Look out for more answers from Marilyn, the latest news, case studies from the Clinic, Monthly Meal Ideas and also:

– Lose weight and find your body confidence in 2009

– Natural remedies for irregular periods

– Coping with menopause related aches and pains

– Natural remedies for fibroids

– Foods that fight depression

– Boosting immunity (continued!)

– Boosting fertility with antioxidants

– Why stress is bad for your bones

– Discovering herbs: Dong Quai

 

And, as always, much, much more …

A new study by Newcastle University has shown that milk produced by cows on organic farms is more nutritious than conventional milk. Researchers found that organic milk has significantly higher levels of beneficial fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants. In particular, one fatty acid, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was 60 per cent higher. CLA has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. This is the latest in a number of studies that have shown organic milk is higher in omega 3 fatty acids. Despite this, the government food standards agency (FDA) is still reluctant to confirm that organic produce is more nutritious but for the growing number of people buying organic produce, the benefits of eating food grown and reared without the usual cocktail of toxins and chemicals is beyond doubt.

The plant hypericum perforatrum, popularly known as St John’s Wort, has long been considered a natural alternative to Prozac but now new research from St James’s University Hospital in Leeds, has confirmed its mood boosting properties. Scientists have found that it is just as effective at treating depression as Prozac. It also has fewer side effects than standard drugs given to those battling depression.

The study compared the effects of St John’s Wort with placebos and a range of old and new antidepressants, including Prozac and Seroxat and a new generation of SSRI drugs on over 5,000 patients with mild to severe depression. Overall, St John’s Wort was superior to placebo and similarly effective as standard antidepressants with fewer side effects. 

 

St John’s Wort is contraindicated with a number of medications so do check before taking it.