Green Health and Complementary Medicine
Beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides which are found in the cell wall of fungi and yeasts. However, modern agricultural practices and processes have removed the majority of the beta-glucans in our diet. In the Victorian era, even though infant mortality was high, research suggests that following childhood, life expectancy was not markedly dierent than it is today. It is thought that the consumption of foods rich in beta-glucans may have played a key role in the Victorians’ long and healthy life spans.1
Good health cannot exist independently from a strong immune system. Every minute of every day, this complex system is under constant attack from pollution, germs, viruses or stress.
A weakened immune system is susceptible not only to colds, flu and infections, but also to more serious health conditions. Various factors can negatively impact immune health such as alcohol,
sugar consumption, lack of sleep and a nutrient poor diet.
Like many of the other oils mentioned in this section, pomegranate seed oil is packed with tocopherols and phytosterols. However this oil, which additionally acts as an emollient, is uniquely enriched with both punicic acid and ellagic acid.
Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is a potent supplement for improving mental function – particularly in combination with a racetam. The primary mechanism of action appears to be by optimizing levels of acetylcholine, however it also appears to improve mood and motivation via its positive effects on the brain’s dopamine system. It is for this reason that ALCAR has been studied as a potential supplement for reducing some of the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s disease. Early studies have been quite promising.
PMS is a result of pain, tiredness and mood swings caused by menstrual cycle. OTC medication helps to a certain extent in the easing of PMS. Many alternative methods like herbal teas, hot pads, are used to help with the symptoms. However, all these are temporary methods to deal with the distress caused.
When it comes to heart disease, everyone thinks of cholesterol. What most people don’t know is that vitamin D deficiency is also linked to heart disease. Is there any scientific evidence to show the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and heart disease?
Rich in vitamins A, E, F and several phytonutrients, Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nut of the African Shea tree. When removed, the colour of Shea butter can be anything from white to golden yellow. If properly stored, its shelf life can last for a several years.
I have already been honest enough to say that what really got me interested in learning more about vegan wasn’t animal rights first. It was weight loss.
Most people have never heard of glutathione, despite the fact that it is your body’s ‘master antioxidant’ which not only repairs free radical damage itself, but also acts to recycle and increase levels of other antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
The 5:2 Day Diet is a brand new, research-based approach to weight loss. This is a simple diet where you will fast for two days per week followed by eating as normal for the additional five. As well as the obvious reason for choosing to diet you can improve your health significantly by cutting risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and even some cancers.
There are certain natural means that anyone can use to help maintain the health of his thyroid gland and avoid hypothyroidism. These methods also help in preventing further deterioration of the thyroid gland if some impairment has already started and it has begun to secrete lower-than-normal levels of thyroid hormone.
Super fruits are a class of fruits that contain higher amounts of important antioxidants and phytochemicals that may contribute to good health as part of a well balanced diet. When compared to apples and bananas and other common fruit they score higher on the ORAC rating system. Super fruits include acai berry, Afrian mango and raspberry ketone.
