Eating For Health

Every day, we’re surrounded by ads promising “natural” cures and “ancient remedies.” Aloe vera for burns, turmeric for inflammation, chamomile for sleep — herbal supplements seem everywhere. According to the National Institutes of Health , Americans spend nearly $13 billion a year on natural supplements. Some are beneficial, but others can pose serious risks. Let’s explore what you need to know before adding herbs to your health routine. 🌱 What Are Herbal Supplements? According to the Cleveland Clinic , “Herbal supplements are products derived from plants, including their oils, roots, leaves, seeds, berries, or flowers.” They come in many forms: Capsules, powders, or teas (like turmeric or chamomile) Topical gels or creams (like aloe vera for sunburns) Herbal supplements can support wellness — but they’re not risk‑free. ⚕️ Why You Should Check with Your Healthcare Provider Before taking any herbal supplement, talk with your doctor or registered dietitia...

Who doesn’t enjoy a cup of hot tea, especially in winter?   Does tea have any health benefits?   Do different kinds of tea have different health benefits?   Yes.   An interesting article, in Environmental Nutrition discussed teas for various health reasons such as weight, insomnia and improving your immunity. Many people make health claims for herbal teas, but what health claims are true and reliable?    Weight – are there herbal teas that promote weight loss?   Green, white and oolong teas:   These 3 teas have chemicals in them called catechins .   In the lab at least, these chemicals do affect fat metabolism.   Green tea is especially rich in catechins.   Roobios tea :   This is a different tea, a red tea with a different chemical.   This one has the chemical, aspalathin.    One study showed it helped improve fat metabolism. Peppermint tea:   a real treat on a cold winter day.   The s...

For those who take supplements, this week’s story should be of interest.    The New York Times and others have reported four of our nation’s top retailers have been selling you fake herbal supplements.   A number of the herbal supplements contained NONE of the herbs listed on the label.   Some of the fake ingredients are not harmful but some are.   The New York Attorney General’s office is the one that discovered herbal supplements may not contain what the label claims. What stores are involved in this scandal?   Target, Walmart, GNC and Walgreens What herbal supplements are affected and what fake ingredients are in the supplements?   The New York Times provides a detailed list: Target – Up and Up brand   St.   John’s Wort – no herb but garlic, rice and some dracaena which is a tropical houseplant  Gingko Biloba – none found but garlic, rice, mung Valerian Root – n o root found but allium, bean, asparagus, pea family, rice, w...