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The Fitness Show is once again returning in 2019 for its 14th consecutive year running and brings together some of Australia’s biggest fitspo celebrity names, including fitness and wellness brands all under the one roof! The event promotes the latest in fitness education, technology, healthy foods, sports nutrition, group fitness and fitness apparel.

Nationally, Australia has a huge appetite for health and wellness, with research indicating that by 2022/23 the fitness industry revenue will grow by an annual 1.8% to $2.4 billion, currently at $2.2 billion.

Growing at equally staggering rates is also our inability to consume enough nutrition. Official figures show a huge 96% of all Australians eat less than half their recommended daily intake of vegetables an prefer to eat unhealthy options such as cakes, biscuits, take away, chocolate, soft drinks and alcohol.

So what is required to make that transformation into a healthy diet or take it even further to perhaps one day compete and be a world champion bodybuilder?

Introducing Multi State, National, International and World Champion Bodybuilder Kwame Duah who has completed a degree in Nutrition and Food Science, combines theory and practice when planning out his daily meals, allowing him to maintain his lean physique all year round.

Kwame has reaped the rewards of his hard work with not only having a healthy 323,300 followers on Instagram, but continues to build on his successful business by training others how to be healthy on the inside, as well as the outside.

Kwame, who resides in Adelaide, began competing in body builder competitions as a teenager in 2011, while also completing his degree and from there developed an online training program in real time that has helped his clients transform their lives. In 2014 he became the youngest natural body builder to achieve professional status with Muscle Mania and has featured in national and international magazines.  

We asked the question, what does Kwame consume on a daily basis to remain competition ready, “Macros (energy or calories on the food) play a big role in my diet. I personally like to eat meals high in carbohydrates and protein, and lower in fat.”

Here is a breakdown of Kwame’s meals:

• 70-80% of whole foods with a variety of Macro sources.
• Proteins – Eggs, fish, kangaroo, lean beef, lean turkey, chicken breast.
• Fats – Avocado, nuts, seeds, MCT oils.
• Carbohydrates – Rice, sweet potato, brown pasta, quinoa and oats.

Kwame continued “I also ensure that I am getting my micro nutrients as they play an essential role in

overall health, muscle building, weight loss, and strength. Additional health foods like green tea, apple cider vinegar, and lemon water are also something I add to my daily routine. If I have a goal of losing weight and hunger strikes, I focus on having more calorie dilute foods that help to keep me fuller for longer.”

You can meet Kwame along with other successful bodybuilders and fitness influences at The Fitness Show Expo Friday, 12 April through to Sunday 14 April by booking your tickets online here.

The event is open to trade and general public from 10am-5pm daily at the International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour. The Fitness Show will also be held in Brisbane and Melbourne. Check their website for details.

Bone Broth itself has been around for centuries. In Chinese medicine, whose origins date back over 2,500 years, bone broth has always been used to support digestive health, as a blood builder, and to strengthen the kidneys. Then, beginning in 12th century Egypt, physician Moses Maimonides was known to prescribe chicken soup as a medicinal remedy for colds and asthma.

The bone broth diet has had a resurgence in the last ten years and is now a popular eating plan that combines the principles of intermittent fasting and the Paleo diet while also allowing you to take advantage of the benefits of bone broth.

It’s incredibly effective and can bring huge benefits from weight loss skin health, hair texture and even joint function without having to meticulously measure calories or macronutrients like many other eating plans.

What is Bone Broth?

Chicken soup isn’t just good for the soul. There’s a reason that it’s prescribed by doctors and mothers alike when you feel under the weather.

All bone broths — beef, chicken, fish, lamb and more — are staples in the traditional diets of every culture and the basis of all fine cuisine. They’re also now a staple in the Paleo diet and the keto diet. That’s because bone broths are nutrient-dense, easy to digest, rich in flavor and boost healing.

Bone broth or stock was a way our ancestors made use of every part of an animal. Bones and marrow, skin and feet, tendons and ligaments that you can’t eat directly can be boiled and then simmered over a period of days. This simmering causes the bones and ligaments to release healing compounds like collagen, proline, glycine and glutamine that have the power to transform your health.

Nutrition researchers Sally Fallon and Kaayla Daniel of the Weston A. Price Foundation explain that bone broths contain minerals in forms that your body can easily absorb:

• calcium
• magnesium
• phosphorus
• silicon
• sulphur
• and others

They contain chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, the compounds sold as pricey supplements to reduce inflammation, arthritis and joint pain.

A study of chicken soup (broth) conducted by the University of Nebraska Medical Center wondered what it was in the soup that made it so beneficial for colds and flu. Researchers found that the amino acids that were produced when making chicken stock reduced inflammation in the respiratory system and improved digestion.

Also, research proves it can also boost the immune system and heal disorders like allergies, asthma and arthritis.

What Is a Bone Broth Diet?

By Dr Josh Axe, Functional Medicine Doctor & Nutritionist.

The bone broth diet plan is a meal plan that involves cycling between following a Paleo diet five days per week and fasting for two days weekly over a period of 21 days. The 21-day bone broth diet plan was first made popular by Dr. Kellyann Petrucci, a nutritionist who wrote several bone broth diet book resources, such as “Dr. Kellaynn’s Bone Broth Diet.”

It involves eating one to three servings of bone broth per day each day, alongside a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods for five days per week. During these days, grains, gluten, soy, dairy and sugar should also be restricted. Two days per week, you should fast and consume only bone broth for all of your snacks and meals throughout the day.

Proponents of the plan claim that the bone broth diet results in quick weight loss, better skin, improved gut health and decreased inflammation. Let’s take a look at a few of the potential ways that the diet can enhance overall health.

Health Benefits

1. Supports Weight Loss

Many people use the bone broth diet for weight loss, and for good reason. In fact, there are plenty of bone broth diet reviews out there claiming that it can help shed stubborn pounds and jump-start weight loss within a matter of days.

So how does bone broth help you lose weight? The diet plan swaps out processed foods and unhealthy ingredients for nutritious whole foods while also bumping up your intake of protein, which has been shown to reduce appetite and caloric intake to support weight loss.

It also involves the practice of intermittent fasting, which can decrease levels of specific hormones responsible for controlling hunger while also improving overall body composition.

2. Decreases Inflammation

Although acute inflammation is an important process used by the immune system to protect against invaders and ward off infection, sustaining high levels of inflammation long term is thought to be at the root of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. The bone broth diet may help decrease inflammation, which can be especially beneficial for those suffering from autoimmune conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

It works by pairing bone broth — an ingredient that contains anti-inflammatory compounds like collagen — with intermittent fasting, a practice that has been linked to decrease markers of inflammation as well.

3. Promotes Gut Health

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects, the bone broth diet can help support gut health and protect against leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut syndrome is a condition caused by changes in the permeability of the intestinal lining, which allows particles and toxins to pass from the digestive system to the blood, resulting in inflammation.

Studies show that collagen, one of the main compounds found in bone broth, helps strengthen the lining of the gut, which could potentially aid in the prevention of leaky gut.

4. May Improve Joint Function

If you suffer from chronic joint pain, swelling or stiffness, adding bone broth to your routine may be beneficial. This is because it’s a great source of collagen, which helps restore cartilage and keep the joints healthy.

According to a study published in Current Medical Research and Opinion, supplementing with collagen was found  to be effective at decreasing activity-related joint pain in athletes within just six months.

5. Keeps Skin Healthy

Bone broth is great for slowing the signs of aging to keep skin healthy and hydrated. In fact, studies show that the collagen found in bone broth could improve skin elasticity and moisture in older women. Although more research is needed, some also report improvements in cellulite and stretch marks thanks to the beneficial effects of bone broth and collagen on connective tissue cells.

Who Should Follow This Diet?

For most healthy adults, the bone broth soup diet is safe and associated with minimal adverse side effects. It may be especially useful for those looking to boost weight loss, improve joint function, support healthy digestion and decrease inflammation. To determine if the diet is right for you, try following a seven-day bone broth diet plan to see how you feel. There are plenty of bone broth diet tips and resources out there that can help ease the transition and maximize its potential effectiveness.

However, the bone broth diet may not be right for everyone. Women who are pregnant and nursing, for example, should not follow the bone broth diet and should instead focus on consuming a well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet. Those with underlying health conditions like diabetes or kidney disease should also consult with their doctors before considering the bone broth diet.

How to Follow a Bone Broth Diet

The bone broth diet involves following a healthy diet five days per week and consuming only bone broth twice per week, similar to intermittent fasting. The diet should be followed for 21 days in total, with six days of bone broth fasting and 15 days of eating over the course of the entire plan. Fasting days should be separated by at least one regular day of eating in between.

During the days that you do eat, you should consume one to three cups of bone broth per day as snacks and limit ingredients such as sugar, dairy, soy, grains, gluten and processed foods. On fasting days, stick to one cup of bone broth for each meal and snack, plus unlimited liquids such as water or herbal tea.

Here is a sample bone broth diet meal plan for both an eating day and bone broth fasting day to help get you started:

Click here for organic bone broth in both beef, chicken and beef and vegetable stew broth.

Sample Eating Day:

• Breakfast: Eggs Benedict
• Snack: 1 cup beef or chicken bone broth
• Lunch: Vegetable Beef Barley Soup with side salad
• Snack: 1 cup beef or chicken bone broth
• Dinner: Blackened Salmon with Creamy Avocado Dressing and roasted broccoli

Sample Bone Broth Fasting Day:

• Breakfast: 1 cup beef or chicken bone broth
• Snack: 1 cup beef or chicken bone broth
• Lunch: 1 cup beef or chicken bone broth
• Snack: 1 cup beef or chicken bone broth
• Dinner: 1 cup beef or chicken bone broth

Recipes

What can you eat on the bone broth diet? Although the diet involves fasting two days per week, enjoying a variety of nutritious, healthy foods during the days that you do eat is just as important to ensuring success. Fortunately, there are plenty of bone broth diet recipe ideas out there, making it easy to fill your week with delicious meals on the days that you do eat. Need some inspiration? Here are a few bone broth diet recipes to help get you started:

• Moo Shu Chicken Lettuce Wraps
• Grain-Free Apple Crisp
• Cauliflower Steak with Italian Seasoning
• Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
• Paleo Protein Pancakes

Risks and Side Effects

While the bone broth cleanse diet can be beneficial for many, with most shedding between 4-8 kilos in the first week, there are several health conditions where heavy medication is being taken that need to be considered, so it’s always best to talk to your doctor before making any dietary changes in those instances.

The bone broth diet is also not recommended for those who have been told by their health practitioner to follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. Also note that the diet is intended to be a short-term plan and should not be followed for long periods of time.

Additionally, keep in mind that not all bone broth is created equal and should come from organically kept animals. So what is the best bone broth to buy if you are on the bone broth diet? Be sure to purchase a product from a reputable retailer and select a supplement that is free of fillers, artificial sweeteners and chemicals. Alternatively, you can try making your own bone broth at home using a simple slow cooker recipe. This puts you in full control of what’s going on your plate to help maximise the potential health benefits of the bone broth diet.

When thinking about what to eat for breakfast, a steaming hot bowl of oats with banana and honey comes to mind or mixed in as granola or muesli with fruit and yoghurt in summer. However you consume them, most people do include oats as a regular, daily intake of nutrition for breakfast. 

Oats are classified as a grain and also rolled and crushed to make fine flour for baking and used in dry pet food for livestock.

They’re rich in fibre, high in protein, antioxidants, low in fat and highly nutritious with many health benefits.

There are also several types of oats to choose from including rolled, steel-cut and quick (instant) cooking oats and vary slightly in their nutrient profile.

However, you may be wondering whether oats and oatmeal contain gluten.

This article explains how best to include oats in a gluten-free diet.

What’s the problem with gluten?

Gluten-free diets have become very popular as more people in general are suffering the daily effects of IBS and have been tested positive for celiac disease.

In fact, surveys state that as many as 15–30% of the population try to avoid gluten for various health reasons.

Gluten is a family of proteins found in grains, such as wheat, rye, and barley. These proteins give bread and pasta their stretchy, chewy texture (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).

Most people can eat gluten without any side effects, but these proteins can cause serious health problems for some individuals.

Gluten may cause digestive issues in certain populations because its unique amino acid structure may hinder the digestive enzymes in your gut (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).

If you have celiac disease, your body launches an autoimmune response to gluten, damaging your intestinal lining (5Trusted Source).

If you’re intolerant to gluten, even a tiny amount is harmful, making a gluten-free diet the only way to avoid serious health issues (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source).

Are oats gluten-free?

Studies by Healthline. 

Pure oats that have not been contaminated or grown alongside other crops that contain gluten are gluten-free and safe for most people with gluten intolerance.

However, oats are often contaminated with gluten because they may be processed in the same facilities as gluten-containing grains like wheat, rye, and barley.

This is why we have sourced oats that have been gluten tested, to ensure its safe for those who suffer from a gluten intolerance. Please read further below for testing results.

Studies show that most people with celiac disease or wheat allergy can tolerate 50–100 grams of pure oats per day without adverse effects (9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source).

One 8-year study in 106 people with celiac disease revealed that half of them ate oats daily — and none experienced negative effects (10Trusted Source, 14Trusted Source).

Additionally, some countries recommend including oats in a gluten-free diet. A few studies note that people with celiac disease living in these countries had better intestinal healing than people in countries that did not (10Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source).

So in summary, pure, uncontaminated oats are also safe for people who have a wheat allergy.

Oats are often contaminated with gluten

Although oats themselves don’t contain gluten if grown and processed in a pure environment, they’re often grown alongside other crops.

The same equipment is typically used to harvest crops in neighbouring fields, which leads to cross-contamination if one of those crops contains gluten.

The sowing seed may also be impure, harbouring a small amount of wheat, rye, or barley seeds.

Additionally, products made with oats are usually processed, prepared, and packaged in the same facilities as gluten-containing products.

Therefore, it’s unsurprising that studies analysing regular oat products identified levels of gluten far exceeding the standard for gluten-free foods (16Trusted Source, 17, 18Trusted Source).

One study in 109 oat-containing products on the market in North America and Europe found that the products contained over 200 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, on average (16Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source).

Just 20 ppm of gluten may be enough to cause a reaction in someone with celiac disease (16Trusted Source). Our gluten-tested oats have come back as <5ppm making them safe to consume.

This high risk of contamination means that it’s unsafe to include conventionally grown oats in a strict gluten-free diet.

Notably, a number of companies have begun to process oats with clean equipment and grow them in fields designated gluten-free. These oats can be marketed as gluten-free and must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten (20).

Still, even gluten-free labels may not be completely reliable. One study discovered that gluten levels exceeded safety limits in 5% of products labelled gluten-free.

However, 100% of the oat products passed the test, implying that labels certifying oats and oatmeal as gluten-free can be trusted in most cases (16Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source).

Why you may still not be able to tolerate oats?

It is always best practice to avoid eating foods that cause any adverse side effects including the more common side effects of bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, lethargy after eating, headaches and flatulence. A very small number of people with celiac disease (and possibly other auto-immune diseases) may still not be unable to tolerate pure, uncontaminated oats.

This is why…

Pure oats contain a protein called avenin, that may cause problems because it has a very similar amino-acid structure as gluten.

The majority of people who are sensitive to gluten do not react to avenin. They can eat pure, uncontaminated oats with no problems (22Trusted Source).

However, a tiny percentage of people with celiac disease may react to avenin. For these few people, even certified gluten-free oats may be unsafe (16Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source).

One study discovered that most people with celiac disease had the potential to react to avenin. However, only 8% of the participants had an actual response after eating a large amount of oats (24Trusted Source).

In those cases, the responses were small and did not cause clinical symptoms or relapse. Therefore, the researchers concluded that people with celiac disease could still eat up to 100 grams of pure oats per day (24Trusted Source).

Additionally, two other small studies found that some people with celiac disease experienced a small immune response and more intestinal symptoms while eating oats than those on a traditional gluten-free diet (25Trusted Source, 26Trusted Source).

Despite these effects, none of the people in these studies experienced any intestinal damage from oats (25Trusted Source, 26Trusted Source).

Oats have many health benefits

It sucks sometimes to be forced to lead a gluten-free lifestyle, as it becomes very limiting in food choices and avoiding foods you once loved, especially in terms of grains and starchy foods.

Including oats and oatmeal to your diet (if you can tolerate them) can add much-needed variety and sustenance.

What’s more, several studies show that following a completely 100% gluten-free diet may result in an inadequate intake of fibre, B vitamins, folate, and minerals like iron, magnesium, selenium, manganese, and zinc (10Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source, 28Trusted Source, 29Trusted Source).

Oats happen to be a good source of all of these vitamins and minerals. They’re also a fantastic source of fibre, which makes them the perfect natural supplement.

Additionally, oats provide several impressive health benefits:

• Heart health. Oats can help improve risk factors for heart disease by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and raising HDL (good) cholesterol (30Trusted Source).
• Weight loss. Oats and oatmeal can aid weight loss by helping control appetite and increase fullness (31Trusted Source, 32Trusted Source, 33Trusted Source).
• Diabetes control. Oats can help improve blood sugar control, blood fat levels, and insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes (34Trusted Source).

Since it’s not possible to know whether you’ll react to avenin, you might want to consult your medical practitioner before adding oats to a gluten-free diet.

However, the vast majority of people can safely enjoy oats and all of the delicious foods made with them.

More About BioHax Organic Rolled Oats - Gluten Tested

We’ve soured sustainably grown and 100% organic, wholegrain rolled oats from Finland.

Oats are a good source of protein and dietary fibre, including soluble beta-glucan. They’re also a complex carbohydrate with a low glycaemic index and an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.

While these oats are considered low gluten (<5ppm) or ‘uncontaminated’ under Europe and USA regulations, the Australian Food Standards Code prohibits the use of a ‘gluten-free’ claim on oat containing products. Therefore, due to these “regulations” we must state that these oats “may” contain gluten and “may not be suitable for those with coeliac disease.”

No GMO. Preservative free.

Product of Finland. Packed in Australia.

What are Gluten Tested Oats?

Organic Oats – Gluten Tested are oats that have been grown and processed in a dedicated mill to ensure the entire production chain remains free of contamination from gluten products. They have been tested for gluten and no gluten was detected within the limits of the test (<5ppm). They are sustainably grown and harvested from certified organic, non-GMO seed.

Organic Oats – Gluten Tested are not able to be labelled as ‘gluten-free’ in Australia or NZ. We can call them ‘low gluten’ or ‘uncontaminated’ (also referred to as ‘wheat free’ or ‘pure’) or as we have ‘gluten tested’ to confirm that they are free of contamination from wheat, rye or barley.

What does "Gluten-Free" mean?

Gluten-free means that gluten is not detected in a product, however, the levels of detection are different depending on where you live in the world. This difference in international standards has contributed to a lot of the confusion around the definition of ‘gluten-free’ foods.

In Australia & NZ we have quite strict standards and for a product to be labelled as ‘gluten-free’ this means that the product contains ‘no detectable gluten’. Current testing methods can only detect as low as 5ppm. In the USA and Europe, their standards are more flexible, where foods that contain up to 20ppm of gluten can be labelled as ‘gluten-free’.

What does testing at less than 5PPM mean?

The quantity of gluten in a product can be expressed scientifically as a certain number of parts of gluten contained in every million parts of the product. For example, a product that has no gluten detected at less than 5ppm means that the product has less than 0.0005% gluten content.

Restrictions on "Gluten Free" claims on product labels

The FSANZ code prohibits the use of a ‘gluten-free’ claim on oat containing products, so given this, we are not able to label any oats as "gluten-free". However we can say that they have been "gluten tested" and are less than 5PPM, which should be more tolerable for this with intolerances.

Oats that have been gluten tested and free of contamination, may be better tolerated and digested by those with gluten sensitivities. While the majority of people with Coeliac disease can tolerate uncontaminated/wheat-free oats, we recommend consulting your doctor before consuming any oats or oat containing products. If you do not have a gluten allergy but are looking to minimise gluten in your diet, then gluten tested oats are here for you.

Dr. Terry Wahls stunned the medical community by reversing painful symptoms of MS. The foundation of her protocol: food.

DR Wahls is truly a medical marvel and is a prime example of what it means to use food as medicine.

In 2000, Dr. Wahls was diagnosed with a chronic neurological disorder, secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, which confined her to a tilt-recline wheelchair for four years. As a physician who was initially very skeptical of using wellness interventions to treat her disease, Dr. Wahls found herself exploring all options to heal and minimise the pain, as conventional medicine had zero effect given there is no cure for MS.

In 2007, Dr. Wahls discovered Functional Medicine and based on clinical studies completed on animals; she then applied those findings and outcomes to treat and manage her disease using the power of food and lifestyle changes.

Today, Dr. Wahls has gone from being virtually bedridden to completing an 18-mile bicycle tour.

With this inspiring story and further developing her own protocol, Dr. Wahls has been helping people all over the world to treat their autoimmune conditions.

Dr. Terry Wahls is a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa. She is also the author of The Wahls Protocol: “How I Beat Progressive MS Using Paleo Principles and Functional Medicine” and the cookbook “The Wahls Protocol Cooking for Life: The Revolutionary Modern Paleo Plan to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions.”

The foundation of her protocol focuses on food and includes a whopping 18 servings of vegetables a day. This dietary protocol is so nutrient dense that it was able to help her body and immune system heal.

This video highlights the plant foods, proteins, and fats that Dr. Wahls incorporates, how she developed this disease and the overall remedy. She also discusses lifestyle changes including meditation, stress reduction, movement, and much more.

Image credit: Sunrise on Twitter

Dr. Wahls’ story is an incredible story of hope and proof that what we eat and how we live matters, especially when it comes to optimizing health and improving quality of life.

So, if you have an autoimmune disease or know someone that does, this video is truly inspiring and definitely worth the time to find out how we can reduce symptoms of these diseases. 

Everybody loves corn, right? Especially organic sweet corn! But removing the husk, only to find an uninvited guest attached to your kernel is not ideal.

Organic corn from local farmers is without a doubt sweeter and tastier than conventionally grown supermarket corn, but every now and then you may find a stowaway when peeling back the husk.

All organic farmers must deal with insects and animals that attempt to eat their crops and have to find a sustainable way to protect them without using pesticides.

So what is this pesky insect of sweet corn and how do our suppliers deal with them?

This little pest is aptly named the “earworm”, probably because it nests in the ears of corn, although technically it’s a caterpillar – just to add some confusion - perhaps “earcaterpillar” was to wordy for a pest name?

The Organic Remedy

In a smaller crop, typically a nice diverse patch (including carrots and daisy type), super healthy soil and a good watering regime should prevent attacks. Our farmers also have a strong quality check and remove the top part of the corn, peel it back and double-check to ensure these earworms have not beaten the system.

Nothing goes to waste in an organic and biodynamic farm, as by removing the worms they can also be feed to the chickens.

When shopping for organic corn, try to peek under the silk to make sure there isn’t any earworm damage, but if you have a good supplier – you will see they’ve already checked as the ear will opened.

Salute the Kernel

Here’s a few ideas on how to bake or barbecue your husky tuxedos or wrap them in foil to infuse with your favourite spices:

• Soy and Shallot (100g organic butter, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 finely sliced shallot)
• Chili and Ginger ( 100g organic butter, 1 chili, 2cm knob of ginger, 1 tsp ground coriander)
• Lemon and garlic ( 100g organic butter, 1 tbsp lemon juice, handful parsley, 1 garlic clove)

Dr Mercola Explain the Health Benefits of Corn

“While corn does contain more sugar than other vegetables, compared with cereal grains like wheat, quinoa, and rice, the calorie count is lower. Corn is loaded with flavonoids (which, among other things, protect against lung and oral cancers), antioxidants (such as ß-carotenes), and lutein. Together, these compounds help maintain healthy mucus membranes, skin, and vision. Corn also is an excellent source of vitamin A, thiamin, and vitamin B6.

While it’s generally thought that heating food diminishes its nutrients, one study showed that cooking corn at 51 degrees C for 25 minutes actually increased its:

• antioxidant activity
• ferulic acid content by 550 percent (a phenomenal asset for something that snuffs out free radicals, protects the cells, the DNA, and combats diabetes)
• total phenolics (antioxidants that prevent oxidative damage to DNA, lipids, and proteins, and potentially prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease2)

Nowadays it’s important to learn if your favorite supermarket offerings of sweet corn are organic or grown from genetically engineered (GE) seeds. If possible, find out if farmers selling sweet corn at roadside stands or markets used herbicides, pesticides, or other chemicals.

Studies Done on Corn

Obesity-linked diabetes and hypertension are highest when the diet includes high calorie foods like sugar, drinks sweetened with high fructose corn syrup (which is highly concentrated and processed), and refined flour (especially when it’s genetically engineered). With this in mind, research using basic foods, including corn, in certain combinations to maximize the benefits of their enzymes and antioxidants was conducted to see if it might lower the incidences of these diseases, especially in indigenous North American communities. Scientists concluded that eating simple, plant-based foods may reduce the risk of both high blood sugar and hypertension.

Because Americans aren’t in the habit of eating a lot of fibre, eating about half what they should, one study conducted a 14-day trial involving test subjects eating an extra 12 grams of fibre a day. The scientists concluded that extra fibre in the diet – due to the fermentation process inside the body from corn specifically – might reduce the risk of colon cancer.”

Dr Mark Hyman has dedicated his life to tackling the root causes of chronic disease through the power of function medicine and believes we all deserve a life of vitality. He is also the Medical Director at Cleveland Clinic’s Centre for Functional Medicine, Fonder of The UltraWellness Centre and a ten-time #1 New York Times Bestselling author.

Dementia is a very big problem that’s becoming bigger every day.

Statistics from the US show 10% of 65-year-olds, 25% of 75-year-olds and 50% of 85-year-olds will get dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It’s predicted that Alzheimer’s will affect 106 million people by the year 2020 and is the seventh leading cause of death in the world.

Type 3 diabetes is a term used when Alzheimer’s is triggered by insulin resistance in the brain. This condition is used to describe people who have type 2 diabetes and are also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Diabetes itself refers to a condition where the body has difficulty converting sugar to usable energy and there are two other kinds of diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes - is a chronic health condition in which your body doesn’t produce enough of the hormone insulin. There is currently no cure for diabetes. Neither type 1 (juvenile onset or insulin-requiring) diabetes or type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes ever goes away.

Type 2 Diabetes - is a chronic condition in which your body develops resistance to insulin, and your blood sugar level becomes very high as a result. Both genetics and environmental factors such as being overweight and inactive are contributing factors. If you have prediabetes lifestyle changes such as eating healthy organic foods and being active can slow or stop the progression.

What’s the link between Alzheimer’s and diabetes?

New research shows insulin resistance, or what Dr Mark Hyman calls “diabesity” (from eating too many carbs and sugar and not enough fat) is one of the major factors that starts the brain-damage cascade, which robs the memory of over half the people in their 80s, leading to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

Here’s the bad news/good news from Dr Hyman:

“Eating sugar and refined carbs can cause pre-dementia and dementia. But cutting out the sugar and refined carbs and adding lots of fat can prevent, and even reverse, pre-dementia and early dementia. Sugar causes pre-diabetes and diabetes, which often leads to significant memory loss.

Chronic stress takes a toll on your body and brain. Stress shrinks the hippocampus, the memory center of the brain. So, find your pause button every day and make time for some stress relief. Relaxation isn’t a luxury if you want to prevent or reverse dementia. Whether that involves deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, find something that helps you calm down.

Lack of sleep can cause impaired brain function, leading to CRAFT syndrome, which stands for “can’t remember a _____ thing.” Studies show poor sleep becomes a risk factor for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Aim for at least 8 hours of quality sleep every night.

We now know that physical activity can prevent and even slow down the progression of cognitive decline and brain diseases like dementia. Even a 30-minute walk can help. More active readers might want to incorporate high-intensity interval training or weightlifting.”

Here are the symptoms, diagnosis, causes and prevention methods outlined by Healthline:

Symptoms of type 3 diabetes

The symptoms of type 3 diabetes are the same as symptoms of dementia or early Alzheimer’s. These symptoms include:  

• memory loss that affects daily living and social interactions
• difficulty completing familiar tasks
• misplacing things often
• decreased ability to make judgements based on information
• sudden changes in personality or demeanour

Diagnosis of type 3 diabetes

There’s no specific test for Alzheimer’s or type 3 diabetes. Your doctor will ask several questions about your family history and your symptoms. Brain imaging, like MRIs and CT scans, can give your doctor a picture of how your brain is working. Cerebrospinal fluid tests can also look for indicators of Alzheimer’s.

If you have the symptoms of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s and haven’t been diagnosed with either one, you may be sent for a fasting blood sugar test and a glycated hemoglobin test.

If you do have type 2 diabetes, it’s essential that you begin treatment for it. Treating type 2 diabetes could minimize damage to your brain and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

The average life expectancy for a person with Alzheimer’s is 8 to 10 years from the time that they’re diagnosed. But some people with Alzheimer’s can live as many as 20 years post-diagnosis.

Causes and risk factors for type 3 diabetes

People who have type 2 diabetes may be up to 60 percent more likelyTrusted Source to develop Alzheimer’s or dementia. One studyTrusted Source of over 100,000 subjects with dementia pointed out that women with type 2 diabetes had a higher probability of developing vascular dementia than men.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:

• a family history of diabetes
• high blood pressure
• being overweight or obese
• certain chronic health conditions, such as depression and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Preventing type 3 diabetes

If you already have type 2 diabetes, there are ways that you can lower your risk for developing type 3. Here are some of the proven methods for controlling type 2 diabetes and minimizing organ damage:

• Exercise four times per week for 30 minutes per day.
• Eat healthy foods rich in protein and high in fibre.
• Carefully monitor your blood sugar according to your health team’s recommendations.
• Take any prescribed medications on schedule and with regularity.
• Monitor your cholesterol levels.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

Type 3 Diabetes: The Connection between Alzheimer’s and Metabolic Syndrome

Scientists now calls Alzheimer’s disease “Type 3 diabetes.” What’s the link between Alzheimer’s and diabetes? Dr Mark Hyman explains how new research shows insulin resistance - diabesity (from eating too many carbs and sugar and not enough fat) is one of major factors that starts the brain-damage cascade, which robs the memory of over half the people in their 80s, leading to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

(Image credit: Junkee)

In October 2018 the IPCC provided evidence that the world has less than 12 years to manage the impact of human-made climate change to stabilise temperature rising to 1.50C.

Another damning report was also released by the UN stating the human race is in jeopardy because of the impacts our actions, which have led to the accelerated decline of Earth’s natural life-support eco-systems.

This report was handed over by the UN Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) clearly stating that humans are destroying rain forests, marine environments, and animal species at a rate that is significantly higher than at any time over the last 10 years.

What can you do to secure your children future?

Make your vote count today in this federal election.

The Facts on the Liberal Government’s History of Tackling Climate Change

In 2013, after the Abbott Government (Liberals) won the election, the entire renewable energy industry, and its prospects for climate change researched by scientists from the UN, were cast into a significant dark period. Climate change policies were unwound, and investments into sourcing new clean energy projects came to a grinding halt.

Based on the actions of the Liberal party, it seemed at that time there would be little to no hope that climate change would ever register as a major vote-winning issue in Australian politics.

Fast-forward to 2019 and the political environment has changed dramatically, as the impacts and threats of climate change grow more apparent and we’re literally running out of time before its deemed irreversible.

According to ABC’s Vote Compass, the economy was by far the most important issue to voters six years ago – climate change ranked fourth place, behind asylum seekers, and health and hospitals.

In 2019, Vote Compass finds that environment is now top, followed by the economy and then health and super/pensions.

The Climate Change Council (an independent body) has taken a look at where each of the three largest parties, the Liberal-National Coalition, the Australian Labor Party, and the Greens stand on climate change, what key groups have had to say about their platforms and their prospects for tomorrow’s election.

Click here to get up to speed with climate and energy policies of Australia’s political parties and find out who your vote will impact climate policy in Australia with this fact sheet. We’ve also taken screenshots below of the comparison for quick viewing.

The entire human race and our planet is basically in our hands for this election and over the next four years - no pressure. 

Image credit: Canberra Times

The simple remedy to this would be choosing to lead an anti-inflammatory, organic lifestyle and you’ll never be at risk of losing your licence. Or you can just not drink and drive, which includes the day after a big night out, as most would still be over the limit.

Tough new laws are to be introduced on May 20 for NSW where every person caught over the legal limit for drink driving, even low-range drink-drivers, will lose their licence on the spot, and be fined $561 under the new penalties.

This policy has been announced today by NSW Roads Minister, Andrew Constance, who says the state now has a “zero tolerance” for drink-driving and drug-driving on confirmation of lab test results.

“This means anyone caught drink-driving in NSW, at any level, including low-range, can now lose their licence immediately,” the minister said in a statement today.

This reform makes it clear if you break the law, you will pay the price. We are taking a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving.”

To confirm this deterrent, Assistant Police Commissioner Michael Corboy also said the reform would help protect road users by ensuring swift penalties.

“Alcohol is one of the major factors in crashes that kill or injure people on NSW roads,” Mr Corboy said.

“The 0.05 blood alcohol limit has been in place for almost 38 years. There are no more excuses.”

Just in case you were not aware, the current blood alcohol limit (BAC) for full licence holders, car or riders, is under 0.05. This limit is the same for fully licenced drivers from overseas.

If you’re driving public passenger vehicles, which includes buses and taxis, coaches, heavy vehicles and driving dangerous goods, the limit is 0.02.

Learner and P Plater drivers must still have a BAC of zero.

About 68 people died in alcohol-related crashes on NSW roads last year and its approximately the same statistics for deaths related to drug-driving.

Mark Hyman, MD released his original series of 8 documentaries called “The Broken Brain.”  In this series he interviews over 50 experts who explain the sweeping epidemic of broken brains, manifesting as anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, Alzheimer’s, bipolar disorder, even traumatic brain injury, and a host of other mental disorders.

Dr Hyman is one of the worlds most recognised functional medical practitioners and is also the Medical Director at Cleveland Clinic’s Centre for Functional Medicine, Founder of The Ultra Wellness Centre, and ten-time #1 New York Times Best-selling author.

The second docu-series aptly called “Broken Brain 2,” goes into even more details about the food, gut, heart and brain connection.

Subtle symptoms that can lead to broken brains poor memory, poor quality of sleep, difficulty with concentration, brain fog, etc. Even if you think you are healthy, you might be ignoring these signs and could improve and optimize your well-being through awareness and action.  

He believes everything you do to your body; you do to your brain and other vital organs. That the body is an intricate designed and connective system:

“The epidemic of broken brains is not getting any better. Alzheimer’s disease will affect 30 percent (and some experts say 50 percent) of people over 85 years old. Psychiatric disorders affect 26 percent of our adult population or over 60 million Americans. These are just some of the statistics. It’s time we put a stop to this epidemic,” Dr Hyman states.

Below is an extract from the highlight reel of Broken Brain 2:

“How is it that over 26% of adults in America are suffering from a diagnosable mental disorder? Or that over the last decade depression rates rose 18% and now its estimated 322 million people around the WORLD suffer from depressive disorders? Almost 18% of Americans are affected by anxiety disorders and by all accounts – it’s on the rise especially in the younger generation. Something is very wrong here! With all the advancements in modern medicine, why are we still seeing a growing number of broken brains?

Every other part of the body affects the brain – our digestive health, hormonal health, they quality of our gut bacteria, the strength of our mitochondria, and our immune system all effects the brain. The brain and heart have always been connected and there’s constant messages being sent both ways, so as it turns out the heart is also a key player in how well the brain functions.

Depression is not necessarily a chemical imbalance, its caused by inflammation and any kind of systemic inflammation is going to affect every system in the body. There’s been numerous studies to show that when we’re eating a lot of refined carbohydrates and a lot of sugary foods, we’re at a much higher risk of depression and anxiety but were also able to see negative changes in the brain. We also know that we can ramp up the inflammatory process in our body by just eating one meal!

So often my patients ask me “how can I transform my health and wake up feeling good every single day?” I tell them it takes inspiration; it takes intention and practical tools that we can use every day. I’ve lead thousands of patients to a life of joy and vibrancy and I want this for you to. I want you to wake up every single morning and give your highest gifts to the world – we’re taking a hands-on approach to brain health and I know you’re going to love it!”

Register here for free viewing of this ground breaking 8-part documentary series: BrokenBrain.com.

Lukey Baylis, CEO of Sumo Salad, has seized the opportunity to take control of the entire Coles Deli section located in their flagship, Westfield Eastgardens store.

For the first time ever, Sumo Salad, serve 5 million customs nutritious take away meals each year), will now also be available in the Deli section of Coles Eastgardens Pagewood in Sydney, with a 10-week trial that commenced Monday, February 4.

The local Sumo Salad franchise will be managing and running all deli salads during the trial, with plans to make it a permanent fixture if the trial is a success. This is history in the making as it is the first time Coles has invited an external brand to manage the Deli Salads in one of their stores.  

Picture: Commando Steve, Jerone Fleming (Fit By Six), Joel Costello, Luke Bayliss

An event was held last Saturday, 30 April to promote the launch of this new partnership between Coles and Sumo Salad. Commando Steve, Australia's most recognised and respected fitness expert is also ambassador for Sumo Salad and was MC for the event, which included free personal training sessions, food sampling, book signing and photo opportunities.

“We are delighted to provide our customers with easier access to Sumo Salad classics during their weekly shop. It’s great to see the positive reaction and we are looking forward to developing this opportunity further.” said Sumo Salad CEO, Luke Baylis. 

The trial has already generated an overwhelmingly positive response, with Sumo Salad and Coles beginning discussions on the possibility of rolling out the range in more stores across Australia. 

Kim Wiggin, Development Chef and Project Manager of the trial is aiming to replicate the Sumo experience inside Coles. “ The range of leaf-based salads has been developed to give customers an authentic Sumo experience from their Coles deli.”  

“The salads are made fresh in store every day, with the Deli section featuring many Sumo classics. Shoppers can mix and match up to four salads, with delicious flavour combinations and options for all dietary requirements, including keto, vegetarian, and vegan.” 

Limited Offer

“And to make the offer even better, for a limited time, customers can get 40% off any Sumo Salad with a purchase of any RSPCA approved Coles hot roast chicken.”  

Sumo Salad and Coles are both aligned with their vision to offer more healthy meal options to their customers, with excitement building for the potential long-term fixture.  

So now your toughest decision will be whether to purchase healthy take-away direct from Sumo Salad via the Food Court on Level 2 - or visit them in their new digs at the Coles Deli section for a Commando chicken cesar or a gut loving kombucha.

Both open 7-days.

Both healthy options.

Not really a tough decision.

Gina DiBrita, Director of Numero Uno, has been sourcing the finest coffee for decades and understands good coffee is derived from the strict process of growing, testing post-harvest and manufacturing coffee that is mycotoxin free.

Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by certain moulds (fungi) and can be found in some foods but more commonly nuts, dried fruits, apples and coffee beans, often under warm and humid conditions.  

Coffee is the most popular beverage in the world with 2.25 billion cups being consumed every day, is the world’s seventh-largest legal agricultural export by value and the second most valuable commodity exported by developing countries.

In Australia, three in four adults (75%) drink at least one cup of coffee per day and 28% have more than three cups per day. So it would be safe to assume that coffee is not something that anyone is willing to give up and we need to find a way to make it safe to consume.

Enter Numero Uno Coffee. See their products online here.

How do I know if coffee is good for me?

We all know coffee has a bad reputation for causing the shakes, forms of stomach discomfort and can even lead to cancer. Caffeine is a stimulant and is therefore not recommended for people with adrenal fatigue, thyroid problems, auto immune disorders, chronic illness or inflammatory disease. However, if you’re already healthy or perhaps struggle with circulation issues, are trying to enhance your brain and don't have any of the above conditions - consuming coffee in low doses can be good for your health.

When should I consume coffee?

The best times to consume coffee is in the morning or before lunch, because if you start drinking coffee in the afternoon or evening the caffeine will last 12 hours in the body an affect your sleep cycle and quality of sleep.

Studies completed that claim coffee is “bad” for you are based on epidemiological data, but there is also that same data to support coffee consumption coupled with loads of clinical research. We believe the studies completed that show negative results are not digging deeper into the production process behind the coffee ready for distribution.

What is the best way to process coffee?

Different methods result in different toxins being formed and attaching themselves to the coffee. This occurs through the manufacturing process with how long its allowed to ferment and if the beans were damaged before roasting. The end results is simple: good processed coffee = good performance; bad processed coffee = bad side effects for your health.

There are various methods used to make coffee, but the best method is the natural way and starts from the plant sprouting and growing the bean. After six months it’s ready to be transferred to the plantation with the right pH levels in the soil and the right amount of shade.

From here it will take approximately two years before you start seeing coffee; between 3-7 years you start seeing amazing coffee and between years 7-10 you will see good coffee. After 10 years you to either prune the plant or cut it back to a stump allowing for new growth. In severe circumstances the farmer will replant with a new seedling or variatel.

Precision and science matters during the manufacturing process to ensure all beans are tested for toxins and moulds. Under careful control, sugars and flavours in the fruit of the bean are concentrated and absorbed creating a heavier body with powerful, refined fruity flavours.

When harvesting the beans that are perfectly ripe, the right flavour and right amount of sugar will enable them to be processed properly. Over ripe beans cause mycotoxins and even one single, spoiled bean in the package can affect the toxicity of your coffee and give you those nasty side-effects like headaches, withdrawals and the shakes.

Many different mycotoxins exist, but the ones most relevant to coffee crops are aflatoxin B1; a known carcinogen with harmful effects on the body and ochratoxin A; classified as a weak carcinogen and may also be harmful to the kidneys and brain function.

Which is the best type of coffee to buy?

Once roasted, all coffee beans look the same and there are several varieties of coffee beans, with two primary types being Arabica and Robust. So, it’s important to understand the difference between the two when choosing coffee.

Arabica Coffee Beans

These two varieties differ in taste, growing conditions, acidity, caffeine levels and price-point.

Arabica beans are the most popular coffee bean making up 60%+ of coffee production worldwide, originated in the south western highlands of Ethiopia and yields from the coffea arabica plant. It grows in higher altitudes and prefers humidity and likes to be grown in the shade (subtropical). Native tribes used to crush the beans and mix with fat to be eaten as a stimulant.

It has a sweeter, softer taste, with more fruity tones, as it contains twice as much natural sugar than the Robusta bean, and around 60% more lipids (fats, oils, waxes & vitamins). More importantly, it has a much lower caffeine component of around 1.2-1.5% and is also lower in chlorogenic acid (CGA) of around 5.5-8%.

Robusta Coffee Beans

In contrast, Robusta beans, (Coffea Robust) originating from Central and western sub-saharan Africa, is the second most popular coffee in the world and grows in low altitudes. It has a much stronger, harsher taste, with a rubbery-grain-like overtones and some would describe a nutty aftertaste.

They are considered inferior quality to Arabica beans and contain twice as much caffeine around 2.2-2.7% and are higher in chlorogenic acid (CGA) of around 7-10%. Some robustas are of high quality and valued because of the crema flavour it adds to an espresso.

Benefits of Coffee

Here are some good reasons to drink “good processed coffee”:

• Better memory recall and more energy through caffeine (however high doses of caffeine can cause decreased blood flow to the brain) one-two cups per day is recommended
• Caffeine contains numerous antioxidants and can protect against Alzheimer’s.
• Rapid Fat Loss – coffee is a potent thermogenic which increases metabolic rate.
• Improved performance – coffee is known as an ergogenic aid and can be taken in low doses before a workout to give you an edge.

Is coffee good for brain, heart and liver? Find out from Dr Josh Axe!

"One of the most common questions I’ve been getting recently is, “Is coffee bad for you?” The answer is, yes and no. Coffee is beneficial because it contains massive amounts of antioxidants, which help slow the ageing process and protect you from free radical damage. Coffee also helps stimulate the liver and increases circulation, helping blood flow to the brain.

Coffee can be harmful in some ways because of the amount of caffeine it contains. The caffeine in coffee can overstimulate the body, burn out your adrenal glands, and overtax your body. About 80% of people in the world will struggle with thyroid problems or fatigue issues. For this group, I wouldn’t recommend coffee because it will burn out your adrenal glands.

However, if you’re generally healthy, then drinking coffee in moderate amounts can be fine, and even good for your health. I wouldn’t recommend drinking coffee past lunch time because it can affect your sleep cycle that night. Depending on the condition of your body, if you’re suffering from an autoimmune disease, coffee can make your disease worse.

If you’re pretty healthy, looking for a pick-me-up, or looking for more antioxidants, then coffee can provide you with these benefits. When picking out your coffee beans, I would recommend choosing all natural, organic coffee because it’s one of the most highly sprayed plants in the world. Lastly, if you’re looking for a great substitute for coffee, I would suggest drinking matcha green tea because it has great benefits and one-third the amount of caffeine."

Sir David Attenborough defects from BBC to Netflix to convince Donald Trump of climate change and warm millions of ecological disaster.

The most famous naturalist and presenter on earth, Sir David Attenborough at 92 years-of-age, will attempt to save the world by switching from the BBC to Netiflix in order to reach over 200million people. This eight-part serious called “Our Planet” will launch on April 5 to prove to viewers how critical it is that we act now to save the planet from irreversible damage due to climate change.

Under China, the United States is the second largest global GHG (greenhouse gas) emitters, where if not urgently reduced will increase the global temperature preventing the worst impacts of climate change. Sir David Attenborough has taken up the challenge to try and convince climate denalist, Donald Trump that climate change is a real threat.

The legendary veteran and environmental advocate said he would not shy away from confronting the US president over his refusal to admit the impact of climate change, which stems from receiving large donations from big business to maintain this stance.

Sir David said “it would be cowardly not to try and convince Mr Trump that the future of the planet was precarious,” but conceded that those blind to the facts may not want to see the truth, as it would mean they would need to action. This action could impact on donations if forced to comply with implementing strategies for renewable energy, less development, less deforestation and less emissions.

The presenter has also stated “the impact of climate change could be halted and reversed rapidly if there was the political will to enforce environmental measures.”



Sir David said: “The BBC, powerful and pervasive though it is, can’t reach 200million people overnight, simultaneously. This particular ambition — of reaching the vast majority of TV sets in the world — is very important and the message is urgent.

The natural world is in crisis. Let’s not mince words. It really is in crisis. We are in trouble. There is no point saying, ‘We will do that or pass that’ or, ‘We will have another meeting’. We want people to know what is happening NOW.”

Sir David has spoken to the press regarding Donald Trump and his upcoming series Our Planet, which marks a departure from the BBC to Netflix after a 67-year partnership.

“I would certainly take the challenge and I would think carefully about what I actually said. There’s so many bits of evidence I would use.

“I would be using the increase in the human population for starters, as to where we’re all going to get fed. Where are we going to do it? How do you make the arithmetic work?

“But I mean what you say to him in the face of what is visibly happening – the climate of the United States of America – it’s perfectly clear.

“There are none so blind as those who will not see.”

The Netflix series took four years to make, with 600 crew travelling to 50 countries to record our impact on wildlife, from tiny insects and dazzling tree frogs to mighty whales and solitary tigers.

It shows how polar bears and walruses depend on ice which is disappearing due to global warming.

A note of hope is sounded too. One sequence in Antarctica shows the amazing feeding methods of whales driven to the brink of extinction by hunting but saved by changes to international law.

“Share the wonder of the extraordinary place we call home. Utilizing the latest technology Our Planet was filmed entirely in Ultra High Definition in over 50 countries. From exotic jungles to the deepest seas, open your eyes to the connections we all share. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, Our Planet launches worldwide April 5th.”