GHS Natural Health Blog

A combination of new research and open-minded physicians is blurring the lines in medicine, reports Toni Jordan.

Until now, understanding your health care choices has been relatively simple. If you want a prescription for a pharmaceutical drug, you consult a traditionally trained doctor. If you want a more natural treatment, you visit a naturopath. But to some patients, this division is not only artificial; it’s harmful. It denies both sick and healthy people the ability to choose the best combination of conventional and alternative treatments.

A paradigm shift

But now some medical professionals are offering their patients the best available treatment, regardless of its origins. Professor Les Cleland, head of rheumatology at Royal Adelaide Hospital, is a doctor at the foreground of this paradigm shift. Professor Cleland has been treating arthritis sufferers for more than 20 years, but his treatment of choice isn’t an anti-inflammatory drug produced by a multinational pharmaceutical company. It’s fish oil. The Royal Adelaide Hospital dispenses over 400 bottles of liquid fish oil each week to arthritis patients. ‘We’ve known for more than 20 years that fish oil supplements can benefit the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis,’ Professor Cleland says. Fish oil’s effectiveness lies in its anti-inflammatory action. The omega-3 essential fatty acids found in fish oil are used by the body to manufacture prostaglandins, which are hormone like chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. All prostaglandins cause inflammation, but those made from the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are weaker than those made using other fatty acids. So fish oil can actually decrease an arthritis sufferer’s pain, swelling and stiffness.

Additional benefits

A reduction in the crippling symptoms of arthritis isn’t the only benefit of taking fish oil. ‘Not only do we have better disease control in arthritis patients, we also have a reduction in a number of cardiovascular risk factors,’ Professor Cleland says. Research shows that patients taking fish oil have improved triglyceride and cholesterol profiles, which could lead to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Also, if you’re taking fish oil, you’re less likely to be taking non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, known as NSAIDs. NSAIDs were originally touted as a cure-all for a wide range of inflammatory diseases, but one, Vioxx, was recalled worldwide in 2004 because of its fatal side effects. ‘The Vioxx issue has caused an increased scrutinising of the other NSAIDs – they almost all increase the level of cardiovascular risk,’ warns Professor Cleland. So why isn’t everyone with arthritis taking fish oil? ‘The number one reason has been the lack of availability of a suitable dosage,’ says Professor Cleland. To control the symptoms of arthritis, sufferers need to take 10 or more fish oil capsules a day. At this dosage, fish oil supplementation quickly becomes expensive, and some people find this many capsules difficult to digest. Instead, the Royal Adelaide Hospital uses liquid fish oil. ‘Most people cope well with the liquid, taken on juice,’ adds Professor Cleland. So is this mixing of conventional and natural medicine a sign of things to come? If the patients at Royal Adelaide Hospital are any guide, in the future more and more health consumers will combine the best of both worlds.

Royal Adelaide Hospital dispenses Melrose Liquid Fish Oil as part of their arthritis treatment program. For further details contact Jackie Edgar at the Royal Adelaide Hospital’s Preventative Care Centre on 08 8222 5219.

Article thanks to Herbs and Health Magazine Australia

Flaxseed was traditionally used to make cloth, but the oil of this ancient plant is now being heralded as a solution to two great modern ills: cardiovascular disease and arthritis.

To the heart rescue

Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of omega- 3 fatty acids and contains twice the amount found in fish. The most important omega- 3 fatty acid found in flaxseed oil is called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This essential fatty acid cannot be made inside the body so it must come from your diet.

ALA is important for your health because it lowers blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This helps to reduce fatty deposits in the blood stream that can build up and make the walls of the blood vessels narrow and stiff. As vessels become narrower and harder, blood pressure increases and the blood supply becomes blocked, causing angina, stroke and heart attacks.

One way ALA helps to reduce blood pressure is by increasing cell membrane fluidity and flexibility, and improving the elasticity of blood vessels. It also acts as a natural blood thinner, reducing the ability of blood to form clots. Studies have shown that, even in healthy young men, taking flaxseed oil every day will decrease this tendency for blood platelets to form.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Another function of ALA is to improve the body’s inflammatory responses. Your body converts fatty acids into substances called prostaglandins – hormone-like chemicals that control inflammation. There are many types of prostaglandins and some are more inflammatory than others. When the body produces a greater amount of stronger, more inflammatory prostaglandins, it results in conditions such as arthritis, gout and joint pain, severe menstrual cramping, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, and asthma.

Old-timers used to say that flaxseed oil ‘oils your joints’, relieving the pain and stiffness of arthritis. Now we know they were right about this effect and understand the complex biochemistry behind it.

Prostaglandins that are made from omega-3 oils are weaker than those made from omega-6 oils, so a diet that includes flaxseed oil can ‘down regulate’ the inflammatory response and improve these inflammatory conditions.

Flaxseed oil for everyone

Flaxseed oil is an essential addition to the diet, but it is most important for anyone who suffers from cardiovascular disease or inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, period pain or asthma. Many people are concerned about the level of heavy metals found in fish these days. If this is you, or you are vegetarian or just don’t like fish enough to eat the recommended two servings a week, you can achieve your omega-3 fatty acid requirements from flaxseed oil.

Choosing the right flaxseed oil

• Flaxseed oil is available as a liquid or capsule.
• Check the label to make sure the oil is cold pressed, unrefined and GMO free.
• Look for certified organic flaxseed oil because non-organic oils can sometimes carry trace amounts of herbicides and pesticides.
• A reputable manufacturer will measure the amount of ALA contained in their flaxseed oil, so make sure the one you choose has this clearly displayed on the label. At least 52 per cent ALA is recommended.
• All oils need to be fresh and not exposed to light or oxygen so flaxseed oil should be packed in opaque packaging and refrigerated.  Always take flaxseed oil capsules with food.
• Flaxseed oil can be used in salad dressings, poured over cereals or mixed in with yoghurt or smoothies. Flaxseed oil is not suitable for use as a cooking oil.

Article thanks to Herbs and Health Magazine Australia

Wheat has been grown in prehistoric times, as far back as six to seven thousand years ago. Evidence of its cultivation has been found in Europe, England, Egypt and China. The wheat germ oil itself is extracted from the germ (fertile part) of the wheat kernel, which makes up only 2½% by weight of the kernel. This oil is dark yellow to orange in colour and has a fairly robust aroma reminiscent of grain. The wheat germ oil is the richest source of Vitamin E than any other vegetable oil and than any other food that has not undergone prior preparation or vitamin fortification. Wheat germ oil also contains Vitamins A, D, B1, B2, B3, B6, F, Essential Fatty Acids, protein, and minerals. Its mineral content includes phosphorus, zinc, iron, sulphur, and potassium.

Wheat germ oil contains the incredibly healthy linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic fatty acids. These are needed for our cardiovascular, immune, nervous, reproductive systems, and to maintain healthy cells and body functions. The Vitamin E oil present in wheat germ oil promotes skin cell formation, and is great for nourishing and rejuvenating dry, mature, dehydrated skin. This aids in reducing scars, stretch marks, sunburns and damaged skin. Wheat germ oil soothes irritated skin, especially in the case of eczema. When applied on the skin, wheat germ oil improves the circulation of blood and also helps to repair the skin cells destroyed by the scorching heat of sun. Wheat germ oil’s anti-inflammatory, regenerative and anti-oxidant properties make it a wonderful ingredient to add to bodycare and cosmetic products. It is a medium density oil but penetrates the horny layer of the skin easily.

The high Vitamin E content in Wheat Germ Oil is a natural preservative, which helps to prevent rancidity, and prolongs the shelf life of cosmetic products it is used in. Wheat germs thick consistency makes its independent use for massaging the body not usually preferred. Since it has exceptional nourishing qualities, it is used in lesser quantities for preparing a carrier oil blend. For massage oil blends, it is recommended that you incorporate 10-15% wheat germ oil into your oil blend. The dark color and heavy odor must be considered before using it.

As a cooking oil, wheat germ oil is strongly flavored, expensive and easily perishable. The oil can be added to baked goods. Olive or vegetable oil can be cut with wheat germ oil. Wheat germ oil can be taken alone or drizzled on top of salads, vegetables, pasta and in pestos. Do not heat wheat germ oil. The valuable qualities in oil break down in high heat. 

The oil is available in unrefined and refined forms. The refined oil has a longer shelf life while the unrefined wheat germ oil is a very sensitive oil that will degrade quickly when exposed to extremes in temperature fluctuation, oxidization and light. Refrigeration of this oil is highly recommended. Because of its unrefined nature, this oil is very dark in color and heavy in odor. Wheat germ oil should not be used by those with wheat or gluten allergies, either externally or internally.

References:

Wikipedia
Wildcrafted Herbals
EHOW
Botanical
IndoBase
Buzzle

This natural oil, also known as Linseed oil is collected from a blue flowering plant that is mainly grown on the Western Canadian Prairies. Flax seed oil is highly recommended for the general well being and whole body nutrition and is considered to be nature’s richest source of omega-3 fatty acids that are required for the health of almost all body systems.

Flax seed oil contains omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc and also provides approximately 50% more omega-3 oils than fish oil. Some nutritionists, researchers, and scientists believe that it could be the most important health promoting supplement next to a multi-vitamin. Nearly every system in the body can benefit from flax seed oil’s natural properties, including the cardiovascular system, immune system, circulatory system, reproductive system, nervous system, as well as the joints. This amazing oil has healing benefits that may help to lower cholesterol, protect against heart disease, control high blood pressure, counter inflammation, reduce cancer risks and control constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticular disorders.

Flax seed oil takes a bit of time to be absorbed into the body before the full beneficial effects begin, ranging anywhere from a few days to as many as six weeks, depending on your overall well-being. Although it is marketed as a nutritional supplement the use of linseed oil has declined over the past several decades. The edible flax seed oil has a strong flavor and odor and is only a minor constituent of the general publics nutrition. It would be ideal to consume small portions of flaxseed oil every day. However if flax seed oil is used in a diet for a long time without other oils, it may cause Omega 6 deficiency symptoms. So it is best to blend flaxseed oil with other oils that contain more Omega 6 in order to get the right balance, such as sesame oil, sunflower oil and evening primrose oil. This combination can be great with cider vinegar in a salad dressing.

Add flax seed to your diet and watch what it will do for you! If you’re unsure about trying flax seed, contact your physician and ask for more information. Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, dietary supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider. Flaxseed may slow down the absorption of oral medications or other nutrients if taken at the same time. Try to avoid taking flaxseed at the same time as medications and other supplements.

It’s important to buy high-quality flax seed oil as it is prone to rancidity. Light and oxygen will slowly breakdown the essential fatty acids. Flaxseed oil requires special packaging because it is easily destroyed by heat, light, and oxygen. Look for flax seed oil capsules that are dark coated soft gels or oil that is bottled in amber-brown bottles, as these are more resistant to the light and oxygen. Make sure you refrigerate your flax seed oil to help extend its shelf life. Like any oil, flaxseed oil may turn rancid if it is not refrigerated.

References:

Essortment
Wikipedia
Healing Daily

Grapeseed oil is a polyunsaturated vegetable oil pressed from the seeds of various varieties of Vitis vinifera wine grapes, an abundant by-product of winemaking. Most grape seed oil is produced in Italy, with other producing nations including France, Spain, and Argentina. This oil is usually extracted chemically. The chemical extraction does have an impact on the flavor of the oil, but it makes grapeseed oil affordable for the general public. When purchasing grapeseed oil to use in food, make sure that it is clearly marked as food grade. Some cosmetic grapeseed oils are stabilized with chemicals which could be harmful to consume.

In cosmetics, grapeseed oil is widely used. It is often combined with other oils to make massage oil, since it glides well on the skin and it also has moisturizing properties. It is a light easily absorbed oil, often used in bases of massage oils and mixing essential oils. Grapeseed oil can assist with skin repair, as it has mildly astringent and antiseptic qualities. Some companies use grapeseed oil as a short term natural preservative in body products, while others integrate it into moisturising creams, sunscreen, sunburn repair lotion, hair products, body hygiene creams, lip balm, hand creams and an assortment of other products. Grapeseed oil is full of antioxidants and moisturising properties helpful in restoring damaged done by the elements. It’s mild astringent qualities help to tighten and tone the skin.

The medicinal and nutritional value of grapes have been heralded for thousands of years. Egyptians consumed this fruit at least 6,000 years ago, and several ancient Greek philosophers praised the healing power of grapes and their seeds. Grapeseed oil has been used for a range of health problems related to free radical damage, including blood sugar regulation problems, heart disease, and cancer. The active compounds in grape seed have antioxidant properties. Supplementation with grape seed extract can substantially increase levels of antioxidants in the blood. Antioxidants are substances that destroy free radicals which are believed to contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants found in grape seeds can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.

Incredibly high in antioxidants, Grapeseed oil contains  a group of bioflavonoids known as procyanadins and is rich in linoleic acid. At 68-76%, it contains the highest amounts of linoleic acid among any oil or food source. Linoleic acid is one of two essential fatty acids that the human body can not produce. Grapeseed oil is also naturally enriched with Vitamin E that is well known for its potent antioxidant effects in tissues. There is growing evidence that Vitamin E helps to prevent heart disease and cancer as well as to promote healing and healthy skin and muscles. One tablespoon of Grapeseed oil provides nearly the recommended daily allowance for Vitamin E.

In foods, grapeseed oil has numerous uses. It has a clean, light taste that has been described as nutty. This oil emulsifies very well and does not generally separate, making it a effective and delicious compliment to things like salad dressings, marinades, sauces, flavored oils, baking, stir-fries, grilling, sautéing, fondue and homemade mayonnaise. The flavor of Grapeseed oil is unobtrusive, allowing diners to focus on the main component of the dish. It imparts no after-taste, permitting the full flavor of the dish to be appreciated. Grapeseed oil retains the original flavor of foods. As a great gourmet alternative to olive oil, Grapeseed oil serves to enhance the natural flavor of foods and reveals a subtle pleasant buttery flavor. Culinary grapeseed oil can also be flavored with the addition of things like peppers, truffle shavings, and herbs. The oil is great as a base for infusing or flavoring with garlic, rosemary, or other herbs or spices.

Grapeseed oil has a very high smoking point, approximately 420 °F (216 °C) so many people use grapeseed oil to fry foods and to cook safely at high temperatures. Like other oils, grapeseed oil should be stored in a cool dark place until it is used, unless it has been heavily stabilized. For people who use it rarely, refrigeration is best. Although grapeseed oil may congeal slightly, it will go rancid much more slowly when kept in the fridge.

References:

Wise Geek
Wikipedia
University of Maryland
Grapeseed Oil Corporation