Bromelain Review: Examining The Benefits and Side Effects
Bromelain is a mixture of proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzymes derived from the stems and juice of pineapples. It’s used commercially as a meat tenderizer, but also has a range of therapeutic uses, when taken in supplement form. Many people feel that bromelain helps to relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as heartburn and upset stomach. In this capacity, it can be used as a standalone supplement, or part of a blend with...
What Are Bioflavonoids? Information On Bioflavonoids
“Bioflavonoid” is a popular term used to describe flavonoid compounds relevant to human health and nutrition. Flavonoids are a class of polyphenols found in plants/plant foods that may help prevent degenerative diseases. Though not really vitamins (they are not considered essential for life), bioflavonoids are casually referred to as “Vitamin P”. Like vitamins A, C and E, bioflavonoids are antioxidants. As...
Avena sativa Benefits And Information
Avena sativa, more commonly known as oats, has long been used as a cereal grain. People have eaten oats since prehistoric times, and they’re used to feed livestock as well. Oats are relatively high in protein (for a grain) and contain a number of nutrients and bioactive compounds, including saponins, flavonoids, starch, soluble fiber, alkaloids, sterols, calcium, iron, B-vitamins and the essential amino acids lysine and...
Alfalfa Review & Information: What Benefits Does Alfalfa Offer?
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a member of the legume family. It’s an important agricultural crop, and is used extensively for livestock feed and soil enrichment (due to its ability to fix nitrogen). Alfalfa also plays a role in human health and nutrition, both as a medicinal herb and source of food. The name “alfalfa” comes from the Arabic “Al-fac-facah”, which means “father of all foods.”...
Chasteberry Review: Benefits and Side Effects
What is Chasteberry? As the name suggests, chasteberry (Latin name Vitex agnus-castus) is an herb that was once believed to suppress libido. According to medieval legend, monks chewed on the leaves of chasteberry trees in order to help them maintain their vows of celibacy. While it’s now clear that the herb does not affect sex drive, extracts from the fruit of the chasteberry tree may have some therapeutic effects on conditions...
Evening Primrose Oil Benefits and Side Effects
Evening primrose is a wildflower that grows throughout North America, Europe and some parts of Asia. The seeds of this plant (Oenothera biennis) contain oil that is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is an omega-6 essential fatty acid (EFA). The body converts GLA into prostaglandins, substances that function like hormones and help to regulate body processes. Evening primrose oil (EPO) is often recommended as an alternative...
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