Cordyceps, a genus of parasitic fungi that thrive on insect larvae, has long been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine. They have not only been used to combat fatigue but also kidney disorders and even low libido. These fungi invade their host, replacing its tissue and sprouting elongated stems from the host's body. While Cordyceps contain bioactive compounds believed to benefit health, scientific research—especially human studies—is still in its early stages. Regardless, supplements containing Cordyceps extract have surged in popularity in today's world.

What's Really Special About Cordyceps?

Cordyceps may enhance the body's production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule critical for energy delivery to muscles. This could improve oxygen utilization, particularly during exercise. There are various studies that testify to this, In 2020, a study was conducted on mice which indicated that Cordyceps extract slightly increased grip strength, likely due to enhanced ATP production.

Anti-Aging and Skin Health

Cordyceps contains polyphenols, an antioxidant which neutralises free radicals that contribute to ageing and disease. A 2024 study, which included laboratory tests and a clinical trial with 40 participants, found that Cordyceps extract exhibited adaptogenic properties, helping the body cope with stress while promoting collagen production in the skin. While this suggests potential benefits for longevity and skin health, previous studies have primarily involved animals, making further human research necessary.

Potential Anti-Cancer Properties

Test-tube studies have shown that these fungi may inhibit the growth of various human cancer cells, including in the lungs, colon, skin, and liver. A recent study conducted on mice suggested that Cordyceps may have anti-tumour effects on leukaemia, breast cancer, and lung cancer.

Diabetes and Cholesterol Management

Studies on diabetic mice suggest that Cordyceps may help lower blood sugar and lipid levels, potentially aiding in the management of diabetes and atherosclerosis. Lipid levels indicate the amount of fat, including cholesterol, in your blood. A recent research paper, published in Journal Of Korean Medicine, concluded that "Cordyceps militaris extract has more positive effects than metformin on body weight, insulin resistance, sugar metabolism, fatty liver, and inflammation in diabetic mice. It also has a similar positive effect as metformin on blood lipid concentration and liver damage. This suggests the potential of diabetes management in Cordyceps militaris extract."

Boost To Heart Health

Cordyceps may contribute to cardiovascular health by reducing oxidative stress, which can lead to heart enlargement. A 2019 study on mice found that Cordyceps helped prevent cardiac hypertrophy, possibly due to its adenosine content, a compound known for heart-protective properties. Additionally, Cordyceps may help regulate blood fats like triglycerides, potentially reducing heart disease risk.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

While short-term inflammation plays a crucial role in healing, chronic inflammation can contribute to various diseases. Research from 2020 suggests that Cordyceps may suppress inflammatory proteins in human cells. Additionally, animal studies have shown potential benefits in reducing inflammation related to arthritis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. However, human studies are lacking in this area.

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Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. On an average an American drinks about 240 milliliter of coffee in a day and a cup of it generally has about 120-180 milligrams of caffeine. The relationship between caffeine intake and people with diabetes has always been up for debate. According to Mayo clinic, caffeine can affect the way your body uses insulin, which could lead to higher or lower blood sugar. While some experts say that it is safe for them to drink coffee in moderation, it depends on each person differently.

If you are a regular coffee drinker, and do not know how to get rid of the habit, this suggestion by Diabetes UK may be of use to you. As there is a common belief that the risk of a person developing type 2 diabetes is based on what kind of diet and lifestyle they follow. When you are at risk of it, you have to make some necessary changes in order to lead a relatively healthy life.

Diabetes UK suggests a surprising switch: choose tea or coffee instead of fruit juice. If you can drink these hot drinks without adding extra sugar, it could be a simple way to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes.

How Is Coffee Better For Type 2 Diabetes Than Fruit Juice

People with type 2 diabetes have to avoid many things including foods that are perceived to be healthy but tend to have lot of natural sugar. Fruit juices might seem healthy compared to coffee, but many popular brands have a lot of added sugar. Even juices made only from fruit can still have a lot of natural sugars. Experts on diabetes say it's better to eat whole fruits like apples, grapes, and berries instead of drinking their juice. Whole fruits have fiber, which helps your body absorb sugar slowly and stops the quick sugar rushes you get from juice.

We know that fizzy drinks and energy drinks with lots of sugar are linked to problems like type 2 diabetes. Giving up caffeine from these drinks can be hard. If plain tea or coffee doesn't appeal to you, try versions with fewer calories or no added sugar. This can help satisfy your cravings without increasing your diabetes risk. Diabetes UK also points out that even losing a small amount of weight, like 1kg, can help lower your risk.

Important Point To Keep In Mind

It's important to remember that some things that increase your risk of type 2 diabetes are out of your control. Diabetes UK explains that people with African Caribbean, Black African, or South Asian family backgrounds, as well as those who have family members with type 2 diabetes, tend to have a higher chance of developing the condition.

How you make your coffee can also be a game changer. A study in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that filtering coffee, like with a paper filter, is better for your health than just boiling the ground and drinking the water. This was especially true for older adults.

However, the Harvard Health Publishing states that “the study is observational and doesn't prove that filtered coffee is healthier than unfiltered coffee, but it makes sense.”. However, it makes sense because unfiltered coffee has things called diterpenes that can raise your cholesterol.

Spices have been a big part of many Asian cuisines for centuries. Not just as foods, but they were also used for their medicinal purposes. Spices like turmeric were often used to make medicinal concoction and other spices like cinnamon, ginger and peppermint are used for their anti-inflammatory qualities.

A new study has revealed that the compound that is responsible for the spiciness in chili pepper not only has anti-inflammatory properties but also has cholesterol lowering potential. Capsaicin, that makes chili peppers spicy has been studied for many years, researchers have found different nuisances of it that make it healthy for consumption.

Beyond its fiery nature, capsaicin exhibits cholesterol-lowering properties and may even play a role in reducing the risk of cancer and arthritis. A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition investigated capsaicin's impact on cholesterol in individuals with metabolic syndrome.

How Does Capsaicin Lower Cholesterol?

A 2022 publication in Frontiers in Nutrition reviewed nine controlled trials encompassing 461 patients with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that elevate the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart problems. The study found that when these people ate capsaicin, their total cholesterol and the "bad" kind of cholesterol went down a lot.

Other research suggests that eating chilies might be good for our hearts. A study from 2019 looked at what over 22,000 people in Italy ate and their health over about eight years. The study found that people who ate chili peppers more than four times a week were less likely to die from heart problems. This seemed to be true even if they didn't eat a super healthy diet. So, it looks like chilies might have a special way of helping our hearts.

Spicy Foods For Heart Health

While there are studies that show its benefits for heart health, there has been a lot of debate regarding the same. In a study published in the Molecular nutrition and food research 2022 researchers investigated the role of capsaicin for your heart health. The study revealed that it’s not clear yet how eating spicy food and chili peppers affects health.

There might be a link to better metabolism, less death, and fewer heart problems. How much capsaicin someone eats might also change the risk of stomach cancer in a complex way. Usually, it's safe to eat spicy foods and chili peppers. Another study published in the Biomolecules 2022 journal found that people who eat chili peppers often seem to be healthier and live longer. Studies in animals suggest that capsaicin, the hot part of chili peppers, might help prevent metabolic syndrome. It found that while eating a lot of chili peppers is linked to a lower chance of dying from heart problems, capsaicin doesn't clearly change blood sugar or fat levels.

Heart disease and cancer continue to dominate as the leading causes of death in the United States, accounting for nearly 40% of all adult fatalities, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In light of these alarming statistics, preventive nutrition strategies are more relevant than ever. One such promising solution may lie in a lesser-known superfood: black carrot juice.

While orange carrot juice has long been a staple in many health-conscious diets, black carrot juice may offer even greater protective benefits. Rich in anthocyanins—the pigments that give black carrots their distinctive deep purple hue—this juice serves as a potent source of natural antioxidants. These anthocyanins have been shown to reduce hypertension, fight inflammation, and protect arteries by decreasing plaque buildup. In fact, a 2024 review published in Applied Food Research emphasized the role of anthocyanins and polyphenols in combatting chronic diseases, even suggesting they may inhibit the growth of cancerous cells.

Dietitians often compare these bioactive compounds to “attentive gardeners,” constantly working to prune away harmful cellular byproducts while supporting overall health. When combined with other natural elements found in black carrots—such as carotenoids and polyphenols—the juice becomes a powerful blend capable of neutralizing free radicals, delaying cellular aging, and potentially preventing tumor formation.

Upgrade In Everyday Nutrition

Swapping your usual orange carrot juice for black carrot juice could therefore provide a significant upgrade to your daily nutrition. But experts note that consuming raw or lightly cooked black carrots may be even more beneficial than juicing. According to a 2021 study published in Foods, storing black carrots in dark, moderately cool environments helps preserve their full nutritional content. The study, which simulated human digestion, found that the antioxidant activity and nutrient bioaccessibility of raw black carrots remained impressively high, reinforcing the idea that whole foods often offer more than their juiced counterparts.

Further research backs this up. A study titled Anthocyanin Extraction from Black Carrot: Health Promoting Properties and Potential Applications, published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, highlights black carrots as a rich source of anthocyanins with broad therapeutic potential. Researchers noted these flavonoids not only add natural color to foods but also offer a range of biological benefits, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and certain cancers.

Despite their nutritional value, black carrots face some limitations in wider food industry use due to challenges like seasonal availability and the degradation of anthocyanins when processed with heat. However, the adoption of modern, heat-free extraction methods could help overcome these barriers and expand their applications in functional foods.

In short, making the switch from orange to black carrot juice may do more than diversify your palette—it could be a proactive step toward long-term health. Whether enjoyed as a juice or eaten whole, black carrots offer a rare blend of taste, color, and therapeutic potential that makes them worthy of a spot in your diet.