Echinacea isn’t known as the “immune herb” for nothing! As two German studies prove, it has a well-deserved place on your natural cold remedy shelf. In a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 80 adult patients were given echinacea or a placebo at the...
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Fabulous Flavonoids
A new study from Finland adds to the evidence of health benefits from flavonoids, a group of plant chemicals found in many fruits, vegetables, tea and wine. New research confirms that those foods are indeed the best sources of flavonoids. Much of the flavonoids’...
Co-enzyme Q-10 may slow Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the brain in which patients develop tremor, slowness of movement and stiffness of muscles. In a recent clinical trial with 80 Parkinson’s disease patients, high dosages of co-enzyme Q-10 (CoQ10) slowed by 44% the...
Calcium needs change with age
We all need calcium, but there are times in our lives when our intake of this mineral is most critical, according to scientists at the Children’s Nutrition Research Centre at Texas Children’s Hospital. Using numerous techniques to establish calcium requirements and...
To kill a cold: What the research says
Is that vitamin C or echinacea you take during cold season really doing anything? Yes it is, say researchers in recent studies. At the Herbal Health Centre in the UK, 168 volunteers were given either a placebo or vitamin C supplement for two months during cold/flu...
Watch vitamin D levels this winter
Vitamin D regulates the body’s calcium and phosphorus levels to maintain strong bones and teeth. It also helps immune system function. This vitamin can be obtained through the diet but is also synthesized by the skin after exposure to sunlight. Given Canada’s long,...
Look out for your eyes: lutein
When was the last time you “looked” at your diet with respect to how it may be helping or hurting your eyes? Most of us don’t think about vision health until it’s too late, and cataracts or age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are already setting in. However, foods...
Joint Benefits: ease arthritis naturally
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of physical disability among adults. By the year 2030, an estimated 20% of North Americans will be over 65 and at risk for the condition. Fortunately, there is a growing acceptance in the health care community and the...
Daily multi may improve bad behaviour
A new study suggests it may be possible to improve bad behaviour by providing daily vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Scientists from the UK wanted to test if getting adequate nutrients would cause a reduction in antisocial behaviour among prisoners. They...
Pycnogenol helps veins in legs and eyes
Pycnogenol is a patented extract of maritime pine bark. Like grape seed extract, pine bark belongs to a class of nutrients in the flavonoid family called proanthocyanidins. These compounds have antioxidant activity and play a role strengthening connective tissues,...