Most people are aware of the plight of the humble honeybee, the numbers of which have decreased since the 1960s from approximately 7 million to a mere 2.5 million. More recently, Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has greatly affected honeybee populations. CCD is just what it sounds like -- bees suddenly and spontaneously die off in such numbers that the hive can no longer support itself and the colony fails. The primary culprits responsible for the decline in honeybees include poor practices in commercial beekeeping, certain viruses and, perhaps most significantly, the widespread use of nenicotinoid pesticides (i.e., RoundUp). In response, many people are helping by becoming responsible beeke
Updated 2/11/19 Cumin refers to the dried seed of Cuminum cyminum, a Middle Eastern plant in the parsley family. The warm, earthy, and spicy-but-not-hot flavor of this spice is used whole or powdered to season a variety of foods, including some cheeses, pickles, and curries. A staple in Indian, Middle Eastern, African, and Latin American cuisines, cumin is a common ingredient in many spice blends, such as garam marsala, adobos, dhana jeera, curry powder and chili powder. The Sanskrit name for cumin seed is jiraka, which means “that which helps digestion." The spice has long been used to enhance digestion and to stimulate the appetite and, when taken in water, to settle an upset stomach. On
Berries get their color from anthocyanins, pigments that lend the fruits red, blue or purple color. Years of research has shown that these agents offer anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and antioxidant benefits, as well as anti-cancer properties. New research published in the University of Eastern Finland suggests that anthocyanins may also act on a specific enzyme that regulates cancer gene expression. The particular pigment of interest is which is found in blueberry, bilberry, blackcurrant and lingonberry. Cyanidin appears to reduce cancer gene expression by increasing the activity of sirtuin 6 enzyme (SIRT6), which is associated with cancer cell development and growth, as well as glucose meta
Humans are not the only species of animal that self-medicate. Cats and dogs, for example, chew grass to address gastrointestinal issues. Many animals ingest plants, fermented fruits and other agents from nature's pharmacy to aid digestion, to kill parasites, and to improve mood (think catnip and felines). Bears, deer, elephants, chimpanzees, lizards, birds, bees, cats, dogs, and even woolly bear caterpillars do it. Now, for the first time, researchers have observed orangutans taking their self-care a step further. Behavioral ecologist Helen Morrogh-Bernard of the Borneo Nature Foundation and her team watched 10 orangutans for more than 20,000 hours interact with a plant called Dracaena can
