Healthy by Nature radio show this week: We’ll have open lines for your calls with Dr. Andrew Shepherd…after I get us started by asking what common correctable mistakes people make that cause structural problems. Nutrition Educator, Bruce Topping, makes a return visit to discuss the important role of protein. Call with questions at 1-800-281-8255. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and ways to listen nationwide.
 
GOOD NEWS ABOUT FOOD
Whatever appears in the newspaper most often is bad news…like recently “pink slime” or this week that spicy tuna rolls (sushi) are suspected of carrying salmonella. However, there is good news if you look in the right places.

Flaxseed powder shown to reduce cholesterol and help lower blood sugar. Many of you are aware of flaxseed oil as a vegetarian source of omega-3 fats. (That oil does not contain the metabolites EPA and DHA credited with most of the benefits-find those in fish oil.) A recent clinical trial showed that the powdered seeds helped diabetes reduce their blood cholesterol and blood sugar. The dose was 10 grams a day for 30 days. Fasting blood sugars went down almost 20%. LDL cholesterol went down over 20% and triglycerides were reduced. HDL, the good cholesterol, went up. LINK. Because the oils in flaxseeds so quickly become oxidized (i.e. rancid) it is best to grind your seeds the day you use them. I use something I think is even better, Sprout Revolution. It is a sprouted flax seed powder. Sprouting the seeds not only stabilizes the fats, it also makes the nutrients easier to absorb. By the way, a serving is 1 rounded tablespoon, or 15 grams which is more than was used in the study. This product has a very pleasant nutty flavor that is good on cereal, salads or even dessert. It comes in 3 varieties: Cranberry/Goji, Blueberry or Original.

Certain fruits are associated with a lower risk of type 2 Diabetes: A recent Harvard analysis of studies that included over 200,000 subjects showed that a higher consumption of anthocyanins and anthocyanin-rich fruit was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. What kinds of fruit contain anthocyanins? The researchers mentioned in particular blueberries, apples and pears. LINK. I eat apples and use blueberries whenever I can, but I count on Fruit of the Spirit concentrate as my regular source of blueberries, apples, bilberry (blueberry’s close cousin), and other colorful fruits and berries that are also sources of anthocyanins. It is delicious, low in sugar, high in minerals and the equivalent of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables. I add Fruit of the Spirit and the sprouted flax seeds to my protein drinks.
 

NATURAL HEALTHFEST Post-Event Report
If you missed Natural HealthFest 2012, I am so very sorry. My sincere thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors who made it a success. A great many attendees told me how grateful they were that we had made the event available to them. A great many of them received a free copy of Suzy Cohen’s important book, Drug Muggers, thanks to the folks at Essential Formulas who bring us Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics. The speakers I heard were terrific and the panel was outstanding. I wanted more time to really study the interesting exhibits. No reason to miss this life-changing event next year. Mark off March 23, 2013 on your calender so you don’t accidentally schedule something else.

Please help spread the good word-forward this newsletter to friends and family.
My first book : Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments.

My latest book: Aloe Vera-Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy

The information contained in this newsletter has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The contents are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Copyright 2012 Martie Whittekin, CCN