Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen 2023
BlogsDirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen 2023
If you’ve been following me for a while you’ll know that I’m passionate about organic food. Eating 100% organic is not always possible – for reasons like budget constraints or unavailability. Every year a study is conducted to evaluate the levels of pesticides and herbicides in conventional fruit and vegetables in the US. In […]
How Does Your Gut Actually Work?
Nurturing Your Adrenals in a Stressful World
BlogsNurturing Your Adrenals in a Stressful World
Stress is one of those words that can mean a lot of things. In a basic sense, stress is s physiological process that happens in your body – sometimes as a result of ‘being stressed’, but also as a result of other stressors, like environmental toxins, lack of sleep or too much coffee. One thing’s […]
Cleanse time!
BlogsCleanse time!
It’s cleanse time! I’ve blogged about detox a lot here and here but in this post, I want to share with you what I’m planning to do this month for a bit of a cleanse. On a personal note, it hasn’t been the best year for me. I separated from my husband at the beginning […]
Focus on Food – Brazil Nuts
Are Brazil Nuts Healthy?
homepage posts, BlogsAre Brazil Nuts Healthy?
Nuts are an essential addition to any diet – but Brazil nuts are particularly good for us, being a rich source of selenium. Watch the video below to find out more!
Cacao vs Cocoa
Diet, Digestion, Food, BlogsCacao vs Cocoa
The difference between cacao and cocoa It’s a question asked by my patients all the time. To simplify things, cacao and cocoa are actually the same things. They both come from the same plant originally – the cocoa bean. The production of each of the powders is what differentiates them. With traditional cocoa they take […]
Wheat-Free vs Gluten-Free (video)
Diet, Digestion, Food, Naturopathy, BlogsWheat-Free vs Gluten-Free (video)
Transcript: Wheat Free vs Gluten Free – 2 Minutes to Health In this episode I’m going to talk about wheat free versus gluten free. Hi, I am naturopath Katherine Maslen, welcome to Two Minutes to Health. In today’s episode I’m going to be talking about wheat free versus gluten free. So the deal is […]
Vitamin D and Health
homepage posts, BlogsVitamin D and Health
Vitamin D is so important for health. In this episode of 2 Minutes to Health you’ll learn
Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
homepage posts, BlogsHealth Benefits of Coconut Oil
In this episode of 2 Minutes to Health, I explain why coconut oil is so healthy and how you can use it in your diet to improve health. Video Transcript is below: In Today’s video, I’m going to be talking about coconut oil and what kinds of health benefits it has. Hi, I’m naturopath […]
How to make a green smoothie
Food, Detoxification, Video, Blogs, Recipes, SnacksHow to make a green smoothie
Green smoothies are an excellent addition to a healthy diet. They are high in minerals like iron, calcium and magnesium which are more easily absorbed due to the blending process. Green smoothies are very easy to make – all you need is some green leafy veggies, fruit, water and ice. You can also make […]
Juicing for Health
Detoxification, Juicing, BlogsJuicing for Health
Fresh juicing is one of the best things that you can do for your health. When you juice fresh fruit and vegetables, you remove the fibre and are left with a concentrated form of nutrients. Without the fibre you are able to absorb the nutrients and phytochemicals from the juice much more easily. Here are […]
Saturated fat – bad or not?
Food, Fats, BlogsSaturated fat – bad or not?
Cambridge University released the results of a study on saturated fat last month that has turned the mainstream health community on its head about the matter. Saturated fat has been given a bad wrap by the medical community for a very long time. It has been blamed for obesity and heart disease, with the promotion […]
Bacterial Biofilms and Chronic Disease
infections, Health Conditions, BlogsBacterial Biofilms and Chronic Disease
There is a lot of mounting evidence for the role of bacterial biofilms in the persistence of chronic infections and the associated conditions that they cause or exacerbate. Bacteria are becoming increasing resistant to antibiotics and attack by your immune system. The reason for this is that bacteria are evolving to thwart efforts to kill […]
Cholesterol Lowering Diet
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesCholesterol Lowering Diet
What is a cholesterol-lowering diet? A cholesterol-lowering diet is aimed at assisting the body to reduce cholesterol using cholesterol-lowering foods and avoiding foods that increase cholesterol levels. This is very different from traditional low cholesterol diets, which aim on reducing cholesterol intake in a bid to reduce cholesterol levels. Only a small amount of our […]
The Alkaline Diet
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesThe Alkaline Diet
The Alkaline Diet – It All Comes Down to the PH The acid/alkaline diet may be something you have heard of before, but what does it mean? Foods have different properties when consumed. Acid or alkaline refers to the effect the food has within the body, being acid-forming or alkaline-forming. A common misconception is that […]
Focus on Food – Quinoa
Health Articles, Focus On Health FoodFocus on Food – Quinoa
Quinoa, pronounced keen-wa, was the staple food of the Incas. It is gluten-free, has the highest protein content of any grain and contains many nutrients including calcium, iron, zinc and B vitamins. The seed coating contains saponins which can irritate the intestines, so quinoa must be soaked and washed under running water thoroughly to remove […]
Focus On Food – Wheatgrass
Health Articles, Focus On Health FoodFocus On Food – Wheatgrass
Have you been asking yourself what the craze is with wheat grass? Wheat grass is a fantastic companion to a healthy diet, as it contains high levels of chlorophyll, the nutrient that gives it its deep green hue. Chlorophyll is structurally very similar to haemoglobin, the molecule responsible for carrying oxygen around our bodies, and […]
Causes of a Weakened Immune System
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesCauses of a Weakened Immune System
Our immune systems are made up of billions of cells, designed to fend off invaders and keep things balanced, so what happens when these cells get out of control? Without proper functioning of our immune system we suffer from frequent colds, allergies, asthma, skin conditions and even autoimmune disease. So how does our immune system […]
Antioxidant Health Benefits
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesAntioxidant Health Benefits
Antioxidants; why we need them and where you get them from. Antioxidant is a word that is thrown around a lot in food advertising these days – you hear about it in breakfast cereals, juices, and even now on chocolate! The hard part is deciding how to interpret this information – dark chocolate is high […]
Flu Fighting Recipes
Healthy Living Articles, Health Articles, Recipes, SnacksFlu Fighting Recipes
Try these recipes to help fight the flu this winter! Honey, lemon and ginger drink Yes, an oldie but a goodie. For best results, stir the honey through once the drink is slightly cooled. 1/2 lemon 5 slices of fresh ginger 1 tsp of honey Cut lemon into pieces, put in a mug and crush […]
Colds, Flu’s, and Bacterial Infections. What is the Difference?
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesColds, Flu’s, and Bacterial Infections. What is the Difference?
Winter is the time when our immune system is more vulnerable to catching the common cold and influenza. Both the common cold and influenza start out as a virus, which makes them very contagious. These viruses change year to year, with many different strains around each flu season. The common cold is relatively harmless if […]
Boost Your Imune System Naturally
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesBoost Your Imune System Naturally
As we all know that with winter comes the cold and flu season. Although a flu shot may protect you against certain strains of the influenza virus, the best defense against both influenza and the common cold is your immune system. The immune system is complex, including different armys of cells to identify invaders and […]
To Detox and What to Detox
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesTo Detox and What to Detox
To detox or not to detox, that is the question. For many people the thought of a detox can be very off putting, but a good detox program can leave you feeling great if done correctly. A detox is not a detox. The process of detoxification occurs in many places in the body, so there […]
To Wheat or Not to Wheat
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesTo Wheat or Not to Wheat
Wheat Gluten and Wheat Intolerance Explained Wheat free, gluten free, yeast free… the list is forever expanding of things that we should supposedly not be consuming. There is a fair bit of overlap of why you should not eat these foods groups and what kind of people should avoid them. This article aims to shed […]
Easy Springtime Detox
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesEasy Springtime Detox
Detox doesn’t have to be difficult! Try this easy springtime detox to clear out the cobwebs, improve digestion and increase your energy levels. Step 1 – Cut back on the wheat Try to avoid wheat during this detox. Wheat is quite heavy on the digestive system and is not well tolerated by many. Wheat free […]
Boosting Energy Naturally
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesBoosting Energy Naturally
Good energy levels are achieved and maintained by a balanced diet rich in nutrients, regular exercise and a good nights sleep. Here are some things that you can do to boost your energy. 1. Get a good nights sleep A good nights sleep will ensure that your battery is recharged to face the day ahead. […]
Sleep and Detoxification an Essential Link
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesSleep and Detoxification an Essential Link
Do you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or simply don’t wake up with as much energy as you’d like? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you are not getting the vital sleep that we need to fully detoxify, repair and rejuvenate the body. Sleep is more than simply a time […]
Sleep Hygiene Hints
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesSleep Hygiene Hints
Sleep hygiene involves more than having a shower before bed! Try the following tips to ensure you are ready for a good nights sleep: Ensure the room is dark. Light from outside will lower melatonin levels and disturb your sleep. Make the bed. Getting into a nicely made bed is always nicer than a pile […]
Balancing Celebrations and Your Health During the Festive Season
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesBalancing Celebrations and Your Health During the Festive Season
Christmas time is full of celebrations, parties, barbeques and work functions with an abundance of alcohol and not so favourable food choices. Try some of these handy tips to help keep you healthy during the festive season. Keep hydrated Ensure that you are getting in around 2 litres of filtered water every day. If you […]
Healthy Easter Fun for Big and Little Kids
BlogsHealthy Easter Fun for Big and Little Kids
Easter can easily be all about giving chocolate to children. Try these tips for some family fun over the easter break, and make easter more than just a time to eat chocolate. Decorating easter eggs An oldie but a goodie, children love to make their own coloured eggs. Make sure you wear old clothes and […]
Protein Essentials
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesProtein Essentials
Protein is found in every cell in our body. It is essential for cellular function, repair, mood balance, immune function, blood sugar regulation and muscle building. So how do you know if you are getting enough protein? It may be a surprise that most people are not consuming adequate amounts of protein to achieve all […]
Edible Flowers
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesEdible Flowers
Springtime means that there are flowers everywhere – but did you know that you can eat them? Flowers have been consumed as foods since the beginning of time. Not all flowers are edible though, so you need to know what you are looking for. Flowers can be enjoyed in salads, as garnishes to foods and […]
10 Tips for Healthy Living
Healthy Living Articles, Health Articles10 Tips for Healthy Living
1. Chew your food Your mouth is the first part of your digestive system, containing enzymes which begin the process of breaking down carbohydrates. By chewing food thoroughly you are aiding the digestive process, as particles will be smaller and easier to digest once they reach the stomach. Chewing food thoroughly also prevents overeating, as […]
Top 5 Weight Loss Foods
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesTop 5 Weight Loss Foods
There is a lot of emphasis on food and weight loss, but most of it is focused on the caloric content of a food, or whether it contains too many carbs or fats. There are many foods which have been shown to help the body up-regulate fat burning pathways, due to specific vitamins and phyto-nutrients. […]
Focus on Food: Organic Eggs
Health Articles, Focus On Health FoodFocus on Food: Organic Eggs
Yes, the humble egg is our food focus. So what’s so special about an egg? Eggs are packed with protein, essential nutrients and good fats and there are so many ways to prepare them! A whole egg contains approx 6-7 grams of protein, mainly contained in the egg white. The yolk is packed full of […]
Focus on Food Kale
Health Articles, Focus On Health FoodFocus on Food Kale
Kale is a little known vegetable with amazing healing properties. It is an ancient member of the cruciferous family, the same family as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. Kale boasts the highest antioxidant ability of any leafy green vegetable! As well as this it is very high in calcium and chlorophyll and contains magnesium, potassium, iron, […]
Focus on Food – Flaxseeds
Health Articles, Focus On Health FoodFocus on Food – Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds, also known as linseeds, have multiple benefits. Flaxseeds are high in the the essential fatty acid Omega 3, lignans, fibre and protein. Flaxseeds is the best source of omega 3 from vegetarian sources, as this nutrient is mainly found in fish. Omega 3 is essential for your brain, nervous system, immune system and reproductive […]
Focus on Food Red Dulse
Health Articles, Focus On Health FoodFocus on Food Red Dulse
Red dulse is a seaweed available form most good health food stores and organic markets. Unlike most other seaweeds, red dulse has a mild pleasant taste without the ocean like taste most other seaweeds have. Sea vegetables are rich in nutrients, with dulse containing vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and E as well […]
Hidden Toxins in Common Plastics
BlogsHidden Toxins in Common Plastics
Plastics are so common in society today that they are generally regarded as a safe and useful product. Although plastics do have many advantages and indeed it would be difficult to do without them, many studies are now confirming that there is more in plastic than meets the eye. Bisphenol A One of the most […]
Focus on Food Grapefruit
Health Articles, Focus On Health FoodFocus on Food Grapefruit
Many people think of grapefruit as being sour and unpalatable – but they can actually be quite delicious if served correctly. Grapefruits are packed full of powerful antioxidants such as vitamin C and citrus bioflavonoids. Pink or Ruby grapefruits are particularly high in antioxidants. They contain good levels of lycopene, the same antioxidant that gives […]
Stress Busting Techniques
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesStress Busting Techniques
Stress is often overlooked and deemed part of a normal life, however did you know that stress contributes to more illness and disease than smoking and alcohol combined?? Stress can affect your digestion, cause headaches, disrupt hormone balance and sleep. When you are under stress, your adrenal glands secrete a hormone called cortisol, which puts […]
Buckwheat
Health Articles, Focus On Health FoodBuckwheat
Buckwheat is a little known grain with great medicinal properties. Although the name contains ‘wheat’ buckwheat is in fact not a wheat at all, but an ancient gluten-free grain. Buckwheat is one of the few grains that has alkaline properties, meaning that it has an antiinflammatory effect in the body, improving blood pH. This makes […]
Focus on Food – Beetroot
Health Articles, Focus On Health FoodFocus on Food – Beetroot
Beetroot has been used for centuries as a food, dye and even a source of sugar. It’s no wonder beetroot has been so popular – it’s packed with antioxidants, is great for detoxification and is a great source of energy. The scarlet red colour of beetroot is due to a combination of betacyanin (yellow) and […]
Paracetamol use in Children Increases the Risk of Allergies
Research in Complimentary Therapies, Health ArticlesParacetamol use in Children Increases the Risk of Allergies
In an analysis of over 205,000 children aged 6-7 years old, from 31 countries, the use of paracetamol in the first year of life was associated with increased risk of asthma, allergic inflammation of the eye and eczema. This means that paracetamol use in infants under 1 year old could have a detrimental effect on […]
Rosti With Roasted Vegetables
Recipes, The Main EventRosti With Roasted Vegetables
This dish is great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. For the protein component you can serve with some organic meat, organic chicken or fish. For a vegetarian option, serve with some quinoa or add some drained and rinsed canned legumes of your choice to the roasting pan at the last minute. Ingredients: Rosti 900g potatoes, […]
Diet soft drink increases the risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome
Research in Complimentary Therapies, Health ArticlesDiet soft drink increases the risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome
‘Diet soda intake and risk of incident metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes in the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis’ A recent study has found that diet soft drink intake is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Over 6,500 people aged 45 to 84 years took part in the study, which was […]
Lamb Koftas With Chickpea Mash
Recipes, The Main EventLamb Koftas With Chickpea Mash
This meal is very high in protein so is beneficial for weight loss. Adding some other steamed vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and beans can help to make this a complete meal. Ingredients: 250g lean lamb mince (preferably organic) I onion, finely chopped I tbsp chopped fresh coriander 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley ½ […]
Drinking Water Is Associated With Weight Loss in Overweight Wome
Research in Complimentary Therapies, Health ArticlesDrinking Water Is Associated With Weight Loss in Overweight Wome
A recent study has found that drinking water is independently associated with weight loss. In the study, dieting overweight women were studied for 12 months to determine their water, food and other beverage intake and compare to their weight loss. The average amount of water required is 1.5L a day, which can be increased to […]
Moroccan Lamb
Recipes, The Main EventMoroccan Lamb
Ingredients: Spice mix, combined in small bowl: 1 tsp cayenne pepper 2 tsp ground black pepper 1½ tbsp paprika 1½ tbsp ground ginger 1 tbsp turmeric 2 tbsp ground cinnamon 1kg of lamb, trimmed and cut into chunks 2 large onions, grated (or chopped fine) I large yellow sweet potato, cut into chunks 2 tbsp […]
Bioavailability and Health Effects of Cocoa Polyphenyls
Research in Complimentary Therapies, Health ArticlesBioavailability and Health Effects of Cocoa Polyphenyls
Chocolate is good for you! In a recent review, it was discovered that cocoa (or cacao in the raw form) was protective against cardiovascular disease. Cacao is very high in polyphenyls, especially catechins. Green tea also contains this phytonutrient, which has reputed antioxidant activity. Unlike the catechins in green tea, those in cocoa are much […]
Vitamin D Deficiency
Research in Complimentary Therapies, Health ArticlesVitamin D Deficiency
High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in young children in a highly sunny humid country: a global health problem A recent study has found that young children who live in a sunny climate are still at risk of vitamin D deficiency. In the study, 650 children under the age of 16 were evaluated fro vitamin […]
Protective Effect of Lycopene in Cardiovascular Disease
Research in Complimentary Therapies, Health ArticlesProtective Effect of Lycopene in Cardiovascular Disease
Lycopene, an antioxidant found in high amounts in cooked tomato and tomato products such as tomato paste and canned tomatoes has been found have a protective role in cardiovascular disease. A review of both animal and human trials has found evidence that lycopene helps prevent cardiovascular disease, probably due to its ability to reduce oxidative […]
Common Tea Formulations Modulate In Vitro Digestive Recovery of Green Tea Catechins
Research in Complimentary Therapies, Health ArticlesCommon Tea Formulations Modulate In Vitro Digestive Recovery of Green Tea Catechins
Why not add a slice of lemon to your green tea? A recent study has found that certain substances can dramatically alter the absorption of catechins from green tea. Catechins are the phytochemicals responsible for the beneficial effects of green tea, including antioxidant, antiageing, cardiovascular protection and blood sugar regulation. The regular absorption rate for […]
Association of Trans Fatty Acid Intake With Metabolic Risk Factors Among Free-Living Young Japanese Women
Bromelain’s Activity and Potential as an Anti-Cancer Agent: Current Evidence and Perspectives
Research in Complimentary Therapies, Health ArticlesBromelain’s Activity and Potential as an Anti-Cancer Agent: Current Evidence and Perspectives
A recent study has found the enzyme bromelain to have potent anticancer properties, proving to be highly antiinflammatory, antithrombotic and antineoplastic. Bromelain is found in pineapple, in especially high concentrations in the stem. Bromelain has potent immune stimulating function and may help to reduce the growth of cancers. Pineapple is also high in the antioxidant […]
Grape Juice, Berries and Walnuts Affect Brain Aging and Behavior
Research in Complimentary Therapies, Health ArticlesGrape Juice, Berries and Walnuts Affect Brain Aging and Behavior
A recent study has found that consuming berries, walnuts and grape juice can help to reduce brain aging, reducing the decline in cognitive function that often happens during the ageing process. Including these foods in your diet is therefore of benefit for the aging population who is having difficulty with memory and recall, or for […]
Romaine Lettuce Has Anti-Neurodegenerative Effects
Research in Complimentary Therapies, Health ArticlesRomaine Lettuce Has Anti-Neurodegenerative Effects
Romaine lettuce is a common variety of lettuce which is showing to have higher health benefits than other common lettuce varieties. In this study, the authors found that romaine lettuce was high in vitamin C and phenolic compounds, both of which have potent antioxidant effects. It was also found that these phenolic compounds protected neurons […]
Flax and Pumpkin Seeds Mixture Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats
Research in Complimentary Therapies, Health ArticlesFlax and Pumpkin Seeds Mixture Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats
A recent study has found that flaxseeds (linseeds) and pepitas (pumpkin seeds) have the potential to decrease the risk of diabetes complications. In the study, diabetic rats were fed a mixture of pepitas and flaxseeds had an increased antioxidant status and had less signs of diabetic nephropathy signs such as kidney damage. An intake of […]
The Effect of Increasing Consumption of Pulses and Wholegrains in Obese People: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Simple Skin Care
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesSimple Skin Care
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to look after your skin – try some of these simple recipes made from everyday ingredients to nourish and restore the skin. Ingredients: Aloe Vera gel – the inner gel from the aloe vera leaf is cooling, soothing and healing to the skin Baking soda – […]
Chocolate is Good For You
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesChocolate is Good For You
Easter, Christmas and holidays are all times when there is a lot of chocolate around. The good news is that chocolate doesn’t have to be bad for you, and if you eat the right type it can actually benefit your health! Although seemingly too good to be true, studies have shown that cacao beans are […]
What is Whole Food
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesWhat is Whole Food
Wholefood is food in its natural state, unprocessed and still ‘whole’ in nature. A pear, a carrot, a wheat berry, an almond, an oyster; they are all whole foods. Nature is very clever, as within whole foods are all the nutrients which are required to break them down so that they can be assimilated by […]
To Diet or Not to Diet
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesTo Diet or Not to Diet
Diet can be a very confusing word sometimes. We are constantly getting bombarded with advertising campaigns plugging low fat, no fat, low carb, high protein and other fad diets. The true meaning of diet is actually “the usual food and drink of a person or animal”. In clinical practice the best results for weight loss […]
Change is in the Air
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesChange is in the Air
Change is in the air For many of us, change can be daunting, as it seems easier to stay in our current routine. Change is essential in life, from the change from young to old, month to year, season to season, change is constantly around us. It helps to keep us motivated, fresh and prevent […]
Focus On Food – Pineapple
Health Articles, Focus On Health FoodFocus On Food – Pineapple
Pineapples are loaded with vitamin C, manganese, B1 and B6. As well as this they are high in fibre and contain a digestive enzymes called bromelain, so have a beneficial effect on the digestive system. The bromelain is highly concentrated in the core of the pineapple, so be sure not to throw it away! Bromelain […]
The Importance of Green Leafy Vegetables in Our Daily Diets
Healthy Living Articles, Health ArticlesThe Importance of Green Leafy Vegetables in Our Daily Diets
Have you ever been told to eat your greens? There is good reasoning behind your parents getting you to eat the green stuff – it is one of the highest nutrient sources that we can get in our diets, and has amazing health giving properties. By greens, I refer to the leafy variety, which includes […]
Sleep Duration and Obesity in Middle-Aged Australian Adults
Research in Complimentary Therapies, Health ArticlesSleep Duration and Obesity in Middle-Aged Australian Adults
A recent study involving 40,834 Australian adults has proved an indisputable link between sleep deprivation and obesity. In the study it was found that middle age adults who slept less than 7 hours a night had a much higher incidence of obesity than those that slept for more than 7 hours. This study highlights the […]