The intestinal microbiota programs diurnal rhythms in host metabolism through histone deacetylase 3

The findings of this study imply that good bacteria program the metabolic rhythms that govern the body's absorption of dietary fat. This could have really huge implications on obesity and how we look at it and approach it. And furthermore it supports the importance of a healthy microbiome. 

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190927135200.htm

High intake of dietary fiber and whole grains associated with reduced risk of non-communicable diseases

Gotta get your fiber in! We have long known the benefits of eating a high fiber diet. This study indicates that as much as a 15-30% decrease in all cause and cardio related mortality; this means lower risks for diseases like coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer along with lower bodyweight and cholesterol. 

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/01/190110184737.htm

Nutrition and Female Fertility: An Interdependent Correlation

I have long thought nutrition was a factor in fertility and PCOS. While aging, lifestyle factors, and environmental toxins have a role nutritional factors are large. High calorie diets are known to affect fertility be damaging the bodies sensitivity to insulin and damage the cells in the ovary that form an ovum and/or the development of the ovum. Poor nutrition can further cause oxidative stress that effects oocyte maturation. This study speaks to the importance of nutrition and looks at how lipids, carbohydrates, protein, and antioxidants effect fertility. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6568019/ 

Induction of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines by respiratory viruses and reversal by standardized Echinacea, a potent antiviral herbal extract

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19409931/ 

I have Echinacea planted out in front of my clinic and can’t wait to harvest the aerial parts next year. The roots are harvestable too but and the most potent part of the plant. I want them to be part of my landscape so I will wait on the patch to get more dense before harvesting the root. This study revealed that Echinacea inhibited the induction of chemokines and secretion of cytokines and showed powerful antiviral capacity against viruses with membranes. So find a nice tincture or tea for the coming flu season! 

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, L.): A Review

Who doesn’t love Rosemary? It’s a favorite of mine. Rosemary has phenolic compounds that are responsible for its biological properties. It is hepatoprotective, antifungal, insecticide, antioxidant and antibacterial. We know that diseases such as cancer, ischemia, atherosclerosis and aging are linked to dietary and biological lipid oxidation in products. This study found that the antioxidant compounds present in rosemary extracts and essential oils delay lipid oxidation in biological systems and foods and could be used in functional foods, pharmaceutical products, plant products and food preservation. And… once again, its growing out front of the clinic! 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6165352/ 

Melissa officinalis L: A Review Study With an Antioxidant Prospective

Bee balm, lemon balm, honey balm… all common names of Melissa officinalis. In Iranian folk medicine it is used for digestive, carminative, antispasmodic, sedative, analgesic, tonic, and diuretic properties, as well as for functional gastrointestinal disorders. This is a review looked at various studies indicating the properties and uses of bee balm. It’s a really interesting medicinal botanical that has antiparasitic, antibacterial, antiviral, antispasmodic, and insomnia properties. And possesses high amount of antioxidant activity through its chemical compounds including high amounts of flavonoids, rosmaric acid, gallic acid, phenolic contents. I bet you never knew!

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871149/