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Hi Friends,
Just saw this NEW STUDY on the best kind of PREBIOTIC FIBER to eat daily!
The confusing aspect of dietary fiber is that different fiber sources vary in their health benefits. Here are some bullet points that highlight these important differences.
*Amount of fiber to eat daily.....experts say 25-30 grams but most Americans and Europeans only get about 15 grams!
*Those on a traditional diet typically get 40-60 grams/day, which helps cut the risk of premature death from inflammation-based illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer
*Highest sources of high-quality prebiotic fiber is (best first):
-Mushrooms (containing branched beta-glucans)
-Any beans or legumes (including peanuts)
-Oats and barley (containing straight-chains of beta-glucans)
The new study cited here found that among different fiber supplements (albeit in animals) like pectin, starch, wheat dextrin, and oat fiber, the beta-glucans worked the best for losing weight and producing beneficial breakdown products like butyrate that has many known benefits in the gut which are detailed in the article.
I've been consuming raw oat fiber in my diet (in the form of ground up oat groats and museli) for decades, and has worked perfectly to benefit my cardiovascular and immune systems and reduce systemic inflammation, as proven by my incredible cardiovascular health numbers and my overall health into my 70s.
I recently came back from Nepal after a 3-week trek to Everest Base Camp, hiking up steep mountains over rocky trails, 5-8 hours/day.
I was able to keep up with the younger folks well and came back in even better shape than when I left.
Bottom line takeaway....adding 20-30 more grams/day of high-quality prebiotic fiber is the single most important thing you can do to improve your overall health and longevity. Of course getting a good night's sleep with at least 1 hour of REM and 1 hour of deep sleep, along with walking 10,000 steps/day counts too!
I wish you good health!
Dr. Christopher Hobbs
news.arizona.edu/.../how-your-morning-oats-could... ... See MoreSee Less
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Just another reason to eat yummy mushrooms! Question: if I freeze-dry (not dehydrate but rather freeze-dry) my mushrooms, do they maintain their health benefits? Thank you! Ps your book Medicinal Mushrooms is amazing and had inspired me to focus on health
BLESSED THISTLE a NEUROTROPIC?
Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) has been a garden favorite since ancient times, especially in cathedral gardens for its bitter taste in elixirs and cordials, as an herb to promote mother's milk, and other purposes. Recently, researchers at the University of Cologne discovered that Cnicin, derived from the medicinal plant blessed thistle, accelerates nerve regeneration significantly, offering a potential new treatment for nerve damage that can be taken orally.
More info below.
Historical Use
Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) has a rich history in traditional medicine. Its name alludes to the belief that Saint Benedict, a 6th-century monk, advocated its use. Throughout the Middle Ages, it held importance as a treatment for the bubonic plague and a plethora of other ailments. Blessed thistle was commonly used for digestive issues, fevers, infections, and wound healing. It was also believed to promote menstrual flow (emmenagogue) and increase breast milk production (galactagogue).
Chemistry
The primary active components of blessed thistle are sesquiterpene lactones, most notably a bitter compound called cnicin. Other constituents include:
Lignans
Tannins
Flavonoids
Volatile oils
Polyacetylenes
Pharmacology
The pharmacological effects of blessed thistle are primarily attributed to cnicin and the other sesquiterpene lactones:
Digestive Support: These bitter compounds stimulate the production of saliva, stomach acid, and digestive enzymes, promoting healthy digestion and potentially easing indigestion.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory: Blessed thistle exhibits antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage and inflammation.
Antimicrobial: Limited research suggests potential antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a possible aid for skin infections or wound healing.
Latest Health Benefits
While traditional uses abound, the scientific evidence for blessed thistle's health benefits is still evolving. Areas where research is ongoing include:
Breast Milk Production: There's mixed evidence on its use as a galactagogue. Some studies show promise, while rigorous clinical trials are needed.
Appetite Stimulation: The bitter constituents may help those suffering from loss of appetite.
Digestive Complaints: Blessed thistle might be mildly beneficial for indigestion and other related issues.
Potential for Other Conditions: Very early research is exploring its relevance in areas like diabetes and cancer, but findings are currently inconclusive.
Safety
Blessed thistle is generally considered safe for most adults when consumed in typical dietary amounts. High doses can cause gastrointestinal side effects.
Due to its potential emmenagogue effect, it's generally not recommended during pregnancy. ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Per the dose suggestions I gathered from the peer-reviewed literature, I'm taking the tiniest pinch every day from capsules that I open up. Agree the doses should be low?
Oh--and the MCG members are very excited to host your talk tonight!
Biodihydroquercetin?
SPRING is just around the corner!
I hope you are well and thinking more about the beautiful spring that is on our doorstep. Did you ever read the Frog and Toad books to your kids (or vice versa?).
Frog and toad were taking a walk and it started to rain and it became quite cold. They rushed back to Frog’s house. They got warm by the fire and Frog told the story about how when he was very young his father told him, “it’s cold and rainy now, but spring is just around the corner!” Frog wanted spring to come so he walked all around the neighborhood to find corners he could look around to find spring. He looked and looked, but he couldn’t find the corner spring was around. He only got wet and cold. Finally he went home, and as he was walking up to the house, he saw the corner of his house. He walked up to it and peeked around the corner. There was his father and mother working in the sunny garden with flowers blooming everywhere, and it was warm. The air was fresh and birds were singing.
My son always liked this story, so we read it together numerous times. I always wondered if there was a wider meaning in the story. I hope spring is coming soon where you are—you should check!
Many of us are stressed and worried. Our earth is stressed, and may be having a healing crisis just now. At this time gardening, whether in window boxes, a small space outside or larger, spending time in the open fresh air, getting our hands in the soil, smelling the plants and flowers is just the balm we need. ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
I didn’t know that story and I love it… Thanks for sharing ❤️🌟💃🏽💕🙏
perfect. Hope your enjoying SC
I just got over a COVID INFECTION. Only two days down. I'm 100% now. In fact I feel better than before the infection. I really think Covid can help tune up different aspects of our immune system and point out areas where we need to boost health practices (like more deed delta sleep). Viruses are the great regulators.
My go-tos:
*Andrographis tablets from Planetary Herbs (2 tabs, 2-3 times daily)
*1/4 pint of the elderberry juice I canned this year (alternative, the traditional formula of thick elderberry syrup from Gaia)
*Nuun Electrolytes tablets, 1, twice daily
*Herbal tea
-strong infused thyme, rosemary, sage, yerba santa with lemon and honey
(I make a quart by blending the herbs in hot water and let steep for 15 minutes; either take 1 tsp to 1 tbsp multiple times a day, or filter out liquid and drink throughout the day)....symptom-free after the second day with symptoms
Many ways to treat and prevent covid, but this regime worked for me for two rounds, 2 years apart!
CHECK OUT MY FREE WEBINAR on Botanicwise:
Enhancing Wellness: Effective Strategies for Herbal Respiratory Protection with Christopher Hobbs, PhD
To sign up:
community.botanicwise.com/events/enhancing-wellness-effective-strategies-for-herbal-respiratory-p... ... See MoreSee Less
Call Now
Dr. Christopher Hobbs
tel:+15302197987
I dedicate this page for truth, a place of kindness, and for connection, and community10 CommentsComment on Facebook
If you posted this here 2 years ago it’d have been taken down. Thanks for sharing this important data. I’m still besides myself on how our industry has been silent about all our tools.
That’s so great! Thank you for sharing ! I have andrographis on hand now, but during Covid, I was using other things (elderberry, garlic, golden seal among others,) . I don’t test, so I don’t know if I ever had it, but the few times I was coming down with cold symptoms I nipped it in the bed within a few hours with golden seal root. And during the early part of 2021 I was using a lot Star anise with nettles .. for other things.. because I was trapped in a small room with a certain group of people
GLAD you're ok and sprung back so quickly! No doubt that YOU would! Thank you for sharing your protocol...andrographis seems to be our "go to" the past few years, as well as a smorgasbord of whatever feels right too 🌿💚🌿
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A delightful moment in a Rose Garden!
Throughout the ages, roses have been favored to lift the spirits, gladden the heart, and for Healing.
Human Uses for Health:
Aromatherapy: The fragrance of rose flowers is used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and uplift mood.
Skin Health: Rose extracts are found in many skincare products due to their purported benefits for the skin. They may help hydrate, soothe, and reduce inflammation.
Antioxidant Properties: Compounds in roses, such as polyphenols, exhibit antioxidant activity, potentially protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting overall health.
Culinary Uses: Some cultures use rose petals in culinary creations, adding both flavor and potential health benefits.
Traditional Medicine: In traditional medicine, rose water and extracts have been used for various purposes, including digestive health and as mild diuretics. also used for uplifting the spirits, for grief, PMS, upset tummy, sore throats, colds and during the menopause.
Potential Relaxant: The aroma of roses is thought to have calming effects, contributing to stress reduction and improved sleep quality.
Dr. Christopher Hobbs Ph.D.
www.christopherhobbs.com
Facebook: Dr. Christopher Hobbs
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I’ve heard the red rose has the highest frequency of all flowers 🥰
It’s summer watermelon season who knew that watermelon had so many health benefits!
Watermelon is a fruit that offers various health benefits. It contains phytochemicals such as lycopene, vitamin C, β-carotene, and total polyphenolic content, which possess anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties (Maoto et al., 2019). These phytochemicals contribute to the potential use of watermelon as a functional ingredient in food applications (Maoto et al., 2019). Watermelon is also a rich source of l-citrulline, a neutral-alpha amino acid that is the precursor of l-arginine, an essential amino acid necessary for protein synthesis (Manivannan et al., 2020). Supplementation of l-citrulline has been shown to have cardiovascular and anti-hypertensive capabilities (Allerton et al., 2018). Watermelon consumption has been associated with the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, and has been shown to improve aortic hemodynamics (Ridwan et al., 2018). Additionally, watermelon has been used to treat various ailments such as obesity, diabetes, ulcers, and various types of cancers (Manivannan et al., 2020).
In terms of weight management, watermelon consumption has been found to elicit robust satiety responses, leading to lower hunger and greater fullness compared to low-fat cookies (Lum et al., 2019). It has also been shown to decrease body weight, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, and waist-to-hip ratio (Lum et al., 2019). Watermelon consumption has been associated with reductions in oxidative stress and an increase in total antioxidant capacity in the blood (Lum et al., 2019).
Watermelon is not only beneficial when consumed as a fruit, but other parts of the watermelon plant, such as the seeds and rinds, also contain antioxidant properties (Pérez et al., 2022). The seeds and rinds are often discarded as waste during the production of watermelon juice (Pérez et al., 2022).
In conclusion, watermelon offers a range of health benefits due to its phytochemical content, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. It has been associated with the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, weight management, and improvements in satiety responses. The various parts of the watermelon plant, including the seeds and rinds, also contain beneficial compounds. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these health benefits and to explore the potential use of watermelon in preventing and treating various diseases.
References:
Allerton, T., Proctor, D., Stephens, J., Dugas, T., Spielmann, G., Irving, B. (2018). L-citrulline Supplementation: Impact On Cardiometabolic Health. Nutrients, 7(10), 921. doi.org/10.3390/nu10070921
Lum, T., Connolly, M., Marx, A., Beidler, J., Hooshmand, S., Kern, M., … & Hong, M. (2019). Effects Of Fresh Watermelon Consumption On
the Acute Satiety Response And Cardiometabolic Risk Factors In Overweight And Obese Adults. Nutrients, 3(11), 595. doi.org/10.3390/nu11030595
Manivannan, A., Lee, E., Han, K., Kim, J., Kim, D. (2020). Versatile Nutraceutical Potentials Of Watermelon—a Modest Fruit Loaded With Pharmaceutically Valuable Phytochemicals. Molecules, 22(25), 5258. doi.org/10.3390/molecules25225258
Maoto, M., Beswa, D., Jideani, A. (2019). Watermelon As a Potential Fruit Snack. International Journal of Food Properties, 1(22), 355-370. doi.org/10.1080/10942912.2019.1584212
Pérez, J., Gómez, K., Vega, L. (2022). Optimization and Preliminary Physicochemical Characterization Of Pectin Extraction From Watermelon Rind (Citrullus Lanatus) With Citric Acid. International Journal of Food Science, (2022), 1-10. doi.org/10.1155/2022/3068829
Ridwan, R., Razak, H., Adenan, M., Saad, W. (2018). Development Of Isocratic Rp-hplc Method For Separation and Quantification Of L-citrulline And L-arginine In Watermelons. International Journal of Analytical Chemistry, (2018), 1-9. doi.org/10.1155/2018/4798530
Dr. Christopher Hobbs Ph.D.
www.christopherhobbs.com
Facebook: Dr. Christopher Hobbs
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chrisrhobbs@gmail.com See less ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Are seeds best consumed raw or roasted ?
You forgot it helps you create nitric oxide....
... See MoreSee Less
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Go, keep going towards the sun... to the horizon of dawn! All the best for You dr. Hobbs 👍
I would go in a heartbeat!! <3 Just breathtaking!
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HOPE TO MEET YOU at the Maine Mushroom Festival, May 12-14
Portland, Maine.
My keynote offering will be the Transformative Power of Mushrooms, and also a class on the incredibly interesting and important mushrooms Reishi and Cordyceps.
Creating mushroom community, together! ... See MoreSee Less
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Wish I lived in Maine! I would toadally go! 😃
Looking forward to your workshops! 🍄🥰
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A classic and highly revered herbal remedy, especially for nervous system and respiratory tract problems.
So easy to grow and beautiful to have in the garden. This is a rather low-dose herb so growing one plant can make a half a pint of the tincture and experiment with it. In line.
thanks for watching, sending out green herbal blessings the day after herb day.
I hope your spring will be full of beauty and magic. More time in the garden whether it’s small or large, or even in pots. We are caring on an ancient tradition of healing through connectedness with nature or source of all blessings..
Christopher Hobbs
#herb
#selfcare ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Thank you for reminding me of Pulsatilla!