Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Did you know that beets has recently become one of the world’s most healthiest and most important superfoods? Let’s talk about the scientific research that shows just how powerful the nutrients that are contained within beets can be.
There is a huge interest in immune system supplements right now due to the Coronavirus, which includes the essentials like Vitamin D, Vitamin C and Zinc. But there may be one more nutrient that you should add to your immune system arsenal. It is called Colostrum.
Invite Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Amanda Williams, MPH
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When we think about superfoods, one food in particular should come to mind and that is flax. Let’s talk about all of the medicinal benefits of this important superfood.
What is Flaxseed?
Flaxseed is one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids that comes from the plant kingdom. It has been used throughout history not only for its culinary uses but also its numerous health benefits. Not only does Flaxseed contain essential fatty acids, but a multi-spectrum of nutrients it contains, including ALA, protein, dietary fiber, lignans, phenonic compounds, vitamins and minerals. This includes vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin C, Magnesium, and Potassium for example. This is why flaxseed is considered a superfood.
The lignans found within flax are quite interesting. Flax has up to 800 times more lignans than any other plant food. Lignans are powerful antioxidants that also act as phytoestrogens (plant-based estrogens), which is why it has been studied extensively for its benefit in balancing and supporting hormones in both men and women. For women who are experiencing menopause and hot flashes for example, research has found that when women increase their dietary intake of flaxseed, their symptoms begin to diminish.†
Back in 2019, the journal Nutrients published a study that looked at the impact of dietary flaxseed on human health. This was a very detailed research study where researchers were discussing how little was known about all of the health related benefits of flaxseed.
Supplementing with Flax
An organic flaxseed powder supplement makes obtaining flax everyday extremely easy. One scoop sprinkled onto your food, like yogurt, is a delicious way for you to get that punch of antioxidants that this superfood can offer. Ground flaxseed can be extremely beneficial in terms of helping to regulate blood glucose, due to its high fiber content.†
Thank you for tuning in to the Invite Health Podcast. You can find all of our episodes for free wherever you listen to podcasts or by visiting www.invitehealth.com/podcast. Make sure you subscribe and leave us a review! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at Invite Health today. We’ll see you next time on another episode of the Invite Health Podcast.
Questions about this powerful superfood? Leave us a comment below to join the discussion!
Endocrine disruptors are found in our everyday products, especially our cosmetics, and can greatly impact hormones and overall health. Here’s what you have to know about these harmful chemicals.
Due to its high antioxidant content, tart cherries have been studied for their numerous benefits including joint, heart and muscle health. Here’s why tart cherry extract is such a superior ingredient.
Invite Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Jerry Hickey. Ph
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We have all heard the saying, “you are what you eat”. But have you thought about what foods have common components? Interestingly enough, when we look at specific foods – apples, onions, berries, grapes, citrus fruits – they have a common component, called Quercetin. Quercetin is an extremely powerful flavonoid that provides the body with a significant amount of antioxidant power. This is important we want to be able to neutralize free radicals, that can damage cell membranes, damage our cellular DNA, leading to cell death. But the more antioxidants we have on board, the more we can fend off that type of oxidative stress and damage that can occur.
What is Quercetin?
Quercetin in a plant-based flavonoid, sometimes referred to as a citrus bioflavonoid, found naturally in some the healthiest known food sources, such as dark berries, organic tomatoes, and black tea. Generally speaking, we do not obtain a high enough amount of this antioxidant through our diet alone. Most individuals are not following a balanced diet that has adequate amounts of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables alone. To do this, a diet I would highly recommend is the Mediterranean Diet. Click here to learn more about the Mediterranean Diet now!
The University of Maryland released a great breakdown, where they described the way in which Quercetin has been researched in terms of being able to help stabilize cells. This is extremely important because, when we think about histamine in the case of seasonal allergies or hives, Quercetin has been studied in the stabilization of the cells that release histamine in the body, demonstrating an anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine effect. “In the setting of asthma, allergies, hay fever, hives it has been shown that Quercetin has been very beneficial,” according to researchers. This scientific research has also demonstrated the link between Quercetin and cardiovascular health. Its powerful flavonoids have been shown to protect against the damage caused by elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure. Quercetin has also been shown to support urinary tract and prostate health.†
Research on Quercetin
Published in the journal Frontiers of Immunology, a couple of different universities are currently studying Quercetin and Vitamin C’s impact on the COVID-19 virus – Eastern Virginia Medical School, a major university in Italy and Saint Peter’s Hospital in England. They are “presenting current evidence for the utilization of Vitamin C and Quercetin, both for prophylactic and high risk populations as well as for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.” This is something that we should all keep our eyes on!†
Questions for Amanda Williams, MPH? Leave a comment below to join the discussion!
Thank you for tuning in to the Invite Health Podcast. You can find all of our episodes for free wherever you listen to podcasts or by visiting www.invitehealth.com/podcast. Make sure you subscribe and leave us a review! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at Invite Health today. We’ll see you next time on another episode of the Invite Health Podcast.