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Fats - The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

October 19th 2007 08:42
Fats have a bad name and we are told to avoid fats in our everyday diets. However, some fats are very important for our general wellbeing including healthy, radiant skin. Nutrition has moved away from the “all fats are bad” stance to “it’s the type of fat that matters, not the quantity”. Fats are an essential part of our diet but it is important to focus on the good fats in our diets and minimise the bad fats.

Beneficial fats “good” fats support healthy skin cell nutrition and the production of collagen as well as maintaining healthy blood flow to the skin. Fats help to absorb nutrients such as vitamin A and E which maintain skin integrity and fluidity. Good fats also help to moderate inflammation, which assists with the management of many skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.


Sources of good fats in our everyday diet include olive oil, sesame oil, nuts and seeds, avocado, deep sea fish such as mackerel, salmon, tuna, anchovies and sardines.
Saturated fats are found in animal products such as butter, cheese, whole milk and meats. High levels of saturated fats will contribute to inflammation which may contribute to a worsening of inflammatory skin conditions such as those listed above. While labelled a contributing factor to cardiovascular disease, eaten in moderation saturated fats are an acceptable part of a modern diet.

With saturated fats it is quantity that counts here and less than 10% of daily intake is considered acceptable. Combined with a diet high in antioxidants from fruit and vegetables, saturated fats don’t pose as great a risk to health. This is reinforced by many traditional diets that are high in animal protein and therefore saturated fats but also high in antioxidants and fibre which provide balance. It is the modern day modification of fats that actually poses a greater risk.


Trans fats are created when a vegetable oil is changed from a liquid (as found naturally) to a solid. This is where we come to the “ugly” category. Trans fats have been linked to high cholesterol and heart disease. Trans fats also promote inflammation and will worsen any skin condition. They are found in margarines, deep fried foods and processed foods. To avoid trans fats it is important to read the labels of all packaged and processed foods.

The right kind of fats support our health and wellbeing, the wrong kinds of fats have numerous affects from promoting inflammation to cardiovascular disease. For skin health concentrating on good fats, minimising saturated fats and cutting out Trans fats is the key.

For more information about natural & organic skin care products contact Ananda Mahony ND at Really Long Link or at info@vitalenatural.com.au

As a naturopath Ananda has been involved in the natural skin care industry for many years. She specialises in the treatment of skin disorders such as acne, eczema, rosacea and dermatitis as well as anti-aging.

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Antioxidants for Anti-Aging

October 10th 2007 00:53
Every day we are exposed to air pollution, sunlight, smoke and more, all which create "free radicals". The food we eat can also contribute to free radical damage and inflammation. Refined sugar, soft drink, white bread, pasta and excess coffee all contribute to the chemical reactions that produce free radicals. Among other effects in the body, free radicals attack your skin's collagen layer, accelerating the creation of fine lines and wrinkles. This process is called, "photo aging". Much research has been done with regard to the benefits of antioxidants to combat the production of free radicals. Recent research has shown us that topical Vitamin C can help to improve skin tone and elasticity, helps re-build collagen and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Plant antioxidants also help stop free radical skin damage. Grapeseed and green tea are specific skin antioxidants as are vitamin A from carrot seed oil, B6 and zinc.
Good food sources of antioxidants are fruit and vegetables. Two serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegetables per day is a healthy aim. Choose as many different coloured fruits and vegetables as you can for a rich variety of antioxidants. If you don't already, challenge yourself to reach this goal of 7 serves per day. You will soon notice a difference in your skin health if you choose fruit and vegetables over refined sugars and "white" foods.
I
n general, antioxidants help to maintain the health of the skin cells such as collagen and elastin which keeps skin supple. Use both topical antioxidants as well as eating plenty of different healthy foods that contain antioxidants.

For more information about antioxidant containing skin care products contact Ananda at Really Long Link or on info@vitalenatural.com.au

Ananda Mahony ND has been involved in the natural skin care industry for many years. This article outlines the benefits of antioxidant as powerful anti-aging nutrients. Please include this credit if you use this article.
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Spice Up Your Life

October 5th 2007 04:12
Common spices used every day in kitchens are more than just flavoursome ingredients. Many also have significant therapeutic value and when used regularly can help maintain wellbeing. This article looks at the healing and culinary qualities of 5 common spices: Ginger, Tumeric, Cumin, Cinnamon and Black Pepper.

Ginger
This spice comes from the underground rhizome of the ginger plant. Traditionally, ginger has been used to remedy symptoms arising from gastrointestinal issues. It works primarily by relaxing and soothing the intestinal tract. Ginger is also warming to the digestive system so useful for sluggish digestion.

Research has shown that ginger effectively reduces all symptoms associated with motion sickness including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweating. This action is also helps to safely reduce nausea in pregnancy. The good thing is that ginger is extremely safe, and only a small dose is required.

Ginger has also shown a reduction of inflammation and swelling in trials for arthritis. Regular cooking with ginger will help reduce generalised inflammation within the body.

Cooking Tips
Fresh Ginger contains more of the anti-inflammatory gingerol compounds than dried so use fresh ginger in cooking rather than dried ginger. Used in tea, mixing the ginger with honey and lemon juice, its pungent effect may help to relieve sinus congestion and assist with digestion.

Tumeric
From the root of the Curcuma longa plant comes Tumeric. Traditionally called “Indian saffron” because of its deep colour Tumeric has a history of use as a spice, therapeutic remedy and clothes dye.

The deep yellow or orange flesh of Tumeric are largely responsible for its therapeutic effects. The active constituent in Tumeric is known as curcumin and it has shown in many studies to have a powerful antiinflammatory effect. When compared to drugs such as hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone, curcumin has exerted similar anti-inflammatory activity without the same risk of side effects.

Recent research Curcumin has shown to be a safe and effective treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This effect has been seen in doses as low as the amount required for a good curry!

Another great benefit of including Tumeric in cooking regularly is that it has a powerful detoxifying effect. It works by enhancing the liver’s ability to detoxify chemicals.

Cooking Tips
Keep fresh Tumeric in the fridge and the powdered form in a cool, dark cupboard. Use it for soups, curries and bean dishes such as Kedgeree (see recipe below). Be warned, Tumeric will stain if it comes into contact with your hands or clothes.

Black Pepper
The berries of the pepper plant (Piper nigrum) are picked when half ripe and dried to create Black Peppercorns. Pepper has a stimulating effect on the digestive system which is why it is often added as a spice to foods. It works by stimulating the taste buds which has the effect of increasing hydrochloric acid (HCl) secretion in the stomach. An increase in HCl leads to more effective breakdown of foods and therefore increased bioavailability of nutrients. For this reason, pepper has been used in some traditional Ayurvedic herbal combinations to increase the absorption of the other herbs.

Black pepper also acts to reduce pain and gas build up in the gut which is likely also a result of increased HCl production. The hot taste of pepper has the effect of increasing sweating which promotes toxic elimination through the skin.

Pepper used to add flavour to food however, as with everything, too much of a good thing can be detrimental. A good guide is that you can taste the heat of added pepper but your mouth doesn’t feel hot or burnt.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a well known spice with an extensive history of use as a pungent and sweet flavouring agent as well as a medicine. It is the inner brown bark of the cinnamon tree, which is available as a form known as a quill or as ground powder.

Health Benefits
New research has shown that cinnamon may significantly help people with type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes improve their ability to regulate their blood sugar.

Studies have found that cinnamon improved the ability of fat cells in diabetics to respond to insulin and greatly increased glucose uptake by the cells.

In a human clinical trial published in Diabetes Care, 2003 volunteers with type 2 diabetes were given doses of cinnamon powder, in capsules after meals. All volunteers in the trial responded to the effects of cinnamon with an average blood sugar level of 20% less than the control placebo group, some even achieving normal blood sugar levels.

The results of this study demonstrate that intake of 1 (equivalent to ¼ - ½ teaspoon daily), 3, or 6 g of cinnamon per day reduces serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. The long term implications of this study suggest that regular inclusion of cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Cinnamon research in a completely different area has also yielded positive results, this time for brain function. In one study chewing cinnamon flavoured gum or just smelling cinnamon enhanced study participants’ brain activity by improving cognitive processing. The specific outcomes were that tasks related to attention processes, virtual recognition memory, working memory, and visual-motor speed were all improved.

Cinnamon can be added to cereal, shakes, stewed apple and other sweets as well as savoury dishes such as lamb casseroles.

Cumin
Like Tumeric and Black pepper, Ccumin seeds have a beneficial effect on the digestion. Cumin works to stimulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, compounds essential for good digestion and nutrient absorption. It is no surprise that these three spices are so commonly used together to create delicious dishes that have the added benefit of supporting the digestion.

Add Cumin to curries, bean and lentil dishes, vegetables and dukkah.

Kedgeree Recipe
Kedgeree is a spicy flavoured lentil dish without the heat of a curry. It is light enough to eat in spring and summer and contains lots of delicious spices.

Ingredients:
• 1 cup of mung bean lentils
• 4-6 cups of water
• 1 onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 2 teaspoons coriander powder
• ¼ teaspoon astafoetida powder
• 1 teaspoon tumeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons of ghee
• 1 cup of chopped, mixed vegetables eg. broc, cauliflower, carrot, Brussel sprouts, zucchini, eggplant etc
• Salt and pepper to taste (usually a good dash of each)
• Fresh coriander as garnish & yoghurt

Directions:
• Soak mung bean lentils overnight in water. Scrunch them in the water before rinsing to get rid of the woody flavour.
• Put the lentils in 4-6 cups of water with the ginger, garlic, bay leaf and spice powders.
• Bring to the boil and then reduce to a simmer. Add the tomatoes and other vegies. Cook for half an hour.
• In the meantime chop the onions and fry in the ghee until almost soft and clear. Add the mustard and cumin seeds to the onion and ghee and fry for an additional 5 minutes on a low heat. Make sure the seeds don’t burn.
• Add the ghee mix to the lentil & vegie mix. Take care as the fat hitting the water may spit. Stir through.
• Serve into bowls. Top with yoghurt and fresh coriander leaves.

Ananda Mahony ND is a naturopath and holistic skin care expert. She specialises in Food as Medicine as well as the treatment of skin conditions. www.vitalenatural.com.au
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Cinnamon is a well known spice with an extensive history of use as a pungent and sweet flavouring agent. Cinnamon spice or True Cinnamon comes primarily from Sri Lankan and is known as Cinnamomum zeylanicum. Another species closely related to True Cinnamon is called Cinnamomum cassia. This species of cinnamon is now thought to be an inferior substitute to Cinnamomum zeylanicum (1).

New research on this common spice has shown that cinnamon may significantly help people with type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes improve their ability to regulate their blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes is far more common than Type 1, accounting for up to 85% of people with diabetes (2). In Type 2 diabetes the pancreas does produce insulin which is the hormone that tells the body to remove excess glucose in the bloodstream, however, the cells that usually take glucose up from the blood become resistant to the effects of insulin. This results in high blood glucose levels


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Foods that heal...Tomatoes

November 2nd 2006 06:10
Tomatoes are a bonus food
The Mediterranean diet is rich in tomatoes, but our culture is only recently becoming aware of its benefits.

Tomataoes contain the antioxidants, Vitamin E and Vitamin C plus beta carotene. These antioxidants have abilities that decrease the risks of cancer, heart disease and cataracts.

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Foods that heal...Yoghurt

October 25th 2006 00:00
Natural yoghurt has many healing benefits

Yoghurt is known for its high nutritional value. It is a great source of calcium which helps to improve bone strength and density as well as containing a good source of B vitamins needed for energy and cell growth.

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Foods that Heal...Rice Bran Oil (RBO)

October 18th 2006 00:00
www.dreamstime.com

Rice bran oil is extracted from the bran of brown rice. It is very popular in Asia, but is only recently become available on supermaket shelves in Australia.

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Foods that heal...Seaweed

October 10th 2006 00:24
www.dreamstime.com

Due to the introduction of Sushi bars and Japanese cuisine to our culture; seaweed is now becoming more prevalent in our diet.

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Foods that heal...Chili

October 3rd 2006 00:02
Chili is mainly known as a little vegetable with a powerful punch. It burns the mouth, lips and anything else that comes in contact with it. For some types this is true but there is a variety of different chili's vailable that have a range of heat strengths and flavours.

Chili has also shown a number of therapeutic benefits that are worth taking note of:

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Foods that heal...Tea

September 26th 2006 00:24
tea
Green tea


In more recent times there has been a lot of publicity surrounding the benefits of tea. But in fact, claims date back to as far as 5000 years ago in China.
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Foods that heal...Lettuce and salad greens

September 19th 2006 00:00
Lettuce
Butter lettuce


Although oftern dismissed as just being full of water; leafy salad greens contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are valuable to the body. They also have the advantage over most other vegetables in that they are eaten raw.
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Foods that heal...Honey

September 13th 2006 00:00
Honey
Agency: dreamstime.com

Some critics say that honey is just another sweetner. But recent studies have shown that honey is indeed 'The Nectar of the God's'.

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Foods that heal...Pistachio Nuts

September 5th 2006 00:06
Pistachio Nuts

Pistachio nuts are a great energy source and for such a small morsel; contain a rich quantity of vitamins and minerals. Unlike other nuts; they have a relatively low calorie content in comparison and are very high in fibre. This makes makes them a great nut alternative for those watching their weight. Recommended amount: 30 nuts, no more than 4 times a week.

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Foods that heal...Walnuts

August 29th 2006 00:00
Walnuts
Photographer: M Adamczyk/Agency: dreamstime.com

Walnuts are a great non-animal source of the linoleic acids. These are essential fatty acids that the body cannot produce alone. If these acids are greater in ratio to saturated fats whithin the diet; they can be advantageous in maintaining the body's health across a vast spectrum of areas.

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