An Easy Way To Reduce Sugar (and eat your chocolate)

by Alison Bramley | Mar 16, 2017 | Uncategorized

An Easy Way to Reduce Sugar Intake :

We all know we should be reducing our sugar content as it negatively impacts our immune system and is very inflammatory to our body. BUT we like chocolate. Lynda Smith from Nutrition for Life demonstrates how by careful selection we can still have chocolate and greatly reduce our sugar consumption. The pictures above show the sugar content of a bar of milk chocolate (top) and a dark 90% cacao bar (lower bar). Note how the top bag is full of sugar.

Dark chocolate contains less sugar, and dairy. Cacao is the purest form of chocolate and is full of antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium. The greater the percentage of cacao the higher the antioxidant level and the less sugar that bar of chocolate will contain. The Naturopaths at Simply Great Health, Albany, believe this is a great way to reduce sugar and boost your immune system. If you have a very sweet tooth this change to dark chocolate will take a bit of time, but persevere you will grow to love it and just look at how much sugar you will be avoiding.

At Simply Great Health we promote Naturopathic approach for our consultations. Various services such as Hemaview Live Blood Analysis, Homeopathy and Therapeutic Supplements are practiced at our North Shore based center in Albany, Auckland.

Food For Medicine – How to get 40% more vital nutrients without trying

by Carolyn Brown | Feb 21, 2017 | Uncategorized

Plants help provide the essential nutrients our bodies need for vitality and health. Micro greens contain up to 40% more nutrients than fully mature plants. So what better way to experience the health benefits of these than to grow your own.

Microgreens

Growing microgreens is an excellent way to eat young nutrient filled greens. Harvest time is typically 7-14 days. Common varieties include alfalfa, basil, beets, broccoli, celery, chervil, coriander, cress, fennel, flax, lettuce, mizuna, mustard, parsley, peas, radish, red clover, rocket, spinach, and more.

Guide to growing

Materials –

• Organic or untreated seed
• Small trays/containers
• Spray bottle
• Organic seed raising growing mix

 

• Prepare your shallow seed tray (or egg tray carton, or other small container with drainage holes) with organic seed raising soil mix, approx. 2 cm depth and lightly press. Alternatively use wet cotton wool balls / strips.

Trouble shooting

 

• For larger size seeds i.e. peas/beans/beets it is recommended to soak to seed in water for 24 hours before sowing to enhance germination.
• Leggy seedlings indicate lack of light, move to a brighter position and rotate the tray to encourage even growth.
• Mouldy seedlings – don’t flood the seedlings, try sowing fewer seeds in the tray and increase air circulation by moving to a more breezy area.
• Plant different varieties into separate trays/containers as they do vary in germination times.

• Scatter the seed generously over the soil and cover with a very thin layer of soil (0.5 cm). Water using a spray bottle to dampen the soil. If using cotton wool, no need to add any soil. Leave in a warm, protected spot until germination begins. Cover with a paper towel (optional to prevent the seed from drying out). Then move to a bright position i.e. sunny window sill or sheltered outdoor area.

• Water regularly using the spray bottle, avoid letting the seeds dry out and do not drown as this encourages rot.

• Once the seedlings are approx. 4 cm tall, they are ready to snip with scissors. Cut above the soil line. Rinse if any soil is attached and sprinkle directly onto your salads. You can choose to cut at the cotyledon leaf or at the true leaf stage or wait and grow onto baby leaf stage.

• Sow small amounts of seeds regularly i.e. every week or second week to ensure a continuous supply.

 

At Simply Great Health we promote Naturopathic approach for our consultations. Various services such as Hemaview Live Blood Analysis, Homeopathy and Therapeutic Supplements are practiced at our North Shore based center in Albany, Auckland.

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Do Pineapples Help With Arthritis Pain?

by Alison Bramley | Feb 14, 2017 | Uncategorized

Studies have found proteolytic enzymes help short circuit many pain pathways. They help reduce inflammation and swelling as well as assist in toxin and waste removal from your blood. Pineapple contains proteolytic enzymes such as bromelain. There is evidence that suggests that these enzymes have anti-inflammatory properties and may well help reduce pain and stiffness associated with arthritis much like non steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) but without the dangers associated with long term use of NSAIDS.

Note there are some drug/nutrient interactions with bromelain increasing the action of warfarin and other blood thinners, it also increases the absorption of most antibiotics.

Infra Red Sauna – The Many Health Benefits

by Alison Bramley | Jan 24, 2017 | Uncategorized

Sleep Tips – Sunglasses and Sleep

by Alison Bramley | Apr 24, 2016 | Uncategorized

Sunglasses help block out the white/blue light emitted from televison and computer screens. This light tells the body it is still “daytime” and so there is no need to secrete melatonin. The more yellow/orange light we get with sunset (and sunglasses) tells the body to prepare for change and at around 9 pm melatonin is secreted which prepares the body for sleep.

MARCH PROMOTION – BREATHING ASSESSMENT

by Alison Bramley | Apr 23, 2016 | Uncategorized

When was the last time you serviced your car?
When was the last time you serviced your breathing?
During the month of March we run a special promotion for you to get your breathing checked. Have you noticed that your breathing is becoming noisy (snoring), gets interrupted by sighing and yawning or do you have frequent toilet pit stops during the night? Sleeping might be restless, fatigue is creeping in during the day or the nose is chronically blocked.
Time for a breathing service?
Save 40% on your Breathing Assessment
Limited offer during March
Bookings are essential