In ancient Rome, the health benefits of walnuts were considered otherworldly, thought as they were to be “Jupiter’s Nut” or “the food of the god.” As outlined by a Greek physician called Dioscorides who served in the Roman army more than two thousands years ago, walnuts could heal anything from baldness to breast disorders to acting an anti-inflammatory for abscesses and dog bites; to eye disorders and more, when mixed with the right combination of oils, herbs and fruits.

Fiber - it’s a bit misunderstood. Conventional wisdom associates a high-fiber diet with going to the bathroom regularly, and not many other benefits. For many people, fiber is viewed as a “medicine” that gets things moving down there, usually a thick, granular solution like Metamucil or other fiber-based drink that’s tough to gag down.

In the 4th century BC, fresh from the heat of battle, his wounds and abrasions stinging and sore, Alexander, Prince of Macedon soaked in a warm tub dyed golden orange by the blood-red filaments of the saffron crocus. The tinted water, he knew, would clean his wounds and encourage healing while the heady aroma swirling around him soothed his weary mind.