Nature's Pharmacy: Let food be thy medicine

  There is no definitive evidence that having sex daily reduces cancer risk, but some studies have suggested potential benefits: Having sex more frequently may help boost the immune system, which could help fight cancer. However, the link between sex and the immune system is complex and more research is needed. Sex may help reduce stress and anxiety, which in turn could have positive effects on cancer risk. Chronic stress is linked to higher cancer risk. Sexual activity increases oxytocin levels, which may have anti-inflammatory effects and potentially anti-cancer effects.  Frequent ejaculation in men may lower prostate cancer risk, according to some studies. The reasons are unclear but could involve flushing out cancer-causing agents. Women who have more frequent sex may have a lower risk of breast cancer, perhaps because sex modulates hormone levels over the menstrual cycle.  However, most evidence is limited and speculative. Having an active, enjoyable sex life is part...

HEALTH FOCUS: THE DANGERS OF PROCESSED FOODS Hello beautiful people, and welcome to "Health Focus," your weekly guide to living your best, healthiest life. I'm your host, Lindiwe Mabaso, and today we're discussing something that affects all of us - the food we eat, specifically processed foods and their impact on our health. Before we dive in, I'd like to recommend an excellent resource for overall health and wellness: "Live Well: A Guide to Healthy Living" by Larry Allen, available now at Waterstones book stores nationwide and online. This comprehensive guide offers valuable insights into maintaining optimal health through nutrition, exercise, and mindful living practices. Now, let's turn our attention to understanding the hidden dangers of processed foods and why returning to our traditional African dietary roots might be the best medicine. UNDERSTANDING PROCESSED FOODS First, let's clarify what we mean by processed foods. These are foods that ...

Could Coconut Oil Be the Key to Slowing Aging? Coconut oil has recently gained popularity for its myriad health benefits, including potential anti-aging properties. With its unique combination of fatty acids and antioxidants, coconut oil may help promote skin health, reduce inflammation, and protect cells from damage. Here’s a look at the science behind the aging-defying claims about coconut oil. Skin Health Coconut oil is often used topically to moisturize skin and reduce signs of aging. It’s thought that coconut oil’s fatty acids help reinforce the skin’s lipid barrier, sealing in moisture and preventing water loss. Massaging coconut oil into skin may improve collagen production thanks to its lauric acid content. Applying it after sun exposure may also soothe inflammation and heal damage that can lead to wrinkles.   Inflammation Reduction Chronic inflammation is linked to faster cellular aging. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil, such as lauric acid and caprylic aci...

Probiotics for an Aging Brain: Do Healthy Bacteria Boost Cognition? As we grow older, changes in the gut microbiome and decreased cognitive skills often occur in tandem. This has led scientists to hypothesize that maintaining a healthy community of gut bacteria may help preserve cognitive abilities into old age. Emerging research on probiotics suggests these beneficial microorganisms could be a key piece of the puzzle. The gut microbiome refers to the vast population of bacteria and other microbes that live in the intestines. This complex internal ecosystem plays important roles in nutrient absorption, digestion, metabolism, and immunity. Intriguingly, the gut microbiome also communicates with the brain via the gut-brain axis.  Studies indicate that unhealthy changes in the gut microbiome are linked to inflammation, diminished brain function, and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Supplementing with probiotics may help counteract these detrimental shifts.  Probiotics are liv...

The Link Between Vegetarian Diets and Heart Health Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for over 17 million deaths per year. Many studies have shown that following a vegetarian diet can significantly reduce the risk of developing heart disease and experiencing events like heart attacks. In this post, we'll explore the evidence behind the cardiovascular benefits of plant-based diets. Numerous large observational studies have found that vegetarians tend to have lower rates of heart disease compared to non-vegetarians. For example, in the EPIC-Oxford study, researchers followed over 44,000 British men and women for an average of 11 years. Vegetarians in the study had a 32% lower risk of developing heart disease than meat eaters. Several factors contribute to the heart-protective effects of plant-based diets. Vegetarians tend to have lower blood pressure levels compared to non-vegetarians. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attacks and st...

The Humble Clove: More Than Meets the Eye The clove is an unassuming little spice that most of us keep tucked away in our spice racks. But beyond adding warmth and complexity to soups, stews, and baked goods, the clove has a long history of uses as a medicinal herb. In this post, we'll explore some of the potential benefits of clove, including one of my personal favourites - clove tea.  What is Clove? Cloves come from the flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, which is native to Indonesia. Along with nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper, clove is one of the most valuable spices in history. In the past, wars were fought and lands conquered over this tiny dried bud.  Cloves have a sweet yet spicy flavour and are rich in compounds like eugenol, acetyl eugenol, beta-caryophyllene, and vanillin. These components give clove its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anaesthetic properties. Benefits of Clove Tea Clove tea is a traditional remedy used to treat a variet...

  ARTHRITIS AND DIET: PROTEIN FOODS TO AVOID FOR PAIN RELIEF Hello beautiful people and welcome to "Wellness with Lindiwe," the podcast where we explore practical ways to improve your health and quality of life. I'm your host Lindiwe, and today we're diving into a topic that affects millions worldwide: arthritis and the protein foods that might be making your pain worse. If you or someone you love deals with the stiffness, pain, and decreased mobility that comes with arthritis, you know how challenging everyday tasks can become. While medications and physical therapy are important parts of managing arthritis, what you eat plays a huge role too! Today we're focusing specifically on protein foods that might be triggering inflammation and making your arthritis symptoms worse. THE INFLAMMATION CONNECTION  Before we jump into specific foods, let's understand why this matters. Arthritis is fundamentally an inflammatory condition affecting your joints. What many peop...