10 Foods That Are Aphrodisiacs

For thousands of years, humans have been trying to boost their libidos and improve their sex lives. Naturally, food has been at the center of this quest. The word aphrodisiac is derived from the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. Here are 10 foods Artichokes
The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that artichokes were an aphrodisiac. In the Middle Ages, women were prohibited from eating them due to their ability to provoke sexual desire. Dr. Bartolomeo Boldo wrote in 1576 that the artichoke "has the virture of ... provoking Venus for both men and women; for women making them more desirable, and helping the men who are in these matters rather tardy."

Oysters Osters are one of the most well-known aphrodisiacs. The infamous 18th century Latin lover, Casanova, claimed to eat 50 oysters for breakfast every day. Modern research has proven that he did indeed eat a breakfast of champions. It turns out that eating oysters supplies the body with two rare amino acids, D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate, that cause the body to release increased levels of testosterone in men and progesterone in women. Oysters need to be eaten raw in order to reap their benefits.

 that are considered to be aphrodisiacs.

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Tomatoes and Avocados - Why You Should Eat Them Together

I'm an avocado fanatic and eat it almost every day. I also love tomatoes and eat salsa on a regular basis, so I was thrilled to learn about the results of a study that found that eating avocado and tomato together has big health benefits.

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that when avocado was added to salsa, study participants absorbed four and a half times the amount of lycopene from the tomatoes.

It is believed that the healthy fats in the avocado help the body to absorb more lycopene.

Getting more lycopene is important because it has been found to play a big role in the prevention of cancer, inflammatory diseases, and age-related illnesses such as cataracts.

To reap these benefits, try these ideas:

- Add avocado to your salsa or salsa to your guacamole.
- When you make tacos, top them with both salsa and avocado.
- Put avocado in your salad and use salsa as a salad dressing.
- Make a sandwich or wrap and include both tomato and avocado.
- When making homemade pizza, use avocado as a topping.

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Side Effects of Passionflower

Passionflower has many health benefits. Even though it is generally thought that it is safe when taken in normal amounts over the short term, there may be side effects when taken in large amounts.

These side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and irregular heart rhythms. These symptoms are rare and most people will not experience them.

Pregnant women should not take passionflower because it may cause the uterine contractions. Women who are breastfeeding should also avoid passionflower.

Contraindications
Passionflower should not be taken in combination with anticoagulants or benzodiazepines. If you are taking these medications or any others, talk with your doctor before you begin taking the supplement.

It may increase the effects of anesthesia, so experts recommend that passionflower supplements be stopped two weeks or more before any surgical procedure.

Be sure to keep the dosage and frequency within the limitations that are listed on the bottle of supplements.

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7 Health Benefits of Ginseng

Ginseng is a perennial plant that grows in the harsh conditions of Siberia as well as many other parts of Asia. Traditionally used in Chinese Medicine to treat male sexual dysfunction (among other ailments), it has many medicinal properties.

Here are 7 health benefits of ginseng.

Cancer Prevention Ginsenosides are compounds within ginseng that may help prevent and treat cancer. It is suspected that they reduce cancer cell activity inside the body.

Brain Health Ginseng helps to boost mental capabilities by stimulating the brain cells. It is also thought to curb mental stress by lowering anxiety levels.

Energy Booster Ginseng increases oxygen use and regulates the metabolism, which has been shown to increase energy levels.

Blood Pressure Ginseng contains andaptogen, a compound that regulates blood pressure.

Weight Loss Research suggests that ginseng affects the way the body metabolizes carbohydrates. It is also believed that there is an extract in ginseng that helps the body to get rid of excess fat. Ginseng may also be effective as a natural appetite suppressant. More scientific research is needed to confirm how effective ginseng may be in aiding with weight loss.

Diabetes Control Consuming ginseng on a regular basis may help to manage blood sugar levels. Studies have found that ginseng may actually lower blood sugar levels after a meal.

Menstruation Relief Ginseng tea reduces the pain of severe menstrual cramps while soothing the stomach. It also helps to lessen the intensity and frequency the cramps.

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11 Health Benefits of Mullein

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a popular natural remedy most often used to treat respiratory disorders since ancient times, but it also has many other medicinal uses.

It is sometimes called Common Mullein, Great Mullein, or, in the western U.S., "cowboy toilet paper," because its leaves make good toilet paper in a pinch.

Mullein is sold as tea, in supplement form, and in drops and tinctures. You can buy loose leaf mullein leaves to make your own tea or to make your own pastes to use topically on the skin. Better yet, grow your own in your home garden! The leaves, stems, and flowers are edible but the seeds are toxic and contain a natural pesticide so be sure to avoid eating them.

Here are 11 health benefits of mullein.

Tuberculosis Treatment Mullein was used as a treatment for tuberculosis in Europe as far back as the 16th century. One experiment in the 19th century found that mullein improved the symptoms of six out of seven TB patients at St. Vincent's hospital in Dublin, Ireland. Some believed that mullein, if used in the early stages of the disease, could bring about a full recovery.

Today, it is known that mullein has anti-bacterial and expectorant properties, both of which are needed in the treatment of TB. Although it has not been studied extensively against mycobacteria, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, it has been studied against other bacteria with great success and other plants of the same species as mullein have been specifically studied against mycobacteria with positive results.

More studies are needed but the case for mullein as a natural treatment for TB is promising based on historical evidence and modern studies.

Cold and Flu As mentioned above, mullein has expectorant and anti-bacterial properties, which make drinking mullein tea helpful if you have a cold or flu with lots of congestion. According to researchers, it is the saponins in mullein that give it its expectorant properties. Mullein also helps to reduce the amount of mucus that is produced by the body.

Allergies, Asthma, & Bronchitis Mullein is a great treatment for allergies, asthma, and bronchitis for the same reasons that it helps with TB, colds, and flu - it is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, a natural expectorant, and reduces phlegm.

Ear Infection Studies have found that mullein flower oil works as a natural remedy against ear infections. It is believed that this may be due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Anti-Inflammatory Mullein is a natural anti-inflammatory thanks to the verbascoside it contains. Verbascoside is a phenylethanoid and caffeic acid sugar ester.

Anti-Bacterial As mentioned in the section about TB, mullein contains natural anti-bacterial properties. This is due at least in part to the verbascoside. Studies have found that verbascoside works particulary well against Staph infections.

Digestive Health Drinking mullein has been found to help a number of digestive problems including diarrhea, constipation, hemorrhoids, and bladder infections. It is also sometimes used to get rid of intestinal worms.

Cramps
Mullein has anti-spasmodic properties that help with menstrual cramps or stomach cramps associated with gastric distress.

Sedative Effects Mullein has natural sedative benefits and may be helpful in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety.

Skin Soothing Applying mullein oil directly to irritated areas of skin may help you to find relief from the discomfort associated with conditions such as a rash, burns, cuts or blisters. Because mullein is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, it will also help with any skin conditions caused by bacteria or inflammation.

Joint Pain Relief The anti-inflammatory effects of mullein can help to ease the pain associated with joint or muscle pain by reducing inflammation and swelling.

To find out about any side effects of mullein, see Side Effects of Mullein.

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7 Health Benefits of Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is a partially oxidized, partially fermented tea made from the same leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant as other true tea. The name "oolong" comes from the Chinese and means "black dragon tea." There are many different varieties of oolong tea and thus, a wide range of flavors and aromas, from sweet and fruity to deeply earthy and woody. The fermentation process of making oolong dilutes its nutritional value compared to green and white tea, however it remains an extremely healthy beverage.

Here are 7 health benefits of oolong tea:

Cancer Prevention The antioxidants in oolong are not as potent as in white or green tea, but remain a powerful ally in cancer prevention. They reduce the risks of free radical damage to cells and DNA, a well known contributor to many different varieties of cancer.

High In Antioxidants Though fermentation reduces the concentration of antioxidants in tea, oolong remains a very good source of these essential compounds. One study suggests that steeping oolong longer, in hotter water, may increase its antioxidant benefits.

Cardiovascular Health A study at Kyoto University in Japan linked drinking oolong tea with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The study found that drinking as little as one to six cups of oolong per week resulted in a 38% risk reduction in men and a 22% risk reduction in women. The tea is believed to help lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels.

Weight Loss and Obesity Prevention Research shows that polyphenol compounds derived from oolong has anti-obesity effects in tests with mice. Oolong tea is believed to increase the metabolism and help the body to burn fat.

Skin Health One study found that drinking oolong tea is an effective treatment for dermatitis. The powerful antioxidants in tea help remove toxins from the skin that contribute to age related blemishes such as spots and wrinkles. Oolong may also help to protect the skin from sun damage caused by ultra violet radiation.

Energy Boost The small amounts of caffeine in oolong tea can provide a good energy boost without the energy crashes that often follow drinking coffee that is often loaded with sugar and cream.

Bone Health Research suggests that drinking tea over long periods of time may help to increase the mineral density of bones and help prevent osteoporosis.

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17 Foods That Prevent Breast Cancer

About 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer by the age of 95. Genetics play a strong role in some cases, but lifestyle and dietary factors may also play a role in many cases. Here are 17 foods that may help prevent breast cancer or, once the cancer has developed, prevent it from spreading.

Turmeric
In one study of mice, researchers found that turmeric helped to prevent breast cancer from spreading to the lungs.

Blueberries
According to one study, the phytochemicals in blueberries work together to stop the growth and spread of triple-negative breast cancer, which carries a poorer prognosis than other forms of breast cancer.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes are high in lycopene, which has been found to lower the risk of breast cancer.

Avocados
Avocados are high in oleic acid, which studies have found to prevent cancer.

Red Wine Consumed in moderation, red wine is believed to lower the risk of breast cancer. However, drinking more than two alcoholic drinks per day may increase the risk of breast cancer so moderation is the key.

Red wine has also been found to significantly reduce the effects of radiation in women undergoing radiation therapy for cancer. One study found that the resveratrol in red wine makes the cancer cells more susceptible to radiation treatment while protecting the healthy cells from damage. (See our Red Wine Protects Against Radiation Exposure for more details.) Spinach One study found that women who ate spinach at least twice a week had half the rate of breast cancer as women who didn't eat spinach.

Grapefruit
Studies show that grapefruit may inhibit breast cancer cells from proliferating.

Dark Cherries Studies in rats found that a compound in cherries may inhibit breast cancer.

Kelp
A study at UC Berkeley found that a diet high in kelp lowered serum estradiol levels in women and had phytoestrogenic properties. Sea vegetables also contain chlorophylones, fatty acids that may help in the prevention of breast cancer. In addition, kelp contains fucoidan, which has been found in studies to induce apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells.

Artichokes
Research has found that artichoke leaf extract induces apoptosis (cell death) and reduces cell proliferation in many types of cancer, including breast cancer. One Italian study found that the flavanoids in artichokes reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Brussels Sprouts Brussels sprouts and all other cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates which are powerful cancer fighters. Brussels sprouts appear to have the most beneficial combination of glucosinolates when it comes to warding off breast cancer and other types of cancer.

Pomegranate Juice Promising research in Israel shows that pomegranate juice destroys breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. Pomegranate juice may also prevent new breast cancer cells from forming.

Flaxseed Oil Flaxseeds contain high levels of lignans, which protect against . Lignans may protect against estrogen-dependent cancers.

Green Tea Studies show that drinking green tea lowers the risk of developing breast cancer and prevents it from spreading in women who have already have the disease. This is due to a compound in green tea called EGCG.

Garlic
Studies show that garlic eradicates breast cancer cells in testHave some garlic with that meat. Research has found that cooking garlic with meat reduces the carcinogenic chemicals in cooked meat that may be linked to breast cancer.

Broccoli
Broccoli contains indole-3-carbinol, a chemical that fights breast cancer by converting the type of estrogen that causes cancer into a more cancer-protective type of estrogen.

Cauliflower
Like broccoli, cauliflower is a great source of indole-3-carbinol.

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