Brigitte MarsWinter Squash (Curcurbita maxima) is a member of the Curcurbitaceae (Gourd) Family. They originated Central America. The word “squash” is from a Narragansett and Iroquois word, askutasquash and isquoutersquash. Winter squashes include...
Papaya (Carica papaya) is a member of the Caricaceae (Paw Paw) Family and native to Central America. In Cuba “papaya’ is slang for “female fruit” or “female genitalia,” as the shrub, resembling a palm, has male...
Pineapple (Ananas comosus,) is native to Brazil or Paraguay, and known to the Indians as na-na, meaning “fragrance.” Columbus encountered it on the island of Guadalupe. The Spaniards referred to it as “pina” due to its...
Celery (Apium graveolens) is a member of the Apiaceae (Parsley) Family and a relative of dill and carrots. The genus name, is derived from the Latin, apis, meaning bee, as bees are attracted to its small white flowers. The species name gravelones...
Corn (Zea Mays) is technically a grain, not vegetable. Corn is a member of the Poaceae (Grass) Family. The genus name, zea is from the Greek, meaning grain. The word corn throughout history has meant a grain sized lump. In England, corn means wheat...
Dates (Phoenix dactylifera) are the fruit of a date palm, and member of the Palmaceae (Palm) Family. The genus name, Theorists gave phoenix, perhaps in reference to the mythological phoenix that rises from the ashes, as the date has its roots in the...
Apricots (Prunus armeniaca) are members of the Rosaceae (Rose) Family, making them a relative of apple, peach and plum. They are believed to have originated in China, and that Alexander the Great brought them to Greece around the fourth century B.C...
What Doctors Don't Tell YouCertain dietary supplements have proven useful for various heart conditions, including mitral-valve prolapse. Magnesium. A deficiency of this mineral is linked to MVP. Magnesium is necessary for maintaining normal muscle and nerve function, as well...
Louise HaglerQuinoa is the high quality, complete protein grain of the Incas, sometimes known as the "mother grain or seed" in the Andes where it has been a staple for over 5000 years. It was so central to Incan religious culture that its’ cultivation was banned...
Q-I have just been diagnosed with hypertension. My doctor has prescribed Diupres and says I have to take it for the rest of my life. Since taking the drug, I have lost my will to do almost anythin ...
