Another prestigious medical journal publishes an article on the importance of spices.

Writing in the August 2006 edition of the Australian Medical Journal researchers at the University of Wollongong have added their voices to the growing number of scientists who are calling for the inclusion of more culinary herbs and spices in our diets. They argue that, while research has yet to show that taking extra vitamin antioxidants has health benefits, other studies show that spice-based antioxidants do provide protective effects against various diseases. 

Studies have shown that taking large quantities of a green tea extract can cause liver damage.

However these studies should not stop us from drinking this healthy beverage as the those who suffered toxic symptoms were actually taking huge amounts of green tea extract rather than drinking it in large quantities. As green tea contains the unique antioxidant, EGCG as well as others such as quercetin, naringenin and rutin, we should all try to drink it on a daily basis.

Eat a banana but  licking a toad will make you go 'bananas'

Why is it that some athletes suffer from muscle cramps more than others? Many athletes, from  focused professionals to "weekend warriors" would love to know the answer to that question. There are a  few possible reasons why eating a banana a day helps to alleviate exercise-induced muscle cramps. 

A couple of weeks ago I (hopefully) dispelled the notion that black pepper is unhealthy.

Since I posted that item several people have quoted research showing that although black pepper may not be unhealthy,  red peppers certainly are. They have a point. But it is not that simple. Red peppers may be good or bad for us but, as is the case with all potentially beneficial substances, it all depends on the therapeutic index.