Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Neuropathy Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Neuropathy is usually something that most people associate with diabetes. This is an accurate connection because one of the most common causes of neuropathy is diabetes. But did you know that neuropathy can also occur after cancer treatments? To …
Cerebral Care Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND I wanted to take the time to talk about one of my favorite formulas for our memory and brain health. This formula is called Cerebral Care. But what is it about this formula that I like so much? …
The Wonders of Black Seed
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
I am very excited to start this conversation on black seed. Black Seed is an amazing nutrient for our respiratory system. Invite health has a unique formula which includes Black Seed, Cordyceps and Rosemary Extract. Each of these nutrients are helpful in promoting respiratory health. Let’s go through each component of Black Seed, shall we?
Let’s start with Black Seed. What exactly is black seed? Well black seed is also known as black cumin, Nigella or Nigella Sativa. It is a flowering plant that can be used for its medicinal properties. (1) Black Seed has been found to contain antioxidant qualities. (2) In 2011 a study found that using Black Seed for approximately 2 weeks reduced nasal symptoms such as nasal congestion, itchy nose, runny nose and even sneezing. (3) A more recent study in 2018 found that Black Seed can even help to reduce the symptoms of sinusitis. This study found that Black Seed can help to reduce histamine (the bad guy when it comes to a lot of allergy symptoms). Black Seed has also been found to be antimicrobial which means it can also help protect our respiratory tract form pathogens or bad guys). (4) Studies have also found that Black Seed may be helpful in lowering inflammation and can help increase asthma control. (5) Studies have found that the anti-inflammatory and anti- allergic effects of Black Seed can help reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. (6) Other studies have found Black Seed to be an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis. (7) Black Seed has also been found to help with lung function in those with COPD. (8) Studies have found that Black Seed can help with allergies, obstructive lung disease and other types of respiratory disease. (9)
Moving on from black seed the next item is Rosemary. Rosemary is much more than just a yummy spice to put on chicken. Studies have found that Rosemary can help to protect against lung fibrosis. (10) Studies have also found that Rosemary can help with treatment resistant asthma. (11) Studies have found that Rosemary has potential to be protective against viral infections such as COVID-19. (12) Rosemary has also been found to help reduce the symptoms of COPD. (13) According to WEBMD Rosemary has been found to be very powerfully antibacterial, antiviral and even antifungal. Thus Rosemary is able to help our body to fight off infections. (14) Overall Rosemary is an amazing part of Invite’s Black Seed formula.
The last nutrient that is in the Black Seed formula is Cordyceps. If you are wondering what exactly is Cordyceps don’t worry! I’ll be getting into that right now. Cordyceps are a type of medicinal fungus or in other words it is a type of mushroom. It grows on worms rather than on trees which is what you might have been expecting! (15) Studies have found that Cordyceps can help with our overall lung health and can even help with conditions such as lung fibrosis. (16) Other studies have found that using Cordyceps can also help with reducing the symptoms of COPD. (17) Studies have found that Cordyceps can help with fighting pathogens since it has been found to be antiviral and can even help boost our immune system. (18)
Overall Invite health really has a winner with its Black Seed formula. The nutrients found in Black Seed have all been found to help with so many different aspects of the respiratory tract. In addition to helping with our respiratory tract the ingredients in Black Seed have been studies to help with other aspects of our health. Now I know a lot of people are probably thinking but why can’t I just eat mushrooms or sprinkle some Rosemary on my food? It’s all about the therapeutic dose. While it’s fine to have a few mushrooms sautéed and added to our food unfortunately it’s not enough to get the full benefits of them. The same is true for the Black Seed and Rosemary. Adding in Invite’s Black Seed with Rosemary and Cordyceps formula is an amazing way to ensure you get a therapeutic dose and truly benefit from these nutrients.
Our next blog will be something that will be approaching us soon! And that is Seasonal allergies!
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Understanding the Complexity of Asthma Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND As I mentioned in my prior blog today I will be talking about a well-known respiratory condition. That condition is Asthma. Let’s take the time to go over just how common it is, shall we? …
RSV- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND I wanted to begin our series on respiratory health by talking about something that has been all over the news lately. And that is RSV. But what exactly is RSV? RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. …
Nattokinase!
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
What the heck is Nattokinase? Where does it come from? What exactly does it do? Is it just for heart health or does it do anything else for us? These are just some of the questions that people have about Nattokinase. I get so many questions about Nattokinase that I wanted to take the time to explore this interesting supplement. Let’s start at the beginning. Nattokinase is an enzyme. It is extracted from a Japanese food called Natto. The way that Natto is produced is by adding a bacteria called Bacillus Subtilis to boiled soybeans. Now I just want to point out that while other soy foods may have enzymes only Natto contains Nattokinase. (1)
Nattokinase has been found in studies to have numerous benefits for our heart health including reducing the risk of heart attack and even improving overall heart health. (2) Studies have found that Nattokinase can help to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. (3) In addition to helping lower blood pressure Nattokinase has also been found to help lower LDL, triglycerides and even total cholesterol. (2) Studies have also found that Nattokinase may help with slowing the development of atherosclerosis. This is because Nattokinase has both antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects that may help to clean out the arteries. (4) Nattokinase has been found to be a very potent blood clot dissolving protein. (5) In fact when Nattokinase comes into contact with blood clots it has been found to break them up. (1)
Now I know some people might say but wait does it really work this way in the human body? Doesn’t it get broken down by our digestive juices and not really do anything? Well studies have been conducted and found that Nattokinase is active in the body when used orally. (6)
Due to the fact that Nattokinase helps to break up blood clots it has also been studied in regards to stroke. I know your probably thinking wait stroke? What does that have to do with heart health? Well to be honest the risk factors for many heart conditions and a stroke are very often the same and thus in my clinical experience those who have heart disease are often at risk of a stroke. So I wanted to mention it here. Plus as I hinted in the beginning of this blog Nattokinase isn’t just a “heart supplement”. It is useful for more than just heart health. Now back to Nattokinase and strokes. In one study in those who have had a stroke after 60 days of Nattokinase the patients had better control over their blood pressure and even cholesterol levels. (7) Nattokinase has also been found to help improve the cognitive function in those who have had a stroke. (8)
Nattokinase has also been found to be helpful in protecting our blood vessels after they are injured. In other studies Nattokinase was found to help reduce the amount of aortic plaque that builds up in those who have high cholesterol. Nattokinase has been found to be very good at breaking up blood clots. Research has explored using it to help break up other things in the body. New research has found that Nattokinase may be helpful at degrading amyloid fibrils suggesting it may be helpful for diseases such as Alzheimer disease. (9)
So let’s sum up a few things from all these studies. Overall studies have found that Nattokinase is good for blood clots, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and overall heart health. Other studies have found that Nattokinase can even help our brain and reduce our stroke risk. It has also been found to help with certain diseases where there is a buildup of amyloid fibrils such as Alzheimer disease. That is just amazing! (10)
Now just a PSA I’d like to point out that Nattokinase can and does interact with certain medications. This is why it is so important to talk to an Invite nutritionist to determine if Nattokinase is right for you!
Our next topic will be something that has cropped up quite a bit over these weeks of talking about heart health – Coronary Artery Disease!
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