Month: September 2018

Gut Health and Strawberries

Today’s post is about Gut Health and Strawberries.

Lately there has been a lot of focus on Strawberries. All scandals aside, these sweet berries are very good for us. In particular, Strawberries are very good for supporting our gut health.

Very early on in my blog, I wrote about how a healthy gut and its ‘microbiome’ is linked to our overall health.

 So, what is the Gut Microbiome?

Our ‘gut microbiome’ is made up of the trillions of microorganisms and their genetic material that live in our intestinal tract. These microorganisms live in the digestive system and play a key role in digesting food we eat; they also help with absorbing and synthesising nutrients.

The gut microorganisms are involved in many other important processes that extend beyond the gut. These organisms contribute to metabolism, body weight, immune regulation, as well as brain functions and mood.

Our gut began to populate with bacteria very early in life. As we grow, there continue to be many things that can shape the bacteria that live in our gut. We all live our day-to-day lives in different environments with different combinations of habits and surroundings. Because of this, our microbiome is like a bacterial fingerprint, uniquely individual.

Some things are difficult to change, like genetics, stressful events or illness. There are other factors we can modify or control, such as our lifestyle behaviours – particularly diet.

 What is a ‘Healthy Gut’?

Generally speaking, a healthy gut has a barrier that is effective at keeping the contents of the gut, such as its micro biota, undigested food particles and toxins, from escaping into the bloodstream. Apart from performing all of its usual digestive and regulatory functions, a healthy gut has several other important jobs, including helping to fight off infection.

 What about the Strawberries?

Recent research has found that Strawberries contain ‘anti-inflammatory’ compounds that reduce gut inflammation and increase healthy gut bacteria.

Strawberries are also rich in Potassium, which helps reduce high blood pressure.

The presence of ellagic acids and flavonoids in strawberries protect hearts from bad cholesterol.

Strawberries also contain Fisetin which contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that Fisetin could help to protect brain cells against the effects of ageing. The Journal Annals of Neurology published that eating strawberries more than twice a week has been shown to delay cognitive ageing by up to 2.5 years.

 

We have always enjoyed eating Strawberries and it has been great to learn how good they are for us. Not that we needed a reason to eat more of them.

Till the next post,

Live clean n Prosper

Do Weeds have Therapeutic Properties?

 Todays post is all about therapeutics properties of Weeds. 

Yes, you read that correctly. One of the subjects that Scott is currently studying is called Materia Medica, which is Latin for medical material or substance. Basically he is learning all about the medicinal properties of many different things.

It’s amazing to find out that many of the plants that we consider to be weeds, have medicinal properties. Scott recently joked about how previously he was trying to kill these plants. Now we are trying to keep some alive and cultivate them. Here are a few plants that you might think twice about removing from your garden. 

Euphorbia hirta or Asthma weed

Asthma weed is recognised as a medicinal herb in many different parts of the world. Traditional Asian medicine has used the herb for hundreds of years.

Its primary uses include treating asthma, bronchitis and various other lung complaints, usually in combination with other anti-asthma herbs. Euphorbia hirta is also used in the treatment of cancer, diarrhoea, dysentery, fever, bowel complaints, kidney stones and abscesses.

It should not be used without expert guidance as large doses can be toxic and cause gastro-intestinal irritation, nausea and vomiting.

Stellaria media or Chickweed

Chickweeds are medicinal and edible plants. They are very nutritious, high in vitamins and minerals. The leaves are commonly used raw in salads and sandwiches. They can be cooked in soups and stews as well.

As a medicinal herb, the whole plant is used. The dried herb, as an infusion, is used to treat coughs, and in treating kidney complaints. New research indicates Stellaria’s use as an effective antihistamine. Therefore the plant is also effective when used as a compress or in a cream for itching skin conditions.

Taraxacum officinale or Dandelion

Considered a weed by most gardeners, Taraxacum officinale or Dandelion plant has several culinary uses. The flowers are used to make dandelion wine while the greens are used in salads. Besides that, Dandelion roots are also used to make a coffee substitute.

Native Americans used the plant as a food and as a medicine. Dandelion has been used as an herbal remedy in Europe, North America, and China over hundreds of years. Its different parts are used to treat infections, bile and liver problems.

Other uses for Dandelion are a laxative, as a plant bitter for digestion and as a diuretic.

Elytrigia repens or Couch grass

Elytrigia has been an official medicine in a number of countries throughout the world.

Traditional Austrian medicine treatments used the rhizomes (roots) against fever, internally as a tea, syrup, or cold maceration in water.

Its other medicinal uses include treating rheumatism and gout. It is also described as a ‘mild diuretic’.

The dried rhizomes of couch grass were broken up and used as incense in medieval northern Europe.

Who would have thought – weeds in the salad and couch grass roots as incense! (Sources – Materia Medica of Western Herbs by Carol Fisher, Wikipedia)

Interesting to find out that these are just a few of the common backyard weeds, which have medicinal properties. 

Till the next post, 

Live clean n prosper