Cordyceps sinensis with an incredible life cycle
Have you heard about this fascinating fungus with its peculiar appearance and way of existence? The names „Chinese caterpillar, Himalayan gold or mushroom of longevity“ do not reveal much ...
Vitamin B1 Thiamine
Vitamin B1 belongs to the group of vitamins B1 to B12, which we refer to as B-complex. Under this name, it is possible to buy a vitamin supplement containing all the important vitamins of this group. But what if I only need one of them? Fortunately, you don't have to take the whole group - the most important vitamins from the B group can be obtained separately today.
Is iodine a necessity? ... Iodine - Kelp
Iodine is a trace element, with an interesting role in health, which we associate with the thyroid gland. It occurs naturally in the marine environment and one of the richest natural sources of iodine is kelp seaweed, also known as "Bladderwrack, Norwegian Laminaria," which has been used in traditional medicine and cuisine for centuries. Kelp can absorb large amounts of iodine directly from the ocean. The body needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones, without which much more would not work ... our metabolism would not function properly, we would have little energy, and our minds would be dull.
Ashwagandha - Withania somnifera
„Ashwa“ (horse) „gandha“ (root smell), the name itself points to the plant's ability to provide strength and vitality (animal strength hidden in the root). Known by names „Indian ginseng“ (similar root shape), also „winter cherry“ (fruits resemble cherries). From the small bush with yellow flowers, mainly the root is used in traditional medicine. Given its calming effects, it's appropriately named Withania somnifera, sleepy or dreamy. The Latin name somnifera also reveals its sleep-inducing property.
Fascinating Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
It is not by chance that in various countries it is referred to as the "mushroom of immortality" and the "mushroom of eternal life". In Japan, "Reishi" means "spiritual power". In China, it is known as "Lingzhi", which means "divine mushroom". It is one of the most valuable mushrooms in traditional medicine, used for the treatment of chronic diseases, and acknowledged for over 4000 years for its strong effects (similar to ginseng) documented in ancient books. It's also called the "mushroom of happiness" for its ability to alleviate ailments such as arthritis, insomnia, chest tightness, persistent weakness, high blood pressure, dizziness, mushroom poisoning, and heart diseases ...
Do we need the 'sunshine' vitamin D3 only in winter?
When you feel the sun's rays on your skin, know that your body is creating one of the most important vitamins - D3, which was discovered thanks to centuries of research. The discovery of vitamin D3 became one of the most significant medical achievements of the 20th century, saving millions of lives: It was the year 1650 and in the streets of London, doctors noticed that more and more children were suffering from a strange disease called rickets (their bones were weak and brittle, legs deformed, growth slowed). It wasn't until 1919 that Dr. Huldschinsky exposed children with rickets to ultraviolet light and their bones began to heal! Three years later, biochemist McCollum discovered a substance that prevented rickets and called it vitamin D. Gradually, the existence of the most important form of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) was discovered.