Plant-Based Sources of B12

I started being a vegetarian because of my love for animals (and my preference for fruits and vegetables) without educating myself about any nutrients that might be missing from my diet. I have always been anemic and after almost 30 years of vegetarianism, I have some damage to my optic nerve--I'm guessing from vitamin B12 deficiency. Since B12 is stored in the body, health problems such as nerve damage may not show up for years. You cannot do without this important vitamin. Find out more about plant-based sources of vitamin B12.

Black Cohosh No Help for Osteoporosis

Black cohosh is offered up by many herbal sellers as a preventive for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Past research studies showed changes in the body in women past menopause that should translate into better bone density results. However, the first study that evaluated bone density results directly has shown black cohosh to be ineffective for osteoporosis. Exercise is still the gold standard.