Rosemary displays a powerful anti-anxiety effect, similar to diazepam but without the side effects
( Natural News ) More than 500 million people suffer from anxiety worldwide. Because of this very alarming statistic, researchers are focusing on finding treatments for this condition. Natural products are good alternatives to anti-anxiety drugs because of their potency and safety. Researchers from Iran showed that rosemary, a commonly used medicinal plant, has potential use as a treatment for anxiety . Anxiety is a condition that causes frequent feelings of worry or fear in normal situations . Having this problem can greatly affect a person’s quality of life, especially when left untreated. The most common conventional treatments for anxiety include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines, both of which are also used against depression. However, many patients suffering from mental health problems choose not to take these medications because of their side effects, which include nausea, vomiting, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and drug dependency. Instead, they choose to go for alternative treatments like herbal remedies. Rosemary is a perennial shrub native to Mediterranean and Southern European countries . It has a broad range of pharmacological activities that include killing bacteria and fungi, reducing inflammation, preventing mutagenesis, neutralizing free radicals, promoting blood circulation, and lowering blood sugar levels. These properties of rosemary can be attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds, which vary depending on the form that rosemary is found in. Essential oils contain tricicline, 1,8-cineole, camphor, camphene, and bornyl acetate while hydromethanolic extracts are rich in flavonoids . There are also some people who use this herb for treating mental health disorders. However, this application was not yet fully understood prior to this study. 100% organic essential oil sets now available for your home and personal care, including Rosemary, Oregano, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Clary Sage and more, all 100% organic and laboratory […]
Natural Grocers predicts the top 10 hottest nutrition trends in 2019
DENVER: Natural Grocers, America’s Nutrition Education ExpertSM, surveyed more than 70 of the company’s nutrition experts and pored over the latest research to identify the expected top 10 breakout trends in nutrition and health in 2019. The author, Shelby Miller, Natural Grocers’ Manager of Nutrition, Research and Education, pinpoints the most anticipated health, nutrition and food trends in the New Year. Interviews with Shelby Miller are available upon request. Download the high-res images for each trend. Mitochondrial optimization will keep healthy fats in focus Five years ago, the buzzword was microbiome. This year it is mitochondria. Mitochondria are our cells’ power plants, converting oxygen and food into the energy our body needs to stay alive and thrive. When your mitochondria are dysfunctional, not only will your energy reserve decrease, resulting in fatigue and brain fog, but you can also become vulnerable to degenerative diseases like heart disease, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. The best way to support healthy mitochondria function is to eat more fat! Healthy fat, that is. Mitochondria function at their best when fueled by fat, not carbs. One tool to support mitochondria is the trending ketogenic diet. In 2019, expect to hear more about mitochondrial health and look to see brands embracing more high-fat focused and ketogenic products to support optimal mitochondrial function. Try our trend: Test the benefits for yourself—roll your own keto energy bombs and make Natural Grocers brand coconut oil a staple in your pantry. Collagen and bone broth are easier than ever Scoop by healthy scoop, collagen has gained mainstream interest over the past year as everyone adds it to their smoothies, matchas and lattes in the quest for glowing skin, healthy joints and gut healing. In 2019, as more collagen and bone broth products enter the market, so will convenient opportunities for […]
Coffee and Cannabis: How Caffeine and CBD Impact the Brain
For a lot of people, a cup of Colombian coffee is the only way to start the morning and get through the work day. Others may feel that smoking marijuana or using cannabidiol oil is the best way to unwind after a long shift. While the chemical components of caffeine and CBD have different effects on the brain, is it possible they’re more closely related than we thought? This is your brain on caffeine Despite the fact that Americans are drinking more coffee than ever, it hasn’t always been a popular beverage amongst medical professionals and scientific researchers. Not long ago, coffee was thought to be responsible for a host of negative effects on the body. It was blamed for high blood pressure, sleep impairments, and even cancer development. But that’s all changed. The World Health Organization has removed coffee from its potential carcinogen list and multiple studies have discovered that moderate coffee consumption can be extremely beneficial. In fact, it’s now been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. It’s also been associated with a lower risk of death overall. In other words, drinking a couple cups of coffee per day could help you live longer. Studies have also found coffee consumption could help to safeguard the brain. It can boost our concentration and memory, of course, but research also shows that drinking coffee can lower your risk of dementia development . There’s actually a lot going on in the brain when you drink your daily cup of java. Caffeine binds to the brain’s receptors for adenosine —a chemical that makes us tired—and keeps that chemical from doing its thing. Subsequently, it keeps us awake and focused. It also prevents dopamine from being absorbed into the body. The upside of this […]
Try These 10 Natural Ways To Help Improve Memory
One scary thing that people notice as they get older is their memory starts to fade. As you age, bouts of forgetfulness can become more common, especially when exacerbated by the stresses of working a job and taking care of a family and home. Your genetics can also play a part, which might lead you to wonder what you can actually do to improve your memory. According to researchers, diet and exercise can play an important role in helping to prevent memory loss as you age. Here are some natural ways to improve your memory. Take a Vitamin D Supplement Source: Dr Weil Low levels of vitamin D can have a negative impact on your cognitive abilities. To keep this from happening, you should get tested for a vitamin D deficiency when you go to the doctor. If your vitamin D level is low, then your doctor can prescribe a vitamin D supplement that should raise your levels back to normal. Reduce the Amount of Alcohol You Drink Consuming too much alcohol can also have a detrimental effect on your brain function, especially if you binge drink. To avoid damaging your memory with alcohol, limit your consumption to no more than two drinks on any given day. Eat Food High in Antioxidants Source: Live Life Get Active Foods high in antioxidants help to reduce inflammation in the brain, a leading contributor to memory loss. Free radicals, which can cause inflammation are brought about in part by high levels of stress, as well as by processed foods or those high in fats and oils. Foods such as berries contain flavonoids, great for reducing free radicals in the brain, plus they taste great. Get the Proper Amount of Sleep Source: Independent Not getting enough sleep can cause you to have memory […]
What you should eat to get the most out of your brain
Be Fit Food chief executive officer and co-founder Kate Save. Source: Supplied. People in the workplace are becoming more aware of the string of health issues associated with a poor diet, but they’re less aware of the enormous impact our diet can have on our performance at work. The brain uses approximately 20% of our required energy, so it needs a constant source of fuel to function at an optimal level. And while most of what we hear about poor eating relates to consuming in excess, what’s worrying for the Aussie workforce is people are not eating enough of the right things. A recent study into the habits of Australian workers found one in 10 Aussies skip lunch altogether. It makes sense — when we’re busy and stressed, we sometimes tell ourselves it’s better to skip lunch to just get the work done. But what is actually happening is we’re doing more harm to our performance in the long run. In fact, a report by the International Labour Organization found poor diet on the job is costing businesses up to 20% in lost productivity. That’s because a lack of nutritious food can lead to fatigue, provoke irritability, decrease energy levels, increase stress and reduce our ability to think clearly and work effectively. A well-balanced, nutritionally fuelled diet can provide a valuable boost to workplace performance and subsequent long-term success by increasing energy levels, brain power, productivity and focus, and improving how we manage stress. There are particular nutrients that are important for brain functionality, and if you can pack most of these into your meals throughout the day, you’ll be on track to success. Protein Next to water, protein makes up most of the weight of our bodies as our muscles, organs, hair, nails and ligaments are all composed […]
What science is confirming about the benefits of CBD oil
( Natural News ) CBD oil is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after supplements on the market, but what do you really know about it? Scientists have been studying cannibidiol (CBD) for many years now, working to unravel the myriad of benefits afforded by this medicinal plant compound. CBD is one of hundreds of cannabinoid compounds found in the cannabis plant, and is now known to be a powerful, medicinal compound with a wide array of uses and benefits. Unlike the more infamous tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, meaning it does not produce the psychedelic effects that are characteristic of cannabis. Proponents of medical cannabis say that CBD is useful for an array of conditions, including cancer, seizure disorders, pain relief and more — and now science is backing up many of these claims, as well. Science-backed benefits of CBD oil Pain relief is one of the most well-documented uses for the cannabis plant. In fact, people have been using marijuana to treat pain since 2900 B.C. — and modern science is just starting to understand how. As Healthline reports , CBD is one of a few medicinal compounds found in the cannabis plant that are associated with pain relief. Studies have shown that CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, and it is through this bodily system that CBD is able to exact its pain-relieving effects. It’s posited that CBD can help mitigate chronic pain by influencing endocannabinoid receptor activity, interacting with neurotransmitters, and by decreasing inflammation. In addition to pain management, studies have also shown that CBD can offer relief from depression and anxiety. As Eco Watch explains , scientists have surmised that CBD can help relieve these conditions through its effect on serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for […]
10 surprising ways sex affects your brain
The benefits of sex extend to the brain. fizkes/ iStock Researchers continue to study the ways that sex can affect your brain, because having sex is great for both your body and your mind. Aside from simply feeling good, having sex is great for your overall health and can have some seriously powerful benefits on your body and brain. From lowering stress levels to improving your memory, these are the 10 ways sex affects the brain. Having sex isn’t just a surefire way to feel closer with your partner and enjoy some time connecting with your own body, but sex also has some pretty powerful benefits for your mental health, as researchers have studied over time. It’s true that sex is good for the body and brain , and can have both immediate effects as well as long-term benefits, especially as you get older. From lowering stress levels to improving your memory, these are the 10 ways sex affects your brain . There’s a reason why sex feels so good, and it’s all because of the brain. During sexual activity, a flood of feel-good hormones are released throughout our bodies, lighting up the reward centers in our brains. In 2017, researchers at Harvard University discussed the science behind some of those chemical reactions, sharing just how powerful they can be. " Dopamine , produced by the hypothalamus, is a particularly well-publicized player in the brain’s reward pathway – it’s released when we do things that feel good to us. In this case, these things include spending time with loved ones and having sex," shares Katherine J. Wu , Ph.D., a graduate student at Harvard, adding, "High levels of dopamine and a related hormone, norepinephrine , are released during attraction. These chemicals make us giddy, energetic, and euphoric." Another feel-good […]
Good nutrition plays an important role in how well we sleep
( Natural News ) Good nutrition is one of the major contributors to overall health since it provides the body with the fuel it needs to function throughout the day. Moreover, it is also important in preparing the body for sleep . There are a number of things that can affect how well you sleep so before you start popping sleeping pills that have harmful side effects, try to address the root of the problem first. If you think that poor nutrition might be interfering with your internal clock then see if the following tips can improve your sleep quality: Reduce alcohol intake — At least 20 percent of American adults drink alcohol to help them fall asleep. However, drinking it regularly can interfere with the body clock’s ability to synchronize itself by suppressing the hormone melatonin. It also increases the concentration of adenosine, a compound that gradually builds up while a person is awake to block chemicals that stimulate wakefulness. Because of this adenine-boosting effect, there is a higher chance that you would fall asleep at times when you are normally awake and be awake when you should be sleeping. Avoid caffeinated drinks — Caffeine is a naturally-occurring stimulant that is commonly found in coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks. According to the American Acad e my of Sleep Medicine , more than 85 percent of Americans consume caffeinated drinks daily. This can disrupt your sleep by stimulating brain activity, delaying your body clock, and reducing the amount of time you spend in deep sleep. Choose foods that help maintain serotonin — This brain chemical is more famous for its ability to improve mood but it is also involved a person’s internal clock. Avoid foods that are rich in sugar or are highly processed since they cause a […]
Mouse-to-human FAIL: Mini-kidney “organoids” grown from human stem cells do NOT mimic human kidney growth, instead begin developing their own brains
( Natural News ) Our scientific world of discovery and invention is, for the most part, breathtaking and amazing, but some “visionary” scientists think they can accomplish anything and everything in a laboratory, including growing human organs from stem cells. We all know that genetically modified organisms in food have been an epic fail, adding to the cancer and Alzheimer’s epidemics in America, while breeding “super-bugs” and “super-weeds” that have become immune to the toxins now inserted into the genes of our staple crops, including corn, soy, and canola. Now, scientists who thought they could manipulate human stem cells to grow kidneys in a laboratory have found that those Franken-kidneys sprouted their own brain and muscle cells , essentially going “rogue” and “behaving” in this completely unexpected manner. Washington University School of Medicine lab-grown organ experimental nightmare gone rogue smacks of the “Island of Dr. Moreau” Scientists in America will try anything to get rich and “save” millions of Americans from their own health demise, that’s usually caused by eating processed junk-science food stuff and lab-concocted GMOs for decades. Arrogant scientists think they can play God in their laboratories and fix everything wrong with sick humans, including their brains and vital organs, but they’re learning the hard, expensive way that they can’t. Scientists are trying to put animal organs in humans and wondering why it doesn’t work out. They’re trying to kill crop-destroying bugs and weeds by inserting pesticide genes in our food, then wondering why it kills the humans who eat it all as well. Support our mission and protect your health: Organic Seeds of Life combines Red Raspberry Seed Power, Black Cumin Seed Power and Red Grape Seed Powder into the most potent nutrient-rich supplemental superfood powder you’ve ever experienced. Loaded with flavonoids, antioxidants, anthocyanins, OPCs, ALA […]
Provasil Review: Is This the Best Nootropic Supplement to Boost Your Memory?
This post may contain affiliate links or I may have received the product free in exchange for my honest review. See full disclosure for more information. If you are looking for a way to boost your memory, perhaps you might want to consider nootropic supplements. These have been found to have an amazing effect on the brain, improving cognitive functions and especially intellectual performance. Provasil is one of the best nootropic supplements available at the moment, supporting the general health of the brain and providing significant protection against cognitive decline. This supplement can keep Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia at a safe distance, allowing you to age gracefully. What is Provasil? Without any doubt, Provasil is one of the top rated nootropics supplements of the moment. With an all-natural formula, it can improve mental alertness and help you think faster and clearer. The supplement delivers maximum effect, boosting your memory and bringing the necessary focus for difficult tasks. It is worth mentioning that Provasil is a supplement that delivers different results, in accordance with one’s needs. If you need it to increase your intellectual performance and face the heavy workload, it is there for you. On the other hand, if you require it to defeat the aging process, it is just as effective. How does Provasil work? Provasil works in a simple manner. It has a formula which is based on a unique blend of the ingredient, being able to optimize cognitive processes. Thanks to each ingredient included in this product, the cognitive performance is enhanced, and all of the associated functions are improved. From another perspective, it should be said that Provasil has a positive effect on the brain neurotransmitters. It stimulates both the synthesis and release of these vital substances, thus keeping the brain young […]
