Fenugreek Review & Information: What Benefits Does Fenugreek Offer?
Fenugreek is a member of the legume family indigenous to the Mediterranean coast in Europe. The seed of the fenugreek plant has medicinal properties, and because of this, fenugreek is cultivated for use as an herbal remedy in China, India, Morocco and Turkey. Fenugreek is also used as a spice in many Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. Because fenugreek seeds have strong antioxidant properties, the herb has been used for centuries in...
Vitamin B12 Information & Benefits
Vitamin B12 is one of eight vitamins in the B complex. A water-soluble vitamin, B12 works closely with other B vitamins, particularly folic acid. Vitamin B12 activates the folic acid coenzyme and is also activated as a coenzyme by folic acid. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. It is also involved in the synthesis of red blood cells. In addition, Vitamin B12 protects nerve fibers by maintaining the sheath that...
Devils Claw: Anti-Inflammatory & Arthritis Fighter
What is Devil’s Claw? Devil’s claw is a medicinal plant native to southern regions of the African desert. Its name comes from the claw-shaped pods that hold the plant’s seeds. African natives have dried and used the roots of devil’s claw as a folk remedy for many years. The herb has gained popularity in Europe and North America since the 1950’s, when colonists in Africa introduced devil’s claw to their native countries. What...
Cranberry Health Benefits: Fight Urinary Tract Infections!
Cranberries are tiny red fruits that grow on evergreen shrubs throughout the northern hemisphere. Cranberry fruit is very high in the antioxidant vitamin C. It also contains a number of important phytochemicals and nutrients including other antioxidants, B-complex vitamins and minerals. Cranberries are best known as a treatment for urinary tract infections. Phytochemicals in cranberries known as proanthocyanadins prevent E.coli...
Manganese Benefits and Side Effects
Manganese is a trace mineral, and as such, it is present in very small amounts in the body. About 20 milligrams of manganese is found mostly in bones and metabolically active organs like the liver, kidneys and pancreas. The primary role of manganese is as a coenzyme in a variety of metabolic processes. It helps the body produce energy from foods, and it is also involved in thyroid function and bone formation. In addition, manganese is...
Echinacea Cold Remedy: Benefits, Research and Side Effects
Echinacea, or purple coneflower, is one of the more popular herbal remedies. In supplement form, Echinacea extract is derived from a wildflower known as Echinacea purpurea and its varieties. Echinacea was used in traditional Native American medicine to treat such problems as toothaches, sore throats, tonsillitis and coughs, as well as blood and lymphatic system ailments. In modern times, Echinacea is widely used as an immune system...