Here’s something for those on weight-loss diets: A review published in Obesity Reviews examined data from previous research and clinical trials, and the findings revealed that soy foods are an excellent protein source, and can help lose weight in a variety of ways.
The review, including results from eight human studies, finds that individuals lost equivalent amounts of weight and, in some cases, equal inches of fat around the waist, using soy protein, dairy milk meal replacements, beef or pork at equal calorie levels. This illustrates the value of soy protein in a varied diet for weight control. Findings also support …read more

Results from a recent animal study indicates that lipoic acid supplements can improve conditions that contribute to cardiovascular disease risk such as formation of arterial lesions, lower triglycerides, and reduce blood vessel inflammation and weight gain.
Although the results cannot be directly extrapolated beyond the laboratory, researchers report that “they strongly suggest that lipoic acid supplementation may be useful as an inexpensive but effective intervention strategy . . . reducing known risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis and other inflammatory vascular diseases in humans.”
Although lipoic acid is naturally occurring in foods such as green leafy vegetables, potatoes and meats, particularly …read more

I found a wonderful blog about herbs, focusing on their medicinal, rather than culinary, properties: Herbs I Have Known and Loved. The entries do not provide scientific references to claims of health benefits, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they are myriads of publications in PubMed that will back them up. One post in particular enumerates the 15 most powerful healing herbs in your kitchen (assuming you have a well-stocked spice rack):