 |
Ask the DocDr. Pierre-Paul Tellier answers questions submitted by our readers. |
|---|
Q: Is ginkgo biloba a safe and effective herbal supplement to aid in studying and memorization?
-Krystel P., Mount Royal University
A: Krystel,
According to Health Canada, “Seventy-one percent of Canadians have used natural health products like vitamins and minerals, herbal products, and homeopathic medicine.” Hence, you are probably not the only person wondering if they work.
These products are regulated by Health Canada and need to meet defined standards of safety and effectiveness before they are sold in this country. A product that has met the standards will have a Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) indicated on the label.
When using herbal products, you have to be a wise consumer and understand the labeling. Health Canada determines what can be written on a package based on the product’s safety profile and evidence of effectiveness.
For example, the words promote and treat may appear to mean the same thing, but they are different.
Something that promotes health has the potential to improve a person’s condition.
A substance that treats can cure (eliminate) the illness.
Gingko biloba is an ancient species of tree. Clinical studies of the substances in ginkgo biloba have been conducted on specific products when used at specific doses, so the results may not apply to all products. The ingredient has been demonstrated to possibly improve memory in older people, but the effect doesn’t appear to be long-lasting, and some studies have demonstrated no improvement at all. There have been no studies of ginkgo biloba as used by young people.
As a result, I cannot say definitively whether or not it would be an effective study aid for you. If you’re looking to enhance your ability to retain information, your best bets are consistent study habits, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and most of all, sufficient sleep.
More about natural product regulation.
More information about gingko biloba.
Any product listed as organic must adhere to the Canadian Organic Standards, which consider a food item organic if it has been produced using methods that strictly respect the links and natural balance among soil, plants, and animals. Organic produce is grown without synthetic fertilizers, prohibited pesticides, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering.
The Environmental Working Group, an environmental health research and advocacy organization in the U.S., notes that there are 12+ top fruits and vegetables to buy organic, in order to avoid toxic pesticide residues. Among these are:
As you spend more time outdoors this summer, keep your safety in mind by following these tips:
Can't live without apples or chicken? How about sweet potatoes? See what foods other students would miss terribly if they disappeared.
Berries
Blueberries! Chocolate and roasted pecans are in the running, but I will go a long way for fresh blueberries. For example, I daydream of turning my yard into a blueberry orchard.
-Joe M., MATC
I couldn't live without berries. Every summer I wait eagerly for cherries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries to come into season. They're consistently one of the best parts of my summer!
-Sarah B., Washington College
Strawberries! They're great on salads or by themselves.
-Amber K., Tulsa Community College
Blueberries! They are a lifesaver for energy, work well with various foods or by themselves, and taste great!
-Josh S., California State University Monterey Bay
Chicken
I cannot live without chicken! I usually cook curry chicken or jerk chicken and eat it with stew or fried rice that I cook. I do not fry chicken, I bake it. It is by far one of my favorite foods to eat!
-Barbara A., University at Buffalo
Chicken tenderloins can be prepped and marinated ahead of time and are packed with protein. My favorite is cilantro-lime chicken. Marinated with cilantro, a dash of salt and pepper, fresh sliced lime, and lime juice.
-Crystal B., University of South Alabama
I don't think I would be able to live without chicken! I eat it at least three times a week–baked, grilled, in pasta, or on top of a salad. I love that you can do so many things with chicken so it never gets old.
-Megan P., University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Chicken! (pictured above)
-Jennifer M., UMass Dartmouth
[I like] teriyaki chicken over a plate of rice, cooked with carrot strips and broccoli, and topped with cheese.
-Matthew F., TCC Southeast
Peanut Butter
Its good on fruits, in smoothies, and mixes perfectly with dark chocolate!
-Emily B., University of Delaware
I eat it for breakfast, sometimes lunch, and for snacks to keep me energized and to stave off hunger.
-Natalie H., University of Wisconsin, Madison
I put it on anything I can, or just eat it out of the jar with a spoon when I'm out of bread.
-Eric A., University of Wisconsin, Madison
Every day from kindergarten through my sophomore year of high school, I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Now I settle for low-fat peanut butter with apples. Yum!
-Holly S., Saint Louis University
Peanut butter! Its delicious and goes with everything, plus it helps me get enough protein. (pictured above)
-Lyla B., CSUSB
Chocolate & Sweets
Frozen yogurt! Healthier than ice cream, but tastes even better! My personal favorite is three flavors (New York-style cheesecake, red velvet cake, and cookies and cream) topped with mochi, shredded coconut, fresh fruit and a few chocolate chip cookie dough bites. YUM!
-Ashley D., University of Hawai'i at Manoa
The one food I cannot live without is chocolate. It has a taste and texture that is irresistible.
-Amanda M., Algonquin College
Cake is absolutely my favorite food, because I have a mouth full of sweet teeth. Of course, I only eat cake in moderation, but it's definitely my go-to dessert and the reason I love birthdays so much.
-Erin C., Trinity University
Cheesecake rules! (pictured above)
-Briana D., Aurora University
As a college student, I'd say the one food I can't live without is chocolate! As a late night study snack or a pick-me-up during a busy day, chocolate comes in handy! I love it!
-Kaitlyn F., Trinity Christian College
Fruits & Veggies
I cannot live without avocados!!! I love them on just about anything! If there were no more avocados in the world, I would be very sad!
-Michelle W., Northern Michigan University
The one food I can't live without is a cucumber. They're refreshing and you can take them with you if you're on the go. I grew up on a farm and cucumbers are, by far, the best food to have fresh off the vine.
-Brandi Y., University of Hawai'i at Manoa
I can't live without bananas! Bananas can be eaten at any time of day as a meal or snack, they have potassium, and can be carried easily on the go!
-Shannon K., Southern Illinois University
Honestly...broccoli. I know it's the stereotypical "dreaded vegetable", but I love everything about it. It's delicious raw or cooked. I love that if you cook it with spices and a little olive oil it absorbs the flavors perfectly. It's such a versatile vegetable that I don't believe I'll ever get sick of it.
-Popie P., Rowan University
Unique Foods
I cannot live without ketchup. Everyone makes fun of me when I pull out the ketchup bottle, especially at Christmas dinner when I opt for ketchup instead of gravy.
-Stephen I., Queen's University
Olives. They're filling with lots of healthy fats, flavors, and varieties. This is a delicious after work or school snack!
-Christina S., Portland State University
Sweet potato! It's a good carb that's super healthy, and it satisfies my sweet tooth. I eat one small sweet potato everyday for breakfast. I find it to be a treat to eat when I wake up in the morning!
-Gina S., UCLA
I just couldn't live without my meatloaf cupcakes. I take them with me everywhere I go! I make them with whole wheat bread, red peppers, and onions to make them a healthy, on-the-go meal. (pictured above)
-Ruth W., Clemson University
From crumping to parkour, students do many things to get exercise. What's the most interesting way you work out?
Click on each event to learn more.
Canadian Environment Week - 2 - 8
National Sun Awareness Week - 3 - 9
National Cancer Survivors Day - 3
National Memory Screening Day - 12
