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Ashwagandha roots for exercise recovery, insomnia, and cognitive health
The root of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is used extensively in Ayurveda, the classical Indian system of medicine, and is categorized as a rasayana, an herbal remedy used to promote physical and mental health[1].
There are many claims concerning the health benefits of Ashwagandha root and most all of them concern reduction of adrenal stress (anxiety) and reduction of inflammation; there are many peer reviewed studies, including systematic review summaries that are rather convincing. Positive influences on neurodegenerative diseases such as cognitive decline and dementias have been suggested[2].
It is likely helpful to ingest this substance after exercise, particularly endurance workouts or heavy lifting (supposedly it helps to stimulate muscle recovery).
Also this Ayurvedic has been used to help treat insomnia.
The amount suggested by the literature studies is one-half teaspoon, about 1600 mg.
References
[1] Bhattacharya, S., Bhattacharya, A., Sairam, K., & Ghosal, S. (2000). Anxiolytic-antidepressant activity of Withania somnifera glycowithanolides: An experimental study. Phytomedicine, 7(6), 463-469. doi:10.1016/ s0944-7113(00)80030-6.
[2] Manchanda, S., Mishra, R., Singh, R., Kaur, T., & Kaur, G. (2016). Aqueous Leaf Extract of Withania somnifera as a Potential Neuroprotective Agent in Sleep-deprived Rats: A Mechanistic Study. Molecular Neurobiology Mol Neurobiol. doi:10.1007/s12035-016-9883-5.
Fiber – the unrecognized macronutrient of evolution
Fiber, although not considered a macronutrient, has a RDA of 25 – 38 gm/ day according to the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine’s Food and Nutrition Board and is only available from plants. We know that the most healthful diet is one that is high in fiber and low in rapidly digested carbohydrates. This regimen is referred to as a low-glycemic diet because it helps keep our blood glucose at optimum levels. Wild fruits and vegetables are the original low-glycemic foods[1].
Mind-Body-Spirit
Mind-body-spirit is often considered together as a triad – connected as a unity. While it may be useful to conceptualize the mind and body as a dyad, expanding those concepts to include the spirit is much more difficult to associate.
Mark Twain wrote:
“Between Kipling and I, we cover all knowledge; he knows all that can be known, and I know the rest.”
This quote jokingly differentiates knowledge and concepts, or form, from that which cannot be “known” in the conventional sense. Any attempt to explain or conceptualize the spirit is not spirituality. For example, the Bible is not God but it points our spirit toward the spirituality that is God.
To “be” is deeper than existence. No concepts, external or internal, are necessary to “be. “ No physical forms or thought forms are necessary – in fact, they can impede just being present in the now. We all have experienced such a spiritual state if only for a few moments, perhaps precipitated by external forms. Sister Wendy stated:
“There are some works of art that are so beautiful … that all we want to do is look at it, in silence.”
The spirit resides in this silence, the stillness, while one is fully aware, fully present but without form, internal or external. Only then can we be fully conscious.
To live is to “be”. The mind and body can be supportive to the spirit, as the spirit gives meaning to the mind-body.
Saffron for Depression
According to ancient Greek mythology, Hermes and his friend Krokos were horse-playing and Hermes accidentally killed Krokos through a head injury, with three blood drops from his head falling on the top of a flower, creating three stigmata and naming this plant thereafter Krokos (Crocus)[1]. Thus the ancient and godly identification of this plant and saffron.
The Biggest Health Issue is Neuropsychiatric not Cardiovascular
The University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation has created the world’s first and largest catalog of health-related data, the Global Health Data Exchange, producing an annual Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD). This figure is based on that data and appeared in a JAMA article April of 2018.
The Science and Health Benefits of Horseradish
Homegrown horseradish has a clear, fresh taste and packs more flavor than the store-bought variety. It also ranks in the top five easiest-to-grow edible plants because it thrives in a variety of conditions. Horseradish contains strong antioxidants and is being investigated as a source of anti-cancer containing components as explained below.
This device could save your life
Intimately governing that universal eating process is that most primitive of senses – that of taste. One might immediately associate the word “taste” with an aesthetic judgment of the food source, but the primary point of this book is that taste, as all of the senses for all living creatures, has existed through our evolution only to assist our survival. Food, as a chemical substrate having the maximum nutrient value with the minimum expenditure of our energy, should be chosen and consumed.