So says a study from the German Institute of Human Nutrition published in the medical journal Cancer Epidemiology and Biomarkers Prevention in January 2007.

The study looked at over 200,000 women and showed that you do not even need to go to the gym to get the effect – housework had a significant reduction in breast cancer risk, specifically in postmenopausal women.

Earlier research in December 2006 had also shown this effect and found the benefit was greatest for those women with oestrogen receptor positive breast cancers.

Most people think that antiperspirants and deodorants are the same thing, but they aren’t. Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores with powerful astringents such as aluminium salts so that they can’t release sweat. (These are dangerous because aluminium can accumulate in the brain).  Deodorants work by neutralising the smell of the sweat and by antiseptic action against bacteria.

Deodorants are preferable because they don’t interfere with sweating, a natural cooling process. Even more preferable are natural deodorants as preliminary research suggests that synthetic deodorants may contain potentially carcinogenic chemicals.

The Simplest Natural Deodorant:

Baking soda works wonders as a natural deodorant because it neutralizes the odour of sweat. Just sprinkle a light covering of baking soda onto a damp washcloth. Pat on and don’t rinse off.

Basic Deodorant Powder:

• 8 tablespoons baking soda
• 8 tablespoons cornstarch
• a few drops of essential oils such as lavender or cinnamon

Place the ingredients in a glass jar. Shake to blend. Sprinkle a light covering of the powder on a damp washcloth. Pat on and don’t rinse off.

Basic Liquid Deodorant:

• 4 tablespoons witch hazel extract
• 4 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 4 tablespoons mineral water
• 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
• a few drops of antibacterial essential oils such as lavender (optional)

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake to blend.
Makes 180ml
Shelf Life: Indefinite

• 1/2 an avocado or 2 teaspoons of avocado oil
• 4 tablespoons honey

Mash the 2 ingredients together. Apply to your skin and leave for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove with a flannel drenched in cool water.

Avocado is a naturally rich moisturiser. Combined with the antioxidant rich honey this mask should nourish your skin and provide it with the essential skin vitamins A, B1, B2 and D.