Monthly Archives: December 2021

The Alpha Linolenic Acid Content of Green Leafy Vegetables

Green leafy vegetables are high in nutrients and low in total energy, which makes them a healthy food choice. Some of the main phytochemicals present in leafy green vegetables include vitamin C, folate, carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3 … Continue reading

Posted in Alpha Linolenic Acid, Spinach, Watercress | Comments Off on The Alpha Linolenic Acid Content of Green Leafy Vegetables

Is Yoghurt and Anti-Stress Food?

The gut has been shown to be intricately linked to the brain. This connection is via a large neuronal network that extends throughout the gut, as well as a substantial hormonal system designed to carry signals from the gut to … Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Stress, Yoghurt | Comments Off on Is Yoghurt and Anti-Stress Food?

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale): Phenolic Antioxidant Content

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a water living plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family of plants. In this regard the plant is related to broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. As with all brassica plants, watercress has a strong taste relating to … Continue reading

Posted in Phenolic Acids, Watercress | Comments Off on Watercress (Nasturtium officinale): Phenolic Antioxidant Content

Terpenes in Essential Oils: Routes of Entry

Essential oils are present in plant tissues and comprise either fully formed terpenes or chemicals that are present in the metabolic pathway towards their formation. Essential oils often give the plant its characteristic odour. For example, the recognisable smell and … Continue reading

Posted in Terpenes | Comments Off on Terpenes in Essential Oils: Routes of Entry

Addictive, Oxidative and Energy Rich: Western Food

The typical Western diet has been shown to possess a number of detrimental health effects. In particular, regular consumption of the diet can increase the risk of arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, inflammatory conditions, mental disorders and cognitive degeneration. … Continue reading

Posted in Antioxidant, Oxidative Stress, Western Diet | Comments Off on Addictive, Oxidative and Energy Rich: Western Food

Flavouring Spices and their Use Against Mood Disorders

Herbs and spices used for their flavouring properties in cruising can also have significant medicinal effects. A number of common culinary herbs have been investigated for their ability to improve mood and protect from mood disorders such as anxiety and … Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety, Depression, Herbs, Mood, Spices | Comments Off on Flavouring Spices and their Use Against Mood Disorders

Cassia tora Seed as an Anxiolytic and Antidepressant

Cassia tora is a native to the regions of Nepal, India and Pakistan. It is a herbaceous plant that grows to a height of around 2 meters. The plant is used medicinally in traditional medicine in these regions and its … Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety, Cassia tora, Depression, Mood | Comments Off on Cassia tora Seed as an Anxiolytic and Antidepressant

Stability of Glucosinolates in Red Cabbage

Glucosinolates are phytochemicals that are secondary metabolites produced by dicotyledons. The Brasicaceae family is the richest source of glucosinolates and most dietary glucosinolates come from vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprouts and cauliflower. Glucosinolates have been shown to possess … Continue reading

Posted in Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Glucosinolates | Comments Off on Stability of Glucosinolates in Red Cabbage

Murcott Mandarin Phytochemicals As Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Murcott mandarins contain a range of interesting and nutritionally important phytochemicals including organic acids, phenolic acid derivatives, flavonoid aglycones, flavonoid glycosides, flavonoids containing 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG) units, coumarin derivatives and limonoids. These phytochemicals have been researched and many of them possess … Continue reading

Posted in Inflammation, Oranges | Comments Off on Murcott Mandarin Phytochemicals As Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Are Anthocyanins Bioavailable?

Anthocyanins are a sub-group of flavonoids belonging to the polyphenol class of phytochemicals. Anthocyanins are abundant in berries and a high fruit and vegetable diet can provide significant quantities to the consumer. However, anthocyanins appear to be poorly absorbed from … Continue reading

Posted in Anthocyanins, Antioxidant | Comments Off on Are Anthocyanins Bioavailable?