Wormwood sounds like an herb that you would receive from a shaman during a medieval quest. Believe it or not, wormwood is one of the three key ingredients in absinthe, which Pablo Picasso, Edgar Degas, and Vincent Van Gogh used to drink. Maybe that’s why they were such incredible artists!

What Is Wormwood?  

Wormwood, known scientifically as Artemisia absinthium, helps to eliminate intestinal worms, specifically roundworms and pinworms. The plant, which is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, has a bitter taste and has been used for centuries in medicinal applications. Researchers note that wormwood is a perennial herb that exhibits a wide range of health benefits. Continue reading to learn about six of the many impressive health benefits of wormwood.

Aids Digestion

According to historical evidence, wormwood has helped treat flatulence, indigestion, gastritis, and other digestive issues. Wormwood contains bitter compounds that stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which enhance the absorption of nutrients from the foods you eat. The terpenes in wormwood also stimulate saliva, stomach mucus, and intestinal secretions, all of which may ease digestive symptoms. Wormwood may also reduce stomach acids that contribute to acid reflux and peptic ulcers. 

It Exhibits Anti-inflammatory Properties

Wormwood contains artemisinin, a compound that researchers believe to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. A few studies suggest that wormwood may also temper the actions of cytokines, which are proteins that help instigate inflammation. In doing so, wormwood may ease redness, warmth, swelling, and other symptoms of inflammation. Most of the research about wormwood’s anti-inflammatory properties have been focused on people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. A 2016 study monitored people who took 150 milligrams of wormwood extract per day for 12 weeks. The results indicated that they experienced less joint pain than the group that took a placebo. 

It Has Antimicrobial and Anti-parasitic Effects:

Wormwood has exhibited potent antimicrobial properties against many pathogens, from bacteria to fungi, and even parasites. Studies show that wormwood is most effective when it comes to eliminating pinworms and roundworms from the body. Other studies found wormwood to be effective against gut parasites like Giardia lamblia and Helicobacter pylori. For these reasons, wormwood may be a promising natural alternative to traditional anti-parasitic medications or drugs.

Enhances Liver Function

Historically, wormwood was used to help support liver function. Wormwood contains compounds that help promote the secretion of bile, aiding in the breakdown of fats and toxins. Reports suggest that regular consumption of wormwood may help detoxify the liver, which helps protect it from free radical damage.

May Fight Cancer Cells

Several studies found that the artemisinin compound in wormwood may fight against iron-enriched breast cancer cells. It actually fights these cancer cells the same way it eliminates malaria-causing parasites. Cancer cells can be rich in iron because they soak it up, which facilitates cell division. A 2012 study tested samples of breast cancer cells and normal breast cells that had been treated to maximize iron content. After that, the cells were treated with a water-soluble form of artemisinin. Results revealed that normal breast cells showed little change. Within 16 hours, however, the cancer cells were dead, with only a few normal cells killed. 

May Offer Pain Relief

In the past, wormwood was used in herbal remedies as a pain-reliever. Because it contains analgesic properties, wormwood may alleviate various forms of discomfort, including headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle pain. Researchers don’t fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects, so more research is necessary.

Precautions

Although wormwood offers a variety of health benefits, it is crucial to exercise caution when using it. Because wormwood contains thujone, a compound that can be toxic if consumed in excessive amounts, there are certain people that should avoid it. Pregnant women, individuals with seizure disorders, and those with liver disease should not consume wormwood. Should you want to incorporate wormwood into your diet, consider speaking with a healthcare professional, especially if you have a health condition or take specific medications.

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In Japanese, maitake literally translates to dancing mushroom. Legend has it that this beneficial mushroom received its name because people danced with happiness after finding it in the wild. Maitakes are adaptogens that exhibit impressive healing properties. Researchers note that adaptogens help the body fight mental or physical difficulties, regulating systems in the body that are out of balance. 

What Are Maitake Mushrooms?

These edible mushrooms are native to China, but they also grow in Japan, Europe, North America, and other parts of Asia. You may also know maitake mushrooms as hen of the woods or sheep’s head mushrooms. They exhibit a tasty umami flavor, making it a sought after culinary ingredient, but they also offer an impressive nutritional profile. Maitakes are naturally rich in antioxidants, beta-glucans, potassium, fiber, vitamins B, C, and D, copper, amino acids, and other minerals. They are also low-calorie, low-sodium, fat-free, and cholesterol-free. 

Maitake mushrooms are of great interest to scientists because of their unique antioxidant profile. Existing research points to the fact that these mushrooms have a unique way of supporting overall health and fighting certain illnesses. They have many bioactive compounds, which likely contribute to their many medicinal properties. Continue reading to learn more about the health benefits of maitake mushrooms. 

They Provide Cancer Support

According to research, the beta-glucans in maitake mushrooms have an anti-tumor immune response. Some scientific studies on mice found that maitakes blocked tumor growth. Additional research found that beta-glucans potentially enhanced the activity of certain immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages. These cells help to identify and destroy cancer cells. Maitake mushrooms also promote apoptosis, which is programmed cell death that eliminates abnormal (cancerous) or damaged cells. Some studies suggest that maitake mushroom extracts may induce apoptosis in breast cancer and bladder cancer cells. One such extract, which is available in supplement form, is maitake D-fraction. Vitamin C helps to enhance this extract’s function to make it more effective in the body. 

They May Support Healthy Blood Sugar

A study from 2015 found that maitake mushrooms had a positive effect on rats with type 2 diabetes. Over the course of the study, the rats consumed maitake mushrooms, which had a positive effect on blood glucose levels. Study authors were able to conclude that the bioactive compounds in maitake mushrooms helped improve glucose tolerance. A separate study on diabetic mice found that maitake mushroom powder exhibited anti-diabetic properties, improving the condition of the mice over four months. Human research is necessary, but initial studies on animals are promising. 

They Promote Fertility

Before we explain how maitake mushrooms promote fertility, it’s crucial to understand that research is limited. Additionally, the research was specifically focused on how they affected women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This is a condition that causes the ovaries to develop fluid-filled cysts around their outer edges. These cysts contain follicles, but don’t release eggs, resulting in infrequent periods, excess hair growth, and lack of ovulation. A Japanese study from 2010 monitored women with PCOS who either took a maitake mushroom extract or the clomiphene citrate drug. At the end of the study, the maitake extract induced ovulation in 77% of PCOS participants, showing a very similar result to the prescription drug. 

They May Reduce Blood Pressure

Earlier in the article, we discussed the D-fraction maitake extract, which can induce apoptosis. In an animal study, researchers gave that D-fraction extract to rats and found that it reduced age-related high blood pressure. The extract also improved insulin sensitivity, which could help explain why maitake can aid with cholesterol reduction. In an older study from 1989, researchers fed maitake mushrooms to rats for eight weeks. At the end of the study, the rats had lower blood pressure, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels. The ability to lower all of these markers suggests that maitake mushrooms may be able to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and heart disease. 

They Support Immune Function

The beta-glucans in maitake mushrooms work to encourage optimal immune function. The polysaccharides work to optimize immune response, enhancing the body’s overall resilience towards foreign invaders. The bioactive polysaccharides support humoral and cellular immunity, two actions that ward off pathogens. This is particularly useful whether a virus is going around the office, or you are stressed and have a weakened immune system. When compared to shiitake mushrooms in a 2014 animal study, maitake mushrooms stimulated a more intense immune response. 

They May Balance Cholesterol Levels

If you have higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, you have a higher risk of heart disease. Although high cholesterol can result from poor diet and genetics, health experts suggest that insulin resistance plays a role in cholesterol levels. As it turns out, the antioxidants in maitake mushrooms work to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. When inflammatory markers reduce, less cholesterol accumulates in the arteries. That ultimately helps protect you from heart disease.

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Used in culinary and medicinal applications for many years, parsnips are root vegetables that resemble large, white carrots. Parsnips have a long, tapering shape and are close relatives to carrots and parsley, exhibiting a similar nutritional profile to those vegetables. They are nutrient-dense, offering many antioxidant compounds that aid immune function, digestion, and weight loss efforts. 

The antioxidants in parsnips are of great interest to researchers. Antioxidants are compounds that fight free radicals, which contribute to oxidative stress. According to various studies, oxidative stress can increase the risk of many chronic and acute conditions that affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. It can also contribute to the development of neurodegenerative disease and cancer. Eating more foods that are rich in antioxidants, then, may help protect against these types of health conditions. 

That means that you should start eating more parsnips! They are rich in furanocoumarins, flavonoids, and polyacetylenes, which exhibit antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant properties. Continue reading to learn more about the health benefits of parsnips. 

Encourages Healthy Bones

Parsnips contain calcium and magnesium, two minerals that are necessary for bone development. One cup of parsnips provides over 45 milligrams (mg) of magnesium, which equates to about 10% of the recommended daily intake. Magnesium plays a role in the structural formation of your bones, making parsnips a great vegetable to include in your bone health diet. 

Supports Weight Management

Because parsnips are low in calories and high in fiber, they make for an excellent weight loss food. The reason dietitians say they can support weight management efforts is because they keep you full without filling you up with excess calories. One cup of parsnips provides 100 calories and 6.5 grams (g) of fiber. If you are trying to establish a caloric deficit, include parsnips in your meals to increase feelings of fullness. A review of 62 trials with nearly 4,000 participants found that increased fiber intake helped reduce body weight and waist circumference. That is completely separate from calorie restriction efforts!

Enhances Immune Function

One cup of sliced parsnips provided 22.6 mg of vitamin C, which equates to 25% of the recommended daily intake (RDI). Vitamin C is both an antioxidant and micronutrient that helps to enhance immune function by way of several cellular functions. Parsnips also contain quercetin and kaempferol, two phenolic compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antiviral activity. All of that aids your immune system’s ability to fight off foreign invaders. 

May Reduce The Risk Of Breast Cancer

Researchers note that sufficient fiber intake during your early life (during adolescence and young adulthood) can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer later in life. According to surveys, most Americans do not consume an adequate amount of fiber per day. Incorporating more parsnips into your diet can increase your fiber intake. Beyond the fiber, parsnips provide lots of antioxidants, which help reduce DNA damage that may increase cancer risk later in life. 

May Calm The Mind

Both carrots and parsnips contain falcarinol, which works to protect against fungal infections. Researchers note that you lose about 70% of falcarinol during the cooking process, but the remaining 30% is available to cross the blood brain barrier, where it can have an almost sedative-like effect. Falcarinol is serotonergic, which means that it influences serotonin (the feel good chemical) in the brain. Animal studies suggest that falcarinol may improve depression- or anxiety-like symptoms, however, it’s too early to know whether or not it has the same effect in humans.

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While breast cancer is more common, there’s more ways to screen for it and catch it early enough before it becomes more fatal. You should consider getting screened for lung cancer if you’re 50 to 80 years old, and have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke, or have quit within the past 15 years.

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It’s important to visit the dentist prior to starting chemotherapy as it can tackles and kills normal immune cells. This can result in the build up of bacteria and viruses, which can cause oral infections and inflammation.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:42 “Chemotherapy is only used for cancer.”
2:25 “You have to go to the dentist before you start chemo.”
3:43 “Hair cells grow really quickly, and that’s why chemo kills them and causes hair loss.”
5:21 “There’s only one chemotherapy drug.”
6:32 Outro

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It’s time to reconsider ladies night. Alcohol is classified a Group 1 human carcinogen by IARC, and is usually linked to 7 types of cancer. The more you drink, the higher your cancer risk. Drinking about 3.5 drinks a day may double your risk of developing cancer.

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It’s time to reconsider ladies night. Alcohol is classified a Group 1 human carcinogen by IARC, and is usually linked to 7 types of cancer. The more you drink, the higher your cancer risk. Drinking about 3.5 drinks a day may double your risk of developing cancer.

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The younger a woman is, the less likely they are to get breast cancer. Abnormal changes occur as we age, which can explain the development of cancer.

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Breast cancer specialists advise annual screenings starting at 40 for asymptomatic women. If you have a higher risk, it’s often advised to get a mammogram before 40.

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Unusual vaginal bleeding after menopause can be a uterine cancer symptom. There are also factors that can increase the risk of uterine cancer. You can get a Uterine Cancer if you have symptoms screening by a pelvic examination.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:41 if you have bleeding after menopause you need to get checked for uterine cancer straight away?
1:39 At what age should you get your first mammogram?
2:41 What age group of women is most at risk for breast cancer?
4:10 Outro

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