Welcome to the Nutrition Section.

The nutritional and herbal medicine information is collected from clinical trials and research, as well as traditional uses. It will be regularly updated via seminars. For more information go to Colleges, the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine and Seminars pages.

This section contains information on Nutrition and Herbal Medicine that reflects current trends and information being presented to the general public. This section is currently and continuously being updated - Stay tuned.

Vitamins - Click for information on vitamins.

Minerals - Click for information on minerals.

Amino acids - Click for information on amino acids.

Herbal Medicines

For information on herbal medicines, visit the Herbal Page.

Tomatoes

Caffeine

New Books

New books by Brad McEwen are soon to be published in December 2007. One of these books is "Clinical Applications of Amino Acids". For more information on this book go to the Products page.

A tomato a day...

The prevention of arterial thrombotic diseases has a high priority in developed countries. An inappropriate diet may be an important risk factor for thrombotic events. The daily intake of an anti-thrombotic diet may offer a convenient and effective way of prevention. The aim of the present study was to test tomato extracts for anti-thrombotic effects and to identify those varieties that have such an effect. Extracts from those tomato varieties that showed a significant anti-thrombotic activity in vitro were further assessed in vivo, using a laser-induced thrombosis test in mice. One tomato variety (KG99-4) showed significant anti-thrombotic activity both in vitro and in vivo. KG99-4 inhibited not only platelet-rich thrombus formation but also had a thrombolytic effect

(Yamamoto J, Taka T, Yamada K, Ijiri Y, Murakami M, Hirata Y, Naemura A, Hashimoto M, Yamashita T, Oiwa K, Seki J, Suganuma H, Inakuma T, and Yoshida T 2003, Tomatoes have natural anti-thrombotic effects, British Journal of Nutrition, Dec; 90(6): 1031-8).

- Tomatoes can be very beneficial for everyday health. An anti-thrombotic affect can be beneficial in people whose blood clots too easily or those who suffer from cholesterol plaques. Be wary of allergies or sensitivities, or if you have an acid or inflammatory condition - see your health care professional.

Effects of olive oil and tomato lycopene combination on heart disease risk factors

Objective - To compare the effect of two diets (a monounsaturated fat enriched olive oil diet and high carbohydrate low olive oil diet), with controlled carotenoid content on serum lycopene, lipids and susceptibility of serum to in vitro oxidation.

Design - A randomised crossover dietary intervention study, in human subjects (20-70 years), of two dietary periods (olive oil enriched, and high carbohydrate low olive oil) of 10 days duration. Both the diets were matched for basic foods and were controlled for carotenoid content, which was high in lycopene.

Results - Both diets similarly increased serum lycopene levels. Serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were higher; and triglycerides and low density lipoprotein to high density lipoprotein ratio were lower at the end of the high olive oil diet compared to the high carbohydrate low olive oil diet. No difference was seen in susceptibility of serum to in vitro oxidation between the two diets.

Conclusions - A high olive oil diet with high lycopene content may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by increasing serum lycopene levels and improving serum lipid profile.

(Ahuja KD, Kunde D, and Ball MJ 2003, Effects of olive oil and tomato lycopene combination on heart disease risk factors, School of Human Life Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Asia Pac J Clin Nutr,12 Suppl: S21).

Caffeine

Caffeine affects our daily lives. Most of us have caffeine drinks each day, as part of relaxation or as due to stress at work. Some just enjoy the taste.

Some Facts About Caffeine Caffeine's action occurs from 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion 200 milligrams of caffeine (about 2 cups of coffee) can:

• Increase alertness and reduce fatigue
• Temporarily increase heartbeat and blood pressure
• Interfere with sleep
• Increase flow of urine

300-1,000 milligrams of caffeine (3 to 10 cups of coffee) can cause:

• Insomnia
• Shaking and nervousness
• Irregular heartbeats
• Increased feelings of anxiety

Caffeine Counts in Common Sources Product Caffeine (in milligrams)

• Brewed coffee, 1 cup 50-150
• Instant coffee, 1 cup 30-120
• Sweetened coffee mix, 1 cup 40-80
• Decaffinated coffee, 1 cup 2-8
• Brewed tea, 1 cup 20-100
• Instant tea, 1 cup 30-70

This information is presented for your personal educational purposes only. It does not replace or substitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose or treat, and should not be used so. Always consult a health care professional. Use only as directed. If symptoms do persist, or if you are unsure, consult your Health Care Professional. Please read labels carefully. Do not stop taking your medications. Speak to your doctor.