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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The herb linked to reduced inflammation, lower anxiety, and reduced blood sugar
Cilantro is a polarizing herb. People either love it or hate it. For many, a sprig of cilantro can add much-needed flavor to a salad or in homemade guacamole. For others with a certain gene, it just tastes like soap. "It is estimated that four to 14 percent of the U.S. population has this genetic variation, making cilantro taste like soap," Brooke Baevsky, a private chef and CEO of In the Kitchen with Chef Bae, previously told "For everyone else, the leafy green tastes like a fresh herb." But, eating cilantro can provide you with some surprising health benefits. For one, including it in your diet can help to reduce inflammation that may result in autoimmune, neurodegenerative, gastrointestinal, and heart diseases, as well as certain cancers. Together, inflammatory diseases account for more than half of all deaths globally, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Rich in vitamin C, the plant, which produces coriander as well, has compounds that researchers say act as antioxidants. 'Due to the bioactivities of coriander extract, this herb can be considered a valuable functional food against obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes,' Italian researchers said in a 2023 study. It can also fight high blood sugar, which is one of the causes of inflammation. If you have diabetes, high blood sugar can trigger an immune response that damages tissues, nerves, and the heart. 'Type 2 diabetes and inflammation are intricately connected, with each condition exacerbating the other,' the University of Utah explained. Other research has pointed to cilantro as an effective tool for delaying epileptic seizures. 'Specifically, we found one component of cilantro, called dodecenal, binds to a specific part of the potassium channels to open them, reducing cellular excitability. This specific discovery is important as it may lead to more effective use of cilantro as an anticonvulsant, or to modifications of dodecenal to develop safer and more effective anticonvulsant drugs,' explained Dr. Geoff Abbott, a professor at U.C. Irvine, explained. While cilantro is a boon for the brain, it also comes with potential positive mental health effects. One animal study suggests that it may be as effective as Valium at reducing symptoms of anxiety. Although, more research is needed to understand how that may manifest in humans. Cilantro has been consumed for at least 8,000 years, and was found in the tomb of Egyptian King Tutankhamen. One of the oldest known herbs, its was used in Chinese potions, who believed it to provide immortality, according to the University of Wisconsin. While eating cilantro may not make you immortal, Abbott said it also has reported anti-bacterial effects. 'And, the best part is it tastes good!' he exclaimed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The herb linked to reduced inflammation, lower anxiety, and reduced blood sugar
Cilantro is a polarizing herb. People either love it or hate it. For many, a sprig of cilantro can add much-needed flavor to a salad or in homemade guacamole. For others with a certain gene, it just tastes like soap. "It is estimated that four to 14 percent of the U.S. population has this genetic variation, making cilantro taste like soap," Brooke Baevsky, a private chef and CEO of In the Kitchen with Chef Bae, previously told "For everyone else, the leafy green tastes like a fresh herb." But, eating cilantro can provide you with some surprising health benefits. For one, including it in your diet can help to reduce inflammation that may result in autoimmune, neurodegenerative, gastrointestinal, and heart diseases, as well as certain cancers. Together, inflammatory diseases account for more than half of all deaths globally, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Rich in vitamin C, the plant, which produces coriander as well, has compounds that researchers say act as antioxidants. 'Due to the bioactivities of coriander extract, this herb can be considered a valuable functional food against obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes,' Italian researchers said in a 2023 study. It can also fight high blood sugar, which is one of the causes of inflammation. If you have diabetes, high blood sugar can trigger an immune response that damages tissues, nerves, and the heart. 'Type 2 diabetes and inflammation are intricately connected, with each condition exacerbating the other,' the University of Utah explained. Other research has pointed to cilantro as an effective tool for delaying epileptic seizures. 'Specifically, we found one component of cilantro, called dodecenal, binds to a specific part of the potassium channels to open them, reducing cellular excitability. This specific discovery is important as it may lead to more effective use of cilantro as an anticonvulsant, or to modifications of dodecenal to develop safer and more effective anticonvulsant drugs,' explained Dr. Geoff Abbott, a professor at U.C. Irvine, explained. While cilantro is a boon for the brain, it also comes with potential positive mental health effects. One animal study suggests that it may be as effective as Valium at reducing symptoms of anxiety. Although, more research is needed to understand how that may manifest in humans. Cilantro has been consumed for at least 8,000 years, and was found in the tomb of Egyptian King Tutankhamen. One of the oldest known herbs, its was used in Chinese potions, who believed it to provide immortality, according to the University of Wisconsin. While eating cilantro may not make you immortal, Abbott said it also has reported anti-bacterial effects. 'And, the best part is it tastes good!' he exclaimed.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
From treating fungal infections to removing root rot: 7 smart ways to use Hydrogen Peroxide for healthier plants
From improving soil quality and removing root rot to repelling unwanted garden pests and boosting seed germination, hydrogen peroxide offers several amazing benefits in the garden. Although commonly known as a mild antiseptic, it can work wonders for your plants. According to gardening experts Tammy Sons (TN Nursery) and Lucie Bradley (Easy Garden Irrigation) share surprising ways to use hydrogen peroxide for healthier indoor and outdoor plants. 7 ways to use hydrogen peroxide Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Management Data Science Healthcare Public Policy Design Thinking Others Project Management healthcare Digital Marketing Operations Management Artificial Intelligence Finance others Product Management Data Analytics Technology CXO Degree Cybersecurity MCA Data Science PGDM Leadership MBA Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK General Management Programme India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta CERT-IIMC APSPM India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK GMPBE India Starts on undefined Get Details Treat Fungal Infections There are two fungal infections, namely powdery mildew and downy mildew, that can be treated using hydrogen peroxide. "I have used hydrogen peroxide as a mist on leaves when I first see signs of powdery mildew," Sons said. "It is by no means a sure thing, but it is a low-cost, easy, and generally safe trick to have in your bag of tricks." To treat plants with downy or powdery mildew, mix three parts water with one part 3% hydrogen peroxide. 'Place this mixture in a spray bottle and use it to spray affected plants, including the underside of leaves,' says Lucie Bradley. She suggests doing this in the early morning so that the solution can dry before the afternoon heat. This treatment needs to be repeated every couple of days until the infection has gone. Live Events When using hydrogen peroxide with plants, Bradley stated that it is important to ensure that it is sufficiently diluted. Otherwise, it could damage or kill your plants. Always use a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution that is diluted with water. Remove Root Rot Potted plants can get root rot if they are watered too much or don't have good drainage, but hydrogen peroxide can help. Bradley said that the reason hydrogen peroxide can help is that when it decomposes, it releases oxygen and water. The extra oxygen gives roots better aeration. To treat root rot, take the plant out of its pot, loosen the soil around the roots, and cut off any infected roots using clean scissors. Next, spray the roots well with a mix of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water (equal parts), then put the plant in fresh soil. Prepare Soil Even if your potted plants don't have root rot, treating their roots with hydrogen peroxide during transplanting can be helpful. Sons says she adds a couple of tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide per quart of water when moving outdoor plants into pots or transplanting a potted plant into a new container. "I like to use it particularly with young, delicate roots,' she said. 'This gives them a little extra oxygen as they deal with transplant shock," she added. But she also warned that this solution should not be overused; otherwise, it can damage plant roots, especially those of younger plants. Eliminate Aphids Spray a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water to help control and eliminate aphids. "Mix a solution of 1 part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and 4 parts water," Bradley said. "Then add to a spray bottle and liberally spray the infested plant, ensuring you cover the aphids with the solution." For the best results, insects should receive direct contact with the solution. The hydrogen peroxide will damage the aphids' exoskeleton. Eradicate Fungus Gnats The hydrogen peroxide can also be used to get rid of adult gnats, as well as their larvae and eggs. "To kill the eggs or larvae in your plant's soil, first let the soil dry out," says Bradley. Then, drench the soil using a 4:1 solution of water and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. 'You can repeat this process once a week until the infestation has gone,' she says. For the best results, aim for direct contact with the adult fungus gnats to kill the invading pests. Encourage Seeds to Germinate Gardeners often soak seeds before planting to soften the seed coat and help the seeds germinate better. "But you can also do this using a solution of 1 part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and 8 parts water," says Bradley. The seeds are required to be soaked in this solution for 30 minutes to an hour, then rinse in water. Then soak in water for an additional 10 to 11 hours before sowing. "This works best with larger seeds, which would usually take weeks to germinate," she says. Sterilize Soil When the soil is sterilized with hydrogen peroxide, it kills any bacteria and fungi. According to Bradley, there are two ways to do this. "For small amounts of soil—for example, houseplants—use a container where you have placed drainage holes in the base," she says. Then add the soil to the container and drench it with a 1:1 solution of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and water. Mix the soil to ensure the solution is thoroughly combined. Once the soil is dry, you can use it for potting plants. For larger amounts of soil, spread a thin, 1/4-inch layer of soil over a plastic sheet. Then, spray with a solution of 1/2 a cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and 1 gallon of water.
Daily Mirror
26-04-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to save coffee filters for game-changing reason
A simple household item can drastically improve the health and longevity of your potted plants, saving you time and money with just one quick hack With the warmer weather heating up our soil, keen gardeners will be eager to get their summer plants potted up and hardened off, ready to go into the ground in a few weeks time. But with the threat of weeks going by with little to no rain, the last thing we want is our carefully grown plants to shrivel up and die because of a lack of water. Luckily there's one hack gardeners can turn to to prevent their new plants from drying out - and which also saves them from getting out the hose every single day. And all it takes is one household item you're likely to chuck in the bin anyway. According to you can use a paper coffee filter to keep more water inside your plant pot - and it also saves your soil from washing away through the drainage holes at the bottom, with the added benefit of keeping the area around your pots clean and tidy. Simply place a filter - clean or used, it doesn't matter - at the bottom of your empty pot, covering the drainage holes. Then add in soil and your seeds or plants, and water according to instructions. Marryn Mathis, author of Sweet Pea School and owner of The Farmhouse Flower Farm, is also a fan of using the humble coffee filter for all sorts of gardening benefits. "Coffee filters create an eco-friendly barrier, reducing soil loss through excessive watering and preventing clogged drainage holes at the bottom of the pot," she told A filter can also help retain moisture within the soil without giving bacteria the chance to set in, which risks root rot. The absorbency of the coffee filter lets water fill the pot without over-saturating the soil, says Marryn, which in turn decreases plant stress. An over-saturated pot increases plant stress, which makes it more susceptible to diseases. "While repotting your plant, place a coffee filter at the bottom of your vessel and top it with some moist potting soil," she advises. After that, add your plant on top and secure it in place by putting more moist soil around the sides of the pot. "When dirt flows out of the [drainage] hole with water, the hole can become clogged, making water flow less freely," she added. And if you're used to using a handful of gravel or some broken crockery at the bottom of your pots for drainage, a coffee filter could do the same job but better. "Coffee filters can provide better drainage than gravel because they don't shift and clog drainage holes," says Marryn.
