Hot pepper compound may reduce obesity
Chili peppers contain an ingredient that could help treat obesity, if it is harnessed correctly. Capsaicin is the reason that chili peppers are spicy. The compound has pain-reducing properties and interacts with the peripheral part of our nervous system. This led researchers to test it as a potential drug for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and various neuropathies. Recently, innovative studies have suggested that the compound may have even more surprising benefits. In fact, some revealed that this molecule can successfully stop breast cancer cells from multiplying. Now, a new study adds another bullet point to the list of capsaicin’s healthy effects. The compound was used to develop a drug that successfully tackled obesity in mice. A team of researchers led by Dr. Baskaran Thyagarajan, from the University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy in Laramie, designed metabocin, which is a drug that releases capsaicin slowly…
Food for foragers – the wild garlic story
By Ren Behan Wild garlic might sound like a rare ingredient only used in posh restaurants, but it’s actually one of the most commonly foraged edible leaves and it can be found growing in abundance, in the woodlands, at this time of year. Wild garlic can also be known as ramsons, bear’s garlic or wood garlic. Pete, Jamie’s gardener, recently wrote a great post about how to find it. I found lots of wild garlic last year during a guided walk in St Albans with The Foragers and Woodland Ways. Since then, I’ve been able to find it for myself. It grows from late winter until around the end of May. Towards the end of its season, it produces pretty, small white flowers. The flowers are edible, too. Wild garlic is related to chives and can be used in…
How to use herbs
Fresh herbs have the ability to elevate a dish to the next level, livening it up with a hit of freshness before serving, or adding a delicious depth of flavour throughout cooking. Herbs are so easy to grow; whether you live in the city or the country, the sixteenth floor or in a basement flat, it doesn’t matter! Just stick them in your garden, window-box, terracotta pot – even a bucket – and you’ll have a never-ending supply of your favourite flavour-boosts. Herbs can be classed as being either woody herbs, like rosemary and thyme, and soft herbs, like basil, coriander and parsley. Woody herbs are tougher and are generally too powerful to be eaten raw. Instead, they’re usually cooked alongside whatever they’re intended to flavour and are often removed before serving. Soft herbs aren’t quite as strong…
The Health Benefits of Spicy Food
It is a long-standing myth that spicy food exacerbates ulcers and other stomach ailments. But research shows hot chili peppers actually protect the stomach lining and may prevent the gastric damage associated with anti-inflammatory painkillers. They are high in nutrients such as calcium plus vitamins A and C, and there’s some evidence that hot chilies can reduce cardiovascular disease risk, help prevent diabetes and boost metabolism. They may also have some ability to prevent cancer. Just don’t go overboard: A Mexican study found people who ate the equivalent of nine to 25 jalapeños per day had a slightly raised risk of stomach cancer. (It shouldn’t be too tough for even hot-pepper lovers to stay under that limit!) Toronto gastroenterologist Dr. Khursheed Jeejeebhoy sees plenty of patients in his office who avoid hot chilies unnecessarily. “Whenever people have stomach…
Create your own herb garden!
Mike has 13 years experience of managing biological/organic farms and teaches farmers about holistic/biological farming. Last year he attended a two day “ Serious Backyard Veggies” course with Costa Georgiadas, host of ABC’s popular Gardening Australia program. He lives in Dubbo and regards himself as a serious backyard veggie gardener. There is often a keen sense of satisfaction when you can handpick freshly grown seasonal herbs to add flavour to a delicious meal. While they are tasty and nourishing in our food, herbs may also serve other health purposes. Herbs stem from our past Herbs have been used for thousands of years by our ancestors as both culinary flavourings and medicinal treatments. With many used in remedies that have been passed down through generations, herbs have also been considered beneficial for some additional reasons, including: -Perfumes -Disinfectants -Protection…