/oss/taxonomy/term/757/all en /oss/article/controversial-science-health-quirky-science-you-asked/you-asked-there-any-reason-drink-coconut-water <p>Yes. If you like the taste and don’t mind unloading your wallet, drink it by all means. But if you are thinking of making coconut water a part of your life for some perceived health benefit or as the beverage to consume to replace your electrolytes after intense exercise, forget it. So what is coconut water and why the current enthusiasm about drinking it?</p> Sat, 18 Jan 2014 14:52:24 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 2070 at /oss /oss/article/food-health-you-asked/there-really-something-story-chicken-soup-good-common-cold <p>Moses Maimoindes, the noted physician/philosopher sure thought so over 800 years ago when he recommended it to his patients. Modern research has actually shown that chicken soup, more than other hot liquid, increases mucus flow and helps the body rid itself of the cold virus. Chicken is rich in an amino acid called cysteine which helps loosen secretions. This effect is increased by adding spices such as pepper and garlic. Often when people become ill with the cold or flu they lose body fluids and minerals called electrolytes. Potassium loss is of particular concern in dehydration.</p> Sun, 18 Nov 2012 23:35:49 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 1803 at /oss