Joanne Jackson

There is a movement spreading across the globe called "Meatless Monday" and more and more people are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact their food choices are making. It seems the program first originated during the First World War when Americans were encouraged by the US Food and Drug Administration to reduce their consumption of key staples to help the war effort.

Flax seed oil is the richest source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a member of the omega -3 essential fatty acid family. Because our body is unable to manufacture essential fatty acids (EFAs), they must be consumed through our diet.

Too much cholesterol can cause blood cholesterol levels to rise, which can increase the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. In general, the higher the blood cholesterol level, the more likely it is that plaque will build up in the arteries causing heart disease.

Vitamin D is essential for the proper formation of the skeleton. It is vital for bone growth and renewal as it helps our bodies absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D is also required for nerve and muscle activity and can help combat chronic inflammation. Research is also determining that vitamin D may help keep cancer cells from growing and dividing.

Are you beginning to notice the disappearance of many natural health products from the shelves of your local health food store?

Often referred to as "liquid sunshine" chlorophyll provides us with numerous health benefits. Chlorophyll has been proven beneficial in preventing and healing many forms of disease, and scientific research is showing there are very few illnesses that could not be helped by chlorophyll.

Fast food is highly processed and loaded down with additives. Many of these additives found in fast and processed foods are substances that damage our cells. Although many of these chemicals have been approved by the regulating government bodies, they are still foreign to the body and can cause health issues.

If you've ever suffered from constipation, you know how miserable and uncomfortable this condition can be. Most often we become constipated because of poor diet. Eating too many processed foods high in sugar and fat, and not eating enough vegetables, fruits, and fibre can wreak havoc on our digestive system, and for lack of a better term, plug us up. Constipation can also be caused by other factors such as sedentary lifestyle, chronic illness, the use of iron supplements, and prescription drugs.

Many companies and products make false claims and we've heard them all. Anything from "curing disease" to "losing weight without doing a thing", these products give a false sense of hope to people.

"Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet." Albert Einstein couldn't have said this any better. The only problem…we're not listening to his advice.