DECEMBER 27, 2024 BENEFITS OF HONEY
As a beekeeper and President of the American Ap[itherapy Society I am very involved in all products of the hive. Honey has been used for thousands of years for its health benefits. Today, the use of honey is especially important, not only for health but for the conservation of the bee population Honey has medicinal properties. Several studies have shown that high-quality honey holds many important antioxidants, including phenolic compounds and organic acids like flavonoids
As a cardiologist I love honey This year I extracted 220 lbs from my beehives Honey can help your heart health in multiple ways. The antioxidants help to protect your heart and guard you against having a heart attack. It does this by reducing oxidative stress on your heart and preventing clots.
Honey may also help your arteries to dilate, increasing your blood flow
Honey promotes wound healing Over 20 studies found honey beneficial to healing wounds, especially those infected after surgery. Some studies reported a 97% success rate of honey in healing diabetic ulcer
Eating raw, local honey may help your seasonal pollen allergies. Some studies suggest that eating local honey may reduce congestion and ease some allergies. This may be due to the pollen that gets collected by the bees and mixed with honey in small amounts so that your body can train itself or sensitize itself against allergies
Honey has a low glycemic index and can be consumed by diabetics. It also increases your own production of melatonin so it can be used to assist you in sleeping
Lastly JOIN the AAS ( American Apitherapy Society ) www.apitherapy.org DONATE
Until tomorrow…
DECEMBER 26, 2024 A DIFFERENT GRAIN
There are many different grains. Some contain gluten and some do not. Bulgur, a versatile and ancient whole grain, has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. This nutritious grain, made from cracked wheat, is not only a culinary delight but also a powerhouse of health benefits. Bulgur stands out in the world of grains for its exceptional nutritional profile. It’s a rich source of dietary fiber, essential for maintaining digestive health and preventing constipation. This high-fiber content also plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels, making it an ideal choice for people with diabetes.
It’s notably high in B vitamins, including niacin, thiamine, and folate, which are crucial for energy production and brain function Bulgur’s low glycemic index is another feather in its cap, making it a suitable option for those managing blood sugar levels. It’s also relatively low in calories yet high in protein
The presence of antioxidants in bulgur, especially vitamin E and selenium, provides a defense against oxidative stress and inflammation
Bulgar has many different medical benefits. One is digestion. Bulgur’s high fiber content is a boon for digestive health. It aids in regular bowel movements and prevents constipation, a common problem in diets lacking sufficient fiber. It is great for heart health The grain’s high fiber content is instrumental in reducing bad cholesterol levels (LDL), a major risk factor for heart disease Bulgar contains a lot of folate, a B vitamin that helps to lower levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood that, at high levels, is associated with an increased risk of heart diseases.
And lastly Bulgar is great for weight loss and management. Bulgur is an excellent food choice for weight management. Its low-calorie and high-nutrient profile make it an ideal ingredient for those looking to lose weight
So start to eat Bulgar I find it delicious..
Until tomorrow…
DECEMBER 24, 2024 HAIR AND NAILS
It is amazing that I writing about hair and nails. For one I used to bit my nails as a child. Secondly, I have no hair- I shave it almost daily. Yet, nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of hair and nails
There are specific foods known to bolster the strength, growth, and resilience of hair and nails.
So you start by eating Pumpkin seeds.They are a powerhouse of zinc, an essential mineral known for boosting hair growth and maintaining the health of the scalp. Zinc not only aids in hair tissue growth and repair but also ensures the proper functioning of the oil glands connected to hair follicles.
There are other nutrients in Pumpkin seeds like selenium, fatty acids, and various vitamins, all of which are beneficial for hair and nails. Selenium, an antioxidant, works alongside vitamins E and A to ward off free radicals that can damage cell membranes, potentially leading to hair aging and loss.
There is one vitamin you need to help hair and nails. It is Vitamin C It can come from any foods, especially fruits. One are Raspberries. Raspberries are a delicious source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, with vitamin C standing out as a key contributor to healthy hair and nails. Vitamin C is pivotal in the production of collagen, a protein that gives structure to hair and nails There are sources of Vitamin C as oranges, alma, pineapples, etc You also must watch the glycemic index of some of these fruits.
The vegetable Bell Peppers are high in Vitamin C Bell peppers, particularly the red variety, are among the foods with the highest levels of vitamin C, far surpassing even oranges. This abundance of vitamin C translates into more than just immune support—it’s integral in collagen production, which provides hair and nails with their primary structural protein Bell Peppers also contain Vitamin A Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of hair moisture through the production of sebum, preventing dryness and breakage.
The next fruit is amazing on so many levels. Pomegranates boast a unique omega-5 fatty acid known as punicic acid, which is found in the seeds of this luscious fruit. This fatty acid can fortify hair follicles, reduce scalp inflammation, and enhance the circulation to the scalp, which is crucial for the growth and strength of hair.
So add these to your dietary regimen
Until tomorrow…
DECEMBER 23, 2024 FOODS THAT FIGHT DISEASE
A disease is a cellular malfunction that can be caused by a variety of external agents, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites There are also genetic mutations that cause disease. Buty most if not all diseases propagate by not eating well. There are foods that fight propagation of microbes.
There is one herb that I utilize a lot in my practice. It is Ginger For centuries, ginger has been used as a natural remedy for various ailments. Its most well-known benefits are its anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to reduce pain and swelling Ginger is also used to improve circulation
The next herb used to fight infection and stop propagation of disease is Garlic Garlic is a member of the Allium family, which also includes onions and leeks This compound has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it effective in treating various conditions. Allicin is produced when garlic is chopped or crushed, so it is important to add garlic to recipes early in the cooking process
The last herb is Curcumin I mnmeant to talk about foods- BUT herbs are food. turmeric also has powerful health benefits. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a valuable spice for people who have arthritis or Crohn’s disease and much more
Add these herbs to your dietary regimen
Until tomorrow…
DECEMBER 19, 2024 HOPS
Most of know Hops as in beer/. Hops ( Humukus lupulus) doe contains natural healing properties. It has been used to promote sleep and eases stress and anxiety. Who doesn’t need that in today’s world
It’s ancient uses are that of a natural sedative. There are any natural sedatives in botanical medicine. These are called nervines and there are ol plenty Some include blue vervain, lemon balm, Chamomille, and much more. I do use Hops. In traditional herbal medicine Hops has been used as a digestive aid and to relieve bloating and abdominal discomfort.
The most used part of the Hops plant are the female flowers referred to as the ‘ cones ‘ When used as a calming tea it can be consumed 1-2 cups per day I have seen patients use Hops as an aid to go to sleep Better yet if Hops is combined with Valerian for sleep I do see some patients have a paradoxical response and Valerian might stimulate him/her
Until tomorrow…
DECEMBER 18, 2024 BURDOCK
Burdock ( Arctium lappa) is known as the blood purifier. The root , leaves and seeds have medicinal properties. It has been used by civilizations for centuries. I have used it for years in my clinical practice.
It’s ancient, the root was used were as a treatment for cancer and syphilis The English herbalists used it for scurby and skin boils. In the 1920’s it was added to other herbs as a cancer formula as in Essiac and Hoxley
I have read rerts of it being used to aid in cholesterol lowering. It does have antimicrobial actions I think the most use for Burdock has been as a blood purifier, lymphatic system strengthener and a natural diuretic
What I love about most herbs it is not only used for one illness. Because of its dietary fiber and polyphenols I have used it in sugar management in diabetes This is especially seen with fermented burdock I do combine Burdock with Nettles for sugar management Burdock can also be combined in a tincture licorice, Motherwort, wild yam and gnseng for relief of menopausal symptoms
Until tomorrow…
DECEMBER 17, 2024 CHOLESTEROL
Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is essential for cardiovascular health. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death worldwide. There are medications, herbs and supplements to lower cholesterol You can even lower by eating certain foods.
One food is avocados. Avocados are renowned for their heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats aid in lowering LDL cholesterol while maintaining levels of HDL cholesterol. Additionally, avocados are rich in potassium, a nutrient that helps in regulating blood pressure.. Avocados are inflammatory for Blood Type O Several studies indicate that consuming avocados regularly can lead to significant reductions in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Grapes, especially the darker varieties, are a rich source of antioxidants, including resveratrol, which is known for its cholesterol-lowering properties. These antioxidants help reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a process that contributes to plaque formation in arteries Grapes are also high in sugar so limit the amount of grapes you ingest
White beans are a fantastic source of fiber, which is essential for lowering cholesterol. The fiber in white beans helps bind cholesterol in the digestive system, preventing its absorption into the bloodstream.
Then there are almonds. ( For my Blood type O I can ingest ) Almonds are known for their ability to help reduce LDL cholesterol. This is largely due to their high content of monounsaturated fats and fiber. Almonds also contain vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect against cholesterol oxidation
Add these foods to your diet. I use Hawthorne, Snakeroot, Motherwort, and other herbs to lower blood pressure
Until tomorrow…