Nutrient analysis of berries shows that they can combat chronic inflammation. How do the popular or common strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry stack up?
We all need vitamin D. We need D3, the active form, because our body uses it for essential functions. Do some of us need it more than others? The short answer is yes. Who needs it more, and what happens when they're deficient?
Boron, silica, and strontium are naturally occurring trace elements that some scientists believe may be essential for creating and maintaining strong bones and joints like other minerals in food.
Kelp, the edible seaweed, is an example of a sea green. Dulse, nori, samphire, and Irish moss are also sea greens. Researchers suggest that sea greens are pack-full of important nutrients that may benefit our health.
Researchers are studying the bioactive nutrients in fruit seeds as potential therapeutic agents against cancer and other diseases. Some fruit seeds they've reviewed include apple, blackberry, date, and guava. What are the compounds in these fruit seeds with potential anticancer properties?
Many women choose natural herbal remedies for relieving the symptoms of menopause. Three common herbs are tubers of black cohosh, valerian, and wild yam. What symptoms do those roots treat, and does research support that?
Did you know that fruit peels tend to have higher concentrations of nutrients, including antioxidants, than fruit pulp? Antioxidants are essential to our health. This article is about six of the top antioxidant-rich fruit skins.
Triphala is one of the most popular herbal remedies used in Ayurveda and other Eastern health modalities. It contains three ingredients. I call them the Triphala trifecta. Here's why.
Peanut butter is getting lots of company on the shelf these days as more and more plant-based spreads are being manufactured. Research indicates that plant-based foods, including butter, are healthier choices. But do nut butters provide us with more health benefits than seed butters?
Ever wondered what fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices may be best for your zodiac sign? This article tells you.
China has used all parts of the white mulberry plant as food and medicine for centuries. Research has subsequently shown the wisdom of those scientists. The plant seems to contain powerful phytocompounds, minerals, and vitamins that could benefit an array of human health issues.
Have you noticed that many of the herbs and spices belonging to the Apiaceae plant family are touted to have healing properties? Why is that? Many of them are also the herbs and spices we often use in our recipes.
Humans are the only animals that consume the milk of other animals. Most of us know that. But research, particularly recent studies, suggests that milk and other dairy foods may serve the aging public well. Evidence also implies the opposite. What do both sides say?
Bha, Bht, and Tbhq are antioxidant food additives commonly found in oily and fatty processed foods, medicines, cosmetics, food packaging, animal feed, and rubber goods. The letters look and sound similar, but how do the synthetic additives they represent differ?
Studies indicate that at least 3% of us suffer from food allergies. The terms latex-fruit syndrome and pollen-food allergy syndrome are usually associated with food allergies. Are they the same allergic reaction or are they different?
Did you know that the herb Cnidium or Cnidium Fruit Extract used to treat erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, and skin rashes have other potentially important health benefits?
Ever heard of Bambara groundnut, Congo goober, earth pea, hog peanut? You should take notice. This subterranean bean is pack full of excellent nutrients, and may be a great socio-economic asset. Why is it neglected instead of being praised as a superfood?
Which natural oils make the best conditioners for Black hair types? There's several to choose from. Hair and beauty experts suggest unrefined, extra virgin, cold-pressed oils. But which specific natural oil works best on nappy hair? This article may help.
Did you know that berries have the potential to improve our eyesight? Research suggests that bioactive compounds in bilberry, goji berry, and maqui berry may be able to.
Growing up in the Caribbean, I didn't realize how fortunate I was to have both breadfruit and breadnut (chataigne) as staples in my diet.
The name cape gooseberry may not be as familiar to you as goldenberry or ground cherry, but this little, unique-tasting fruit may be a good one to include in your healthy-eating arsenal.
Soybean protein isolate, pea protein isolate, lupin bean protein isolate. How do these three legume protein powders compare in nutrients, health benefits and side effects? Is one isolate powder more beneficial, or is it simply a matter of taste?
We don't always think veggies when we think of high protein, but several of them have healthy amounts. In fact, our diets may already contain a few.
Raging pandemic? Let's do what we can to strengthen our immunity. Let's begin with deliciously-smooth, cool, non-alcohol mocktails! Veggies or fruits, they will deliver flavor and superb nutrients! Who needs alcohol's extra calories?
Dates and prunes have long been established food sources. Research demonstrate that they're packed full of similarly important nutrients despite their high sugar content. No wonder dates and prunes share several potential health benefits.
There are differences in the nutritional content of green peas and green beans though many people consider them the same. The differences are mostly in nutrient-quantity, but they are interesting to note.
Compounds capsaicin, piperine, gingerol, and allicin impart their spicy properties to our food when we use them. That's due to the similarities in their chemistry. Does it mean that they also provide us with similar health benefits?
Jerusalem artichoke, which you may know as sunchoke or sunroot, resembles ginger root in appearance. I was curious to discover what else, if anything, these two edible tubers had in common and what they didn't.
Prebiotics refer to the dietary fibers we consume in certain foods that help the good microorganisms, mostly bacteria, in our gut's microbiome provide us optimal health. But so do postbiotics, which is also part of our microbiome. This article explains how both are important to our health.
Japanese shishito peppers have seen a rise in popularity in recent years. Bell peppers, at least some varieties, have enjoyed popularity for decades. But which specie of pepper offers more nutrition and flavor?
In the last five years, at least, there seemed to be an avalanche of collagen supplements on the market as the media picked up on research about the degradation of our bodies' natural supply and the deficiencies in its ability to produce more as we age. This article covers those topics in detail.
The hauntingly beautiful abandoned places in Maine filled me with wonder. The unique, picturesque aspects of the Land of Frozen Ground left me wanting to learn more.
These 10 popular games that out as simple backyard pastimes before evolving into sports governed by national and international organizations.
The Freemasons is one of the world's oldest and longest-surviving secret societies to which many of our United States presidents belonged. Here is a list of the last ten.
Of late, producers of television commercials seem to be choosing particular spokes animals to be in just about every commercial we see. Remember spokes goats? Now it's spokes owls. What's next?
Learn about the benefits of proteolytic enzymes as well as why they may be preventing your Jell-O and other gelatinous foods from setting.
Kosher and Halal dietary laws as determined by the Torah and the Qur'an are similar yet different. This article explains how.
This is the journey and struggles of Haitian immigrant Jean-Baptiste Point du Sable, whose entrepreneurial spirit led him to become a Black man of enormous wealth in an era in America when that was nearly impossible. He gained the title of "Father of Chicago."
Learn about the benefits of several culinary healing herbs: marjoram, oregano, and savory. Discover their nutritional components and how they can improve our overall health.
Topi tambo is a tasty little root vegetable that is similar to an Asian water chestnut. What is the topi tambo, and how is it different from the water chestnut?
I wanted to explore my fascination with Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. What intrigued me about the holidays was their use of the candelabrum. Was there a common theme? What were their specific differences?
Aromatic culinary spices cardamom, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg add wonderful flavors to our meals. Research show they also offer a myriad of health benefits. But as medicine, how safe are they?
If you saw the purple varieties of kohlrabi, radish, and beet, you might think these vegetables belong to the same family. Though there are similarities, they are quite different.
Chives, Leeks, and Scallions like onion and garlic belong to the Allium family. They add great flavor to our meals, but more importantly, their chemical compounds provide us numerous health benefits.
The seeds of Baobab, Camellia, and Karanja fruits contain essential oils with powerful ingredients that help our skin to feel and look healthy. Reasons they're found in many of our skincare products.
Comparing the chemical composition, health benefits, uses, and other factors of nut oils: Hazelnut oil, Macadamia oil, Pecan oil, Pistachio oil, and Walnut oil.
Five herbal teas loaded with soothing and healing properties to ease or alleviate your premenstrual, menstrual, pregnancy, childbirth, menopausal, and other symptoms.
This hub lists six less-commonly known herbal remedies for effectively treating women's reproductive system problems. Descriptive overviews, constituents, and side effects are included.
This hub is about my search for yogurt in local convenience stores in my best friend's neighborhood, which happens to be the poor, working-class community of Ocean Hill, Brooklyn, New York. Why none?
Apple beverages, especially the hard kind, are experiencing a resurgence. This article takes a look at history, manufacturing process, health benefits, health concerns, food pairings, and marketing.
Liquid rituals have become an integral part of today's sports victory celebrations. Some fans applaud them. Some don't. Who is responsible for these milk-drinking and liquid shower traditions?
Not all Christian denominations believe in the ritual of baptism and those who do have their own take on necessity. Some view it as sacramental, others as symbolic, and others as both.
The millennia-old Ayurvedic therapy called oil pulling has been gaining popularity in the West. Studies show positive results in oral and overall health. But some oils are more effective than others.
Despite their invasive nature, some backyard weeds can be pretty beneficial to our health and make great additions to our cuisine as herbs and flavorings. Consider these four common weeds.
You know the old saying, "You've come a long way, baby?" Well, we can apply it to men's underwear. And there's at least 5,000 years of history to prove it: from loincloths to boxer briefs.
The titles or roles of various members of clergy, especially of Christian faiths, can be quite confusing. This article hopes to dissolve some of the confusion.
Within the past four years, therapeutic properties of new essential oils Fragonia and Kunzea have been heralded. But how do they compare with the benefits of the very popular Tea Tree essential oil?
The Caribbean has long been on the list of movie studio locations to film and why not? It's like spending a few months in paradise. Here's a list of 15 popular movies that were filmed there.
Alpaca and llama fibers are of the finest quality. Sheep wool tops today's animal fiber industry. So, what's different about the fleece of these herding animals?
Jesus is known by many names and symbols. One website counted 66 Biblical names. Others have counted more. Some of Jesus' names and symbols are used more commonly than others. Which are they? Read on.
Power nailers (a.k.a. nail guns) come in wide different varieties. Some use gas, while others use air. This article explains the differences between them.
Since online dating is no longer stigmatized, ads for those sites are turning up in all forms of media. The pitches from some companies seem relentless. This article details the five most adveritzed.
When we think of fitness centers, gyms, and health clubs, we tend to think of them as one and the same, but there are subtle differences.
The list of entities celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2014 is far and wide. Here's a brief account of a few iconic companies, organizations, agencies, associations, and sites.
It's amazing how many mistakes we dog owners (and pet owners in general) make without even being aware we are making them. This article lists twenty-one.
My dog's breath smells horrible! How do I treat bad breath? What's the cause? What are some preventative methods for halitosis? This article helps.
All sorts of myths about dogs exist. Many fall into the categories of health, behavior, and training. This article looks at four of the most common myths in each of those categories.
Purchasing a collar for your canine companion, regardless of type, can prove daunting. This article offers help.
So, why is Brussels sprouts the new kale? This article compares nutritional values, health benefits, and other information to find out.
Health and nutritional experts have been calling freekeh the newest super grain for at least two years. How does it compare with bulgur, semolina, and spelt, other grains once touted as super?
With the 22nd Olympic Winter Games underway at Sochi, Russia, this article takes a look at the popular Nordic Combined sport, including history, interesting facts, winningest athletes and countries.
Most of us lump fast food, junk food, and street food in the same category. They may overlap, but they each are decisively different.
Pine nuts and pumpkin seeds have similar nutritional values and thus could provide similar health benefits. But there are differences, especially regarding historical backgrounds and attributes.
Believe it or not, soft corals (all corals really) and jellyfish are correlated. How might that be? The article explains.
Did you know that koalas, wombats, and badgers were once thought to be the same animal, especially by early Australian settlers? How are they similar? How are they different?
Bacteria, parasites, and viruses all cause diseases, some of which are severe. They share many general symptoms, which could result in wrong diagnosis. This article takes a close look at these germs.
Cream cheese originated in France in 1035, but the deliciously wonderful flavors and textures we have today are due mainly to the creators, past and present, of the Philadelphia Cream Cheese brand.
Tomatillos resemble little green, immature tomatoes, but they are not tomatoes. Let's look at the similarities and differences.
You would think that there are huge differences between apostleship and discipleship. Dig deeper and you'll find that's not true. There is one simple difference: passing the test.
With winter months approaching, you may be in the market for a fireplace for that cozy family room, living rom or bedroom. Know the pros and cons of electric fireplaces. Top brand mentions included.
This article compares my top three 2- and 4-slice digital toasters with their conventional counterparts, including everything you need to know to choose the right toaster for you and/ or your family.
The religious titles of brother, friar, minister, and monk may seem interchangeable to many, but they refer to very different religious or spiritual communities.
Incense had been a valued commodity for centuries, being used for spiritual and medicinal purposes. But not all Christian denominations embraced its use in worship. So, which ones did, when, and why?
Every August & September one can find something unique, sweet, nutty, crunchy & juicy to munch on. Fresh figs. This article lists four of the most popular varieties including health benefits.
Senior magazines are often targeted for ads on PERS. This article compares four, which appear frequently in the AARP Bulletin. It includes pertinent information to help you purchase the best device.
The evolution of cruet styles is fascinating. From simple vessels for religious rituals to 18th-century elegant must-haves to the present day—where they have become less ubiquitous but still make an elegant addition to the dining table.
African American jockeys made huge accomplishments in thoroughbred racing, especially at the big three Triple Crown events. Yet, they remain relatively unknown.
Certain food or food groups profoundly affect our bodies' waste elimination process. They cause excessive urination, diarrhea or constipation. This article lists those foods and their effects on us.
Old Testament/ Hebrew Bible passages mention bells. Since Christianity and Judiasm share an ancestry, it's not surpising to find bells in important roles in Christian denominations, past and present.
Europeans have a long history of artisan or gourmet cheese making. Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany, & Spain create some of the best. Here's my top three cheese varieties for each country.
Avocado, coconut, and olive provide the best fruit oils for detoxifying or cleansing our gastrointestinal system and waste eliminating organs. Here's why.
Almond butter and sunflower seed butter (also called sun butter) are both considered healthy substitutes for peanut butter. But they are not quite the same nutritionally. Let's take a look at how they compare.
Gardening tools, especially when used frequently, can damage the body & spoil your gardening fun. But there are lightweight essential tools that could keep you gardening happily all summer long.
Barbecue season is here. We all want tools and accessories we could use with ease and comfort. That is usually difficult for the left-hander. Good news! There are specifically-made products out there.
There are so many natural sweeteners to choose from, the task might prove daunting. My top six choices are based on nutrients, health benefits, side effects, and other important factors.
This hub contains a brief account of the history of pillows including throws pillows, recounts the limitless varieties of them, as well as decorating and purchasing tips and cost.
Marionettes, puppets, and ventriloquist figures (dummies) may be similar, but there are historical, constructional, and operational differences between them. Let's explore each of them.
With Easter approaching, here's a look at fun, interesting facts about more popular traditions including Christian celebrations, eggs, lamb, ham, parades, and games with mention of Jewish Passover.
Though the history of the automobile is very well documented, this is less true for automobile doors. Join me as I track the car door's basic evolution.
Who is Pope Francis I, the former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio and Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina? Here's a brief account of the new pontiff inc. heritage, personality, and social stance.
With all eyes on Vatican City, Rome as the election process for a new pope begins, the following facts about the former Pope Benedict XVI, the election process, and the papacy might prove interesting.
Fennel, sometimes called a vegetable, has been around since 961 A.D. With its many uses, culinary and otherwise, it is quite beneficial to women, especially in the areas of sex and fertility.
Cauliflower first grew in the Far East some 2,000 years ago. Since spreading around the world, new colorful varieties or hybrids have been developed. Let's compare them.
Looking for a senior-approved bed? Learn how to shop for an adjustable bed to make the best (and safest) purchase possible.
The words “poisonous” and “venomous” are often used interchangeably, but poisonous refers to animals and plants with toxic tissues: the entire body or parts of the body, and venomous refers to animals with specific or specialized body parts that produce and/ or transport toxins. In addition to...
Kidney beans resemble our internal renal organs, hence the name. They are legumes, and members of the common bean family with the scientific name Phaseolus vulgaris. The beans vary in color, skin firmness, and country preference. But is one kidney bean more nutritious than the others?
Bulgur, semolina, and spelt are three different types of wheat. How do these grains differ historically and nutritionally from each other? What about food preparation? This article answers those questions.
The dining table is called “the centerpiece of social functions.” It is where we gather to eat, drink, and communicate with others daily or on special occasions. Since the 8th century, we have protected it from spills, drips, stains, and other damage in accordance with our social and economic...
Esio Hot & Cold Countertop Beverage System is the latest home beverage brewing system to enter the populat market. It offers a new "dropanddrink" technology, two water tanks- one for hot water and one for cold water, E-Paks making up 14 8-oz beverage servings, among other features. But how does it...
This article takes a breif look at four trace minerals: cobalt, germanium, molybdenum, and vanadium that have proven effective in preventing or treating diseases and disorders, some of which are life-threatening. It also lists foods we should include in our diet to avoid, if possible, taking...
Flatware (knife, fork, and spoon) rests, coasters, and placemats were made for a similar purpose: to protect the table and tablecloth from food stains, spills, heat, other damages, and contaminants. Flatware rests are not seen as much today, but coasters and placemats are still fashionable.
While hard liquors all have a similar use (cocktails!), not all hard alcohol is created in the exact same way. Read on to learn about the differences between gin, whiskey, rum, tequila, and vodka.
This is the second part of the James Bond women of song article. Unlike the other, which focused on the James Bond American women of song, this article considers the British female vocalists who have recorded and performed theme songs for James Bond films, beginning with Dame Shirley Bassey for the...
With the release of the latest James Bond film "Skyfall," I was curious about the American female vocalists who have recorded and performed the franchise's theme songs over the years. So far, eight women have sung them as solo artists, from Nancy Sinatra in 1967 with "You Only Live Twice" to...
Cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric are centuries-old spices with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties that have proven to delay the onset of aging or anti-aging symptoms. But which of the three spices, if any, offers the most help?
Nuts are highly nutritious food. They are loaded with protein, antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and LDL cholesterol-lowering plant sterols. Certain ones provide more health benefits to women, while others provide more health benefits to men. All nuts are great for children (except where...
Cooktops can be confusing due to the various technologies: gas, induction, ceramic glass, or electric coils. This article explains the differences in power sources and usage.
Grapeseed oil is lauded as a healthy cooking oil for its high nutritional value. But how does it compare with canola and peanut, two other cooking oils that are also considered beneficial for good health?
Despite the reported decline in sales and the closing of companies such as Tokyopop, manga's popularity in the United States remains steady; at least in the categories dedicated to youth. But the adult market can be reached.
This year, four distinct iconic components of our society observed a 100th anniversary: Nabisco's Oreo cookie, Girl Scouts of the United States of America, the RMS Titanic, and Boston Red Sox' Fenway Park. The histories of these 2012 centenarians are both revealing and fascinating.
Though the modern-day underwire bra is made with pliable metal and surrounds the entire breasts, the argument still rages about whether wire-less bras are better and safer to wear. Some medical experts say they are. The author of "The Bra Book" says that 85% of women wear the wrong bra size. The...
Coconut milk is becoming quite popular as a dairy substitute. Coconut water is often used by pro and amateur athletes to replace loss electrolytes. There are other important differences between these two fluids including nutritional value and health benefits.
The trumpet and cornet are both brass instruments pitched in B-flat and produce sound in a similar way. However, they are individually unique.
Flatbread has been a staple food of mankind for millennia, since 4,000 BC to be exact. They were quick and simple to make, consisting mainly of grain, water, and salt. When yeast, baking powder, and baking soda were discovered, some countries began making leavened versions. But whether leavened or...
Learn the similarities between these bulbous tubers—and some important differences.
Bitter melon and cucumber look alike. Some people even categorize bitter melon as a variety of cucumber. Both vegetables belong to the gourd family and have a number of other similarities, but they are unique.
The hoodie or hooded sweatshirt was branded a co-conspirator in the shooting death of Florida teenager, Trayvon Martin by renowned reporter and journalist, Geraldo Rivera. He later apologized for his remarks, but it left me thinking: Who invented the hoodie?
Scones are delectable, oven-baked pastry that resemble an American biscuit. Today, they come in a variety of flavors and shapes: honey, yogurt, pumpkin, rose(yup, the flower), fruit-filled, nutty, bacon, round, square, triangular. But in the 16th century, it was one large cookie they quartered...
Baker's or brewer's yeast, the live, single-cell fungi (one of 1,400 species) causes bread and other baked goods to rise through the process of fermentation. This information was accidentally discovered by ancient Egyptians. Baking powder, contrarily, was deliberately created from three different...
The jigsaw puzzle was invented by British cartographer, John Spilbury in the 1760s. He crafted maps on wooden veneers for geography students. Soon after, subject matter expanded to poetry, Biblical verses, and children's classics. By the 1800, jigsaw puzzle making reached the American shores. With...
Articulation, taxidermy, and plastination are three techniques used for preserving animals and humans. Is this necessary? It is, at least for the scientific, medical, and teaching communities, as well as museums.
Conscientious manufacturers returned to the use of natural food color additives when health concerns with synthetic food color arose. However, natural food colors may create their own health issues.
Slow cooking has made a comeback since it first became popular in the 1970s. Today, the choices are endless: manual, programmable, digital, portable, non-stick Teflon-coated pots, ceramic, lids of all kinds, and features such as defrosting. Which is best?
Gondolas, one of the world's most recognizable boats, have been around since the 1100s. Though the modern version looks quite different, the gondola still gives us a romantic glimpse of Venice as it was a long time ago. In paintings of some of the renowned Renaissance painters as Vittore Carpaccio,...
Chocolate diamonds belong to the brown category of fancy diamonds. The brown color is the most common impurity found. But the deeper, stronger, richer or darker the color is, the more valuable the diamond. Since such naturally-occuring gemstones are rare, an entire industry has been developed to...
The term super PACs is being bantered about by the media in their coverage of the 2012 Republican primaries. They are mainly special interest fundraising groups which were created after the Supreme Court's 2010 ruling in the case of Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission (FEC).
Keurig has permitted use of its single serve brewing technology in the Mr. Coffee and Conair's Cuisinart brand of single serve coffee brewers. But how well do they stack up against this giant in the field and the other popular brands?
With Thanksgiving day near (for those of us in the United States) we turn our attention to a cornucopia of food: preparing it, cooking it, and serving it. One piece of kitchenware could be a big help. The electric carving knife which was nvented by New Yorker Jerome L. Murray. How do we choose...
Cake pops are all the rage these days. Three popular appliances claim to make the perfect cake pop. But which one actually does? You decide.
There are several reasons for resurgence in the purchase of boxed/box wine. The main one is cost but the improved quality of taste is also responsible. This article relates the advantages and disadvantages of box wine vs corked bottle wine vs screw cap bottle wine as well as interesting wine facts.
Popular flatbreads of India and the cookware needed to make them.
Tapas bars have been popping up in American cities of late. The Spanish food or snack has a colorful history.