Beanfreaks

HERBS THAT WILL GO IF WE DO NOTHING

2011-04-12T08:07:00.000+01:00

GOOD VIDEO ON THE HERBAL DIRECTIVE

hi folks, forgive me if i have missed this being posted before on here but i have just found it. http://www.savenaturalhealth.eu/ ....

From the spectator magazine

2011-03-23T17:21:00.000Z

Why is Europe taking up arms against herbal remedies?

To what problem is the statutory regulation of herbalists a solution? Are the tiny bits of bark and sap and leaf peddled by contemporary wisewomen deleterious to human health? Are we at risk of being sterilised by St John’s wort, paralysed by pau d’arco, maddened by meadowsweet? Hardly. Herbal remedies might be inert placebos or they might, as my wife maintains, be better for you than antibiotics. My wife is often right; and in any case, as the author of Proverbs tells us, ‘better a dinner of herbs where love is than a stalled ox and hatred therewith’ (rarely could the bit about the herbs have applied so aptly).
In a sense, though, it doesn’t matter whether complementary medicine lives up to its billing. This isn’t about science; it’s about freedom. Our starting assumption ought surely to be that herbal practitioners have no interest in killing their customers. Their wares tend to be milder than the pharmaceutical alternatives, and have often been prescribed for centuries. If they were toxic, I think we’d have noticed by now. Six million people in Britain have visited a herbalist at some point in the past two years, and two million regularly use alternative treatments as a first resort, yet herbal remedies account for just 0.4 per cent of reported adverse reactions.
When pushed on this point, defenders of the new rules — which come into force on 1 May — sometimes point half-heartedly to a death involving Chinese medicine; yet that case involved the adulteration of the advertised substance. It was, in other words, a violation of the existing trading standards laws.
No, the real reason that the government is obliging all herbal practitioners to sell only approved products is that it is carrying out instructions from Brussels. The ban was voted through the European Parliament seven years ago but, as so often, Eurocrats built in a delay, knowing that national ministers were far more likely to agree to an unpopular measure that would blow up in the laps of their successors.
To be fair, Conservative ministers are now doing their best to mitigate a proposal which, in opposition, they rejected. Under the government’s scheme, herbalists would be invited to register with a professional association which could then license their merchandise collectively, instead of obliging each individual practitioner to spend tens of thousands of pounds on product approval. Some herbalists’ organisations have now accepted this settlement — which, until very recently, they angrily opposed. But smaller practitioners fear that they will be put out of business. The herbalist who concocts calendula cream from her own marigolds will, they insist, be breaking the law.
Britain’s abjectness before Brussels is nothing new. Why, though, is the EU criminalising an activity peaceably pursued by at least 20 million of its citizens? Why is it making itself even more unpopular? Three reasons.
First, the desire to regulate is encoded deep in the Eurocrat’s DNA. To his mind, ‘unlicensed’ is synonymous with ‘illegal’. He faintly resents the idea that a trade might have grown up organically, without state approval. His instinct is to rationalise, to regularise, to standardise.
Second, the EU has fallen for that epochal idiocy, first adumbrated by the German Green movement, known as ‘the precautionary principle’, which holds that, because something might be dangerous, we shouldn’t permit it until it has been shown to be safe. This sounds reasonable enough until you think about what it means in practice. It puts producers in the impossible position of having to prove a negative.
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, for example, it was widely believed that the noise of a passing train would cause pregnant women to miscarry. Had we applied the precautionary principle, we would never have laid an inch of track: the rail operators of the day couldn’t prove that they wouldn’t cause miscarriages, any more than today’s health stores can prove that their wares are not toxic.
The third reason for the ban is, however, the most powerful. Whenever an apparently absurd law of this kind emanates from the EU, ask yourself cui bono — whose interest does it serve? In this case, there is no mystery: the directive was openly lobbied for by large pharmaceutical companies, which saw an opportunity to put their smaller rivals out of business. Not for the first time, big corporations have used the EU to push through rules which national assemblies would never have countenanced. MPs were left in no doubt about how their constituents viewed the proposal. But Brussels fonctionnaires are invulnerable to the ballot box: the EU was designed, in the aftermath of the second world war, precisely to shield them from public opinion.
What, though, has any of this has to do with the single market? Most herbalists, after all, operate only within a radius of a few miles. Once again, we are reminded that the EU does not confine itself to cross-border issues. Brussels tells us how to open bank accounts, how to strap our children into car seats, how to sell our houses, how to hold ladders against walls.
Last month, David Cameron discovered that his flagship policy — funding Big Society schemes with £100 million recovered from disused bank accounts — could not be pursued without special permission from the European Commission. Two weeks later, women learned that they could no longer benefit from cheaper car insurance.
Most British voters vaguely dislike the EU, but don’t regard it as an especially pressing nuisance. We tend to think of it as a racket that happens across the Channel: expensive, undemocratic and doubtless corrupt, but hardly immediate.
Those who take herbal remedies will soon know better: they are being treated as fishermen and slaughtermen, art dealers and fund managers, cheesemakers and female drivers have been treated before them. See how Brussels curls its tendrils into every cranny of national life, blocking the light, strangling the native growth.

Essential Fatty Acids for Pre-Menstrual Syndrome

2011-03-18T17:20:00.000Z

Essential Fatty Acids for Pre-Menstrual Syndrome

1st February, 2011
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome is the physical, physiological and behavioural symptoms that can occur in the two weeks leading up to a women’s monthly period. Typical symptoms include fluid retention, breast tenderness, mood swings and irritability. Pre-Menstrual syndrome affects nearly all women of child bearing age; however women between their late 20’s and early 40’s are most likely to experience symptoms.

New research has again highlighted the positive effect of essential fatty acids and a reduction in the symptoms of pre-menstrual tension. This will come as good news to the 35% of women who have symptoms which are severe enough to interfere with there daily routine.

A double blind randomised controlled trial was conducted with 120 female volunteers suffering from pre-menstrual syndrome. The women were divided into three groups assigned to receive either one gram or 2 grams of essential fatty acids including gamma linolenic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid other polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E or placebo and their symptoms were recorded over a 6 month period. The group who received one gram of essential fatty acids had a significant reduction in symptoms and those who received two grams of essential fatty acids had an even greater reduction in symptoms.

There is no cure for pre-menstrual syndrome, so treatments like this may be of great benefit to a large proportion of the female population.

Manuka Honey On Offer @ Beanfreaks

2011-03-04T10:14:00.000Z

Customer Question
Which we like and the answer even better.

Had this email forwarded on from Nelson NZ from one of your customers:

Hello, I have purchased 8 jars of the above honey from Beanfreaks of Cardiff U.K. My husband is saying that it is not so sweet as other honey we have tried with the same factor etc. and wonder why this is so and is it of any detriment to the qualities of the honey. Would appreciate your comments please.Thanking you . Mrs f. Barrow

Hello Mrs Barrow

I am writing in response to your email to our NZ suppliers regarding your query as to the 'sweetness' of our manuka honey you recently puchased from Beanfreaks.

I am a little suprised as generally the comments we received compared to other genuine NZ souced manuka is that our honey is sweeter - this we put down to the fact it is sourced in the South Island which for reasons we dont understand, tends to produce a sweeter taste.

I am not sure what brands of manuka you have been using before you tried ours so can only make some tentative guesses and suggestions.

All of our honey is produced by our own bees by my family in New Zealand and is very pure and genuine in terms of what ends up in the jar. ie no other honeys or sweetners/additives go anywhere near the finished article. Recently in the UK there has been a prolifiration of manuka repackaged here in Britain and sold predominantly in the supermakets with a very dubious pedigree, how much manuka is actually in the jars being sold is often somewhat questionable - this no doubt has a big influence on its taste etc.

I write all of this in essence just to reassure you that the honey you have purchased is in every way the genuine article and its taste and all other properties are exactly as the bees, the manuka plant and mother nature has intended it.

With Best Regards

Clinton Lammas

Nectar Ease UK Ltd

Reply

Thank you so much for your e mail and full explanation, we are fully satisfied with your comments and will buy your honey in future. One always has doubts about things with what goes on in supermarkets etc. Thanks again.

I will be back on the job with updating the blog now as lots has been going on I need to tell you about

cheers
kevin

Don't stop taking St John's wort - it really does help depression.

2010-10-30T13:44:00.000+01:00

In an article for the Daily Mail,Professor George Lewith talks about the positive effects of St John's Wort. He says

"This herb is as effective in treating mild to moderate depression as any of the pharmaceutical medications such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), most famously Prozac. Let me make it clear: I am not talking about using the herb in major depressions where the patient is suicidal or a danger to others, nor am I talking about day-to-day blues.
‘Mild to moderate’ depression can be debilitating and life-changing in a negative way. Good treatment is essential.

I will carry on recommending this herb because it’s much kinder to patients. It’s very well tolerated, with most patients seeing fast results, with few side-effects and fewer withdrawal symptoms.

There are many studies that have found St John's wort to be effective and well-tolerated
Many patients on antidepressants struggle with nausea, insomnia, weight gain and sexual dysfunction. When it’s time to stop, they face headaches and cravings. Read more:

Buy St John's Wort at Beanfreaks.com

Dr Hauschka Consultant visiting Beanfreaks Cardiff

2010-10-29T16:12:00.000+01:00

For over four decades Dr.Hauschka customers have enjoyed comfortable, radiant skin and as a result Dr.Hauschka is acknowledged as the original and best natural skin care brand. The consistent quality of Dr.Hauschka is achieved through a deep and authentic commitment to nature and mankind.

Are you unsure about the condition of your skin? On Friday November 26th 2010, Beanfreaks will be hosting FREE CONSULTATIONS and SKIN CARE DEMONSTRATIONS, with a Consultant from Dr Hauschka. Just pop along to Beanfreaks Cardiff Store at 3, St Mary Street Cardiff. CF10 1AT, where you will be able to have your own personal consultation.

There ia also a FREE GIFT WITH EVERY PURCHASE.

View the DR Hauschka Range at Beanfreaks.com

Buy One Get One FREE on Quest Vitamins At Beanfreaks.com

2010-10-29T13:46:00.001+01:00

Not all Doom and Gloom For Newport........

2010-10-13T10:13:00.001+01:00

Beanfreaks Newport Store is holding a Sci-Mx day this Saturday 16th October at the Newport Store at 5, Chartis Towers, Upper Dock Street. Newport. (Tel: 01633 251823)

Ronnie Mann from Sci-Mx will be in the store between 11am and 3pm. Get along to the store for FREE giveaways, and product tasters. Ronnie will also be available to answer your fitness and training questions, and of course ensure you to get the most out of the Sci-Mx product range. Browse the Sci-Mx Range At Beanfreaks

While in store why not sign up for the Beanfreaks Sports Nutrition Club, mebership costs just £10 for 2 years, and you will get discounts of upto 30% on all your sports purchases for two years thats a huge saving!!!!

Avergae Savings are in excess of £300 over the two years.

You can join on-line or in-store

Marks and Spencer to leave Newport city centre

2010-10-12T14:54:00.001+01:00

Beanfreaks were saddened to hear that Marks and Spencer plan to leave Newport city centre.
This was reported in The Newport Argus Today.

Marks and Spencer is the latest in a line of high street chains to announce a move out of Newport city centre.
Last week we reported clothes stores Next and Monsoon will both close their Newport stores before January 2011 and the news comes just days after proposals to close the city’s passport office were revealed.

News of Marks and Spencer's move out of the city centre sparked concerns among members of Newport Chamber of Trade, who say the current store brings a lot of customers into the city centre.
Kevin Tovey, who manages CL Jeffries Jewellers in Skinner Street, said traders had been dealt "two big blows at once", with the news following last Friday’s announcement about the Passport Office.
"There are so many major retailers leaving the city centre and Marks and Spencer brings a lot of people into Newport," he said.
"This is really a death nail."

Beanfreaks Plan to stay put in Newport and would like to reassure our valued customers that we will continue to be here to serve them!

Marks and Spencer to leave Newport city centre
11:20am Tuesday 12th October 2010
Exclusive By Faye Dickson
South Wales Argus

Beanfreaks.com

New From Solgar Vitamins

2010-10-12T12:46:00.002+01:00

BUY NOW

Solgar Vitamins have added Beetroot Extract to their range of top quality Supplements.

Solgar's Beetroot Extract 500mg is a rich source of antioxidants as well as good levels of many nutrients, including, Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, Fibre, Manganese, Potassium Vitamin C and Iron.

BUY NOW

Buy Solgar's NEW Beetroot Extract 500mg For Just £11.70

Beat The Winter Blues

2010-10-11T16:55:00.000+01:00

BUY NOW

Solgar ‘Sunshine in a Box’
This article was published by the Woman and Home Magazine, written by Lynn Cardy

The best way to brighten up this winter

£25
I've read the book, I'm taking the tablets and I have to say I'm feeling pretty chipper at the thought of winter. After writing our feature on vitamin D for the November issue I just had to test out the theory that we should all be taking vitamin D which, as research is currently revealing, has such an impact on our wellbeing. Well the good news is that my long standing joint aches have all but vanished and my energy has magically revved up - great for me but I'm driving the family nuts!
If you suffer from SAD, aches, pains or that can't quite put your finger on it gloom, then it could be the supplement you need to see you through to spring and beyond. The clever guys at Solgar - who know our passion for understanding the facts and putting them into practice - have put three feel-good-factor supplements (5-HTP, Rhodiola and Vitamin D3) together with a free copy of Dr James Dowd's groundbreaking book The Vitamin D Cure in one neat package. Who says you can't buy sunshine in a box?

BUY NOW

Free Nutritional Advice

2010-10-01T11:41:00.000+01:00

Paul Naude

Solgar Nutritional Advisor

Will be in Beanfreaks Health, Beauty and Sports Store on

Friday 8th October

10am to 3pm

I am here to answer your health questions on

Digestion,

Immune Health,

Energy,

Hormonal Balance

Stress

Ring Alison on 02920251671 to book appointment

Solgar Vitamins the experts choice

Industry slams glucosamine, chondroitin meta-analysis

2010-09-20T17:18:00.000+01:00

Industry slams glucosamine, chondroitin meta-analysis

Results of a new meta-analysis into how (in)effective glucosamine and chondroitin may be for joint health has been dismissed as an ‘incomplete job’ by industry experts.

According to findings published in the British Medical Journal, evidence from 10 clinical trials with 3,803 people with knee or hip osteoarthritis showed that there were no clinically relevant effects of chondroitin, glucosamine, or their combination on perceived joint pain or on joint space narrowing.
Reviewers led by Prof Peter Jüni from the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine at the University of Bern in Switzerland, subsequently dismissed the need for further research: “We believe it unlikely that future trials will show a clinically relevant benefit of any of the evaluated preparations,” they wrote.
Limitations and ‘convenient exclusions’
Commenting on the meta-analysis, Andrew Shao, PhD, senior vice president, scientific & regulatory affairs for the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) told NutraIngredients-USA that the investigators “conveniently excluded a large portion of the evidence base” on the effects of glucosamine and chondroitin
“The majority of published studies involving glucosamine and/or chondroitin are positive,” said Dr Shao. “Even the GAIT trial, with a 60 percent placebo effect showed that Glucosamine and Chondroitin were effective at reducing pain in knee osteoarthritis patients with moderate-to-severe pain – and outperforming the Rx drug Celebre,” he added.
“Furthermore, both glucosamine and chondroitin are approved drugs for osteoarthritis in various countries in Europe. This surely would not be the case if they were ineffective.
“We also must recognize that consumers have voted with their wallets - choosing to continue to derive benefits from glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, with the category experiencing significant year over year growth over the past decade. If these were ineffective, then we would not observe this kind of growth.
“The bottom line for consumers is that overall the evidence indicates that glucosamine, chondroitin or the combination is effective for improving mobility and joint discomfort in osteoarthritis patients, while also demonstrating a strong safety profile. Consumers should continue to feel confident in choosing glucosamine and chondroitin,” said Dr Shao.
Incomplete job
Daniel Fabricant, PhD, vice president of scientific and global government affairs at the Natural Products Association (NPA) said he did not think the researchers "did a complete job of reviewing all the data at hand or all of the appropriate data given the tool (Bayesian statistics) they chose to use".
"Bayesian statistics, when used properly are allow for the inclusion of observational study data to compare those data along side with RCTs. Bayesian analysis is not predicated on randomization, and can be used to analyze data from observational studies in exactly the same way as for randomized trials... A powerful tool for certain but without looking at all the studies its sort of like driving a corvette and never taking it out of second gear."
Dr Fabricant also said that the reviewers "would be wise to be more discreet in their description of earlier RCTs, especially those with subgroups that did show some improvement. Blanket statements about efficacy are rarely accurate, especially given trials on OA which as they authors state have been conflicting.

--
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PO Box 14177
Tranent EH34 5WX
t: 01875-341408
email: nahsoffice@gmail.com
www.nahs.co.uk
Company Registered in England, Number 05070874

Patrons: Bioforce UK, Quest Vitamins
Associate Members:
Lifeplan, Higher Nature, PharmaNord, Solgar, The Health store, Viridian, Biocare, Natures Aid, Diversified Business Communications, Target Natural Media

10p pill to beat Alzheimer's disease: Vitamin B halts memory loss in breakthrough British trial

2010-09-10T14:52:00.000+01:00

An article in todays Mail Online Newspaper, states that "

A simple vitamin pill could prevent millions from suffering the agony of Alzheimer's.

The tablet, costing as little as 10p a day and made up of three vitamin B supplements, cut brain shrinkage linked to memory loss by up to 500 per cent.

Oxford University researchers behind the landmark study said it offered the 'first glimmer of hope' in the battle to find a drug that slows or stops the development of Alzheimer's.

It and other forms of dementia blight the lives of more than 800,000 Britons, and the number of cases is expected to double within a generation.

No previous drug trials have been successful and, with around 500 new cases of Alzheimer's diagnosed every day in the UK alone, anything that delays the development of the disease could improve the lives of millions.

The breakthrough centres on a compound called homocysteine which is naturally made in the body and, at high levels, has been linked to memory loss and Alzheimer's.

Vitamin B is known to break down homocysteine, so the researchers decided to look at whether giving patients the vitamin would be good for memory.

Working with colleagues in Norway, the Oxford team recruited 270 pensioners suffering from slight memory lapses that can be a precursor to Alzheimer's.

Known as mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, it affects one in six aged 70-plus, or 1.5million Britons.

In Light of this article Beanfreaks would like to recomend the following products available from our Web Store,

Solgar Vitamin B-Complex 100 Tablets
Viridian Vitamin B-Complex 90 Tablets

Other Vitamins can be found Here

Visit Beanfreaks.com For all your Natural Health, Sports Nutritional and Beauty Products

Vitamin 'may help prevent' spina bifida

2010-09-09T10:06:00.000+01:00

Pregnant women take folic
acid to prevent neural tube defects

Scientists have begun a study to determine if an everyday vitamin supplement could help prevent one of Britain's most common birth defects.

Every year about 100 children in the UK are born with spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
Prospective mothers are advised to take folic acid as a way of preventing the condition.

However, scientists think the vitamin inositol, taken with folic acid, may be more effective at preventing defects. Despite taking folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, some woman still go on to have children with neural tube defects.

Many more pregnancies are terminated when the condition is diagnosed by ultrasound scan. Scientists think inositol could prevent these extra cases. Tests on mice suggest it stimulates tissue growth in the embryo to prevent neural tube defects.

Dr Nick Greene is one of the researchers working on the project at the Institute of Child Health, University College London. "Inositol is a naturally occurring molecule a bit like glucose", he said. "It's in meat, fruit and vegetables. "We don't think the women are deficient in inositol in their diets but from our experimental work we know inositol can stimulate cells in the developing embryo to proliferate more quickly, and that corrects the defect that would develop in spina bifida."

Anne Marie Hodkinson's daughter, Yasmin was born with spina bifida, despite the fact Anne Marie took folic acid for two years before getting pregnant. She said: "We went for the 22-week scan, and it was quite a long scan, and at the end of it they told me that there was a problem. "They said the baby had spina bifida.

"In all the books I had read, I read about spina bifida and then read about folic acid and turned the page, thinking, 'that's fine, done that', so it was quite a shock."

When Anne Marie decided to have another baby she enrolled in the clinical trial and is now seven months pregnant.

Although she doesn't know whether she's been taking inositol or a placebo, antenatal tests have shown her second baby is free from the condition.

"Everything's fine, which is lovely," she said.

"Had this little one had spina bifida as well, we're pro's now so it would have been fine, but nobody wishes that on anybody so it's lovely that this one's ok."

Dr Greene is now looking for more women from all over the UK who'd be willing to take part in the trial.

"We've invited women who've had a pregnancy affected by spina bifida or another neural tube defect and who are planning another pregnancy to contact us.

"The trial is conducted by telephone and e-mail so people don't need to come to us in London to take part."

Further trials are needed but if the evidence suggests inositol can prevent spina bifida, it could be combined with folic acid as a simple and cheap supplement available to all women of childbearing age.
You can buy Inositol online from Beanfreaks
You can buy Folic Acid online from Beanfreaks

Eating green leafy vegetables associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. How?

2010-08-27T10:23:00.000+01:00

Type 2 diabetes is a condition which appears to be very much on the rise in terms of prevalence. This, inevitably, has led some to seek to find what factors might cause and also help prevent this condition. Earlier this month one of my blogs focused on some research which linked consumption of foods that tend to disrupt blood sugar levels with an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes. The potential mechanisms that might explain such an association are explained in the blog post which you can read here.

Today sees the publication of another study looking at the association between food and risk of type 2 diabetes. In this study the focus was fruits and vegetables [1]. This study was a ‘meta-analysis’ and pooled the results of six separate studies each of which assessed the relationship between diet and type 2 diabetes risk over several years. In all, some 225,000 individuals were followed for an average of 13 years.

Here, in summary are the findings from this study.

Higher fruit consumption was NOT associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
Higher total vegetable consumption was NOT associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
Higher fruit and vegetable consumption was NOT associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
Higher consumption of green leafy vegetables WAS associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes – eating an additional 122 g of green leafy vegetables (about a portion and a half for the UK) each day was associated with a 14 per cent reduction in risk of type 2 diabetes

The first thing to say about this study is that it was what is called ‘epidemiological’ in nature, which means it can only really tell us about associations between things, and not necessarily that one thing is causing another. So, green leafy vegetables might be associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, but may not be actually reducing diabetes risk.

Why? Well maybe those who eat more green veg are more physically active, and this is the explanation. Generally, the interpretation of data from the studies used in this meta-analysis took into account common so-called ‘confounding’ factor. However, this practice is inherently imprecise and even when well done still leaves us unable to draw any firm conclusions about causality.

However, assuming the green leafy do reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, how do they do it. The authors of today’s study speculate that it might be related to green leafy vegetables relatively high content of one or more of four elements:

antioxidants (such as beta-carotene and vitamin C)
polyphenols (plant chemicals which have antioxidant action)
magnesium
alpha linolenic acid (a form of omega-3 fat)

All off these ideas have some merit, I think.
However, one thing that the authors did not consider is the influence of the food types examined on blood sugar balance. The fact of the matter is that green leafy vegetables tend not to causes spikes in blood sugar levels (they are of low glycaemic index). And even when eaten in quantity their glycaemic load (their tendency to disrupt blood sugar levels) is low.

The same cannot necessarily be said for the other food groups examined in today’s study. Some fruits (e.g. bananas) have reasonably high glycaemic indices and can be quite disruptive to blood sugar levels. The same is true for starchy vegetables (notably, potatoes).

So, it is possible the certain elements within green vegetables (e.g. antioxidants and magnesium) might help to reduce the risk of diabetes. However, it might also be the case that the relationship here is, at least in part, down to the fact that the more green vegetables someone eats, the lower the potential there is for eating more blood sugar disruptive and diabetes-inducing foods.

References:
1. Carter P, et al. Fruit and vegetable intake and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2010;341:c4229

Probiotics Offer Relief for Sick Children

2010-08-27T10:18:00.000+01:00

Two recently published studies indicate the potential of probiotics to relieve colic in infants and diarrhea in children. The first study, published in the journal Pediatrics, concluded that Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri DSM 17 938) improved symptoms of infantile colic and was well tolerated and safe in early breastfed infants at a dose of 108 colony-forming units per day. Gut microbiota changes induced by the probiotic could be involved in the observed clinical improvement, researchers said.
This study randomly assigned 50 exclusively breastfed colicky infants, diagnosed according to modified Wessel's criteria, to receive either L reuteri DSM 17 938 or placebo daily for 21 days. Parental questionnaires monitored daily crying time and adverse effects. Stool samples were collected for microbiologic analysis.
Forty-six infants (L. reuteri group: 25; placebo group: 21) completed the trial. Daily crying times in minutes/day (median [interquartile range]) were 370 (120) vs. 300 (150) (P = .127) on day 0 and 35 (85) vs 90 (148) (P = .022) on day 21, in the L. reuteri and placebo groups, respectively.
Responders (50% reduction in crying time from baseline) were significantly higher in the L. reuteri group vs. placebo group on days 7 (20 vs. 8; P = .006), 14 (24 vs. 13; P = .007), and 21 (24 vs. 15; P = .036). During the study, there was a significant increase in fecal lactobacilli (P = .002) and a reduction in fecal Escherichia coli and ammonia in the L. reuteri group only (P = .001). There were no differences in weight gain, stooling frequency or incidence of constipation or regurgitation between groups, and no adverse events related to the supplementation were observed.
In the second study, researchers found that daily intake of Yakult was efficacious in reducing the incidence of acute diarrhea in young children. The study was published in Epidemiology and Infection.
This double-blind, randomized, controlled field trial involving 3585 children between ages 1 and 5 was carried out in Kolkata, India. The participating children were given either "Yakult" or a placebo drink daily for 12 weeks to observe the incidence of acute diarrhea and pathogenic microbes in the stool.
Results showed the proportion of children suffering from diarrhea was significantly lower in the Yakult group (608 out of 1802) compared to the placebo group (674 out of 1783). Moreover, the incidence of diarrhea was lower in the Yakult group (0.88/child/year) compared to the placebo group (1.029/child/year). Analysis of pathogenic bacterial, viral and parasitic agents in the children with diarrhea resulted in the lower detection rate of Aeromonas spp and Cryptosporidium spp in the Yakult group compared to the placebo group.

Women Feel Empowered by Active Lifestyles

2010-08-27T10:15:00.000+01:00

A new survey of 443 women ages 25-49 showed those who work out regularly do not just do it to be healthy; they do it to feel like a more confident, energized and accomplished woman. In fact, nearly all active women—more than nine out of 10—say working out regularly makes them feel healthier (100%), stronger (98%) and more energized (94%). These same women report that regular workouts make them feel more confident and accomplished (86%).

The findings are based on a survey sponsored by Propel Enhanced Water and conducted by Opinion Research Corporation (ORC). The survey finds that three out of four say they are always searching for new and easy ways to stay well and feel good.

"Today's woman is busy and juggles multiple priorities. When I learned that so many women are searching for easy ways to stay well and feel good, and that more than 60% of active women said that water alone doesn't cut it when it comes to staying hydrated, I was happy to know that Propel can offer a solution," said Esperanza Teasdale, director of marketing, Propel, PepsiCo.
According to the findings, more than half of active women who work out regularly are more likely to say "yes" to romance, a date or an evening out with friends:

51% feel more inclined toward romance
37% say they are more likely to want to go out on the town with friends
36% report they are more inclined to go out on a date

Women who are not currently active admit that working out at least three days a week would not just make them healthier, but also make them feel sexier and more confident. Nearly all (98%) of non-active women say working out regularly would make them feel healthier, more energized (96%), stronger (92%), more confident (78%) and more accomplished (72%). Additionally, 82% say they would feel more attractive and sexier (68%).

These findings support Propel's latest campaign—Satisfy Your Body with Propel—which represents real women who are energized and empowered by physical activity and understand the need to replenish, energize and protect in all aspects of their lives.

Daily Mail 'Toxic Vitamins'

2010-08-27T10:10:00.000+01:00

Yesterday's Daily Mail carried an outrageous and ill-informed article: The Toxic Truth about Vitamin Supplements. In it, the journalist self-diagnoses IBS to be a direct side-effect from taking glucosamine supplements. The journalist then decided to use that as an excuse to review four other supplements with 'potential side-effects' including Calcium, citing the recent negative calcium research. Despite the title of the article, none of the five supplements referred to is a vitamin!

You will find the online version of the article here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1305534/The-toxic-truth-vitamin-supplements-Health-pills-millions-barely-second-thought-harm-good.html, and as you will see this now includes a response from the HFMA directly following the article

The HFMA have also produced a statement, and have written a strongly-worded letter to the Mail's editor requesting a retraction

On a more positive note, we also wanted to let you know about a separate positive story which appeared yesterday across the nationals including the Daily Mail, The Independent, the Daily Express and the Metro. It is on new research highlighting the extent to which vitamin D protects against a wide range of diseases

Here is the Press Association release that drove the articles: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gi6O1mATFke-91svk_uSYO_QDTcA

Beanfreaks.com New Look Sports Department....

2010-08-20T09:26:00.000+01:00

We have almost completed the revamp of our Sports Nutritional Products Pages on our Website. You can now shop by Brand Name, Product Type, or Personal Goals. We will be having some very special offers available over the next few weeks so don't miss out!

Visit our new look Sports Department Now!

A CELEBRITY DIET HELPED US TO SHED THE POUNDS.........

2010-08-18T11:36:00.000+01:00

THESE three women explain how the slimming regimes of the stars helped them to achieve their dream figures to detox the body while also aiding fast weight loss.

THE LEMON DETOX DIET

WHAT IS IT? Solid food is swapped for a mixture of 140ml of Madal Bal Tree Syrup, two litres of water, the juice of three lemons and as much cayenne pepper as you can stomach. The original version of this diet should only be followed for a couple of days.

There is a more relaxed version where you are allowed one normal meal a day and the other two meals are swapped for the lemon syrup mixture. Fans of the diet say it works to detox the body while also aiding fast weight loss.

CELEBRITY FANS: Singer Beyoncé, supermodel Naomi Campbell and actress Demi Moore

HELEN THOMPSON, 34, lives in Nottinghamshire and lost 11lb on the lemon detox diet in a week Owning a health shop for nine years, I’ve become my own guinea pig and I like to try the products I stock before selling them to my customers.

For as long as I can remember I’ve been a sturdy size 16. At 5ft 10in and weighing 12st 4lb, I had constantly to watch what I ate to ensure my weight didn’t creep up.

A typical breakfast would be porridge made with soya milk followed by cottage cheese and salad on crispbread for lunch. Dinner was always organic meat and vegetables and I treated myself with organic dark chocolate.

I was at my heaviest in 2006 when I was pregnant with my son Fletcher, who is now four. My craving for chocolate bars and ice creams overpowered my self-control and I ballooned to 15st 7lb and a size 20.

Going back to work two weeks later I was scared my extra weight would become a part of me and I would never find the drive to lose it. I managed to get down to 12st 4lb and a size 16 by watching what I ate before starting the lemon detox.

Days two and three were the hardest and I felt cold and lethargic but then I felt really energetic over the following days.

My weight had dropped from 12st 4lb to 11st 7lb after one week and I could finally fit into size 12 clothes. I maintained my new weight until I became pregnant two and a half years later with my daughter Purdy, who is now 10 months.

Again my weight went up to 15st 7lb and I was a size 20. I lost 7lb on the week-long detox. With the help of a personal trainer I now weigh 11st 3lb and I’m in the best shape of my life.

For more details visit Beanfreaks.Com

Natural Health ---- Water Retention

2010-08-13T10:28:00.001+01:00

An interseting article written by Margaret Durst, of Mason County News in Texas USA, discusses the topic of Water Retention. She states "Water retention bogs down many of us and is often a symptom of other health problems. Water balance within our bodies depends on many factors.

Poor kidney function will cause excess fluid to build up in the body. There are many herbs that act as diuretics while also being nutritive to the kidney and strengthening it over time. These include uva ursi, dong quai, juniper berrys, asparagus, burdock, dandelion and more. There are many good herbal blends available at health food stores.

Sodium/potassium balance controls fluid balance in the body. Sodium governs the fluid between the cells while potassium governs fluid within the cells. Sodium in general attracts water and increases the amount of fluid in our bloodstream and throughout our bodies. The increase in blood volume from high sodium intake results in high blood pressure, which explains why high blood pressure is sometimes treated with diuretics.

Potassium is depleted by diuretics. When our mineral stores of potassium get low, the body tends to hold onto this valuable mineral by retaining water. A more natural solution in managing excess fluid would be to decrease sodium intake and increase potassium intake. SUPPLEMENTING POTASSIUM helps, but since potassium and sodium compete with each other for absorption, it is necessary to reduce sodium intake.
Histamine release due to allergies also causes water retention. Eating foods that you are sensitive to will cause water retention. The most common food sensitivities are related to wheat (both refined and whole), dairy, corn, citrus, sugar, soy, and food additives and/or preservatives. Several successful weight loss methods involve eliminating reactive foods resulting in loss of up to 10 pounds of water. If allergies make you puffy and bloated, supplements that help are QUERCETIN, BROMELAIN, and VITAMIN E.

Hormone balance also affects water retention. Excess estrogen in relation to progesterone tends to cause fluid retention. Excess estrogen is a problem common today since estrogen is in commercial meat and since there are estrogen mimicking chemicals in our environment and in our food supply. VITAMIN B6 helps to block the salt-retaining effect of estrogen and is a good supplement to use cyclically for hormone related bloating and/or PMS.

Blood vessel weakness (capillary fragility) allows fluids to leak out into the tissues, resulting in water retention. Supplements that help strengthen vein walls such as RUTIN " target="_blank" and butchers broom will help with this condition. Butchers broom is particularly effective if the fluid retention is due to poor circulation.
Finally, diets too low in protein or poor protein assimilation will contribute to water retention. Increasing the amount and/or quality of the protein in your diet along with adding digestive enzymes containing betaine HCL will help the body fluids normalize.
An interesting note about water retention: Traditional Chinese medicine links the water element to emotions. Too much water or water retention is related to depression.

You can prchase the Supplements mentioned in this article at BEANFREAKS NATURAL HEALTH STORE

BROMELAIN
BUTCHERS BROOM
POTASSIUM
RUTIN
QUERCETIN
VITAMIN B6
VITAMIN E.

World Refelxology Week Sept 19-25th 2010

2010-08-13T09:36:00.000+01:00

World Reflexology Week

World Reflexology Week takes place from 19th - 25th September 2010.
Reflexology is a complementary therapy, which works on the feet to heal the whole person not just the prevailing symptoms. Reflexology is suitable for all ages and may bring relief from a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. After having completed a course of reflexology treatments for a specific condition, many people find it beneficial to continue with regular treatments in order to maintain health and well-being.

Fore More Information on Reflexology visit The Association Of Reflexologists

Open For Business As Usual

2010-08-12T09:25:00.005+01:00

Road works in both Newport and Cardiff City Centers is causing problems for shoppers. Beanfreaks have stores in Both St May Street, Cardiff and Upper Docks Street in Newport, and both stores are being affected by major road works in front of the stores. Both stores also have 6ft high barriers along their frontage to keep pedestrians safe.

Beanfreaks Stores remain open for business during these works, and all customers can be assured of a warm welcome in store, and our usual high standard of customer care.

If you find it difficulty in visiting our shops then why try our online store www.beanfreaks.com We offer free delivery for orders over £50

Benefits of eating by the season

2010-08-10T09:11:00.003+01:00

An article by Catherine Stack in the Niagara Gazette, bestows the virtues of eating according to the season. She states "Do you ever crave certain foods seasonally? If so, understand that this is a healthy signal from your body and if acted on will help to nourish and protect you. This excludes cravings for cookies at Christmas, pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving and hot dogs on the Fourth of July. I know some of you were thinking this." For more of this article Click Here (Link opens in a new window)

Make Massive Savings On Sports Nutrition.......

2010-08-10T09:01:00.003+01:00

You can make massive savings by joining the Beanfreaks Sports Nutrition Club, for a payment of £10 you can purchase your club membership. Then for the next 2 years you can enjoy a 20% discount on all your Sports Nutrition purchases, both in store or online. This can add up to savings of over £100!

To apply for your Membership Discount Card visit;

Beanfreaks
3, St Mary Street
Cardiff.
Tel: 029 2025 1671
or email cardiff@beanfreaks.com
www.beanfreaks.com

The Salt Pipe Event at Beanfreaks Cardiff Store

2010-08-06T16:42:00.002+01:00

On Friday 27th August, Beanfreaks Cardiff Store at 3, St Mary Street, Cardiff, Will have a demonstration of the Saltpipe Natural Respiratory Aid, and you will have the chance to learn all about the Saltpipe. There will also be FREE Skin Care samples from the Aubrey Organics Range of Natural Skin Care Products.

Major respiratory disorders such as asthma, allergies, sinus problems and bronchitis are all associated with air pollution. Studies have found that allergic diseases are an increasing problem in Western Society and reports show that approximately 20% of the UK population (and about 75% of those with asthma) suffer with some form of rhinitis. In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle it seems logical that we should cleanse our respiratory system just as we do with our skin and hair.

The Cisca Saltpipe® is a simple and natural way to make a real difference to your health. It is a dry salt inhaler using the benefit of from ancient salt-cave therapy to maintain an optimum respiratory function and to help you to breathe easier, alleviate sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath and leaves you feeling revitalized. Salt crystals have been used for decades in the treatment of respiratory disorders and to help strengthen the immune system by cleansing the lungs allowing them to absorb more oxygen.

Sci-MX Day Saturday 21st August 2010

2010-08-06T16:39:00.002+01:00

We have a Sci-MX day on Saturday 21st August 2010, from 12-4pm you will be able to meet Sci-MX Experts in the Beanfreaks Store st 3, St Mary Street. Cardiff.

You will be able to get excellent Sports Nutritional Advice, plus there will be loads of FREE, yes i said FREE samples and giveaways!

Come alongand see what Sci-MX can do for you!

Could fructose promote cancer?

2010-08-06T10:02:00.000+01:00

Another artice by Dr John Briffa, states that "Fructose has generally enjoyed a healthy reputation on the basis that it does not directly raise blood sugar levels. However, increasing evidence over the last decade has linked this sugar with increased risk of health issues such as weight gain, 'fatty liver' and heart disease.This week saw the publication of a study which found that fructose causes cancer cells to 'proliferate'. The authors of this study suggest that limiting fructose in the diet may be an effective anti-cancer strategy." For more on this article, Click this link, (opens in a new window)

High-starch diet linked with increased risk of diabetes

2010-08-06T09:44:00.000+01:00

In a recent article by Dr John Briffa, he states "Last week, one of my posts focused on the spiraling costs of diabetes medication. Specifically, I suggested that at least some of the reason for this relates to the standard advice given to diabetics (which is to eat a diet rich in foods known to be generally disruptive to blood sugar levels). A lower-carb diet has been proven to be effective in the management of diabetes, but might it help prevent this condition too? In today's blog, I write about recent evidence linking high-starch diets with an increased risk of diabetes, and why lower-carb diets would be expected to reduce risk of developing type 2 diabetes." For More On This Click Here This link will open in a new window

Were Back!

2010-08-06T09:39:00.000+01:00

Hi, Im pleased to say that we will be blogging away again. We are currently updating Beanfreaks Webstore, so keep an eye out for some changes over the next few weeks! We will also havesome very special offers available on the Webstore. Hope you all have a good weekend!

2010-06-02T08:04:00.000+01:00

Beanfreaks Athlete?
Send us a picture of yourself in the the gym wearing
our t-shirt and you will be entered into
our "Athlete of the Month!" One athlete will be chosen
every month and will win a free tub of Sci-MX protein.

Email pictures to: cardiff@beanfreaks.com
Find us on Facebook! Beanfreaks Sports Supplements

Meet Wole Adesemoye this Saturday at Beanfreaks Cardiff

2010-05-27T16:17:00.000+01:00

Meet Wole Adesemoye this Saturday at Beanfreaks
The winner of the BBC's LAST MAN STANDING
HERE AT BEANFREAKS THIS SATURDAY 29TH MAY
Saturday 29 1-5pm

Free Maximuscle gift with every purchase

If weather good we will be outside the store on Saturday with the new beanfreaks
T shirts at half price or free if we think your body would look good in one or double the price if not.

Come and support Wole Adesemoye the last man standing.

Mushrooms for Myelodysplastic Syndrome

2010-05-25T16:16:00.000+01:00

Maitake mushroom research enters Phase II clinical trials.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a group of disorders that originate in hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow (the immature cells from which all blood cells develop). In patients with MDS, the bone marrow stops making healthy blood cells and instead produces abnormal, poorly functioning blood cells. MDS can affect oxygen-carrying red blood cells, infection-fighting white blood cells, beneficial platelets, or any combination of the three. Approximately 15,000 to 20,000 new cases of MDS are diagnosed each year in the U.S.
For the past seven years, researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have studied a globally patented maitake mushroom extract in a variety of MDS-related in vitro studies and a few early clinical trials. They have also published promising results, including a 2007 study in the journal Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, which showed that the maitake extract enhanced hematopoiesis in cord blood in test tubes.
It was recently announced that the researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering will launch a Phase II clinical trial to study the ability of Maitake 404 Extract (supplied by Yukiguni Maitake Corp. of America, Middletown, NY) to improve immune function among patients with MDS. Specifically, the researchers will work to determine whether the extract can improve neutrophil count and neutrophil function, as measured by respiratory burst.The protocol was approved by FDA and by Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s Institutional Review Board.
“Using this extract for our Phase II clinical trial is essential for study consistency, as it was used in our Phase 1 studies,” said Barrie Cassileth, chief of the Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. “We are pleased to continue our research in the promising area of medicinal mushrooms and MDS. Past research in this area has warranted further investigation. We look forward seeing continued progress.”
“In earlier studies, beta-glucans, polysaccharides found in the 404 maitake extract, were shown to enhance hematopiesis, increase G-CSF production and improve immune response,” explained Kazunori Kameyama, president and CEO, Yukiguni Maitake Corp.
Popularity of the maitake mushroom extract continues to grow in the U.S., as does public interest in credible clinical research. Maitake is the Japanese name for the edible Grifola frondosa mushroom, also known as "Hen of the Woods," which has been used for centuries as a dietary supplement in Japan and China. Previous studies published in major medical journals have underscored maitake mushroom extract’s ability to support a healthy immune system and cellular health.
“It is apparently true that the general inertest in medicinal mushrooms’ efficacy is gaining a strong
momentum these few years, though, in this kind of market, people seem to be wondering what really are the authentic and truly reliable products and what are the fake and unreliable merchandises,” commented Mr. Kameyama. “Due to such a gloomy [state] of the market place, it is not always easy to catch an instant attention for the real authentic product like our Maitake 404 extract, and that’s why we have been focusing on the clinical trial like this, which is being done by a globally respected top research organization like Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in order to establish persuasive evidence.”
When asked about the factors responsible for the increased interest in medicinal mushrooms, Mr. Kameyama pointed to their historical longevity. “Many medicinal mushrooms have been used in Asia for so many centuries and many have been proven to have almost no side effect. And their efficacy, in many cases, is soft and natural,” he said. “Also, medicinal mushrooms, especially maitake, are believed to rearrange the body’s self-curing system in a very quiet [way], but sometimes the benefit is immediate. People are realizing the power of medicinal mushroom is quiet,soft but powerful, and that seems to be the most responsible factor.”
In addition to suppyling its Maitake 404 Extract for use in the trial, Yukiguni Maitake Company Ltd. is also providing financial support for the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center trial.

CoQ10 and Creatine in Parkinson’s Disease Trial

2010-05-25T16:08:00.000+01:00

CoQ10 and Creatine in Parkinson’s Disease Trial
Promising phase III clinical trial begins with high hopes and a great chance for success. By Joanna Cosgrove

Researchers at 55 medical centers across the country have begun recruiting patients for a ground-breaking phase III clinical trial pitting coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) against Parkinson’s disease—a coup for this incurable degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that claims 50-60,000 new diagnoses each year.
The study, helmed by Dr. M. Flint Beal, Anne Parrish Titzell professor of neurology and neuroscience at Cornell University’s Weill Medical College and New York Presbyterian Hospital, built upon years of interest in CoQ10’s ability to block cell death in the central nervous system. “It had been reported to have efficacy in patients who with known mitochondrial disorders and we suspect that mitochondrial defects occur in Parkinson’s disease, so we tested it in what’s known as the MPTP toxin model of Parkinson’s disease and we showed that it was protective,” Dr. Beal explained.
Parkinson’s disease is linked to a deficiency of dopamine in the nigrostriatal system of the brain and is typically treated with dopamine replacement therapy or dopamine agonists (drugs that stimulate the receptors involved in the action of dopamine).CoQ10’s biochemical reactions produce energy in cells and levels of CoQ10 are reported to be low in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
In a previous phase II clinical trial, the researchers concluded that higher dosages of CoQ10 were not only safe and well-tolerated in individuals with early, untreated Parkinson’s disease, they also suggested that CoQ10 had the ability to slow the progressive impairment of Parkinson’s disease as measured by the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Patients receiving the highest dose of CoQ10 (1200 mg/day) did not experience increased disability development, versus those who were dosed with the placebo.
The current Phase III iteration of the study, widely referred to as QEIII, endeavors to confirm and extend the results of the Phase II study, while evaluating the patient’s independent function, cognition and quality of life. “The present trial is treating with either 1200 mg or 2400 mg per day [versus a placebo] and it’s a treatment for 16 months,” confirmed Dr. Beal. “The patients are evaluated using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Ratings Scale. They’re treated either until the end of the trial or until they have to go on dopaminergic replacement therapy.”
As for the duration of the trial, Dr. Beal said that enrollment is expected to be complete by November of this year, with the last cohort of patients due 16 months later. “We’re expecting it to
end in early 2012; database and analysis to be completed by summer of 2012,” he said.
“We certainly hope it will work because it will be a breakthrough,” he exclaimed. “It will tell us that mitochondrial impairment is critical in disease pathogenesis. Both of those would be extraordinarily important.”
Because this trial has now entered Phase III, a successful result would yield an FDA approval. “I suspect what we will do in the future is try it in combination with other agents to see if we can get even better efficacy, assuming we don’t have a complete cure, which I think is highly unlikely,” he said.
Preceding research co-authored by Dr. Beal and published in the Journal of Neurochemistry (June 2009) focused on the combination therapy of CoQ10 and creatine and their ability to “exert additive neuroprotective effects in a MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease, a 3-NP rat model of Huntington's disease (HD) and the R6/2 transgenic mouse model of HD.”
CoQ10 and creatine are promising agents for neuroprotection in neurodegenerative diseases, the researcher wrote, because of their effects on improving mitochondrial function and cellular bioenergetics and their properties as antioxidants.
According to the study, the combination of the two agents “produced additive neuroprotective effects against dopamine depletion in the striatum and loss of tyrosine hydroxylase neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) following chronic subcutaneous administration of MPTP.”
In addition, the combination of CoQ10 and creatine “produced additive neuroprotective effects on improving motor performance and extending survival in the transgenic R6/2 HD mice,” delivering the conclusion that a combination therapy of CoQ10 and creatine could be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease.

Sports nutrition shop in newport Beanfreaks

2010-05-19T17:04:00.000+01:00

Have you been to Newport Beanfreaks lately to see how many Sport supplements we have at great prices

We have all the main brands Sci-mx, USN, Maximuscle, PHD, Nutrisport and many more products at 20% off
All genuine products direct from manufacturers
You can always trust Beanfreaks for best value and genuine products

Dr.Hauschka wins again with Natural Health Beauty Awards 2010!!

2010-05-19T16:53:00.000+01:00

Dr.Hauschka wins again with Natural Health Beauty Awards 2010!!
Date: Thursday, 29 April 2010

We are delighted to announce that Dr.Hauschka wins again this year with Natural Health Beauty Awards !! This time around, Natural Health magazine voted our Cleansing Clay Mask and Volume Mascara to take the top prize in their categories Best Cleansing Face Mask and Best Mascara. This is the second year in a row that our Volume Mascara gets the top prize!

Of Cleansing Clay Mask, the judging panel said:

"There is no need to be scared of the super-firming action of this clay face mask as, just like your favourite pair of slimming pants, the feeling you get as it tightens around your skin isn't exactly comfortable but the visual result is entirely worth it. And that is how a decent clay mask rolls - as the mixture dries on your face, it extracts any impurities from your skin and leaves your complexion looking completely renewed. This blitzes blemishes in an instant and is sure to top any beauty guru's 'fast-working' product list. An oily skin must-have!"

...and of our Volume Mascara:

"Dr.Hauschka Volume Mascara has a nice wide wand which produces a dramatic, volumising effect. The formula really defines and separates your lashes without making them too clumpy and it doesn't smudge".

And this is exactly what we all want to hear when it comes to mascara!

As well as winning, we've also been highly commended for 7 other products including Quince Day Cream for Best Day Cream, Lavender Bath for Best Bath Treat, Lip Gloss for Best Lip Gloss and for two years running now, Toned Day Cream for Best Tinted Moisturiser, and Concealer for Best Concealer!

And if that wasn't enough, Dr.Hauschka was also highly commended for the second year in a row in the category Best Organic Range, with the judges quoting: "This top organic brand just gets better and better. The products work in harmony with the skin and body to give outstanding results".

Natural Health magazine's panel of experts have tested over 400 products and will only give their stamp of approval when the product does what it's supposed to do, and when it contains only natural ingredients.

Once again, Dr.Hauschka delivers to the highest standards.

For all these details and more, please see May's edition of Natural Health magazine which is on shelves now!

Now in stock at Cardiff Beanfreaks

From the mild blues to depression.

2010-04-14T11:16:00.000+01:00

Conference on omega 3 London Sunday 11 April 20
Dr Alex Richardson gave a great talk on omega 3 for general health issues and most of you will not be getting your daily dose of omega 3 from your diet
Come into store to find out more and take the test.

From the mild blues to depression

There are many shades of blue, from the mild low mood everyday “blues” to the black mood of severe depression. Too many people suffer this misery rather than seeking help as they either feel it is not severe enough to bother a doctor about or fear being put on a “mind altering “ drug. The Glasgow Solution from the mild blues to depression, is to tackle the underlying deficiency of omega 3 first with harmless supplements before looking for other treatments. Anti depressant medication can be a life saver but increasingly in this new medical age, more and more patients are seeking alternatives.

One of the most exciting findings in recent years has been that mood can be significantly improved by correcting omega imbalance. Supplementation with omega 3 has been shown to significantly improve mood in four studies, findings reflected in my own practice.

Not all depression is caused by lack of omega 3 but whether it low mood or black depression, it would be crazy not to tackle any omega imbalance first.
The brain consists mainly of fat so it perhaps not surprising that the concentration of different fats in the brain is vital for optimal function. Each brain cell is surrounded by a fatty layer and communication between brain cells involved chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, that are carried between the cells and “dock” on a receptor on the cell membrane of the neighbouring cell. The theory is that if the cell membrane is not consisting of the correct fatty acid, the shape of the receptor will be affected and the efficiency of the neurotransmitter will be reduced. Most anti depressants work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitter available to do these jobs but if the cell membranes are made up of the wrong material, it makes their job much harder. Although there is no research evidence yet, this is an emerging science; my experience is that those who do eventually require treatment with anti depressant have a far better result when their omega balance has also been treated.

The Glasgow Solution answer to depression is not just to correct any omega 3 deficiency but also to use other natural methods of elevating mood such as exercise and meditation.
The Glasgow Solution’s three steps to an improved mood!
For most people who have a low mood affecting their quality of life but not severe enough to bother a doctor or merit treatment with drugs following these three steps may be all you need.

1. Omega balance – take the Omega Blood Test and find out how much omega 3 is required to get your omega balance
2. Exercise – 20 minutes of strenuous exercise five times per week (assuming you have no serious medical contra indication)
3. Meditation – spend 10 minutes each day in quiet contemplation.

These three steps will also give you tremendous physical improvements but if your mental health does not improve with these simple but powerful steps then it may be time to seek professional guidance. At least you will have prepared the ground for any other treatments and give them the best chance of success.
No one should have to put up with the misery of low mood or depression . Take the first steps and see how good you can feel.

Increasingly eminent psychiatrists are becoming convinced of the importance of this natural approach. In his book “Healing Depression Naturally with EPA” Prof Basant Puri states that he has yet to see a case fail to improve on omega 3 treatment. Dr Andrew Stoll was the first to study bipolar ( manic) depression treatment with omega 3. In his book “The Omega Connection” he describes the incredible improvements that he observed with omega 3 treatment in what is one of the most serious of all mental health conditions. Probably the most serious mental health disorder is schizophrenia and this is also the area most studied in omega treatment. The father of omega treatment in mental health, Dr David Horrobin recorded some of his startling work in his book “ The Madness of Adam and Eve”.

I have been so impressed by the efficacy of omega 3 in mental health that we now use EPA routinely in the three addiction projects in Glasgow that I provide medical cover for. Some of the results have been dramatic with great improvements in a variety of mental health conditions, even in some of the most difficult of circumstances.

In the future I am sure it will be unthinkable to treat mental health without restoring nutritional balance.

Pro Athlete Darren Campbell Supplementation Launch @ Beanfreaks Cardiff March 27 TH 2010

2010-03-23T08:12:00.000Z

PRO ATHLETE SUPPLEMENTATION
LAUNCH
@
BEANFREAKS

Saturday 27 March 12 – 2pm

Beanfreaks Cardiff Tel. 02920251671

# Olympic Gold Winner Darren Campbell answers your questions
# Taste test the PAS range
# Professional strength supplements
Up to 50% off special opening offer
between 12 – 2pm only

Lift like a champion
Eat like a champion
Become a champion
Pro Athlete Supplementation

Unleash Your Natural Athlete! with pure coconut juice

2010-03-22T14:30:00.000Z

Inside every young green coconut is a refreshing drink containing five essential electrolytes. Called "the Fluid of Life", pure coconut water is the natural way to rehydrate and replenish, beating manufactured sports drinks for healthful hydration and total body replenishment.
From yogis and dancers to tri-athletes and football players, ZICO is recognized as the sports drink of choice for many fitness elite.
ZICO UK is the hydration drink used by the Everton FC team.
Unleash Your Natural Athlete!
Contains Five Essential Electrolytes: Potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium
More potassium than a banana!
Vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B5 & B6, amino acids, antioxidants
Only 20 calories per 100ml
Fat free, cholesterol free
"The Fluid of Life"
. Containing the same electrolyte profile as our bodies, coconut water is called "the Fluid of Life".
Esteemed in Ayurvedic tradition, for more than 4,000 years coconut water has been revered as a source of nutrition, wellness and beauty. The coconut tree draws water from the earth, enhancing and storing it in the coconut’s hard airtight shell. ZICO's coconuts are harvested while they’re still young (before developing any white meat), precisely when the water inside reaches its peak level of potassium and other essential electrolytes.

Available at Beanfreaks Today

Who is trying to kill off the health food trade.

2010-03-22T08:52:00.000Z

(NaturalNews) The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission (EC) have been working on establishing dosage limits on vitamins and supplements within the European Union (EU) using flawed toxicology risk assessment methods to make such determinations. A recent paper published in the journal Toxicology exposes the approach as "fatally flawed," citing the junk science being used to try to limit access to effective doses of nutritional supplements.

Robert Verkerk PhD, lead author of the article and scientific and executive director of the Alliance for Natural Health (ANH) International, has been working for years to explain to various European and international authorities the illogic of using toxicologic risk analysis to assess proper nutrient dosages. His paper in Toxicology is his most extensive and thorough critique thus far.

The Codex Alimentarius Commission, created jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations back in 1963 to establish a world food code, established its guidelines for vitamin and mineral supplements back in 2005. Though not technically enforceable, especially in nations like the U.S. where such provisions would be wholly unconstitutional, the guidelines suggest establishing upper safe limits on vitamin and mineral supplements using the same toxicologic risk assessment methods used on dangerous toxins like mercury and lead.

In his paper, Verkerk lambasts the slightly modified version of the EU's method of assessing nutrients that is based on the Codex recommendations. According to his analysis, the vitamin and mineral limits currently being proposed are so low that one would exceed them by eating a simple junk food meal.

Two health trade associations in the U.K. recently conducted an analysis of their own that found that implementation of the limits in their country would end up shutting down over 700 independent retail stores, causing a loss in sales of over 100 million British pounds and costing at least 4,000 jobs. The Health Manufacturers Association and the National Association of Health Stores presented these findings to the UK Parliament back in December.

The Irish Association of Health Stores and ANH International both filed complaints with the European Parliament's Petitions Committee for redress in the matter. All petitions put forward thus far against the proposed limits, including scientific information exposing the methodology as unsound, have been ignored by both the EFSA and EC.

ANH International and other concerned groups from across Europe are proposing that the EFSA and EC stop the implementation of any vitamin and mineral supplement limits.

I just wish we had some power to stop these changes for vitamins and herbal remedies as they will kill off a trade that has been doing alot of good at no cost to government and in fact will cost the tax payer alot more when you only have expensive drugs available.
When health food stores are gone and you only have RDA vitamins on supermarket shelves with a few licenced herbal products produced by drug companies it will be a great loss that can not be undone.

SEAWEED could hold the key to conquering obesity, experts believe.

2010-03-22T08:33:00.000Z

Their research shows that it can stop the body absorbing up to three-quarters of the fat in a meal.
Scientists are adding the seaweed fibre to bread and launching trials to see if foods can be developed which can even help people lose weight.
Kelp is loaded with minerals and is a particularly good source of iodine. This makes it particularly useful in the treatment low thyroid function. Combine kelp with the the amino acid L-Tyrosine and the herb guggulu and you have a perfect treatment regimen for an under active thyroid.
Beanfreaks will shortly have Swiss Herbal Remedies Swiss Slimming Tincture with the license for
a herbal remedy traditionally used to aid weight reduction in the obese
But we have plenty of Swiss herbal remedies Kelp Tincture the same product different name.
As we are in wales you could also eat laverbread which maybe even better if you like the taste or just use 20 drops 3 times daily of tincture.
Article in Daily Express this morning 22/03/2010

Silly story vitamins go off in a week

2010-03-09T10:24:00.000Z

Did you see the story last week about vitamins going off.
Here is the feed back from the National Association of Health Stores

The Daily Mail today printed yet another negative story about vitamins. This time they reported that they degrade after a week if kept in humid conditions.

Graham Keen of HMFA replied as follows:

All food supplement packaging in the UK clearly states that products should be stored in a cool, dry place. In addition, quality supplements are subject to rigorous manufacturing processes, including stability testing which helps to identify and overcome any degradation issues. Food supplements are then coated to help protect the compressed ingredients, and are subject to 'best before' dates appropriate to their overall stability.

If stored correctly, there is no doubt that vitamin and mineral supplements will retain their beneficial effect until their 'best before' date.

Graham Keen, Health Food Manufacturers' Association

- Graham Keen (HFMA), London, 04/3/2010

Trading standards have done various tests as to the claims of the contents on the label during the years and to my knowledge there has never been a problem with the natural health products available in health food stores.
Again I am not sure who is generating these negative stories but wish the news paper could be a bit more sensible.

EVA Water Filtration System available at cardiff Beanfreaks natural health and beauty store

2010-03-08T14:29:00.000Z

EVA
From tap to spring water
The EVA Advanced Water Filtration System is an effective product that turns ordinary tap water into purified spring water with only the power of gravity. EVA provides clean, great tasting filtered water.
EVA uses a high density filtering ceramic to filter and retain impurities up to 0.002 micrometers patented by SAMSUNG (the size of infectious germs like salmonella, E-Coli, shigella, etc…)

The Ultimate filter: the most complete filter cartridge in Europe. Volcanic rocks and remineralisation: EVA water filtration technology lets you drink remineralised water close to the best natural waters…
Thanks to its unique filtration process with multiple filters, EVA reduces chlorine, bacteria, heavy metals, Trichloroethane, pesticides and other pollutants by allowing the water to slowly flow through 8 different filtration layers.
Selected from their exceptional qualities and high absorption levels and extracted from regions far away from human pollution, the EVA minerals help restore the pH balance of the water after filtration and give the mineral spring water a better taste.
Eva Advanced Water Filtration System:
· Is healthy: eliminates over 98% of harmful substances (lead, chlorine, nitrate, copper, aluminum, cadmium, arsenic, THMs, chemicals, bacteria & microbes) and provides low alkaline and mineralised water.
· Is economical: more cost effective than bottled water and do not need to be connected to water or electricity supply.
· Is eco-friendly: avoids unnecessary additional excesses of plastic bottled water. EVA ultimate filter is recyclable.
· Is suitable for babies (either mix with baby milk or drink alone)
· Provides an unlimited guarantee on its structure.
· Is simple to install and easy to maintain.
· Is accredited and scientifically proven by independent laboratories.
· Comes complete.
· Is ideal for the home or small office
Eva is considered to be the best natural gravity filtration system.

Special offer for web orders today and free post

“Time is Running Out” for Beanfreaks Natural Health and Beauty Store

2010-02-02T12:27:00.000Z

“Time is Running Out” –

A Message from Consumers for Health Choice and Beanfreaks Natural Health And Beauty Store

Our friends, colleagues and the organization Consumers for Heath Choice (CHC) have asked us to alert all our contacts to the fact that the European Commission will bring forward in the very near future the long-awaited proposals for maximum dose levels for all vitamins and minerals in food supplements.

All the signs point to those figures being set at restrictive levels which could threaten the continued availability of many higher potency dietary supplements; the future of many specialist retailers and manufacturers is also at risk.

CHC are asking everybody who cares about freedom of choice to visit their web site and download a letter or postcard to send to their local MP.

These postcards can also be obtained from your nearest health food shop.

Please help the CHC campaign by taking this action: www.consumersforhealthchoice.com.

Alex at Beanfreaks Sports Nutrition store Cardiff

2010-01-29T10:13:00.000Z

Come and see Alex at Beanfreaks Cardiff

No-one makes pasties the way Jones the Pie do

2010-01-27T15:35:00.000Z

Beanfreaks have just taken delivery of these great organic pasties and pies read why they went organic
When we first set out to create the Ultimate Pies and Pasties 3 years
ago we did a lot of research into the benefits of Organic vs Non Organic.

As well as the health, environmental
and animal welfare benefits, it also became obvious that Organic ingredients beat their Non Organic counterparts hands down - for taste, texture and overall quality.

This fits in well with Beanfreaks as most of the food lines we stock are organic.
So another good reason to shop at Beanfreaks Health and Beauty Store we are also both welsh .

Better than Red Bull for Sports

2010-01-27T14:15:00.000Z

USN Spike Dragon provides three breath taking flavour variants, which have been formulated to enhance mental and physical performance. This effect is accomplished by the combination of caffeine, taurine, glucuronolactone and ginseng. Research suggests that these ingredients may have positive effects on human physical performance and mood.
Recommended use:

Consume moderately - no more than 1 per day. Drink 30 minutes prior to sporting event or to give your body and mind an energy boost when required.

USN Spike Dragon provides two variants, which have been formulated to enhance mental and physical performance. This effect is accomplished by the combination of caffeine, taurine, glucuronolactone and ginseng. Research suggests that these ingredients may have positive effects on human physical performance and mood.

Beanfreaks again first to have this product in stock
Have you seen my range of sports supplements lately its huge and growing.
If we do not have your favorite supplement ask us to get it for you as normally we can get it within 48 hours.

Solgar Whey to Go PROTEIN

2010-01-27T13:43:00.000Z

WHEY TO GO Protein Powder
A whey of life
To maintain good health, we must all consume protein because protein contains amino acids,
which are the building blocks of our bodies. Amino acids fortify and form the many tissues and
muscles that make up our bodies.
Traditionally, powdered protein supplements have been considered as ‘body building’ sports
supplements. However more and more people are learning how whey protein can benefit their
health whatever their walk of life. People at different life stages may have special protein needs.
For example, the young, the ill and the injured, older adults, weight-watchers and sports
enthusiasts.
Whey protein is a natural milk-derived, high-quality protein source that is low in calories and fat
and lactose-free. Solgar selected whey protein because it has the highest biological value
(BV, a commonly used method for measuring protein quality) of any natural protein. It is also
a potent source of lactalbumin and is the only protein source that offers immunoglobulins, both
of which are important for proper immune function.
Research on weight loss has demonstrated the importance of high-quality protein for the
maintenance of lean body tissue and reduction of body fat. Whey protein is a popular supplement
for those wishing to alter their body composition. Further research on the health benefits of whey
has been carried out in the areas of cardiovascular health, immune health and ageing.
Available in natural vanilla bean, chocolate, honey nut and mixed berry flavours, plus
convenient 1500mg tablets, Solgar’s Whey To Go Protein products are an easy way to add
extra high-quality protein to your daily diet.
Solgar’s Whey To Go Protein blends easily and tastes great in smoothies and shakes and can
even be added to sauces, cereals, muffins, pancakes and other bake mixes.
• Protein contains amino acids, which are the building blocks of our bodies
• Available in tablets or in powdered form in 4 delicious flavours
• Solgar’s Whey To Go is lactose-free
• Whey protein has the highest Biological Value of any natural protein.
• Suitable for use for those on reduced carbohydrate diets

Beanfreaks recomends solgar products as they are always the very best quality

Expert Advice From Ronnie Mann British Champion

2010-01-19T12:55:00.000Z

We are so pleased to welcome Ronnie Mann to the store this Saturday
not to be missed.
Ronnie is the Cage Gladiators Featherweight and the Grapple and Strike Featherweight British Champion
Find out how ScI-mX Nutrition helped him achieve his success.

RONNIE MANN MMA British Champion
At Beanfreaks Cardiff on Saturday 3rd January from 12 - PM
Ronnie says sci-mx is an integral part of my success.
As a MMA fighter I am constantly putting my body through hard training sessions and tough fights. Including Sci-MX supplements in my daily regime has helped me to get stronger and leaner, and helps with recovery after intense workouts
SCI-MX is an integral part of my success and I can't recommend the product range highly enough.

Ronnie will be giving a talk on what he takes and how he has achieved his success in the afternoon
please ring Alex to book your place on 02920251671

Alison James from Beanfreaks Health And Beauty Store will be in Central Library Thursday

2010-01-19T09:47:00.000Z

Beanfreaks Health And Natural Beauty Store
Will be in the Cardiff Library on Thursday 21 January 11-7pm
Alison James will be on the fourth floor with plenty of free samples and advice.

The free event at the library will be a one stop shop for those looking to get fit, improve their health, de-stress or
further their career.
Free information and taster sessions in:
Reflexology,Rolfing,CV Makeovers
Fitness Advice,Massage,Nutrition
Homeopathy,Fitness Testing
Careers Advice,Reiki,Swimming
Beauty Advice,Face Analysis

All at Cardiff Central Library
The Hayes
Cardiff
Tel: 029 2038 2116
Email: centrallibrary@cardiff.gov.uk

Healthy Bowels, IBS & Colon Cleansing

2010-01-18T16:01:00.000Z

Beanfreaks Health And Beauty Store has been recommending peppermint oil and tinctures for over 30 years for mainly bowel and digestive disorders used in conjunction with Lepicol for IBS.

The health benefits of peppermint oil have been known for a long time.
But a latest study has proven its effectiveness for various health problems.

The findings of this 6 months old research have been published in various Natural health journals. According to the lead researcher M. P. Singh, peppermint oil has been proven to be useful in digestion problems, burns and skin problems.
A study was conducted on around 1000 patients suffering from problems ranging from digestive disorders, burn injuries, bad skin and dry hair.
Application of peppermint oil for a period of 3 to 6 months resulted in significant results for more than 80% of the patients.
“We use various creams and lotions in case of burn injuries. But with our studies, it has been proven that peppermint oil is useful for providing a cooling effect in case of burn injuries and any other skin problems. We have had people cure their bad breaths with natural peppermint,” said M P Singh, the lead researcher
The health benefits of peppermint oil have long been studied but we rarely see a full fledged study being conducted on a natural herb. “With our study, we have proved that the health benefits of peppermint oil and herbal extracts are huge and that it is useful for various daily problems.

We at Beanfreaks hope there will be a lot more studies into natural remedies as we know they work it just needs some proof for the medical profession to recommend them.
For more information Peppermint Tabletshttp://www.beanfreaks.com/store/product/33990/Obbekjaers-Obbekjaers-Oil-Of-Peppermint-150-Tablets/
For more information Lepicol http://www.beanfreaks.com/store/product/16545/Lepicol-Lepicol--180g-180g/

20% OFF SALE at Beanfreaks Cardiff

2010-01-15T16:39:00.000Z

This Week End Only

Due to bad weather for the last two weeks we need your money at Beanfreaks
20% off sale on all supplements on the web only.So you do not need to go out we will get it delivered to you normally within 48 hours.

All at Beanfreaks wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year and hope you stock up on these offers.

Viridian L-Tryptophan is Back for depression, insomnia, and premenstrual mood changes

2010-01-06T12:45:00.000Z

Purchase Viridian L Tryptophan link at bottom of page.
By Alan R. Gaby, MD
Healthnotes Newswire (December 10, 2009)—United States regulatory agencies have recently reversed a 20-year ban on the over-the-counter sale of the essential amino acid L-tryptophan, and once again joins countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan, and the Netherlands in allowing this valuable nutrient to be sold as a dietary supplement. A versatile amino acid, L-tryptophan is often an effective treatment for depression, insomnia, and premenstrual mood changes (premenstrual dysphoric disorder).
A manufacturer mess-up makes history
In the 1980s, L-tryptophan was a very popular dietary supplement. However, its over-the-counter sale was banned in 1989, after a manufacturing error by one of the world’s five L-tryptophan producers introduced a contaminant into the product that resulted in a number of cases of a serious and sometimes fatal illness known as eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. The manufacturing error was identified and corrected relatively quickly, and there have been no reporL-Tryptophan Is Backts of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome resulting from the use of uncontaminated L-tryptophan.
Using it safely and wisely
L-Tryptophan can be of great benefit for many people, as long as those already taking medications and other supplements carefully check for potential interactions. For example:
• People taking antidepressant medications or certain drugs used to treat migraines should not take L-tryptophan without medical supervision.
• Although L-tryptophan may increase the effectiveness of some antidepressants, it can also increase their adverse effects, and in some instances this combination has resulted in potentially serious side effects.
• Certain other drugs may also interact with L-tryptophan; therefore, people taking any medication should consult their doctor before taking L-tryptophan. In addition, L-tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP, a dietary supplement that has effects similar to those of L-tryptophan) should not be taken together.
Using it as a treatment
Some safe intake amounts have been established:
• The amount of L-tryptophan used in clinical trials has usually ranged from 1 gram per day to 6 grams per day.
• To treat insomnia, many people take 500 to 2,000 mg 30 minutes before bedtime.
• While L-tryptophan has been used successfully in some cases as an alternative to antidepressant medication, depression is a potentially serious illness and it should not be self-treated. People interested in using L-tryptophan to treat depression should work with a healthcare practitioner who is trained in the use of nutritional therapies.
• To treat premenstrual mood disorders women have used anywhere from 500 mg per day to 6,000 mg per day. Check with your doctor for the appropriate amount to use.
Tips to maximize effectiveness
Tips to maximize effectiveness
As with many supplements, when and what you eat can affect the way it reacts in the body:
• L-Tryptophan competes with other amino acids for intestinal absorption and for transport into the brain. Therefore, taking it with a high-protein meal (protein consists of amino acids) decreases its effectiveness.
• L-tryptophan is most effective when taken on an empty stomach along with some carbohydrate (such as a small glass of orange juice or a piece of fruit). Eating carbohydrates causes the body to release insulin, which helps it utilize L-tryptophan more easily.
An expert in nutritional therapies, Chief Medical Editor Alan R. Gaby, MD, is a former professor at Bastyr University of Natural Health Sciences, where he served as the Endowed Professor of Nutrition. He is past-president of the American Holistic Medical Association and gave expert testimony to the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine on the cost-effectiveness of nutritional supplements. Dr. Gaby has conducted nutritional seminars for physicians and has collected over 30,000 scientific papers related to the field of nutritional and natural medicine. In addition to editing and contributing to The Natural Pharmacy (Three Rivers Press, 1999), and the A–Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions (Three Rivers Press, 1999), Dr. Gaby has authored Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis (Prima Lifestyles, 1995) and B6: The Natural Healer (Keats, 1987) and coauthored The Patient's Book of Natural Healing (Prima, 1999).
Copyright © 2009 Aisle7. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Aisle7 content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Aisle7. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Aisle7 shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Aisle7 and the Aisle7 logo are registered trademarks of Aisle7

http://www.beanfreaks.com/store/product/38682/Viridian-Nutrition-Ltd-Viridian-L-Tryptophan-30-30-capsules/

I Am Still Taking My Vitamin C each Day Are You

2010-01-06T12:33:00.000Z

To C or Not to C?By Alan R. Gaby, MD
Healthnotes Newswire (December 31, 2009)—A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has received widespread publicity for reporting that the use of vitamin C supplements was associated with an increased risk of developing cataracts. But don’t throw away your vitamin C bottle as the new study does not prove that C caused this effect, and that result is inconsistent with previous research that suggests vitamin C either has no effect on cataract incidence or even decreases risk.
Oh say, do you C?In the new study, about 25,000 middle-aged and elderly Swedish women filled out a questionnaire regarding various health and lifestyle factors, including vitamin use, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, waist circumference, and use of certain medications. The women were then followed for an average of eight years. After the researchers adjusted for the health and lifestyle factors mentioned above, they found that women who regularly or occasionally took 1,000 mg per day of vitamin C were 25% more likely to have had cataract surgery than women who did not take vitamin C supplements.
C is for “consider,” not “cause”The study has an important weakness that should be taken into account: it was an observational study, meaning that the researchers observed how certain behaviors correlated with certain outcomes. Observational studies cannot prove a cause-and-effect relationship because they are rarely, if ever, able to account for all of the differences between people who do and do not engage in the behavior being examined (in this case, taking vitamin C supplements).
• Many people who take vitamin C supplements do so because they have heard that vitamin C prevents colds and other infections that they wish to avoid.
• Others may take vitamin C because they have high serum cholesterol and have read that vitamin C can help prevent heart disease.
• It is possible that people who are prone to infections or to high serum cholesterol levels have certain weaknesses in their body chemistry that also make them prone to developing cataracts.
• If that is the case, then taking vitamin C supplements may be an effect, rather than a cause, of the increased cataract risk.
Other observational studies have found that the use of vitamin C supplements was associated with a decreased incidence of cataracts, and still others found no association between vitamin C use and cataract risk. The widely divergent results in the earlier studies and the new study highlight how unwise it is to draw conclusions from observational studies.
C-ing ahead
The most reliable method to determine whether vitamin C supplements influence cataract risk is a double-blind trial, in which people are randomly assigned to receive vitamin C or a placebo. Only one such study has been done to date. In that study, middle-aged and elderly people were given a placebo or a daily supplement that contained 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, and 15 mg of beta-carotene. After an average of six years, the incidence of cataracts did not differ between the supplement group and the placebo group. In addition, among participants who already had a cataract at the start of the study, there was no difference in the rate of cataract progression between groups. So, when considering all of the research, one might reasonably conclude that there is no firm evidence that taking vitamin C supplements influences the risk of developing cataracts.

Scientists Behaving Badly - Over-Emotional Scientists Crying "Snake Oil!" Over EmoTrance

2009-12-30T14:48:00.000Z

When I read this about a therapy that I love and trust it sums up perfectly what is also going on in the natural health movement.

Please click on link as well worth a read

Scientists Behaving Badly - Over-Emotional Scientists Crying "Snake Oil!" Over EmoTrance
"Scientists" behaving so deeply and disturbingly "unscientifically," throwing tantrums and swear words around like 6 year old children, crying "Snake Oil!" "denouncing," "debunking" everyone and everything outside their own narrow and dogmatic ideas without any research, any evidence or even any knowledge of what they are denouncing, are turning the population against themselves - and sadly, against the idea of science itself.
Written by Dr Silvia Hartmann

Link

Earle Logan talk on joints, digestion,circulation and joints

2009-12-30T14:31:00.000Z

Earle Logan
Chief nutritionist from Natures Aid in Cardiff Store on Friday 8Th January
ring Alison on 02920251671 to book a free appointment to see him.
9.30 ti 12.30
Book today to avoid disappointment.

Hot stuff for slimmers: The chilli pill that burns off as many calories as a 25-minute jog

2009-12-30T13:13:00.000Z

Hot stuff for slimmers: The chilli pill that burns off as many calories as a 25-minute jog

A slimming pill whose creators claim can burn calories while you sit at your desk goes on sale today.
Capsiplex's makers say the capsule, which is made from hot peppers and capsicum and is used by Hollywood stars Jennifer Lopez, Brad Pitt and Britney Spears, can eat up as many calories as 80 minutes of walking or a 25-minute jog.
Trials at the University of Oklahoma showed adults taking Capsiplex burned off 278 more calories before, during and after a bout of exercise than those on placebos.

Experts who developed it had to overcome the fact that capsicum extract is unbearably hot and would cause irritation if eaten in large quantities.
A spokesman for Capsiplex said: 'For decades, scientists have known about the weight-loss potential of red-hot peppers. The problem has been the ability to consume such a highly concentrated amount, but we have overcome this by putting a protective coating on the ingredients which stops any gastric irritation.

WE HAVE NEW NORDIC Chili Burn £19.99 IN STOCK NOW

Chili Burn contains all natural ingredients, and has been in development for 7 years, and recent science has clearly shown that it works to burn fat. The principle is simple:it aims to safely increase your calorie expenditure. As your body burns more calories, you slowly, but surely, lose weight by burning stored fat.Chili Burn containst: Green Tea leaves extract, Chili Extract, Dill Seed Extract, Ginger Root Extract, Peppermint Oil

Click to order now

Fish fats have been shown to fight heart disease

2009-12-04T11:05:00.000Z

Beanfreaks web site newswire

Healthnotes Newswire (December 3, 2009)—More and more, inflammation has been implicated as the culprit in heart and blood vessel diseases, making anti-inflammatory agents such as the omega-3 fats found in fish of interest to researchers. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to play an important role in supporting cardiovascular health, and a new study published in Vascular Pharmacology now reports that lower-than-normal levels of omega-3s were found in people who have suffered vision loss and brain damage as a result of disease in the artery that carries blood from the body to the head and neck (the carotid artery).
Plaques—not good for the arteries
Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is characterized by plaque formation in the artery walls. These plaques are thought to be the result of cholesterol buildup, oxidative damage, and inflammation.
The cap of an atherosclerotic plaque can break away from the vessel wall, travel in the blood, and become lodged in a smaller artery: traveling plaques within the coronary arteries can cause a heart attack. Breakaway plaques from the carotid arteries tend to block small arteries in the brain, leading to vision loss, a condition that sometimes precedes a stroke, known as transient ischemic attack, or a stroke.
Low omega-3s associated with more symptoms
Carotid artery plaques from 41 people having surgery to have them removed were analyzed for signs of inflammation and for their fatty acid makeup. Plaques from people with symptoms of vision loss, transient ischemic attack, or stroke, had a higher degree of inflammation and lower levels of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), the two major omega-3 fatty acids from fish, than plaques from people with no symptoms. Levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which are generally considered to be inflammatory, were the same in symptomatic and asymptomatic people.
“Recommendations have previously been made regarding the amount of omega-3 content which may prove to be beneficial for cardiac protection, especially in those at risk,” the study’s authors said.
More might be the answer
These current results suggest that omega-3 fatty acids from fish might prevent stroke, adding to the evidence from a number of previous studies showing that omega-3 fatty acid consumption prevents cardiovascular disease. Here are some ways to get more in your diet:
• Follow the advice of the American Heart Association: eat two 3-ounce servings of fatty fish per week. These include salmon, tuna, herring, and mackerel.
• Include plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids such as non-defatted flax meal, walnuts, and oils from soy, canola, walnut, and flaxseed. These foods can increase levels of the beneficial EPA, and, unlike fish, are generally free of heavy metals and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyl).
• If you have heart disease or a high risk of heart disease, consider taking a daily fish oil supplement that provides 1 to 1.8 grams of omega-3 fatty acids.
(Vascul Pharmacol 2009; doi:10.1016/j.vph.2009.08.003)
Maureen Williams, ND, received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. She has a private practice on Cortes Island in British Columbia, Canada, and has done extensive work with traditional herbal medicine in Guatemala and Honduras. Dr. Williams is a regular contributor to Healthnotes Newswire.

Echinacea and H1NI Viruses even works when resistant to tamiflu

2009-12-04T10:48:00.000Z

Beanfreaks has just received the news that Echinacea has been proved again to have direct antiviral activity, works against many flu viruses, including the H1N1 strain, even against viruses that have become resistant to tamiflu.

So why are you not taking Echinacea tincture. ??

To find out more about how to protect your family please call in today

this is more important than Christmas presents.

Energising healing with Reflexology for mind, body and soul.

2009-12-01T17:35:00.000Z

New to Beanfreaks Deborah Howell M.A.R M.T.I . Phone: 07864091299 @ BEANFREAKS Energising healing with Reflexology for mind, body and soul. A typical session lasts 60 minutes and following on from consultation and via the feet, the energy field will be assessed for clearing, recharging and balancing. The method is natural and effective for relieving various conditions in a relaxing, comfortable & safe environment. Deborah’s natural ability to `see’ for instance energy fields is her uniqueness. Treatment Price £40 per hour The session can be extended at client’s request & PRICES DISCUSSED. Sessions vary according to client’s requirements. Deborah’s career commenced at the Natural Health Clinic Co-Operative, Cardiff. As a self employed Reflexologist/Intuitive Healer, whilst studying at the University Hospital of Wales, Deborah learned to compare and contrast the traditional & complimentary approach to health. She has worked alongside General Practitioners, Homeopaths, Herbalists and Medical Consultants, towards a common goal of encompassing patient’s particular requirements for optimum health. Medical Training & a member of the Massage Training Institute (MTI) & Association of Reflexology (AOR). Wales based companies such as Halifax, Boots plc, British Gas plc and ITV Digital have all benefited from Deborah’s services. I do not diagnose illness or prescribe medication.

Please ring for more information on when Deborah will be in store to explain and give you a taster of what she can do for you. 02920251671

Mattake mushrooms beat Cancer so says Daily Express

2009-12-01T15:03:00.000Z

A MUSHROOM popular in Chinese cooking can help shrink tumours and beat cancer, a study has found.
Scientists have revealed the maitake mushroom can shrink tumours by as much as 75 per cent.
The breakthrough could have major implications for two of Britain’s biggest Cancer killers and lead to new treatments.
Experts found the giant edible mushroom – which can grow to eight inches across – can help combat bladder and prostate cancer.

These two cancers claim the lives of 15,000 victims every year in the UK.
Last night, Dr Sensuke Konno, who carried out the research, hailed the discovery as “very significant” and said it would improve the quality of life of cancer sufferers.
A number of studies have already revealed the incredible cancer-fighting and health benefits of mushrooms.
Some research has even suggested that they can slash the risk of breast cancer by two thirds.
Now this latest study has found that maitake mushrooms can also shrink cells in bladder and prostate cancer victims.
Maitakes are common in Chinese and Japanese cooking and have also been used to treat blood pressure and liver disease.
The latest study is published in the British Journal of Urology.
The amazing breakthrough came when it was found that if a tiny extract of the maitake mushroom was used in combination with earlier research using the same amount of maitake mushroom extract but this time mixed with interferons – proteins used to boost patients’ immune system – was also found to reduce cancer cell growth in prostate cancer sufferers.

Beanfreaks have been selling Matake Mushroom Extracts for over 30 years but we can not say why people take them. Strange world we live in

For more information link

Lemon Detox Diet at Beanfreaks Health and Beauty Store

2009-12-01T14:39:00.000Z

Lemon Detox in The Daily Telegraph

The Snaked Truth by Craig Sams

2009-11-30T12:08:00.000Z

I know most of you know this but I think we all need reminding occasionally as the supermarkets hold to much power and even the Co-opererative super markets were paying dairy farmers the least amount for there milk on TV last night well below what the farmers need to survive apparently two dairy farmers go out of business each day.
Why?

Article taken from organic news
The snaked truth by Craig Sams
If organic sales are taking a beating right now, its worth taking into a historic perspective – is it not ? And that was provided at the off conference where Craig Sams pointed out that in the last recession mintel had predicted the failure of the organic food sector but that it has since grown at an average rate of 30% per annum.
The problem since then is we have had a great love in with the supermarket sector, which is basically only interested in organics as a fig leaf to cover their ethical nakedness.
Supermarkets have not only created a dangerous snakes and ladder effect as they pile in and out of the sector but worse still actually devalue the whole moral authority of the organic argument.
Every piece of market research on the question shows this to be the case: supermarkets are generally not liked (but we still shop there – go figure! Split personality? Self hatred? No choice?)
and are simply not credible when they claim to be ethical.
Even worse, both as retailers and as brand owners, supermarkets are the biggest force in the organic market but they absolutely refuse, like the government, to say anything good or committed about organic foods.
Its like fielding 11 players on a football pitch to find out that half of them refuse to kick the ball forward.

Thanks for reading this as its important we all get some facts as then we can make some informed decisions.

Need More Energy - Solgar's Nutri Nano™ Uses Nanotechnology to Deliver Unprecedented Bioavailability

2009-11-24T14:47:00.000Z

Beanfreaks CoQ10 Two Week Energy Event in all Beanfreaks Health And Beauty Stores,
Free samples and Special Offers

Need More Energy - Solgar's Nutri Nano™ Uses Nanotechnology to Deliver Unprecedented Bioavailabilit
Solgar Vitamin & Herb is proud to announce the launch of its platinum edition Nutri-Nano CoQ10™. The Platinum Edition is the first line of nutritional supplements to use nanotechnology to deliver unprecedented bioavailability. It is 3.1 times more bio available than powdered CoQ10, 2 times more bio available than oil-based CoQ10, possesses a faster absorption rate than traditional CoQ10 presentations and is more cost efficient.

Nutri-Nano™ CoQ10 is a breakthrough in nutritional product technology and represents the beginning of a new era in food supplements and is formulated with patent-protected Nutri-Nano technology.

Solgar Nutri Nano™ is a patent-protected nanotechnology that transforms fat-soluble nutrients into amphiphilic ones – substances that are soluble in both fat and water - by surrounding the fat-soluble nutrient with a nano-sized water-soluble shell called a micelle.

Ordinarily, fat soluble nutrients such as CoQ10 are absorbed via the same pathway as other dietary fats, requiring emulsification by bile salts followed by micellisation, where the fat is coated in a water soluble shell enabling it to be delivered to the absorption sites of the intestinal tract. Traditional CoQ10 supplements are presented as either oil-based suspensions in softgels, or powder-filled vegetable capsules, both of which tend to provide CoQ10 with a large particle size that has poor solubility – factors that adversely impact on bioavailability.

The innovative Nutri-Nano™ CoQ10 provides CoQ10 molecules in preformed micelles, bypassing the need for emulsification and micellisation in the gut and ensuring efficient delivery of CoQ10 to absorption sites in the small intestine.

Each Nutri-Nano™ Q10 micelle is only 30nm across, and each micelle contains approximately 400 CoQ10 molecules. The net result of this advanced technology provides a faster, more efficient delivery of this important nutrient to the cells.
Press for more info

Magnetic therapy does it really relive PAIN.

2009-11-20T16:07:00.000Z

Get your amazing enerjii bracelets here on Tuesday 1st December

Clinical test have found that a static magnetic field between 700 and 1500 Gauss can significantly relieve pain and support circulation. Do you wear a magnetic bracelet ? are you getting results ? Is the bracelet giving you the correct emission reading ? Bring in your old bracelet and Pam Harris will test it free for you. magnetic energy- negative ions- far infrared All customers visiting on the day can ask for a free report.
Please book early to avoid missing your chance.

For more information ring alison on 02920251671

Bridgend Natural Health Show

2009-11-17T12:28:00.000Z

The Health Diva herself
Will be at the Bridgend Natural Health Show The Heronston Hotel, Ewenny road.
Ring 01656661441 For more details.
Show On SATURDAY 28th November 10am to 4pm.
All the cures known to man will be there. Do not miss Brigdends First Health Event by the health Diva Herself.
Special offers, free advice as usual.

Free EICOSANOIL Cream for every customer on the day only.

Please support your local health food store.

Hope to see you there Kevin from Beanfreaks

BBC Radio 4...HOW FISHY CAN YOU GET!

2009-10-27T12:16:00.000Z

Medical Herbalist Stuart FitzSimons MNIMH responds to a question about a recent Radio 4 show about essential fatty acid, fish oils and vegetable oils.

Hi there,I heard this week's BBC Radio 4 'Food Programme (Sunday 25th October) and was intrigued to learn about long-chain Omega 3 and the specific challenges faced by vegetarians to obtain enough of this. I mentioned this at my local health store today and they told me about your Eicosanoil product. Do you hold any specific data on how effective this product is at delivering long chain Omega 3 (i.e. EPA and DHA) as opposed to the shorter chain variety?More info on the Food Programme episode in question can be found at:http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00ncwwm#synopsisVery many thanks for your help!Ross

Ross
I also heard the "scientists" slag off every oil except pure DHA and EPA. I could not believe that these people are paid good money and, apparently, have enjoyed a good education, only to say quite blatantly that olive oil and flax oil are rubbish! I despair of this kind of trash, I'm sick of hearing idiots ranting on in such an uneducated way!I became interested in hempseed oil in particular because of working on patients with eczema. I am a herbalist, and over 20 or so years have studied the oils in depth...and I am result orientated. I want to get patients better...bottom line...full stop. I have only been involved in marketing oils for about the last 4 years, out of the 20 or so I have been using them in real people in the real world.When I used hempseed oil initially I found an incredible response in patients with eczema. I subsequently had to ask myself all the questions raised by the programme and find out why this oil was apparently so well used by the people taking it. That is the important point to begin with...this oil was obviously being used by the body in the way that essential fatty acids are well known and studied to work, i.e. they provide a range of anti-inflammatory chemicals once metabolised by the body. But, the oil WAS being used by the body. My initial interest was in just skin, but I regularly got other comments from patients about their stiff joints feeling better since taking the oil, or that kids seemed more calm and better behaved etc. All typical effects of essential fatty acids.

I always look to the real world when studying any herb...what is the history...have people used it...where...why? If you just take the vegetarian question for the moment. There are, for example, populations of people in India that are vegetarian and have been as long as we know. We are not talking just one or two people here either. It is of course traditional for Indians to press oils of many kinds as part of their normal dietary habits as well as using nuts and seeds. So the first question is...where are the people with DHA/EPA deficiencies in these populations? The simple answer is, there is no such deficiency noted in this large, long term population study!! Let's come closer to home, my own 22 year old daughter has never eaten any animal products...ever. Is she deficient? NO. Does she take supplemental oil? NO (as much as I wish she would!!!). Do I even need to mention the importance of olive oil and the mediterranean diet. Not to mention the fact that oleic acid, the omega-9 fatty acid of olive oil, has been studied quite extensively. Yes, we even know the bad effects of excess intake of some of the fatty acids!

For a good laugh, take a look at the commercial world of oil, by this I mean the way oils have been sold over the last 25 years or so from health food stores, pharmacies etc. 25 years ago, it was all Omega-6, primrose oil, starflower, even pure GLA became available.We were bombed by the stores telling us the benefits of Omega-6, and you know what? They were right, Omega-6 fatty acids are essential and WE NEED them every day. Then, at some point along the line someone discovered eskimos and Omega-3 fatty acids and suddenly the marketing see-saw dropped like a tonne of bricks down onto the Omega-3 side. Again, Omega-3 is essential, just like Omega-6. The trouble of course is that BALANCE went out the window...even nutritionists and scientists started slagging off the essential Omega-6...where is the middle of the see-saw?Well, it is important to realise, as I did when trying to find answers to the essential fatty acid questions, that there is indeed a lot of confusion out there, there is a lot of disagreement...but you know what? There is also a lot of research out there. The other important point, and one that baffles me is that nowadays, just as they did on the radio programme, people claim we are taking too much in the way of Omega-6. I want to see the real evidence in real peoples diets for this. One thing I have done over many years is get people to write up what they eat, and you can do this yourself, just to examine your food intake and look at just how much Omega-anything we actually get. I am more often than not surprised by the lack, and more often than not, total lack of any essential fatty acids in the modern British diet. Sure, people say to me, but, but but, I eat fish. Yea, ok, but did you cook it? Cooked essential fatty acids are not essential fatty acids anymore...and that goes for cooked vegetable oils as well. The normal "excessive" use of Omega-6 usually boils down to someone using a dab of Flora on toast in the morning...but as we now know, thanks to Radio 4, there is a modicum of Omega-3 in that also! So just where this Omega-6 abuse is happening I have no idea. Check your own diet. The problem with adopting this stance of course is that the scientists, by seeing Omega-6 as an enemy, adopt a war mentality whereby instead of trying to strike a sensible balance through adjusting diet and the sensible use of supplementation they insist we take mega-doses of fish oil.

The bottom line for me is that I rarely meet anybody taking any essential fatty acids so for goodness sake take some...I don't care any more which one, or how much...just take them...please. If you want my purist argument then I will always use hemp because it has everything, Omega-6, 3, 9 and GLA. The ratio of 6 to 3 is 3:1, practically heresy to our esteemed radio show experts. Evidence though does suggest that this ratio is actually an optimal one for long term human use.

Now, I'm not a zealous vegetarian, but let me just take the side of the fish for a moment. In an effort to save my life I would throw science in the face of the fish oil farmers. I would declare in no uncertain terms that fishkind only contains EPA and DHA because they eat plankton rich in ALA which is then converted inside their fishy little bodies using the same enzymes that the humans use. Yes, that's right, we do do it too...same way too. SO MAKE YOUR OWN...LEAVE THE FISH ALONE. Science knows how this happens, there's lots of research on it. Human eats ALA from flax or hemp...or plankton if so inclined, and hey presto, tis converted into the required long chain molecule members of the Omega-3 family. Of critical importance here though is the argument that we do not convert a lot of ALA to EPA and DHA. Absolutely, one hundred percent, gilt edged truth! But, instead of saying well that's obviously the way it should be, and trusting our body to do what it needs and is designed to do the fish oil people turn this into a marketing bullet point. Hang on a second, think about it. What they are suggesting is that the body is designed with a tragic flaw, that there is something wrong with the way evolution or God, whatever your preference, has made us. God or evolution is as thick as a wet mackrel. Fancy making humans with such a glaring biochemical design failing.

So, just to stand out from the crowd I would like to go on record as saying that ALA is the best way to get Omega-3, it confers infinite advantages. It gives our body the raw material it needs to make what it needs, as and when it needs it at the rate it has set for itself depending upon our genetic, nutritional and other factors our body takes into account when making any one of the essential bits we are made out of as and when needed. I TRUST MY BODY....I don't trust opinionated scientists!

Stuart FitzSimons MNIMH (Medical Herbalist)

Help Save Herbs from the eu and uk government

2009-10-26T17:22:00.000Z

Another story in most papers today saying
Millions face having to buy herbal remedies on black market
as Europe tries to harmonise industry.
Pretending its for safety.
This is just another money making job for the boys.
As prices will have to double to cover the cost of licence.
Many small firms will not be around in 2011 as they can not afford this
ridiculous extra cost.
I have been selling herbal remedies for over 30 years and can not find any good reason why this
law coming in . it can only be to make money for government and to discourage people from using herbs as the price is going to be restrictive.
This falls into the hands of the drug companies who will go on selling drugs at huge expense to the NHS.
WHY IS THERE NO COMMON SENSE AROUND TODAY

"Better than flu shots for flu:"

2009-10-26T17:13:00.000Z

"Better than flu shots for flu:"

Udo Erasmus is an internationally renowned author and authority on natural health issues. For the past two decades, he has dedicated his time to researching the effects of fats and oils on human health, as well as understanding the nature of health itself. Much of his work has focused on communicating this vitally important knowledge throughout the world through lectures, interviews, and written material. He has also directed the formulation and production of a high quality, natural health supplement line.
His highly acclaimed book, Fats that Heal: Fats that Kill: The Complete Guide to Fats, Oils, Cholesterol, and Human Health offers readers valuable information and research regarding the therapeutic potential of common and less well-known fats, as well as those fats that are damaging.
more info press

Fodd Safety

2009-10-19T11:45:00.000+01:00

Focus on Food Safety
By Suzanne Dixon, MPH, MS, RD

A lot of attention has been paid to a recent report released by the Center for Science in the Public Interest highlighting a list of the top ten foods that are the most likely causes of food-borne illness. These foods are all regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and the illness outbreaks associated with them are tracked and reported by the Centers for Disease Control. Fortunately, the risk of getting sick from your food can be reduced with proper precautions. A little knowledge will keep you and your family safe, even while enjoying your favorite fresh, healthful foods.

The ten to watch

1. Leafy greens, such as lettuce, escarole, endive, spring mix, spinach, cabbage, kale, arugula, and chard

2. Eggs, particularly eggs served in restaurants and at catered events

3. Tuna, especially fresh caught tuna stored improperly, which can lead to the formation of toxins in the fish

4. Oysters, with most illnesses coming from oysters served in restaurants

5. Potatoes, especially in the form of potato salad prepared in restaurants, grocery stores, and delis

6. Cheese, particularly cheese made from unpasteurized milk (“raw milk cheese”) and soft cheeses, such as feta or Brie

7. Ice cream, with half of outbreaks from homemade ice cream made with undercooked or raw eggs

8. Tomatoes, with 70% of outbreaks occurring due to tomatoes and salsa served in restaurants

9. Sprouts, for which the most common source of bacterial contamination is the seeds

10. Berries, with imported berries causing recent, large food-borne illness outbreaks

For more informationgo to Press

Macho Men bad for your health

2009-10-19T11:12:00.000+01:00

Article in the daily Mirror says

If men with angina ask for help earlier and stop suffering in silence, they could reduce their risk of having a heart attack.
Beanfreaks agrees with this as most of our customers are women who buy supplements for there partners.
Who take them if put out for them,
Supplements I take most days are
Vitamin c 1 gram
Allicinmax a high strength garlic
Solgar V75 a normal strength multi Vitamin and Mineral
Echinacea and Elderberry to protect me from swine flu or any bugs coming my way.

In my view its all about prevention and staying away from doctors and hospitals as much as possible.
This is what the natural health movement is all about so why is government trying to close us down by using drug company rules and applying them to herbs and vitamins.

Its madness to put people off these natural substances by making them pay double the price to cover all the government expenses in implementing a law that is not required.
This is all going to restrict freedom of choice by 2011 and play into the hands of drug companies who's main occupation is to get you addicted to as many of there products as possible.

Live longer with fish oil

2009-10-19T10:57:00.000+01:00

In the news
Fish oil again and its always good news but we at beanfreaks prefer eicosanoil which is organic hemp seed oil.
As it has omega 3, 6 and 9 in natures perfect balance.
Doctors found that patients with heart problems who took fish oils had a 30% lower risk of dying early
We would suggest taking 3 teaspoons of organic hemp seed oil everyday as it will do you alot of good and save the fish.
Children as young as two can take 3 teaspoons of eicosanoil daily says Stuart Fitzsimmons Medical Herbalist
This article came from the daily mail

Cancer Risk from professor advice.

2009-10-19T08:56:00.000+01:00

VITAMIN PILL 'CANCER RISK'

Here we go again
A report on the front page of the express newspaper.
By Professor Wiseman.
Interesting as I thought this profession only dealt with science and proof and as you read it
they use words like could,may do you harm.
How can this non story be on the front or any page in a responsible news paper.
I am fed up with this negative press and because this guy is a professor he can say
While some lower dose supplements that provide around the recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals can be helpful, high dose supplements above the daily quota can have a harmful effect. and more rubbish .
I have always taken high dose supplements for over 30 years from the best advice I have picked up over the years from the worlds leading nutritionists.
This is Beanfreaks advice
Nutritionist for nutrition and vitamin advice
Herbalist for herbal advice
Doctor for drug advice
We will have to put up with alot more of these bogus articles until they bring in the law restricting level of vitamins next year.
Then you will only be able to get your normal supplements on line from outside the uk.

Echinacea and the Common Cold Centre

2009-10-06T15:05:00.000+01:00

The common cold centre in Cardiff is putting Echinacea to the test.
Beanfreaks thinks it is wasting its time as it has been proven over many years in health food stores in the UK and around the world to be effective in boosting the immune system.
But still its better for them to be using herbs than the usual drugs.
In the lancet two years ago Echinacea was proven to reduce the risk of catching a cold by 50%
Vicky Perks nutritionist from Health Diva Bridgend says Echinacea is one of the most widely used of all the natural remedies, and has been long thought of as a primary herb to supporting the immune system.
Vicky says she prefers to use the Swiss herbal remedies tincture as it’s the strongest available in the UK.
If you would like to take part contact the common cold centre on 02920874099
But try and make sure you get the real herb not the placebo.

Stay Hydrated and Stay Cool

2009-09-24T09:49:00.000+01:00

Reminder to Young Athletes: Stay Hydrated and Stay Cool
By Maureen Williams, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (September 17, 2009)—As groups of kids gather at the local schools for fall football practice, it’s important to remember that heat is no small issue for athletes. Getting overheated, especially when not drinking enough fluids, can lead to heat stroke, which can be life-threatening even in young and healthy athletes. According to a report published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, a panel of experts in sports medicine issued the following recommendations to address the topic of heat stress and related problems in young football players.
Staying hydrated
Sweating, which goes along with any good workout, increases as the temperature rises. Fluid and electrolytes need to be conscientiously replaced during exertion in the heat because dehydration dramatically increases the risk of heat injury. Young sports players, however, tend to drink less than is needed to maintain good hydration levels. Worse, researchers have found that young athletes are often dehydrated when they arrive for practice, making it much more difficult to stay at a safe hydration level. Add padded safety gear and a uniform and these young athletes are highly likely to get overheated.
The panel made the following suggestions for maintaining safe hydration levels:
• Each youth football participant should start every practice well-hydrated, well-nourished, well-rested, and with a normal body temperature.
• Kids should take breaks during practice sessions for rest, cooling, and rehydration every 30 to 45 minutes, and more often as heat and humidity rise.
• Chilled fluids should be close at hand, and the breaks should be long enough to encourage adequate intake.
Getting used to the heat
The report reminds trainers and coaches that many young football players are not in top physical condition and are not acclimatized to heat at the start the season. Historically, most early-season football heat stroke deaths have occurred on the first four days of practice.
To minimize the risk of heat injury through acclimatization and conditioning, the panel had these recommendations:
• Implement gradual increases in practice intensity and duration, as well as gradual introduction of protective gear, over the first two weeks of preseason practice.
• Players should remove helmets, shoulder pads, and other insulating covering during practice as often as is appropriate.
• Workout clothing should be light-colored, as some evidence suggests that this can help reduce the risk of overheating.

Play Hard, Sleep Well

2009-09-24T09:37:00.000+01:00

Play Hard, Sleep Well
By Kimberly Beauchamp, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (September 17, 2009)— Trouble getting the kids to bed at night? Exercise could be the answer. Children who are more physically active during the day are more likely to fall asleep quickly at bedtime, according to a report in the Archives of Disease in Childhood. “These findings emphasize the importance of physical activity for children, not only for fitness, cardiovascular health, and weight control, but also for promoting good sleep,” said the study’s authors.
Sleep for health
The importance of a good night’s sleep can’t be overstated. Sleep deprivation increases the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. For children, less sleep can also lead to shorter stature; it’s during the sleeping hours that hormones are released that promote proper growth. During sleep is also when most healing takes place. So what predicts how quickly children fall asleep and how much sleep they ultimately get?
Researchers from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, aimed to determine the factors linked to the time it takes to fall asleep once in bed (sleep latency) in children. Gathering data from 519 children (average age 7 years) who took part in the Auckland Birthweight Collaborative, they found that the average sleep latency time was 26 minutes. More physical activity was associated with shorter sleep latency times, while time spent in sedentary activity (like sitting on the couch or in the car) was associated with longer sleep latency. For every hour during the day spent in sedentary activity, it took the children three minutes longer to fall asleep at night. Shorter sleep latency times were also associated with longer total sleep duration.
Carving the time to play
The study “provides evidence to support a long-held parental belief that physical activity promotes sleep in children,” the team commented. But with the trend in many schools towards cutting recess and physical education programs, children have less opportunity during the day to get the exercise that their minds and bodies need.
Help make exercise a priority for your family.
• Go for a bike ride together after school. Children are more likely to pick up the exercise habit if you’re active, too. Plus, it’s more fun together.
• Plan day hikes on the weekends. Let your kids help pick the destination. If a whole day is too difficult to schedule, look for some fun city walks to local destinations of interest. Get out a map of your town or city and take turns picking places to visit.
• Ask your children’s school to keep scheduled physical activity times during the day. We can’t afford to lose this opportunity for our children.
(Arch Dis Child 2009;doi:10.1136/adc.2009.157453)
Kimberly Beauchamp, ND, earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. She cofounded South County Naturopaths in Wakefield, RI, and now sees patients in East Greenwich and Wakefield. Inspired by her passion for healthful eating and her own young daughters.

2009-09-24T09:30:00.000+01:00

Dodging Fall Allergy Discomfort
By Fran Kritz
Healthnotes Newswire (September 17, 2009)—If you have noticed a reprise of your spring hay fever in the fall, then keep an eye on nature. Cooling weather gives plants a growth spurt that for some people means a return of itchy, sniffly allergy symptoms. Taking once-a-day antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays a little before allergy season starts could put you ahead of the game, according to Marjorie Slankard, professor of medicine at the Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. “Once you start taking antihistamines, there’s a maximum buildup by day five to seven,” says Dr. Slankard.
Take your allergy medicine every day
Keeping your dose of medicine constant will help relieve allergy symptoms, so be sure to take it every day.
• If your symptoms are worse in the morning, be sure to take it at night, recommends Dr. Slankard, as it will give the drug time to build up in your body and be effective when you most need it.
• Even though you can take allergy medicines at any time of day, taking them at bedtime is also a good idea if they sometimes cause sleepiness as a side effect.
Keep your medicine on hand
Be sure to renew and refill prescriptions on time so you always have your medicine when you need it.
Think ahead when you’re planning vacations or business trips and have prescriptions renewed or refilled beforehand, or be sure to carry your prescription and insurance information with you.
Ask your doctor and pharmacist the easiest way to renew and refill prescriptions, and mark your calendar.
More about symptom relief
Medicines are important, but keep these points in mind for more relief:
• Over-the-counter saline sprays and rinses (such as a “neti pot”) may help relieve a stuffy nose and remove irritating pollens from delicate nasal membranes.
• Many people find relief using herbal remedies and nutritional supplements.
• Sharing other people’s allergy relief products is never a good idea.
• Using air conditioning, instead of open windows, and using an air filter during allergy season can help keep pollen out.
• Showering before bed will allow you to sleep pollen-free.
Fran Kritz is a healthcare writer based outside Washington, DC. For several years she was the Washington correspondent for Drug Topics and Retail Pharmacy News. She has written on consumer health and health policy for the Washington Post, MSNBC.com, and the Los Angeles

Health Food Stores Will Be Closing

2009-09-17T09:36:00.000+01:00

Guess What

The Drug companies are trying to stop natural vitamins that we buy at the health food store

It maybe already to late but I will be selling your vitamins in brown paper bags shortly as this is silly as I have been taking Solgar Vitamins for years as a sort of insurance policy to check my body is getting everything it requires. You may not agree with me but we must have freedom of choice.
As with the herbal directive it is brought in to harmonise with Europe and then they pretend that safety is the issue.
Seriously the amount of health stores are in decline at a time when we need more and this is because of the overwhelming amount of negative press spread out there from the drug companies over many years. As they do not want you treating yourself with vitamins and herbs as you may get well. If you would like more facts as to how it will effect Beanfreaks shops I can tell you its not Bright.
I am always keeping up to date in what the top nutritionists recommend for prevention of certain diseases
So few good rules to use
See a Nutritionist for vitamin and diet advice
See a Herbalist for herbal advice
See a Doctor for your cocktail of free drugs
Please sign this petition before end of September It takes 10 seconds to do:
I know some of you will be familiar with this, but for others you may not be aware of what parliament is about to do in your name. CodexAlimentairus is a law designed to hand over the control of naturalremedies to the pharmaceutical giants. Codex Alimentarius is a standardfor all food and consumable liquids. Codex Alimentarius will be enforced by theWTO and anything that is not compliant with Codex Alimentarius will beforbidden. It is backed by the pharmaceutical companies and its standardsare based on junk science. Vitamins, minerals, and herbs will be treated as toxins,not nutrients and become illegal without a doctors prescription.I understand that there are about 60,000 pages contained in the Codex Alimentarius.This is one more attempt to regulate us - with potentially dire consequences.Unless we take this last opportunity and act now we will not be able to buy vitamins orhealth/nutritional supplements without a doctor's prescription - they will be banned from 31st December 2009.You may think this can't happen, you may think why haven't I heard about this before. The reason is that there are vested interests,giant multinational pharmaceutical companies, and its not in their interest that you know about and oppose this. They and our lawmakers in Europe are banking on public apathy.
Despite considerable pressure already exerted our government is still planning to implement this law- UNLESS THERE IS MASSIVE OPPOSITION IT WILL GO AHEAD. Like many health and safety matters this was started with good intentions, in 1962 by the United Nations, to establish international free trade foods but has become a major threat to our civil liberties and freedom of choice.

Please, sign the petition to the Prime Minister. It takes 10seconds! This is for our health, and well-being and the health and well-being of our children. Please click on this link :http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Vitamins/
For more information google “opposition to codex alimentarius” or look on facebook and you'll see that the threat is very real and oppositionss from people from all walks of life, in many countriesAct Now, Act Wisely, Take Responsibility! http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Vitamins/

Flying High With Rhodiola Rosea

2009-09-16T14:27:00.000+01:00

Carol Henshaw, a 45yr old Mum and retail manager, was terrified of flying, until a little-known Russian herbal remedy
helped her to conquer her fear for good.

"As long as I can remember, I have always been terrified of flying. It's not an irrational fear - gravity pulls us down, so why take to the skies in heavy machinery? A perfectly rational fear in my opinion. Either way, the mere thought of travelling by plane made me nervous and to such an extent that I have never been on holiday abroad because of my fear. Furthermore, what limited experience I do have of flying hasn't been particularly pleasant; I first flew as an adult two years ago on a business trip to Belgium and by the time I realised we would be travelling by plane and not train, it was too late to cancel. That was the most harrowing hour and a half of my life. There was quite a lot of turbulence and at one point I was convinced I wasn't going to see my children again. Well, you can imagine my horror when I found I had to fly again a year later, on another business trip, this time to Switzerland! For days leading up to the flight I couldn't sleep - in fact the closer it came to the day of the flight, the less sleep I got. Friends and colleagues could see I was anxious and they did their best to reassure me but I was petrified. Then one friend recommended I try Rhodiola rosea to help calm my nerves.

Apparently it had helped her during times of stress. "I took two capsules that afternoon and that same night I slept like a baby. I continued on two capsules a day until the day of the flight and by the time I was in the air, I was fine. I even enjoyed it! The return flight was easy too - despite travelling through turbulence - so I'm convinced I have at last conquered my fear of flying! Perhaps now I'll treat myself to a lovely holiday in some far flung, exotic location. I deserve it!"

Carol has been taking a Maxi Potency Rhodiola Rosea. As an adaptogenic herb, one which helps the body to adapt to various stressors, Rhodiola can be particularly useful in times of anxiety and stress.

petition

2009-09-16T13:55:00.000+01:00

Sorry for more petition info but an election is on its way and who knows

We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to personally intervene to ensure that the European Union does not set unnecessarily restrictive maximum permitted levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements since this would restrict the ability of consumers to choose higher dose supplements which may help achieve and maintain optimum health. The legislation will also have a detrimental effect on independent health food retailers and other periphery industries. More details

Submitted by Wendy Atkinson of National Association of Healthstores – Deadline to sign up by: 21 October 2009 – Signatures: 1,006

Log into http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/healthstores/ it will only take 5 minutes
and may save your health food store.

2009-09-16T08:59:00.001+01:00

At Beanfreaks
Just a reminder to keep an eye out for our newsletters with the dates and topics of our forthcoming FREE Healthcare Workshops, here at our Cardiff branch every Saturday at 9.30am.
We began doing these back in the spring, and they have proved to be a hit with you. They`re very informal. We gather in our meeting room with a drink and discuss YOUR health issues in a relaxed, confidential environment. I`ve thoroughly enjoyed meeting with you at this level, because it`s given me the opportunity to get to know YOU, and your healthcare needs.
Let us help you take control of Your Health, Your Body, and Your Life.
For further information or any healthcare queries, please contact me aLSON jAMES ON 02920251671.

Heather Mills Buys redwood foods

2009-09-15T10:02:00.000+01:00

Beanfreaks great news
We sell lots of redwood vegetarian foods from the fridge
If you have not tried them yet please give them a try as we should all support this uk company as they produce a great tasting product

HEATHER MILLS ACQUIRES THE REDWOOD WHOLEFOOD COMPANY

The Redwood Wholefood Company, award-winning producer of natural plant-based, animal-free foods, has announced that charity and animal rights campaigner Heather Mills has acquired the business.

Rod Garland, director of Redwood, a leading supplier of vegan foods to the health trade, said the acquisition would yield significant synergies for both parties, which he described as ‘completely compatible’.

“Heather shares the same values and aims as us, namely to spread compassion across the planet and promote a healthy and more ethical lifestyle,” he said. “Heather has always rated Redwood as the best producer of plant-based animal-free foods in terms of ethics, the integrity of the company and brand and the quality of its products.

“The acquisition will enable us to accelerate growth of the Redwood brand around the world and allow Heather to promote veganism globally through her own restaurants and brands,” he added. “Being a primary manufacturer is important as it gives much greater control over ingredients and quality.”

Heather Mills said that she was absolutely delighted to have acquired the company. “I’ve been a fan of Redwood and its ethical, compassionate foods for many years,” she commented. “For me, buying the company is a dream come true.”

Recently ranked highest in the Ethical Company Organisation’s list of vegetarian foods suppliers for the third year running with an overall score of 95%, Redwood produces more than 50 different animal-free foods under the Cheatin’, VegiDeli and Cheezly brand names at its headquarters in Corby.

Among the many foods produced by the firm are Cheatin’ ‘meats’ in ‘bacon’, ‘chicken’ and ‘beef’ varieties, meat-free ‘roasts’, pâtés, gourmet burgers, ready-to-eat sausages, fish-style fingers and dairy-free ‘cheese’.

Because everything in its range is totally free from animal ingredients and derivatives as well as cholesterol, lactose, hydrogenated fats and GMOs, Redwood foods are ideal for vegetarians, vegans and anyone looking for a healthier and more ethical lifestyle.

Redwood director Keith Stott added that although the company had been approached by many potential suitors, Heather’s values most closely aligned with Redwood’s.

“We are delighted that the business has been acquired by someone with the dynamism and passion of Heather,” he said. “We’ve been approached by many large food manufacturers in the past but have never wanted to jeopardise the future of our employees - who we value so much – or our factory by selling the business to a large corporation. By selling to Heather we are protecting our loyal staff and also our base in Corby.”

Keith Stott added that although Redwood had the same beliefs and goals as Heather, they had different skills. “We are completely compatible,” he said. “We will make a dynamic team. Her efforts to promote health, compassion and to care for the planet though a vegan lifestyle are well known and fit exactly with the values held by Redwood.

2009-09-15T09:05:00.000+01:00

News from Beanfreaks web site under NEWSWIRE

Keepup to date with whats happening in the Health Market

Flu Facts: Staying Healthy During H1N1 Season
No need to panic: simple precautions can greatly reduce your risk of H1N1 this flu season… More on this story »

Could the Internet Hold the Key to Curbing the Obesity Epidemic in Kids?
Advertising and games can have a big impact on kids’ eating habits—luckily, so can parents… More on this story »

Low Folate Could Contribute to Allergies
New research suggests that low levels of folate can contribute to chronic problems including allergies and asthma… More on this story »

farmers market

2009-09-15T08:55:00.001+01:00

Beanfreaks welcomes more Farmers Markets

Farmers Market is coming to the city at another site
From Thursday in Ikea car park, It will run from the third Thursday of each month from 11am to 4pm. It is by the organisers behind the riverside farmers market so should be very good
Beanfreaks wish them every success but wish they were in St Mary's street in the heart of the city. Its another silly idea to keep customers away from city centre.
If anyone is interested in selling locally produced products at Beanfreaks please contact me .

2009-09-14T09:17:00.000+01:00

News from cardiff Beanfreaks
Staff have been busy over the weekend putting some new fittings in for the natural cosmetics section at front of store.
I think it looks great.
Come in and let us know what you think and suggest some new lines

We have the best selection of natural cosmetics in the area with all the major brands Weleda , Aubrey , Jason and much more
Love from all at beanfreaks.

2009-09-11T13:34:00.000+01:00

Alison James work shops

Always lots of handy tips to take away with you.

This week Saturday 19 Its Rheumatoid Arthritis
for more information give Alison a call on 02920251671

If you have any subjects you would like covered please ask and if you can not make it that day we will send you the information.

We love feed back

2009-09-11T13:09:00.000+01:00

In the papers this week
Scientists show how broccoli protects against heart disease
New research by scientists at Imperial College London has shown how a chemical in broccoli and other green vegetables stimulates an anti-furring reaction in the lining of the arteries.
It is already well established that eating plenty of green vegetables has a protective effect against the heart disease, but the new study may at last cast light on the mechanism behind this effect.
Tests in mice carried out by Imperial’s National Heart and Lung Institute have shown that chemical Sulforaphane appears to stimulate proteins to trigger an anti-furring effect
For people who do not like broccoli we have tablets and powder but we always recommend fresh.

2009-09-11T13:07:00.000+01:00

Beanfreaks is very worried about this herbal directive and your freedom of choice and also the costs you will have to pay for a so called safety issue.
So I have copied a letter sent by Welsh Herbalist Stuart FitzSimons to welsh assembly members to invite your views
Dear Assembly Member,
I am writing to express my grave concern, and sadness, at the devastation that seems likely to occur in the Herbal products and Health industry, with the full implementation of the TRADITIONAL HERBAL MEDICINE PRODUCT DIRECTIVE (directive 2004/24/EC) in 2011. I am also terrified by the startling legal precedent that this legislation appears to be setting, without the British or European public realising it is happening. I understand that a “Directive” can be altered and adapted by an individual member state. I believe it is imperative that we should not just adapt this directive, but reject it totally on the basis that it directly interferes with our culture, history and traditions.
I am sure you will understand my reason for concern and I hope that you will take action.
Yours Stuart FitzSimons MNIMH (Medical Herbalist)