High blood pressure: When drugs do more harm than good
Having high blood pressure is a big deal. According to the massive, long-running and ongoing Global Burden of Disease study, hypertension – the medical term for elevated blood pressure – is the leading risk factor contributing to the burden of disease in the world, across both developed and developing countries. High blood pressure also kills:…
Breastfeeding prevents diabetes – and the longer, the better
Guess what! It’s time for another health Awareness Day! November 14, 2018 has been designated World Diabetes Day by the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF). We in Australia had our very own National Diabetes Week back in July, so I won’t rehash the arguments against pointless ‘awareness-raising’ exercises that I made in my article Diabetes: ‘awareness’ vs…
Chocolate Hommous
I first encountered a chocolate hommous recipe in a Facebook group that I belong to. The recipe used maple syrup, whereas I prefer to use fibre-rich dates as a wholefood sweetener. Hommous purists (including Lebanese grandmothers!) might be horrified at the idea of turning the classic savoury dip into a sweet treat, but once you’ve…
ABC Spread
Home made nut spreads are so easy to make with a high powered blender such as a Vitamix, or a Thermomix. And they’re much cheaper than commercial versions, too! ABC spread consists of equal parts almonds, Brazil nuts and cashews, and it’s one of my all time favourite nut spreads. Ingredients: 130 g raw almonds…
Exercise beats fat genes in postmenopausal women
One of the most common complaints I hear from my older female clients is how hard it is to maintain a healthy body weight after menopause. Women who have been slim their whole lives suddenly find they’re growing a belly, while those who’ve been fighting the battle of the bulge for as long as they…
The Whole Connection plant-based cruise event
As you may know, it was my honour and privilege to have been invited to be a presenter on The Whole Connection plant-based cruise event – the first of its kind in Australia. The event’s creator, Paige Renshaw, had a vision to create an event which would bring together a diverse group of health professionals…
Change your habits, change your life
I often joke to clients that I can estimate the probability of them enjoying good health now, and remaining vibrant and active into old age, using a simple mathematical formula: Σ GH – Σ BH = FAH where Σ is the mathematical symbol for ‘sum of’, GH stands for ‘good habits’, BH for ‘bad habits’…
Couscous Stuffed Mushrooms
I love stuffed mushrooms. Portobello and field mushrooms are large enough to be stuffed with a hearty filling that, when accompanied by a salad or cooked vegetables, makes a complete meal. Don’t be afraid to pile the stuffing high in this recipe – it holds together very well. Ingredients: 1 cup wholemeal couscous 3 – 3…
Breast cancer screening – when ‘talking to your doctor’ may mislead rather than inform
15 October 2018 Oh boy, October really is the month for ‘health awareness’! Aside from Sleep Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day, October – the entire month – also plays host to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Thankfully, Cancer Australia no longer advocates non-evidence based practices such as breast self-examination and clinical breast examination (examination…
Carob-Bean Pudding
Carob is a naturally sweet, caffeine-free alternative to cocoa. Derived from the pods of a tree that belongs to the legume family – the same family as chick peas, lentils, black beans and peanuts – carob powder is high in fibre, antioxidants and calcium. Traditionally used in the Mediterranean to treat digestive issues, carob has…