Calorie Wise or Otherwise?

I don't think I need to draw additional attention to the idea of a "low-fat" diet. Low-fat products are all around us and following a low-fat diet is recommended by many physicians, especially to those who are overweight or with high blood pressure or cholesterol levels. Under these circumstances, I bet no one ever considered the possibility that a calorie-wise dietary regime might not be so wise!

Fat is a healthy component of each person's diet. But ALL FATS ARE NOT EQUAL. For lack of better words, there are "good" fats and "bad" fats. "Good" fats such as unsaturated oils like olive, sunflower, safflower, evening primrose, borage, nuts and seeds and their oils and fatty fish and their oils make many positive contributions to our health. "Good" fats function to generate energy, create and maintain cell membranes, insulate and protect, improve nerve and organ function, discourage fat storage and create prostaglandins. As already reviewed in my recent blog about evening primrose oil, prostaglandins mimic the action of hormones in the body to such positive effect as reducing inflammation. Consuming "good" fats can help mental and nervous system disorders, diabetes, PMS, heart disease, skin and joint disorders. Moreover, "good" fats help improve digestion, prostate and breast health and contribute to a healthy pregnancy and post-pregnancy, especially improving the quality of breast milk.

Saturated fats, in excess, are "bad" fats that cause health problems over time. Saturated fats are found primarily in animal protein, butter and coconut oil and are solid at room temperature. This is not to say that saturates ought to be 100% cut out from the diet, but rather that moderation is key.

Low-fat products aren't doing anyone any favours. Depending on the nature of the "low-fat", "diet" or "calorie-wise" product, there may be artificial sweeteners in the ingredients list and artificial sweeteners are absolutely  toxic to the human body. Furthermore, low-fat products have been more processed than products that are left with fat in tact. And, just to be redundant, chances are that the fat that was otherwise in that product was healthful in nature.

Our society is one of excessive consumption. Those who are recommended to avoid fats would do better to avoid low-fat products and moderate their intake of dietary fats, putting focus upon the "good" fats and being mindful of "bad" fats. Again, the fats that are considered "bad" are only classified as so when they are consumed excessively. So slow down, enjoy your food - even food with fat included - and be moderate!

For more information on just how atrocious the ingredients in low-fat products can be, check out my recent column for SEE Magazine: Low-Fat May Be Highly Bad For You

Roberta Shepherd for Prana Holistic

Evening Primrose Oil Could Be The Answer To Your Painful Menstruation!

I have been using evening primrose oil (EPO) for premenstrual symptoms for years. When I was pregnant, I stopped using it as I - of course - wasn't getting my period during that time. However, nearing the end of my term and once I was overdue and gagging to get my baby out, I started inserting EPO vaginally to get things going. This was at the recommendation of my midwives and something that I hadn't thought of, but that actually  makes perfect sense. EPO, along with many other healthy oils and fats, contain prostaglandins: a component of lipid molecules that mimic the action of hormones and help to regulate the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles in the body. And let me tell you: IT WORKS!! I started using EPO for the purpose of inducing labour a few days before I actually went into labour. I have to say, I woke up every single night wondering if using it again the next night would be worth it, considering the fact that it certainly caused contractions that were anything but comfortable.

Previous to being pregnant, I had a history of experiencing every single pre-menstrual symptom in the book: breast tenderness, cravings, emotional highs and lows, irritability, sore back, and then during my flow: cramps, bloating, gas, diarrhea, exhaustion, muscle aches and pains...I'm sure there are others! At some point, I stumbled upon the idea of taking EPO to relieve pre-menstrual and menstrual symptoms, was - and continue to be - astonished by the efficacy with which EPO eliminates all pre-menstrual and menstrual discomfort. I mean, ALL of my symptoms were, and continue to be relieved! The ticket is that you have to take EPO every single day throughout the month as opposed to just acutely during your period. The recommended dosage for EPO is as follows: 2 500mg capsules per day. I take EPO as follows: 1 capsule in the morning and 1 capsule at night before bed.

Other conditions and symptoms that can be improved and addressed by taking EPO are as follows: any inflammatory condition, skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, acne and skin rashes, allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue, cancer, rheumatism, hormonal imbalances, menopause, colitis, heart disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis and diabetes. It is, of course, recommended that EPO be avoided during pregnancy.

An interesting fact about the pretty, yellow flower, as pictured here, from which EPO is derived: it only blooms at night, hence the name "evening" primrose. Considering that the cycles of the moon relate most strongly to women and menstruation in both folklore and astrology, it is very fitting and a blatant representation of evening primrose's plant signature that it's oil addresses female issues. If you or someone you know suffers from pre-menstrual and/or menstrual symptoms, I strongly recommend that you try EPO. Surely, you won't regret it.

Roberta Shepherd for Prana Holistic