funnel-web spider, health benefits, new discoveries, spider venom, spiders

Repairing Hearts With Deadly Spider Venom

A potential life-saving treatment for heart attack victims has been discovered from a very unlikely source — the venom of one of the world’s deadliest spiders. A drug candidate developed from a molecule found in the deadly spider venom of the Fraser Island (K’gari) funnel-web spider can prevent damage caused by a heart attack and ...

Troy Oakes

A Fraser Island funnel-web spider.

Living by the Sea Could Make You Healthier and Happier

You may have thought about buying a house near the seashore so you could enjoy countless days of sunshine and fresh air. Living by the sea is a dream held by many. However, it is not only about the amazing sights and freedom from the chaos of city life, living by the sea brings you ...

Armin Auctor

Living by the sea – Four people sitting on a white balcony and watching the seascape of Santorini Island on a summer day.

8 Health Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

From ancient times, people belonging to various ethnicities and religions have engaged in ritual fasting. Today, the benefits of intermittent fasting are more widely recognized and it has become a popular way of eating that carries some long-term health benefits. Johns Hopkins Medicine’s neuroscientist Mark Mattson says: “The state of the science on intermittent fasting ...

Raven Montmorency

A tape measure and blue alarm clock sit on a table in front of plastic containers filled with healthy food.

4 Health Benefits of Wearing a Scarf

The change of seasons often leads to colds and aches and pains in the neck, shoulders, and back. If this is the case for you, instead of looking for the latest over-the-counter remedy, consider a simple scarf. Most people believe that the only purpose of a scarf is as a fashion accessory. However, a scarf ...

Armin Auctor

A woman wearing a red scarf.

7 Health Benefits of Chinese Red Dates

Chinese red dates, or jujubes, are one of the most popular health foods in China. Dried dates are soft on the outside with a sweet smell and moist inside. Chinese people treat red dates not only as a food, but also as a health tonic and traditional herb. Many traditional herbal formulas include dates, as ...

Armin Auctor

A container of red dates.

Pumpkins Are Fun to Grow and Highly Beneficial to Eat

Pumpkins are very versatile. Our pumpkin plant trailing across the lawn in the backyard was a wonderful sight to see with its big bright yellow flowers glowing in the sun. We walked through the vine mass and we were up to our knees in leaves counting the flowers with fruit, laughing and smiling as we ...

Trisha Haddock

Pumpkin growing and over flowing the garden bed.

7 Benefits of Purple Yams

Yams are, after all, yummy and you can cook them in so many ways to make delicious dishes. However, purple yams, also known as water yams, are said to be a more beneficial type of yams. The origin of this tuberous root vegetable lies in Southeast Asia. People often confuse the vegetable with taro root. ...

Armin Auctor

Whole and purple yam.

7 Things You Might Not Know About Coffee

Coffee is a favorite beverage for many people, especially office workers, who may drink it regularly every day. It also has many health benefits, and there are seven things about it that you may not know. 7 health impacts of coffee 1. Coffee boosts immunity There were two large-scale studies in 10 European countries or ...

Helen London

A steaming hot cup of coffee.

10 Anti-Inflammatory Herbs With Important Gastrointestinal Benefits

There are 10 kinds of Chinese anti-inflammatory herbs that can be prepared at home. They can be used in making medicines, preparing meals, or making tea. These herbs are regarded as being anti-cold. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners also recommend them for eye care and gastrointestinal care. 10 anti-inflammatory herbs  1. Honeysuckle Known as the ...

Hermann Rohr

Egg soup with goji berries and longan fruit.

How Plants Benefit Health

I learned early on how plants benefit health. I can still picture it. It was like walking into my favorite fairy tale and The Jungle Book all rolled into one, only I got to be a part of the story. They were everywhere and in every shape and size: hanging, sitting, short, tall, pointed, round, and ...

Tatiana Denning

Herb plant and a small pitcher on a windowsill.