Bacopa is one of the herbs that some of us used consistently before exams at university, since as students we needed all the help we could get with learning and retaining information before a big exam. In saying that, today research shows that Bacopa can also assist with ADHD symptoms, and has anxiolytic, antidepressant actions and antioxidant actions.

In traditional medicine, ginger is highly praised for its healing properties. Today, modern medicine and research states that ginger possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. Therefore, it can assist with liver and respiratory health, reducing joint pain due to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and can even positively impact metabolic health that might have been compromised due to obesity or diabetes.

Today, garlic is a familiar household herb, and we often forget its true properties and health benefits. Before the advent of anti-biotics, garlic was one of the herbs often used to assist with many health conditions and diseases. Studies now show that garlic, apart from having potent anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, can also lower high blood pressure and assist with hyperlipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

We look more closely at flaxseed, garlic, pumpkin and several other vegetables, and their anti-cancer and anti-tumour effect in vitro and in animals.

There are three most well-known types of ginseng, but not many know that they differ in their potency. While American ginseng is valued for its calming and anti-stress effects, Siberian ginseng is known for its adaptogenic qualities. Korean ginseng, on the other hand, has proven antioxidant, immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory and heart protective effects.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, bok choy, cabbage and cauliflower have proven to provide a certain level of anti-cancer and anti-tumor protection, and in certain quantities may even prevent cancer cell proliferation. So, how often should we include them into our diet?

The ketogenic diet (KD) is recognised for its potential to support fat loss, but its impact on physical performance, especially for athletes, remains contentious. While anecdotal evidence suggests performance benefits in some scenarios, scientific studies show mixed results. KDs may promote fat oxidation and weight loss but might not be ideal for enhancing muscle mass or performance in high-intensity activities.

Echinacea is one of the most popular herbs in use today. Before the arrival of European settlers, it was widely used by the Native Americans for a variety of conditions. Today, studies and research indicate that echinacea can assist with skin and gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular issues, and it has antiviral and antimicrobial properties while being a potent antioxidant.

Ashoka has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for many conditions and has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Studies show that it can assist women with depression, hormone regulation, and menstrual cycles.

Research shows that asparagus, broccoli, carrots and a few other types of vegetables offer essential nutrients crucial for overall health and have potential cancer-fighting properties. In this article, we explore these vegetables in more detail and also look into differences between organic and non-organic cultivation of vegetables.

Licorice has been used traditionally for a wide range of conditions and was found beneficial due to its specific compound called glycyrrhizin. Today, studies have shown that licorice has potent antiviral and antibacterial properties and can also assist with healthy memory.

Food additives that are approved for human consumption require safety analysis and regulatory approval. However, GRAS (Generally Recognised as Safe) substances are considered safe for consumption based on a history of common use in food or scientific evidence, or consensus among experts. Also, they are only tested on animals and not humans. Does this process perhaps need revising?