Page 66 - BBC - The Scientific Guide to a Healthier You
P. 66
DIET
IS FOR
C CHLORELLA
The yellow fruit
of the argan tree, Chlorella pyrenoidosa is a single-celled
Argania spinosa, which
contains the argan nut freshwater alga that has been explored
as a potential food source, because
it is high in protein and calories. As
a medical supplement though, the
benefits are much less convincing.
Several studies have looked in vain for
antioxidant, blood pressure lowering,
or weight loss effects. There is some
very limited evidence that it might
boost the immune system and reduce
the symptoms of fibromyalgia, but a
lot more research would be needed to
confirm these effects.
RATING
IS FOR
D DONG QUAI
Also known as ‘female ginseng’,
dong quai is a relative of the angelica
plant. It is sometimes prescribed by
practitioners of Traditional Chinese
Medicine for symptoms of menopause
or painful menstruation. Some research
has shown that it relaxes the muscles
of the uterus and opens capillaries,
but studies that looked for actual
therapeutic benefits in human patients
IS FOR IS FOR have generally found it is no better
A ARGAN OIL B BEE POLLEN than a placebo. And it may even be
The argan nut grows in Morocco on Bee pollen is just ordinary flower dangerous in some circumstances,
those thorny trees that goats climb. It’s pollen that happens to have been since it’s been shown to interfere with
added to many cosmetics and toasted collected by bees. It’s a mixture of blood clotting.
argan oil is also used in cooking. sugar, protein and fat, which makes it
The oil contains the antioxidant a fairly high-energy food source, but RATING
vitamin E and linoleic acid, which that’s about it. The claims that it is
has anti-inflammatory properties. A an effective treatment for cancer,
recent study found that it improves or that it can boost athletic
the elasticity of the skin of post- or sexual performance, is
menopausal women – making it look not backed up by any hard
wrinkle-free. This seems to work scientific data.
whether it’s applied as a cream or
RATING
taken internally. It can also lower your
blood cholesterol.
It’s a myth that
pollen collected by
RATING bees can treat cancer
66 BBC SCIENCE FOCUS MAGAZINE COLLECTION
