient if you’re feeling sick or living in a cold climate. So make sure to take foods fortified with vitamin D.

6. Garlic

When eaten raw, garlic has the most antioxidants, but some people think this is a little off-putting. Instead, consider putting garlic into your diet while you’re sick or using supplements.

7. BRAT (Bananas + Rice + Applesauce + Toast)

Even though these foods aren’t flavorful, the high potassium content in bananas and the fiber in bread both aid to soothe an upset stomach and replenish electrolytes lost during expelling liquids.

8. Probiotic-Rich Dairy Products

With ten trillion bacteria that live in your intestines, it’s important to maintain a healthy supply of good bacteria. Consume foods rich in probiotics when you’re sick, especially if you’re suffering vomiting or diarrhea, which can deplete your supply.

9. Lean Meat

One of the key functions of protein in our bodies is to aid in the production of antibodies and the fight against infection.

10. Ginger

Ginger aids in preventing infection and in the process of recovery when you are sick. In addition, this ancient root is beneficial for a variety of problems ranging from nausea, constipation, and bloating.

11. Oyster

Oysters may help in reducing the duration of a cold. Its because they contain the largest amount of zinc of any food, which has been shown to help prevent the common cold.

Published November 3, 2022

As a popular home remedy, lemon water has been claimed to detox the body, improve digestion, and encourage weight loss. While only a few scientific research has been specifically conducted on lemon water, there is research on the benefits of both lemon and water separately.

Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water

Lemon water is nothing more than lemon juice and water; some people like to add ingredients like honey, mint leaf, lemon rind, or turmeric in their lemon water recipe.

Due to claims that lemon water can boost energy levels and metabolism, it has become one of the most go-to beverages in the morning.

Here are ways that lemon water benefits your body:

1. Promotes Hydration

Women should take at least 91 ounces of water daily, while men should take at least 125 ounces. This includes water acquired from food and beverages.

While water is the ideal hydration beverage, some people don’t enjoy it on its own. Lemon adds flavor to water, which may encourage you to drink more of it.

2. Help Prevent Kidney Stones

The citric acid that can be found in lemons may help avoid kidney stones. Citrate, a citric acid component, has the effect of decreasing the acidity of urine and may even dissolve small stones. Consuming lemon water provides you with citrate as well as the necessary water to help avoid or flush out stones.

3. Improves Skin Quality

Lemons contain vitamin C, which may help minimize wrinkles, dry skin associated with aging, and sun damage. Although it is unclear how water benefits the skin, one thing is clear. Lack of moisture causes your skin to become dry and vulnerable to wrinkles. Laboratory research found that a citrus-based beverage aided in preventing wrinkle growth in hairless mice.

4. Source of Vitamin C

Antioxidants found in lemons can protect cells from free radical damage. However, research on whether vitamin C can help prevent or shorten the duration of a common cold is inconsistent.

Vitamin C may help you avoid stroke or cardiovascular disease and may help you maintain a healthy blood pressure level.

While lemons do not rank among the highest vitamin C-containing citrus fruits, they still are a good source. Lemons provide around 18.6mg of vitamin C. Adults should consume between 65mg to 90mg daily.

Published January 28, 2022

Men seeking to increase their testosterone levels are becoming more fascinated by pine pollen. Typically used as a supplement, the powdery substance is composed of grains expelled from the male part of pine cones belonging to tree species such as Chinese red pine (Pinus massoniana) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris).

Commonly referred to as a “superfood” or “nutritional powerhouse,” pine pollen is considered an excellent source of numerous vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and amino acids. However, nothing is acknowledged about its nutritional content, and the data supporting any potential health benefits of pine pollen is lacking.

Is Pine Pollen Good For You?

Yes, it is. Pine pollen is filled with a variety of potent nutrients, including (but not limited to) the following:

• B Vitamins
• Calcium
• Carbohydrates
• Copper
• Fatty Acids
• Folic Acid
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Protein
• Selenium
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D3
• Vitamin E
• Zinc

10 Health Benefits of Pine Pollen

Ultimately, pine pollen superfoods are a convenient and quick way to offer your mind and body the nutrients they need to remain healthy. While overall health is critical, you are probably most interested in the unique pine pollen benefits for which it has become famous. 

1. Benefits For Men

Does pine pollen stimulate testosterone production? The simple answer to whether pine pollen enhances testosterone levels is yes.

Low testosterone levels are frequently associated with various health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and even heart disease. By building a healthy testosterone level in the body through the use of pine pollen powder, you might potentially reduce your risk of experiencing these health problems in the future.

Pine pollen is rich in phytoandrogens such as androstenedione, androsterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and adaptogenic compounds such as gibberellins and brassinosteroids. All of these factors work in unison to boost testosterone levels and maintain a healthy estrogen-to-testosterone ratio.

2. Benefits For Women

Men are not the only ones who can benefit from pine pollen. Pine pollen is also recommended to women, especially if they are experiencing elevated estrogen levels.

Pine pollen can help restore the female body’s hormonal balance, assisting in the correction of testosterone shortage and maintaining a healthy level of estrogen. This can result in enhanced libido and sexual drive, as well as greater strength and mental health.

3. Pine Pollen Benefits For Skin

Pine pollen is regarded as both a medicinal and a cosmetic supplement in China. It is frequently used to improve the appearance of the skin, strengthen the nails, and stimulate the development of healthy hair. Pine pollen is high in antioxidants and enhances the skin by delaying the effects of aging. 

Additionally, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is beneficial in the treatment of a variety of skin disorders, including eczema, acne, impetigo, and diaper rash.

4. Antioxidant Benefits

We are all aware that free radicals are detrimental to the body. They cause cellular damage and may contribute to the development of cancer and other diseases affecting vital organs like the liver, heart, and brain.

Raw pine pollen powder is high in polyphenols, glutathione, flavonoids, resveratrol, and superoxide dismutase. These compounds contribute to the body’s optimal PH levels and assist the liver in eliminating harmful toxins and contaminants.

5. Anti-inflammatory Benefits

Pine pollen extract possesses outstanding anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial in the treatment of chronic inflammatory illnesses such as arthritis.

One study assessed the impact of pine pollen on mice with rheumatoid arthritis. The results indicated that after 49 days of pine pollen treatment, the symptoms of Arthritis had improved. Additionally, inflammation was markedly diminished.

However, you do not have to suffer from a chronic ailment to benefit from pine pollen. The ability of pine pollen to promote rapid growth, regeneration, and healing in humans makes perfect sense when one considers its origins. It is tree pollen — a type of seed — which, like other seeds, carries necessary nutrients for development, regeneration, and healing. Without these nutrients, pine trees would not be able to reach such heights or survive hundreds of years.

6. Benefits for Weight Loss

Individuals wishing to maintain a healthy weight are advised to use pine pollen powder. Increased DHEA levels stimulate the metabolism, causing the body to burn calories more quickly and efficiently.

Slow metabolism is frequently associated with advanced age, although a low-calorie diet can also cause it.

In either case, if you’re eating well and exercising regularly but still struggle to maintain a healthy weight, pine pollen may be exactly what you need to boost your metabolism. The superfood will aid in your pursuit of a healthy weight loss goal.

Published January 10, 2022

This flavorful, fragrant vegetable contributes more than just flavor to your spaghetti sauce. Garlic is an excellent source of beneficial vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, selenium, and other antioxidants such as allicin. Garlic’s health benefits have been acknowledged for years, ever since Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician, suggested it treat a variety of ailments. Now, modern medicine is beginning to recognize garlic’s medicinal qualities. According to a study, garlic consumption may help to relax blood arteries and enhance blood flow. Therefore, gather the freshest garlic cloves you can locate and incorporate them into your regular diet to get these garlic benefits for women’s health.

Garlic Benefits for Women

Garlic is loaded with health benefits for women, and a number of other plants and herbs are still used medicinally to treat a variety of diseases. Let’s look into some of the garlic benefits for women’s health:

1. Weight Loss

Garlic has been demonstrated to help the body burn fat and maintain a healthy weight. Garlic’s anti-inflammatory effects contribute to the body’s fat loss. To get garlic’s nutritious benefits, incorporate it into your daily cooking.

2. Cold Prevention

Garlic is an excellent source of antioxidants, and frequent consumption can help boost your immune system and protect you from colds.

When you’re feeling under the weather, blanch garlic for several minutes in boiling water, filter, and drink. A bit of honey or ginger can be added to enhance the flavor.

3. Hair Loss Prevention

Garlic includes an active ingredient called allicin, which has been demonstrated to be effective in treating and preventing hair loss. To reap this advantage, either put cut garlic cloves on your head or combine garlic and oil and massage it into your scalp.

4. Ear Infection Treatment

Garlic’s antibacterial properties, particularly allicin, have enabled it to be used to treat ear infections and a variety of other conditions. Simply insert a little piece of garlic into the outer ear and remove after a few minutes.

Published Nov 16, 2021

Cold sores, commonly known as herpes labialis or fever blisters, are painful red blisters that appear somewhere on or around the mouth. The herpes simplex virus, generally known as HSV1, causes this infection. The HSV1 virus is frequently mixed up with the HSV2 virus. Take note that cold sores are caused by the HSV1 virus, while genital sores are caused by the HSV2 virus. 

Symptoms of cold sores can affect the mouth and skin: 

• burning sensation or tingling on or around the lip
• blisters 
• skin rashes 
• burning sensation

There are a variety of antiviral and anti-inflammatory prescription medications, but there are also several natural holistic alternatives, like vanilla extract for cold sores.

Vanilla Extract: Cold Sores Treatment

Vanilla provides a lot of flavor to foods and it smells fantastic, but it also has anti-infection properties that help speed up the healing of the viral infection that causes cold sores.

Because vanilla extract is a natural anti-inflammatory, it helps to relieve the discomfort of cold sores. Make sure, however, that you’re not using any artificial vanilla, as it won’t work.

Put a few drops of 100% pure vanilla extract onto a cotton swab or a square of sterile gauze. Apply it directly to the cold sore and thoroughly coat it. This can be done every six hours.

Published Sept 3, 2021

Raw garlic imparts a flavorful, savory bite to every recipe in which it is used, although some people dislike the intense flavor. Roasting garlic in the oven enhances its flavor and softens its rough edges. Along with its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor, roasted garlic contains a high concentration of antioxidants and vitamin C, making it as healthful as delectable. In this article, you will learn roasted garlic benefits that you may take advantage of.

Garlic Facts

Garlic is a member of the lily family, yet it is occasionally referred to as “the stinking rose.” It has been used medicinally for thousands of years, and the ancient Egyptians even buried it with their corpses. Garlic is a relatively easy plant to grow and retains its flavor fairly well when stored in a cold, dry location. Apart from its culinary purposes, raw garlic is also used to cure minor cuts and scrapes due to the presence of an antibacterial and antifungal component called allicin. In India, raw garlic cloves and lemon juice are taken in the morning to help cleanse the skin and prevent acne. While roasting garlic does degrade the allicin, making it less effective, allicin is not the only benefit of garlic.

Garlic Vitamins

Garlic is an excellent source of vitamins B-1, B-6, and C. Vitamin B-1, often known as thiamin, is necessary for your body to convert glucose into the energy it requires to function. Additionally, it promotes the effective operation of your nervous system. Vitamin B-6, or pyridoxine, is necessary for the proper functioning of red blood cells, glucose and protein metabolism, and the generation of key hormones and brain chemicals. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that not only strengthens your immune system but also cleanses your cells of free radicals that may increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer. Roasting garlic, as with most foods, has a negligible effect on these vitamins.

Garlic Minerals

Garlic is high in manganese, copper, selenium, and sulfur compounds such as allicin, all of which have significant cardiovascular advantages. Although allicin is most potent when garlic is sliced or grated and eaten raw, many prefer the flavor after roasting. Manganese promotes bone health, particularly in the spine and legs, and is also required to properly process carbohydrates, cholesterol, and protein by the body. Although the minerals in roasted garlic are not as concentrated as those in raw garlic, the milder flavor allows for greater consumption in one sitting.