How we rate evidence and safety
Every recipe carries an evidence rating (โ ) and a safety color (๐ข๐ก๐ด). We pass on grandma's wisdom as it was handed down, and we also tell you how much of it has been checked.
Evidence (โ )
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| โ โ โ | Confirmed in studies in people |
| โ โ | Some studies in people, with limited or mixed results |
| โ | Traditional wisdom (no studies in people yet, or only lab and animal studies) |
One star does not mean a remedy doesn't work. It means we haven't found studies that tested it in people yet.
Safety (๐ข๐ก๐ด)
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ๐ข | Safe in normal food amounts |
| ๐ก | Take care with large amounts, or if you take certain medicines |
| ๐ด | Shared for interest only. Please don't try it |
How we check
- Old books: we look at what classic texts such as the Donguibogam (Korea), the Bencao Gangmu (China), and old herbals and household books from Japan and the West say about the ingredient.
- Research today: we search PubMed and other databases for studies in people, and note the year, country, number of participants and limits.
- Every article lists its sources at the end.
These articles introduce traditional food customs. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.