Starches form the foundation of most people’s diets, rich and poor alike; at least a third and often far more. Yet they have become the new whipping boy in both the popular and scientific press; they make us fat and cause type-2 diabetes. Or do they? First it was animal fat, after researcher Radley Keys cooked the books, causing the world to eschew eggs, dairy products and … [Read more...]
Constitutional right to natural health products under jeopardy
Does your health depend on natural supplements, remedies or traditional products? Do you know that a proposed new bill is threatening the availability of the products you rely on? Some are already impossible to get hold of. Then sign a petition by the Traditional and Natural Health Alliance to the National Council of Provinces to stop Bill 6, which may destoy your choice to … [Read more...]
Wild about Weeds Part 6: Dune Spinach
Dune Spinach is a spreading shrub with dark green, sessile, glistening succulent leaves. Its family name is Aizoaceae (carpetweed family) and name Tetragonia decumbens. The sheen is caused by small, shiny, water-storage cells that cover the surface of the leaf (similar to the ice plant). The small, 4-petalled, yellow flowers are situated in groups of 3-5 in the upper leaf … [Read more...]
Wild about Weeds Part 5: Mustard Family
The Mustard Family or Brassicaceae is one of the easiest groups of plants to identify in the wild and all members of this family are edible, though whilst none will poison you, there are those that taste better than others. There are however, one or two suspect agricultural modifications to be mindful of. Easy ID tip: all you need to remember is "4 petals with 6 stamens - 4 … [Read more...]
Wild about Weeds Part 4: Purslane
Puslane is delicious and nutritious. A great option for those who are just starting to forage and haven’t yet developed the taste for it yet. It is also super easy to grow and is a great little ground cover that helps to stop the soil from drying out too much in summer. Soft, succulent purslane leaves have more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy green and even more … [Read more...]
Feeling bloated and uncomfortable? Time to detox!
The finally unfolding summer is a good time to help your body get rid of the winter’s indulgences, release built up toxins and clean out accumulated waste from the past year. No one is exempt from the industrial pollutants in the air we breathe, the water we drink and chemical residues in foods and cookware that have all embedded themselves in our tissues and organs. If you … [Read more...]
Good news for teenagers
We’re so lucky to have a whole plethora of natural cosmetics to choose from nowadays, so gone are the days when you simply had to take what you can get. I have only ever used natural products, as my skin has a built-in chemical detector and breaks out in red itchy bumps from any regular cosmetics. Hence I frequented health shops since my teen years. We may also have good … [Read more...]
Boost your body with organic strawberries
Nothing says I love you more than a super healthy Raw Stawberry Mousse. With the month of love and romance upon us there’s no better time to treat yourself and your loved ones to this healthy and nutritious fruit. Strawberries come with important health benefits given the high and diverse phytonutrient and vitamin content, but when grown organically the rich antioxidant … [Read more...]
Are supplements worth it?
The whole issue of nutritional supplementation remains contentious: People often say that when they grew up they were healthy without taking supplements. Why do we need to supplement a healthy (hopefully) diet with supplements today? Do we really need to spend that money? We spoke to health consultant and alternative healing therapist Ange Loock Shearer (main picture) to get … [Read more...]
Animal Rights and Welfare
As guardians of our domesticated pet, we have a responsibility to protect them from harm and assure them of basic humane rights. That said, it should be our honor and privilege to harbor this companion in our home. A being so loyal, committed, loving and affectionate, you will not find anywhere. Yet, world-wide and in South Africa, animal abuse is prevalent and often … [Read more...]
Home-made pet food naturally best
The age-old and currently resurging culture of providing your pets with natural home-made food is shrouded in misperceptions. These are carefully crafted by large marketing budgets of the influential multi-national pet food industry, out to stop this return to common sense. Some people even fear that that natural foods are nutritionally inferior or even dangerous and harmful. … [Read more...]
Four legs or two – is there a difference?
Four legs or two, is there really a difference? Do our four legged companions have different nutritional needs? All beings rely on nutrition for their well-being, health and longevity. The essential components for nutrition include vitamins and minerals, protein, enzymes, omegas, amino acids and anti-oxidants. In preparing any healthy meal, there are two important … [Read more...]
Pet Talk part 5 – Modern dog companions adapt with humans
Is your pet considered to be a domesticated wolf or wild dog? The answer to this important question will prescribe the diet that you should be feeding your dog and what the appropriate diet really is. The consequences of inferior diets are dire and affects your animal's behavior as well as general well-being, health and longevity. Where did the canine evolve from? Some … [Read more...]
