Having an allergic reaction is a potentially dangerous situation that will most likely happen to most of us at some point and time. And for reasons not totally understood, food allergies are on the rise. That's why it is important to understand the causes and most common food allergies in order to help protect yourself and your family.

For thousands of years, people in different countries and cultures have known about the "secret" powers of nature and have used various plants and herbs as health and beauty treatments. These "secrets" were passed down from generation to generation, and while some may have become regarded as "old wives tales," others have held up and are still used today. Now, thanks to modern research, there is evidence that specific plants and ingredients from Mother Nature may be beneficial when used as natural beauty products due to their antioxidant and anti-aging properties.

The goji berry has been known for centuries in Asia, but has only recently gained popularity in North America, so much so that a multi-billion dollar business in goji is expected within the next two years. So what's the reason for their popularity? Because they are considered to be one of the most powerful foods in the world.

The number of American adults with high cholesterol has dropped by about 5% from 1999 to 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This 5% drop surpasses the government's goal to reduce the number of people with high cholesterol to less than 17% of the population by 2010. This reduction occurred despite the fact that more than two-thirds of the population is considered overweight or obese.