Carrots et al. and eye health
The leading cause of blindness in the developed world is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This disease may be prevented by simply increasing carotenoid consumption.
Continue Reading →Probiotics and iron uptake
An exciting new study recently reported in the British Journal of Nutrition has found that the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, could increase iron absorption by 50 percent.
Continue Reading →Lower back pain and herbs
Lower back pain is often debilitating and effects up to 90% of Australians at some time in their lives. However there are a plethora of herbs which can effectively result in a pain-free future. These include Turmeric, Boswellia, Ginger and White Willow bark.
Continue Reading →Antibiotics and children
Even short-term administration of antibiotics in infancy can lead to longterm metabolic changes. A study reported in Nature Communications aimed to replicate the impact of the two antibiotic classes most commonly prescribed to children on the microbiome (gut flora) of mouse pups.
Continue Reading →Cortisol and weight gain
Cortisol is a hormone in a group of steroids commonly referred to as glucocorticoids. It is produced by the adrenal gland as part of our daily hormone cycle. However it is also a key hormone involved in the body’s response to stress, both physical and emotional.
Continue Reading →Morning sickness and H. pylori
In 2015 Gastroenterology Research and Practice published a meta-analysis confirming a strong causal association between H. pylori infection and
hyperemesis gravidarum – the most severe form of pregnancy-associated nausea and vomiting.
Autumnal advantages
Well, summer seems to have slipped away mightily quickly! But best not to sob, instead let’s march into autumn and embrace its bounties!
The plant kingdom offers many riches this time of year. .. think of autumn plums with their slight crunch factor, first season Pink Lady apples with their delicate pink blush, crispy Jerusalem artichokes, crimson rhubarb, sweet walnuts and best of all … brussels sprouts – hooray!
Too cushy
Hedonism, sadly appears to have become the organising principle for Western society. We feel we can have it all, immediately with little effort. All we need to do is borrow some money and purchase the latest consumer goods and life will be perfect. No opportunity for natural stressors such as cold, heat, germs, sunshine to intervene.
Continue Reading →The Sumptuous Smoothie Search!
Last month we had the Great Veggie Bake-off, this month it’s “the Sumptuous Smoothie Search”!
With the warmer weather and wonderful variety of summer fruit and veggies to inspire us, I urge you all put your thinking caps on and get blending!
CoQ10 and a healthy heart
CoEnzyme Q 10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-like substance that plays a crucial role in the production of cellular energy.
Continue Reading →