Author Archives: Connie Wan, Ph. D.

Gut bacteria found to have a role in Alzheimer’s disease

The investigation into the holistic effect of the gut microbiome on the human body has been continuously expanding in the past 10 years. We are rapidly discovering that the vast communities of bacteria that live in our gut are actually playing roles in everything from Multiple Sclerosis to depression. Two additional studies have now found connections between the […]

Ginkgo biloba may protect brain against dementia by promoting neural stem cells growth

Ginkgo biloba has a long history of use in treating blood disorders and memory issues.  In Chinese traditional medicine, Ginkgo biloba is often used for cognitive enhancement or to alleviate cognitive decline.  The extract of the Ginkgo biloba is rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids and terpenoids.  Laboratory studies have shown that the extract improves […]

Caffeine boosts enzyme that could protect against dementia

Caffeine has well-known short-term stimulating effects on central nervous system, but the long-term impacts on cognition have been less clear. Scientists from Indiana University (IU) just gave those of us, who live on coffee and tea, another reason to enjoy that steaming cup of mocha. It turns out that caffeine not long gives you that […]

Seattle Beauty® Tip: Beautify from within

Beautify from within

Skin is the biggest organ in our body. It functions as a barrier protecting the body from harmful external environment factors such as mechanical damage, noxious substances, microorganism invasion, and radiation. In addition, the skin controls the water loss from the body and regulates body temperature. Appearance of the skin is primarily determined by the […]

Want to lose weight? Don’t eat before exercising

Those who exercise to lose weight often wonder whether it’s better to eat or fast before a workout. A new study published in the American Journal of Physiology — Endocrinology and Metabolism is the first of its kind to show the effects of eating versus fasting on gene expression in fat tissue in response to […]

Seattle Beauty® Tip: Ginseng Pearl powder mask

white stuff

Mix together ginseng powder (1g), pearl powder (2g), sandalwood powder (2g), with proper amount of coconut milk (1ml) and honey to make a spreadable paste.  To make the paste more adhesive to the skin, sprinkle a small amount of alginate or collagen powder, microwave the mixture for 10 seconds and stir vigorously. Spread the paste […]

Whole grains decrease colorectal cancer risk, processed meats increase the risk

wheat

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers. In the US, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among both men and women, with an estimated 371 cases diagnosed each day. The World Cancer Research Fund estimates that 47% of US colorectal cancer cases could be prevented each year through healthy lifestyle changes. […]

Seattle Beauty® Tip: Angelica ginseng anti-aging mask

Mix together an equal amount of dry powder of angelica (Danggui), ginseng, Salvia miltiorrhiza (Dansheng), dwarf lilyturf tuber (Maidong), and Panax (Sanqi) to provide a herbal mix. All herbs are available in Chinese grocery stores. Angelica and ginseng are essential for the recipes.   Other herbs are optional. Mix an equal amount of honey, glycerol and […]