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

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.

Wikipedia
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Wildcrafted Herbals
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EHOW
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Botanical
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IndoBase
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Buzzle
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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.

Essortment
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Wikipedia
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Healing Daily
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The seeds of the pumpkin are a power food, rich in many nutrients including: Vit. A, Vit. E, Zinc and the precious omegas. Also a lot of phytosterole which is well known for it’s positive effect against high cholesterol. Pumpkin seed oil is one of the top three nutritional oils with hemp seed oil and flax seed oil, that provide the highest essential fatty acids (Omega 3 and Omega 6) required for healthy mind and body function.

Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of these fatty acids. The four dominant fatty acids are Palmitic, Stearic, Oleic, and linoleic acid. HPLC analysis of the powerful pigments found in pumpkin seed oil reveal a number of Carotenoids, the main components being Beta Carotene and Lutein. In addition to these there are other carotenoids present including: violaxanthin, luteoxanthin, auroxanthin, flavoxanthin, chrysanthemaxanthin, alpha-cryptoxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin and alpha-carotene. These specific components are known to prevent bladder and prostate problems. They are said to even shrink enlarged prostate glands in early stages. Preliminary studies have shown that pumpkin seeds may reduce hormonal damage to prostate cells, thus possibly reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer. Pumpkin seeds have also been used to treat urinary tract infections. Minimal amounts of oil are needed. Chewing a handful of dried seeds every day or taking the oil for salads and for dips can easily give a similar preventive supply.

Pumpkin seed oil is excellent for smooth skin, increased energy, maintenance and improvement of sexual health and optimum brain function. Pumpkin seed oil was often prescribed in German folk medicine, as a remedy against parasitic infestations of the intestinal tract such as tapeworms. Pumpkin seed oil has commonly been used to treat a variety of kidney problems as well urinary problems, gastritis and the expelling of some parasites. The nutrients in pumpkin seed oil affect kidney stone formation and improve symptoms associated with enlarged prostates. The lubricating effects of the essential fatty acids and antioxidant content in pumpkin seed oil are the reasons for its benefits for arthritis. These same nutrients also lower the overall blood cholesterol content by lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and increasing the HDL (good cholesterol) levels.

Pumpkin seed oil is best used in its raw state. Pumpkin seed oil can be taken as 1 or 2 tablespoons straight or blended in a protein drink, shake, or smoothie. It can also be used in the making of salad dressings when combined with honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar ect. Pumpkin seed oil is an undiscovered delicious tasting nutritional oil, that keeps better than many oils and very rarely goes rancid. Nevertheless, it should be kept in the refrigerator, and of course, never heated. You should not heat it in order to protect the healthy ingredients of this oil. When it is heated it only tastes good and has no healthy aspect. Pumpkin seed oil is also used for desserts, giving yoghurt or ordinary vanilla icecream an exquisite nutty taste.

Pumpkin Seed Oil
www.pumpkinseedoil.com.au

Eco Natural
www.eco-natural.com

Wikipedia
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Australian Pumpkin Seed Company
www.pumpkinseed.net.au

Oil has long been thought as an evil part of the diet – something to avoid at all costs, but did you know that there are some healthy oils that are good to include in your diet?  These are polyunsaturated oils that are high in omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids and have a range of health benefits.

Some of these oils include:

• avocado oil
• safflower oil
• sesame oil
• sunflower oil
• soybean oil
• pumpkin seed oil
• grapeseed oil
• flaxseed oil
• wheatgerm oil
• fish oil
• olive oil
• canola oil
• corn oil
• evening primrose oil

How to Use Healthy Oils

Even though these oils are significantly better for your health than saturated fats and other hydrogenated oils, remember that they are still a liquid fat.  Use the oils sparingly so that you do not overindulge and possibly suffer from weight gain.

Oils need to be stored in dark bottles as clear glass or plastic bottles allow light to penetrate into the oil and oxidise the fatty acids.  Contact with air will also affect the oil so be sure to keep the lid on tightly.  Be aware that the healthier the oil is, the more quickly it will spoil.  Many healthy oils will need to be stored in the refrigerator.  Olive oil is an exception however as it is high in oleic acid and contains antioxidants that slow spoiling. 

The more omega 3 fatty acids that are in the oil, the less suitable it is for cooking.  High temperatures can damage many oils as the heat not only damages the fatty acids, it can also make them harmful.  Where possible, use the healthy oils at room temperature, such as in salad dressings.  Olive oils are the best for cooking.

How Often Should I Eat These Oils?

Essential fatty acids are important for the diet and should be eaten on a regular basis.  You should consume a source of omega 3 or 6 essential fatty acids three to five times a week.  Where possible, consume them in a food form such as fish or flaxseed oil, rather than in a supplement form, as fresh is always better.

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