Kent State Interns

 Is Ginger the Ultimate Health-spice?      Ginger is a spice that adds a fragrant zest to both sweet and savory foods. The spice of ginger comes from the root of Zingiber officinale, the ginger pant. This is what makes ginger ale, ginger tea, candies, and many asian dishes so appealing.      Ginger has a leafy stem and yellowish-green flowers. Ginger has been used for medicinal purposes in China for more than 2,500 years, and it has had a prominent role in Chinese, Indian, and Japanese medicine since the 1500s.       Studies have shown that ginger may be helpful for mild nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy. Gingerol, a natural component of ginger roots, benefits gastrointestinal motility - the rate at which foods exit the stomach and continues along the digestive process. Ginger contains antioxidants, which may help manage free radicals in the body. Ginger is possibly also an anti-inflammatory.      Ginger T...

Spice Up Your Health: The Nutritional Magic of Holiday Flavors As snowflakes dance outside and warm lights twinkle, the holiday season brings more than just festive cheer—it brings a treasure trove of nutritional powerhouses hidden in plain sight. Those aromatic spices that define our favorite seasonal treats are not just flavor enhancers, but secret weapons of wellness. From the warming embrace of cinnamon to the zesty punch of ginger , these holiday staples are packed with health-boosting properties that can transform your winter nutrition. Beyond their ability to create mouthwatering dishes, these spices offer a remarkable blend of antioxidants, minerals, and healing compounds that support everything from digestive health to stress relief. Cinnamon: Sweet Comfort with Health Benefits Cinnamon, a hallmark of holiday baking, offers more than just flavor. This spice is loaded with antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation. Research also suggests that cinnamon...

  Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that passes through the body undigested. There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel like material as it passes through your body. Once it reaches the colon, this solution can be broken down by your body’s “good” inflammation reducing gut bacteria. Insoluble fiber absorbs water instead of dissolving in it and helps move food through your digestive system. Benefits of soluble fiber Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels May reduce risk of heart disease Increases healthy gut bacteria Reduces the body’s ability to absorb fat May help with weight management by helping you stay full longer Benefits of insoluble fiber Prevents and treats constipation Promotes regularity and bowel health Reduces risk for colorectal conditions (hemorrhoids and diverticulitis) Dietary fiber is found mostly in plant foods so eating a variety of whole fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains are essential to get as m...

  Various flavors, such as sugar cookie, gingerbread, cranberry, and cinnamon, come with the holiday season. But a major flavor is peppermint. During the holiday season, peppermint seems to pop up everywhere, with candy canes, flavored coffee/drinks, peppermint bark, cookies, and desserts.  But have you ever thought that peppermint may have some benefits? Peppermint, also known as Mentha Piperita, can have soothing effects, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, and it can also help with digestion.  Peppermint can:  Soothe an upset stomach Aid digestion  Assist in symptoms of headaches, skin irritation, nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, flatulence, and anxiety  Help symptoms of a common cold  Kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses Peppermint can come in various forms such as peppermint tea, peppermint spiritu (10% oil and 1% leaf extract), capsules, and creams or ointments.  Overall peppermint can help to relieve various symptoms of hea...

  Eggnog may not be considered "health" food, but there are some nutritional benefits that it can bring to the diet including certain vitamins and protein. You may have seen this popular drink come out on the shelves around holiday as it is very popular around this time of year. In 2019, Americans have spent $185 million on eggnog alone. That is a lot of money spent on eggnog! Eggnog can be homemade or manufactured, and can include many different spices. This beverage is typically made from a mixture of milk and/or cream, sugar, and egg yolks. It can also include warm spices, like vanilla, nutmeg, or cinnamon. This drink will typically come chilled and may also come "spiked," or with a splash of rum, whisky, or brandy.  When making eggnog, make sure to use pasteurized eggs to ensure no bacteria contaminates your recipe. Pasteurized eggs can come in whole or liquid. If using eggs that has not been pasteurized,  eggs must be cooked to 160 degrees F to kill bacteria su...

 Your Seasonal Defense: 5 Foods to Strengthen Immunity This Fall As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, fall brings more than just beautiful scenery—it also ushers in cold and flu season. With the changing weather and increased exposure to seasonal illnesses, supporting your immune system becomes crucial. While no single food is a magic bullet, strategic nutrition can play a powerful role in strengthening your body's natural defenses. Incorporating certain nutrient-rich foods into your fall diet can help bolster your immune system. Here are five such foods, along with their key nutrients and health benefits: 1. Citrus Fruits * Key Nutrient: Vitamin C * Health Benefits: Vitamin C is known to increase the production of white blood cells,  essential for fighting infections. Regularly consuming  citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes can help maintain adequate vitamin C levels, supporting immune function. 2. Garlic * Key Nutrient: Alli...