The Mediterannean Diet made EASY!

Research now shows that 3 key essentials from the traditional Mediterranean diet may help us lead a healthier life for longer. We have known for sometime, and science is now confirming, that Mediterranean people living a traditional lifestyle have led healthier lives in their old age than nearly anywhere else in the world. Extensive scientific studies have revealed 3 essential components of the traditional Mediterranean diet so that we can all enjoy some of the benefits.
For decades scientists worldwide have been studying the traditional Mediterranean lifestyle to figure out why Mediterranean people aged so well. Was it the sun, the fresh sea air, the laid back attitude … perhaps it was their sense of family or even mama’s cooking? FINALLY it seems there is an answer! Mediterranean people who as they aged lived the healthiest and most active lives, had some dietary habits in common ... their diet was high in olives and olive oil, they drank red wine regularly and ate fatty fish!

How do Mediterraneans eat so much fatty food and stay healthy? Professor Jack Masquelier discovered what is known in scientific circles as the French paradox – a high fat diet with good heart health. In today’s busy world of fast living and fast food it sounds like the French knew something we should all know about! Well it seems that a toast to health and wellness and some red wine with lunch or dinner is part of the answer.

ESSENTIAL 1 – Red Wine

What makes red wine effective in counterbalancing the effects of a fatty diet? Professor Masquelier’s findings on red wine show that OPCs, the plant nutrients found in red wine, have the ability to help support eye, heart and vascular health and helps fight the signs of premature aging. Not only that but red wine also assists our bodies in maintaining hyaluronic acid levels, which helps keep our skin healthy, hydrated and plumped.

ESSENTIAL 2 – Olive Oil

Olives and olive oil are used in kitchens throughout the Mediterranean and not just because they taste good! Hydroxytyrosol, the powerful antioxidant found in olives is believed to help maintain healthy cardiovascular function and collagen levels, protect against free radical damage as well as supporting our immune systems.

ESSENTIAL 3 – Fatty Fish

Why fatty fish in particular? The unsaturated fats in oily fish, known as Omega-3 fatty acids, are thought to do everything from support normal blood cholesterol levels, brain function, heart function and blood pressure to assisting overall mood and wellbeing.

The good news is that now we can all enjoy the benefits of the Mediterranean diet! Research shows that regardless of where someone is from, the traditional Mediterranean diet can lead to a healthier life for longer.The traditional Mediterranean lifestyle and today’s realities. Whilst it’s nice to imagine enjoying long leisurely lunches of home grown and home cooked ingredients, eating freshly caught fish and sipping red wine on a sun filled terrace every day, for most of us, it’s just not possible outside of holidays and special occasions. The reality of our everyday lives is busy days, packed with rushed meals and too much to do.

PHYTOLOGIC - Mediterranean Dietary Supplement

You may not have time to prepare traditional mediterranean meals so now there is a supplement to help you! Phytologic Mediterranean Diet contains 420mg of concentrated Omega 3 triglycerides, 3g Grape Seed extract, and 1.35g Olive fruit juice. Recomended dosage in 1-2 capsules/day according to need. And here's the best news, 60 capsules usually reatil at $49.95, but at Evelyn Faye Nutrition we have them on sale for just $29.95 (while stocks last!). Need more info, or want to have a chat with us about the Mediterannean Diet?

Give us a bell on (03) 96860086.

'B Vitamins' - a run down!

B vitamins are one of the most commonly requested/purchased nutritional supplements, but what are they? what do they do? how do they work? and what foods can you get them from if you're not into taking supplements? Here's a little run down, written my Maryl Celiz from HLife Daily (one of my favorite sites....check it out here)

'Talk about a power team: Vitamin B Complex refers to all the B vitamins (B1-B12), which work together to offer a great deal of nervous system and cardiac support and are therefore critical in stress management. Discovered in the first part of the 20th century and studied extensively ever since, these vitamins are usually referred to and distributed as a group supplement, but they have individual names and functions:

✦ Thiamin (vitamin B1) is crucial for cardiac, muscular and nervous system function.✦ Riboflavin (vitamin B2) important for red blood cell production. Helps release energy from carbs. (Riboflavin is destroyed by exposure to light, so store sources in dark containers).✦ Niacin (vitamin B3) is involved in cellular energy production as well as in the digestive and nervous systems (also vital for great skin) It’s the only one that can have toxic effects if taken in excess.✦ Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is necessary for normal growth and development and helps break down food and use it in the body.✦ Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)) supports the immune system by helping to produce antibodies and maintaining healthy red blood cells. Breaks down proteins (the more protein you eat, the more B6 you need).✦ Biotin (vitamin B7 aka vitamin H) helps break down protein and carbohydrates and helps the body make hormones (also key for abundant, shiny hair).✦ Folic acid (vitamin B9) is essential for normal nervous system development of the fetus while in the womb. It helps in the making and maintenance of DNA and red blood cells.✦ Cobalamin (vitamin B12) is important for proper nervous system function, maintenance of red blood cells, and energy production.

According to the American Cancer Society, with the exception of pregnant or lactating women (who need more folic acid than others), a balanced diet of whole unprocessed foods that includes five daily servings of fruits and vegetables as well as grains is the general recommendation for most people to get all the B vitamins their bodies need. Though much isn’t needed in the form of quantity, B vitamins are water soluble, which means the body doesn’t store them and excess leaves through the urine. This means it is important to replenish them daily. Deficiencies are uncommon but can cause anemia, chronic fatigue, and depression as well as muscle cramps, hair loss and eczema, so make sure you’re eating the right foods to replenish what your body uses to battle stress and keep your nerves, blood and muscles healthy.

Sources: Green leaves, legumes and whole grains are major sources for most B vitamins. B1 is found in potatoes, kidney beans and whole grains. B2 is found in nuts, whole grains and green leafy veggies. B3 is found in nuts, whole grains, and dried beans. B5 is found in almost all foods, including broccoli and other veggies in the cabbage family. B6 is found in beans, nuts, potatoes, wheat germ, and bananas. B7 is made by intestinal bacteria and is also in peanuts, bananas, mushrooms, watermelon, and grapefruit. B9 is found in green leafy vegetables, mushrooms, nuts, peas, dried beans, citrus fruits, and wheat bread. B12 is made by intestinal bacteria and is found in nutritional yeast'.

Christmas Gift Ideas

With christmas day fast approaching, and many of us still to cross out those last few gifts on the list, here are some last minute ideas for sustainable/eco-friendly healthy gifts that are sure to make anyone happy!.... and yes, of course they are available here at Evelyn Faye Nutrition South Melbourne. Did you know we will be open until 6pm on Xmas eve? Yep, thats right! So, here's a few choice things on my christmas list;

SIGG bottles, BPA free, made in Switzerland ...and very nice looking!

Tonic Heat Pillow - Barley and Lavender....delicious! Keep Cups - in small, medium or large....depending on how thirsty you are! Every Man Jack - Natural Skin care for the guys!Natures Sunshine 14 Day Detox - contains enough for 2 people for 14 days, a great present for the health concious couple!!

Want more info? call us (03) 9686 0086

Re-formulated product : ENDURA "THERMO-BLASTER"

Recently re-formulated, Endura Thermo Blaster is a research-proven and clinically-trialled fat loss supplement that has been shown to help increase energy expenditure and tap into stored body fat, when used in conjunction with an appropriate diet and exercise regime.

The research suggests that a particular compound found in green tea leaf called Epigallocatechtin-3-O-gallate or “EGCG” only improves thermogenisis when taken at the therapeutic amount of 135mg twice daily.

Dosage :

1 capsule in the morning with breakfast

1 capsule at midday with lunch

Each capsule contains :

Standardized extract equivalent to

- Camellia Sinensis, dry leaf (Green Tea) 11.3g

- Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate 135mg

*contains 45mg caffeine per capsule

Reviewed by Elise Horder

Sports Nutrition Advisor

Systemic Enzymes: The Three Musketeers – Serrapeptase, Nattokinase, Lumbrokinase

A few months back you may remember a post about Digestive Enzymes Vs Systemic Enzymes (you can revisit it here), but lets take a closer look at the 3 key systemic enzymes.

Serrapeptase
Serrapeptase is born in the intestine of the silk worm, where it is produced by bacteria and used by the silk worm to digest its cocoon. It is now produced in the lab with the help of a non-pathogenic bacteria. Also known by its pet name serratiopeptidase, serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme best known for its ability to: Reduce inflammation , removing wastes and improving healing time, Block pain inducers, Degrade non-living tissues/scar tissue/cysts, Break down circulating toxins/cellular debris (supporting the immune system), Breakdown mucus (great for sinusitis), Breakdown blood clots, as well as preventing swelling and fluid retention! Serrapeptase is often combined with the anti-inflammatory enzymes bromelain and papain as a blend for pain, inflammation and scar tissue.

Nattokinase
Nattokinase originated from the traditional Japanese fermented soybean dish ‘Natto’, this enzyme is produced by the bacterium Bacillus subtillis during the fermentation process. This enzyme acts quite specifically in the cardiovascular system to: Break down fibrin blood clots, reducing blood viscosity (thickness) and blood pressure , Improve blood flow to all areas of the body, Break down scar tissue , and acts as an antioxidant by protecting against LDL oxidation
Nattokinase is often combined with serrapeptase and other enzymes for heart health and fibrin breakdown.

Lumbrokinase
Lumbrokinase is made up of a group of six enzymes originally derived from the earthworm family, and has been used with alot of success in Chinese hospitals over the last couple of decades. This enzyme has an affinity with blood flow, and is used most commonly for its ability to aid in conditions of hypercoagulation, where there is too much blood clotting and the bodies’ normal mechanisms to reduce blood viscosity are not functioning properly.

Unfortunately in Australia, there are no manufacturers of these 3 systemic enzymes, however you can order them quite easily through Return 2 Health (from NZ), if you'd like to check them out click here, or give us a bell if you'd like some more information.

How Safe Is Your Nail Polish?

As you may have noticed, in the last couple of years there has been alot of talk about the toxic chemicals and synthetic ingredients found in cosmetic products. While its horrible to know that these nasties have been hiding in our bathroom cabinets for yonks, its also great to know that now there are so many alternative, safe brands coming out into the spotlight, such as lavera makeup, santorini self tan, nude by nature, atlantis watercolour hair dye, the list goes on and will hopefully continue to do so (yippee!). Ive noticed though that there has not been too much talk about nail polish, and the toxic chemicals lurking in those pretty little bottles.... What are they? What do they do? Are polishes just as good without them? Who makes polishes free of these chemicals ('the Big 3')?

'What are the Big 3 toxic chemicals?

The chemicals we’re talking about are Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde and Toluene.

What do they do?

Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) is a plasticiser to prevent chips and cracks. DBP is an oily liquid that is soluble in fat and slightly soluble in water. It is not very volatile so it does not evaporate readily into the atmosphere. Over 75% of DBP is used as a plasticiser in polymers such as PVC, 14% is used in adhesives, 7% in printing inks and 3% in other miscellaneous uses, including sealants and grouting agents used in construction as well as consumer products such as cosmetics.

Formaldehyde is used in some nail hardeners. It is a resin, making the polish tough and resilient. While the resin is manufactured from formaldehyde, once the product becomes a resin, the formaldehyde is chemically changed and essentially no longer present. So while formaldehyde is grouped in with toluene and DBP in marketing statements and considered one of the Big 3, it isn’t actually an issue unless you have a reaction to the formaldehyde resin. The bottom line, you should be aware of formaldehyde in your treatment products, not polish.

Toluene is a solvent that makes the polish easy to apply, and is commonly used as an industrial solvent for the manufacturing of paints, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and rubber. Toluene is found in gasoline, acrylic paints, varnishes, lacquers, paint thinners, adhesives, glues, rubber cement, airplane glue, and shoe polish. At room temperature, toluene is a colorless, sweet smelling, volatile liquid.

So, Why are they bad?

There are risks and effects caused by exposure to each of these chemicals. But, whether or not limited exposure to polish will actually result in those effects is yet to be determined....but lets check em out; Toluene is a human reproductive toxin. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen that has been shown to cause cancer in lab animals. Dibutyl Phthalate is a chemical used in making plastics. It is known to cause infertility, as well as uterine problems in women and testicular cancer in men. Dibutyl Phthalate is one of the most toxic chemicals to the human body, and most cosmetic companies are discontinuing it’s use. Pregnant women should be especially careful to avoid the use of dibutyl phthalate because it has been shown to harm a developing male fetus. It is up to all of us to be educated about the chemicals we use in and on our bodies.

Check out what Dr Mercola has to say!

"Women of reproductive age should avoid using certain nail polishes, perfumes, and hair sprays containing an ingredient known to cause lifelong reproductive impairments in male rats, The Environmental Working Group, an environmental advocacy group, is cautioning.
The ingredients in question are dibutyl phthalates (DBP) industrial chemicals that are used as plastic softeners and solvents in a wide variety of products such as: Nail Polish, Perfume, Hair Spray, Toys, Detergents, and Food packages.

The warning was based in large part on a recently completed CDC study (Environ Health Perspect 2000 Oct;108:972-82) , in which the investigators found levels of the metabolized compound in women of childbearing age.
"Women of reproductive age (20-40 years) were found to have significantly higher levels of monobutyl phthalate, a reproductive and developmental toxicant in rodents, than other age/gender groups. From a public health perspective, these data provide evidence that phthalate exposure is both higher and more common than previously suspected," the CDC investigators wrote.
The investigators also speculated that the higher levels in women of reproductive age were due to the use of cosmetics such as perfume, nail polishes, and hair sprays. The extensive use of these products among women is probably leading to the inhalation and absorption of this chemical through the lungs, the investigators said.
The report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) (LINK) entitled "Beauty Secrets" suggests that the substance may be responsible for the following problems, which have increased during the 1970s and '80s: Declining sperm counts, Increase in sexual deformities, and an increase in testicular cancer.
The EWG says that getting any immediate regulatory action passed is virtually impossible, due to the fact that the associations are difficult to impossible to prove. Under the current regulations, the responsibility of proving that there is a public health threat from cosmetics primarily falls upon US health authorities rather than the manufacturers".

Concerned? I know I am. But freet not, because we have good news! Come November, we will be stocking 'Butter London' nail polishes and treatment products, which are Big 3 Free, and wont set you back anymore than a normal cosmetic brand nail polish! Check out all the colours (below)

Sustainable Spring!

Spring has finally sprung here in Melbourne, and we have plently of new products in store to celebrate the warmer weather, yippee! There's a great new organic self tanning spray (Diva Society, Santorini Tan) which you can check out here, and we're now also stocking all of the Sukin range, sneak a peek here.

A few of my personal favorites are the 'Organic Essence Eco Tube' lip balms, and 'Preserve' toothbrushes.

One day a yoghurt cup, next day its a toothbrush!...Preserve only use recycled yoghurt cups made from #5polypropelyene (BPA free) to make these nifty toothbrushes, in a variety of colours and your choice of soft, medium or ultrasoft....very cool indeed!

Did you know that every year in the U.S alone, there are 250million lip balm tubes discarded?
And what's worse is that as they break down, each BPA laden tube leaches hormone disrupters and carcinogens into the environment.
Well....the good news is that now you can get Eco-tubes (hoorah!), you simply cannot get any more biodegradable than this lovely little lip balm from organic essence. These balms are 100% organic, 100% biodegradable packaging, and even the cute little labels are printed in soy ink, and stuck on with organic adhesive