In Ayurveda, the heart (Hridaya) is considered as one of the most important organs responsible for maintaining overall health and well-being. The heart is the seat of consciousness (Atman) and plays a crucial role in the circulation of vital life force (Prana) and blood (Rakta) throughout the body. “In Eastern medicine, the heart, and not the brain, is the centre of consciousness. Therefore, any heart condition points to deep-rooted problems of self-identity, emotions and consciousness. “1 Western culture focuses on individual achievement and constant competition, rather than spiritual connection with others, so our hearts are sidelined and often replaced by ego. The lack of exercise and the consumption of fatty, spicy, fried food and lots of meat, typical of European cuisine, also puts a strain on the heart. In Hungary, cardiovascular disease accounted for 49% of deaths in 2019, or 64,000 deaths.2 Primary causes of heart problems include poor diet, stress, lack of exercise and suppr...
If you taste fresh olive oil and experience a peppery, slight-burning sensation at the back of your throat, there’s a good chance your oil is high in polyphenols. Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant — a naturally occurring plant compound that works to keep free radicals (oxygen-robbing cells) from harming your body’s healthy cells. Eating foods and drinking liquids that are rich in polyphenols optimizes digestion, supports brain health, and plays a big part in weight management programs. A lot of popular foods contain healthful doses of polyphenols — with tea, wine, dark chocolate, and berries being some of the most well-known. The world-famous spice, cinnamon , found in teas, curries, pastries, and even toothpastes, provides benefits of several polyphenols it contains: rutin, catechin , quercetin , kaempferol , and isorhamnetin. And there are many other foods, used for th...