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The heart of the Mediterranean diet is Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) . If you care about both health and flavor, choosing the right grade of olive oil is essential. But not all olive oils are created equal — their quality, origin, and processing can vary widely. Here’s how to pick the real deal and find the EVOO that fits your taste and lifestyle. Comparison chart showing different grades of extra virgin olive oil and their quality levels 1. Check the Label First: Know the Grade Before anything else, look at the “Food Type” section on the product label. This small detail reveals whether you’re holding true extra virgin olive oil or a refined/mixed oil pretending to be one. What to Check Real EVOO Label Avoid These Labels Food Type “Extra Virgin Olive Oil” or “Virgin Olive Oil” “Refined Olive Oil,” “Pomace Olive Oil,” “Blended Cooking Oil” Ingredients 100% Olive Oil / Cold Pressed Contains soybean oil, grapeseed oil, or mentions chemical refining Globally, Extra Virgin acc...

  Do you often experience numbness or tingling in your lower back or legs, or feel sudden sharp pain after walking just a short distance? You might notice relief when sitting, but discomfort returns when you stand or walk. These symptoms may indicate spinal stenosis rather than simple muscle strain. This guide covers everything you need to know about spinal stenosis—from its definition and causes to the differences from a herniated disc, and the latest non-surgical and surgical treatment options. Cross-section comparing normal spinal canal and spinal stenosis, showing vertebra, disc, facet joint, ligament, and nerve. What is Spinal Stenosis? Definition and Causes Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal—the passageway for nerves—narrows and compresses the nerves or surrounding tissues. It most commonly affects the lumbar spine (lower back) . The primary cause is degenerative changes due to aging. Over time, intervertebral discs deteriorate, ligaments thicken, and facet ...

  Onions are among the most common vegetables in our diet — yet when eaten correctly, they can be a true superfood for blood and cardiovascular health . Let’s explore what makes onions so powerful: their key compounds, their effects on the body, and whether raw or cooked onions are better for you. A fresh onion cut in half, showing its inner layers and texture. 1. What’s Inside an Onion? Onions are far more than just a sweet, aromatic vegetable. They are packed with bioactive compounds that protect your blood and arteries — including allicin, quercetin, sulfur compounds, flavonoids , and vitamin C . 1) Allicin This sulfur-based compound forms when onions are cut or crushed, activating enzymes that release their sharp aroma (and your tears!). Key Benefits: Powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties Helps reduce inflammation in blood vessels and improves circulation by thinning the blood Pro Tip: After cutting onions, let them sit in t...

  Many people take perilla oil for its impressive health benefits — especially for heart and brain health. But questions often arise: “What kind of perilla oil is best?” or “Can I heat it when cooking?” Let’s break down everything you need to know — from the science behind its key nutrient ALA (omega-3) to how pressing temperature affects quality, and practical tips for healthy daily use. Close-up of perilla (sesame leaf) seeds piled in a wooden spoon next to a chemical structure illustration of omega-3 ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). 1. Why Should You Take Perilla Oil? The Power of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) 1) A Nutrient-Dense Oil Packed with Unsaturated Fats What makes perilla oil a “superfood” is its exceptionally high content of unsaturated fatty acids — over 90% of its total fat composition. Among them, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) stands out, making up about 57–63% of the oil’s total fatty acids. Because the body cannot produce ALA on its own, it must be obtained ...

 Many people begin exercising when they start a diet or aim to restore their health. Before embarking on any change, an essential consideration is detoxification (Detox) , as body transformation often starts with the elimination of toxins. While various detox methods exist, one of the easiest to consistently practice is drinking a detox juice . In this article, we will examine the features and differences between Benna Juice (Dr. Lee Si-Hyeong's 50-year routine), ABC Juice , and CCA Juice , helping you choose the best detox juice for your specific body condition. On a cutting board, apples, carrots, beets, and cabbages are neatly arranged — half of them sliced and the other half left whole. The Core Axis of Detox: Apple and Carrot The common ingredients in all three detox juices () are apple and carrot . These two form the foundational axis of detoxification, offering complementary actions. Apple – The Fruit That Creates the "Detox Exit" Apples are rich in the soluble di...

  You know you should cut down on carbohydrates, yet strangely, you experience your willpower crumbling in the face of sweet foods. This might not just be a simple craving, but an addictive response created by the brain's dopamine reward system. Carbohydrate addiction is real, and the key strategy to break it is the '3-Day Rule.' Let's explore the causes and solutions for carbohydrate addiction. Infographic showing: sweet intake → dopamine → pleasure → repeated stimulation → carb addiction 1. Carbohydrate Addiction: Falling into the Dopamine Trap Returning home after a long day and mindlessly reaching for a bag of chips or a sweet cup of coffee. That moment might feel comforting, but the next day, the person staring back in the mirror feels heavier. 1) Why Sweet Foods Stimulate the Brain Carbohydrates (especially simple sugars) rapidly raise blood sugar upon ingestion, which promotes dopamine secretion. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that makes us feel ‘reward and ple...

 If you often experience coughing or feel short of breath due to weak lungs, there’s a natural food you should consider before reaching for medicine: garlic . Garlic isn’t just a seasoning—it’s a natural antibiotic known for protecting the lungs and boosting immunity. From treating pulmonary tuberculosis to detoxifying the liver, supporting gut health, cancer prevention, enhancing sexual function, and reducing joint inflammation, garlic offers a remarkable range of health benefits. Let’s explore the science behind allicin , garlic’s key active compound, and the best ways to consume it. Scientific illustration showing how allicin is formed in garlic and its effects on cells 1. Why Garlic is Called a ‘Medicine’ and Its Key Component: Allicin a) Garlic as a Natural Remedy Garlic has been recognized as a natural herb for strengthening immunity and detoxification since ancient Egyptian times and in traditional Eastern medicine. Research consistently highlights its benefits for lun...