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What are Healthy Fats?
The Perils of Vegetable and Seed Oils Reprinted with thanks from Ancestral Health: The Debate: Sugar vs Polyunsaturated Oils The debate continues as to which is worse for your health—sugar or polyunsaturated oils. Here is Alex Fergus’s takedown of vegetable and seed oils, and generally foods with higher levels of polyunsaturated fats. ”PUFA's: The Worst Thing For Your Health That You Eat Everyday” https://www.alexfergus.com/.../pufa-s-the-worst-thing-for... Ranking the Biological Safety of Fats What I found most useful is his chart ranking the biological safety of fats. This morning I’ve already had some cacao butter (100% chocolate), ghee (clarified grassfed butter) and beef tallow (grassfed). Among other benefits, each of these is predominant in the saturated fat stearic acid (C18:0), which signals mitochondrial fusion, which makes mitochondria larger and more efficient, producing less free radical damage than when burning carbohydrates. The effect peaks 3 hours after eating, so I have some when I get up to be in peak metabolic readiness for my morning aerobic activity, such as cycling, kayaking or running. The DHA Question: The Polyunsaturated Fat Conundrum Of course the eternal conundrum regarding polyunsaturated fats always is DHA, which has important benefits in terms of biophysics and biology. The best natural sources of DHA are cold-water marine animal fats and grass-fed ruminant fat. The problem with DHA or fish oil supplements is that DHA is highly oxidisable once outside the cell (or the source is overcooked). Why bother with DHA? There are numerous performative advantages to DHA, especially with regard to cognition, brain resilience and transport of the fat in blood triglycerides into cells for fat-burning (important for the heart muscle). DHA Biophysics and Quantum Properties DHA biophysics is highly conserved in evolution and the biochemistry has evolved to exploit quantum effects of DHA, with it’s highly symmetric structure with short-length bonds that enable quantum effects and even molecular memory. The fundamental principles of reality as a complex adaptive system result in a hierarchy of layers of complexity, generally the progression of layers from physics to chemistry, to biology, to ecology, to society. The unique quantum properties of DHA enable the biology layer to bypass chemistry to exploit the biophysics of DHA to derive quantum benefits from a layer below the chemistry layer on top of which biology generally operates. Quantum effects, in essence, enable optimization problems to be solved using features of physics that operate faster than the speed of light. Quantum Computing Comparison: Understanding Complexity For example, an ordinary computer effectively tops out at problems of polynomial time-and-space complexity, such as problems that require n to the power 3 computational power. A quantum computer can solve problems of NP-complete or perhaps even exponential complexity, such as problems of order 3 to the power n. DHA is the clutch that engages this higher gear of biophysics capacity in ways evolved to enhance our biology. - Murray Braithwaite
Learn moreThe Nutrients You Get From Grass Fed Bone Marrow
Freeze-Dried Raw Bone Marrow – Nutritional Breakdown Our Bone + Marrow blend is freeze dried raw, keeping all the nutritional goodness 100% available to us. Below is the breakdown. Each capsule contains 500mg of natural beef bone matrix, marrow and cartilage blend. Bone and marrow have both been valued throughout history for their concentrated nutrient profile: Calcium: supports normal bone density and skeletal strength Phosphorus: supports structural integrity of bones and teeth Type I & II Collagen: supports joint health, connective tissue, and structural support Hyaluronic Acid & Chondroitin: support joint lubrication and cartilage integrity Fat-Soluble Vitamins A, D, E & K2: support normal immune function and cellular health Essential Fatty Acids: support connective tissue health and overall cellular function Stem Cell Cofactors & Specialised Lipids: support tissue regeneration and recovery Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite: provides bioavailable mineral matrix for skeletal support Bone Marrow Compounds: deliver nutrients naturally found in whole bone for comprehensive support B Vitamins and Energy Production Bone marrow provides a small amount of the B vitamins pantothenic acid, thiamine, and biotin, which are needed for important bodily processes, including energy production. Collagen Content and Skin & Joint Health It’s also rich in collagen, the most abundant protein in your body. Supplementing your diet with collagen is thought to promote skin health and reduce joint pain Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) and Immune Support Bovine bone marrow contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3103755/), a type of fat that could decrease inflammation and enhance immune function and increases bone and calcuim metabolism. Additional Compounds Found in Bone Marrow Though more research is needed, bone marrow is also thought to provide several other key compounds, including glycine, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Summary Bone marrow is high in calories and fat. It also contains protein, vitamin B12, riboflavin, collagen, and conjugated linoleic acid. If you'd like to find out more this is a great place to start: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6704137_The_Role_of_Nutrients_in_Bone_Health_from_A_to_Z
Learn moreGlandular Therapy: Benefits, Mechanism of Action, and Immune Support
Geeky Stuff; The theory behind eating nose to tail for health. Reprinted from Owen Millar, humbly with thanks.
Learn moreAre Collagen Supplements Helpful for Arthritis?
Article reproduced from arthritis.org You’ve read the hype, gelatin, collagen supplements, even bone broth will ease your arthritis. But can collagen supplements or bone broth really help your arthritis? What is Collagen? Collagen is the most abundant protein in the animal kingdom. There are 16 types of collagen, but nearly all the collagen in your body is type I, II or III. Types I and III are found in your skin, tendons, organs and bone. Type II collagen is found in your cartilage – and hence, its link to arthritis. Collagen is made of amino acids (the building blocks of protein). The idea behind taking these supplements is that your body will use the amino acids to protect and rebuild your joint cartilage. Types of Collagen Supplements There are three types of collagen supplements: gelatin, hydrolyzed and undenatured. Gelatin and hydrolyzed collagen have been broken down from large proteins to smaller bits. When collagen is boiled for a long time (as in bone broth), it gets broken down into gelatin. Collagen can be further “predigested” into its basic amino acids and is called collagen hydrolysate, hydrolyzed gelatin, collagen peptides, or hydrolyzed collagen. Undenatured collagen is not broken into smaller proteins or amino acids. Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) is not intended to be used by your body as a collagen re-builder. In a process called oral tolerance, very small doses of UC-II are taken to train your body’s immune system to stop attacking its own collagen, explains Kimberly Sanders, ND, Assistant Professor of Clinical Sciences at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine. Do They Work? From a dietary perspective, your body can’t tell whether you ate a hydrolyzed collagen supplement, a piece of chicken, or some black beans. They’re all sources of protein, and once your digestive system has broken them down into amino acids, they are indistinguishable. So why bother with collagen supplements? Dr. Sanders says the “predigested” collagen supplements make the amino acids more easily available to your tissues. And, she explains, “When you take hydrolyzed collagen, you’re getting a boost of the specific amino acids that are rich in collagen.” But, she agrees, amino acids are amino acids and it doesn’t ultimately matter where they come from. The results of hydrolyzed collagen supplements research have been mixed. Some small studies, including a 2017 review article published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, have shown that people taking collagen supplements do experience pain relief. Other studies have found no benefit. No studies have found that collagen hydrosylates grow or repair cartilage. Studies for UC-II have not been conclusive. A 2016 study published in Nutrition Journal divided 191 people with osteoarthritis into three groups: one group received placebo; one group received UC-II and the third group received chondroitin sulfate supplements. After 180 days of treatment, the UC-II group had better pain, stiffness, and function than the placebo group (and a bit better than the chondroitin group). UC-II studies done on people with rheumatoid arthritis have had mixed results. A 2009 double-blind trial that included more than 500 people with RA found that undenatured collagen improved participants’ pain, morning stiffness, tender joint count and swollen joint count, but not as well as methotrexate. The study, published in Arthritis Research and Therapy, concluded that UC-II is safe and effective in the treatment of RA. “There’s not enough evidence to say that every patient with arthritis would benefit from any collagen supplement. But enough to say it’s promising, and studies should continue,” says Dr. Sanders. What to Look for Although evidence for the use of collagen supplements is unclear, you can be certain they’re not harmful if taken as directed. Some people do, however, complain of stomach upset or diarrhea. Dr. Sanders gives these recommendations for people wanting to give collagen supplements a try: UC-II should be taken in very small doses – usually 20–40 mg per day. Gelatin and hydrolyzed collagen should be taken in higher doses – 10 gm per day. It’s easiest to get this in powder form and blend it into a smoothie or other drink. Be aware that most collagen supplements are derived from animal tissues. If you are vegetarian or vegan, look for supplements labeled as “plant-based collagen builder.” These should have the same amino-acid balance as collagen, but not derived from animal sources. Unlike prescription and over-the-counter medications, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not “approve” dietary supplements like collagen or UC-II for safety and efficacy. Always tell your doctor what you’re taking and look for seals of approval from U.S. Pharmacopeia, ConsumerLab or NSF International to be more sure the products are manufactured properly. Author: Beth Axtell Related Resources Supplement & Herb Guide 9 Supplements for Arthritis 9 Supplements to Avoid Herbs for Arthritis
Learn moreNutrition, Mindset and Metabolic Health: Creating Positive Change Through Diet
How Our Relationship With Health and Body Image Affects Us Most people are either super happy with their health, body shape, or fitness regime, or others question constantly how to control their weight, worry about what to eat, and stress about not getting enough of something to make their lives easier, more restful, more fulfilled. Navigating Uncertainty and Change The major changes that we are all going through now, in mid 2020 are impacting on our relationships with ourselves, and our future selves. Being able to turn those feelings of uncertainty and doubt into a positive underlying vibe, can be assisted by diet. By supporting yourself nutritionally with food that nourishes and sustains you to be able to change gears into joy, positivity and gratitude. It starts with making changes to your daily routines. Learning about nutrition and meditation is a start. Im guessing that being on this website you are already on the pathway! The Importance of Balanced Nutrition Good nutrition is available to us, locally grown, and sourced foods and understanding that the macros protein, carbs and fat in the right amount form the basis to enabling nourishment to support us. Things that are slowly killing us are processed foods, vegetable oils and sugar, the ones that are responsible for the cravings that make us reach for the quick fix. I don't believe that there is one diet that fits all, but what I do believe is that optimal health is available to potentially, everyone. Starting the Journey Toward Metabolic Healing I've posted below some really good sites and a podcast to give you information that will educate and assist you in making the right choices today. People have noted that metabolic healing starts the minute that you refuse to put anything destructive to your health in your mouth. People who have replaced processed foods with home grown, meat eggs, fish and low carb vegetables have noted changes very quickly. I also love being outside in the sun, this tops up my Vit D reserves and my mood! often. I'm happy to answer any questions if you have them please drop me a note at homegrownprimal@gmail.com or take a look at our FAQs for more information.
Learn moreHow many beef organ capsules should I take a day?
I've had a few people asking this question. Our freeze dried organs are made from 100% beef, right down to the gelatine capsule. There's nothing added and these can be safely taken daily. The Traditional Use of Organ Meat for Health and Healing For most of human history we used animals for food and nutrition and instinctively used the organ meat for health and healing. Traditional people focused on like for like, so for kidney health, kidneys were consumed, heart health, hearts were given. Why Liver Is Considered the Ultimate Superfood Liver is the ultimate super food, dense with our daily requirements of B12, choline, Vitamin A and C. These nutrients are essential for our health and detoxification. Enabling the body's processes to work optimally. Boost: Freeze-Dried Liver for Daily Nutritional Support We recommend that you consume around 100gm of raw liver a week, to support your health. 6 capsules of Boost a day will give you the equivalent of this a week. this is not a huge amount but cumulatively you will be providing your body with some awesome ongoing nutritional support. This also goes for our Thrive, organ mix. 6 capsules a day will give you great metabolic support. Ignition: Beef Brain, Cholesterol and DHA for Brain Function Ignition, our beef brain, has some nuance, organ meat is high in so many necessary vitamins, minerals and trace elements, but brain contains a higher fat content. Its high in cholesterol, which is great for brain function. But also new studies have shown that cholesterol is responsible for maintaining cell health in older adults. DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid, is high in brain tissue as well. We recommend you take 1500mg daily of Ignition. 3 capsules Restore: Type 2 Collagen for Joint and Ligament Support Restore is packed with Type 2 collagen. I have always loved chewing on bones, beef, lamb and pork. Being active, my body needs the restorative care I get from this type 2 collagen. It goes directly to my ligaments and joints. For me, adding more type 2 collagen into my diet has completely removed any joint pain I had simmering. We recommend that 1500mg of Restore daily will help your body maintain healthy tissue, from ligaments and joints to the fascia that gently supports inter-muscular tissue. Boost Powder: A Convenient Alternative to Capsules We are aware that not everyone wants to drop a lot of capsules a day so Boost powder provides a great alternative. Powder. This has a range of uses, you can sprinkle it in smoothies, stews, and over eggs your favourite way. If you'd like to learn more check out our guide to beef organ supplements
Learn moreWhy Does Mainstream Health Advice Often Ignore Meat
Interestingly, I've spent the last few hours searching google, for articles that the average person would want to read about health and diet. I'm not surprised about my findings; so many articles about healthy food, fresh vegetables, grains, and not much about meat and its abilities to maintain a healthy immune system, and metabolic health. Thankfully I have podcasts loaded up on Spotify, for my daily run/walks to fill my mind with the latest research from the people I really rate in this field. Most are functional doctors, some are scientists and others athletes or biohackers who are wanting more from their nutrition, or are not convinced the the health guidelines that have been promoted by our 'institutions' for healthy living. How to Hack Your Way to Better Metabolic Health I thought that I'd share them with you here: If you have been wanting to find out information about how you can hack your way to metabolic health please click these links below, and sign up to their regular podcasts. Dr Paul Mason on Metabolic Health and Immune Function https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lJPjsuftmQ Dr Paul Mason, talks about metabolic health, and the five markers of health or sickness that give us an indication of our ability to fight virus's and longterm sickness like diabetes and heart disease. Paul Saladino on Herd Immunity and Metabolic Resilience https://www.facebook.com/carnivoreMD/videos/582562685939040/UzpfSTEwMDAwMTE5MjQwMjc0MjoyNzgwMTQxNzQyMDM1NTQ1/ Paul Saladino, the carnivoreMD who really gets to question the way the virus shut down has been handled. He also offers some great insight into herd immunity and our Metabolic health. Mental Health, Nutrition and the Carnivore Diet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgL1vlasrxU Ken Berry and Georgia Ede, talking about mental health and nutrition! Both these educated doctors are carnivores and talk about their journey back into health and how important what we put in our mouths determines our metabolic health, and our ability to combat disease. The Role of Ancestral Diet and Organ Meat in Metabolic Health Hopefully you're inspired to read further, and take a good look at your diet, your metabolic health and steps towards a fuller, more expansive healthy life. All these guys, know the value of the ancestral diet and the place that organ meat has in this diet. Freeze-Dried Organ Supplements for Optimal Health Please also head to our shop for free delivery during April and 10% off your first order. Our organs are freeze dried, so they are raw! and all the goodness is retained, so you are getting all the vitamins, minerals and trace elements, peptides and amino acids that you need for optimal health.
Learn moreHow To Stay Calm And Support Your Immune System In Today's Chaos
I'm not sure whether chaos is the right word for my title, I'm feeling that I'm now in the calm of the storm, while it rages around me, I'm practicing down regulation of my nervous system with exercise, Yoga, new breath techniques and of course eating ancestral diet. Checking In With Your Nervous System I encourage all of you to take a look inside yourselves and notice how busy, stressed or calm you are, and if calm is a state of mind/body how do you stay there?? and how can you share this with others. If you are stressed, I invite you to breathe.... Staying in the Zone: Immune System Resilience In this podcast: Paul and Ben chat about how to stay in the zone, through simple hacks that keep your immune system optimal. https://carnivoremd.com/how-to-survive-the-coronavirus-zombie-apocalypse-with-ben-greenfield The Power Of Organ Meats Paul Saladino talks about peptides, short strings of amino acids that are found in organ meat and how they are soooo beneficial to health. Heat and Cold Therapy for Mitochondrial Health They also mention heat and cold cycling, how its important to expose the body to extremes of temperatures for health, think Wim Hoff. So cold plunges or cold showers actually help the mitochondria with their job of keeping the whole body system working optimally. The Role of Sleep in Immune Health Sleep is another really important aspect of good health. Getting as much as your body needs, is crucial to maintain a healthy immune system. This is regular, circadian activity. Noticing when you are tired and taking that directive to sleep, and not exposing yourself to extending amounts of blue light through the night. Breathing Techniques to Down Regulate Breathing techniques to down regulate: James Nestor's book Breathe should be on your reading list this lockdown. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WWDqKljmCU Why Organ Meat Supports Immune Function Knowing that organ meat is fundamental to a healthy immune system, I encourage you to check out our supplements, grab some Thrive, our organ mix that has spleen, which directly supports our immune system as well as liver, heart, kidneys and pancreas. Thrive is my choice of supplement for immune support. NZ Sourced, Grass Fed, Nutrient Dense We are a NZ company and our products are sourced from NZ grass feb beef, and freeze dried to lock in all the nutrients, peptides, vitamins, mineral and trace elements, to support us right now, during these tough times. Choose Nourishment Over Junk Food Don't reach for the junk food to make you feel better, take a walk, listen to a podcast and choose locally grown, pesticide free, food to keep your body in the most healthy state possible.
Learn moreHow Regenerative Grazing Is Restoring New Zealand’s Land
They have been on the planet longer than humans have, in large herds, roaming the pasture lands. 'Pruning' the long grasses, trampling the soils and bringing their highly prized manure to the land. Now with the help of Alan Savory, https://www.ted.com/talks/allan_savory_how_to_fight_desertification_and_reverse_climate_change?language=en There is new appreciation for this type of farming because of a number of reasons. But primarily the health of the soil, and its ability to sequester carbon. A Shift In New Zealand Farming I'm excited because here in New Zealand there is a growing number of farmers who have seen that traditional farming no longer is serving the land and they are opting for changing the farming approach. Mangarara in the Hawkes Bay is doing just this. https://www.mangarara.co.nz/ Farming For Our Long Term Future I invite you to take a closer look at what is happening in NZ agriculture today, the farmers who are looking to the long term future of their pastures, their local community and their animals. "Every Mouthful we take is coming from a system thats either degrading the planet or, if you choose, you can eat well from a food production system that is regenerating the land" Greg Hart Mangarara Farm Every Bite Is A Choice I invite you to think about the foods you eat, their carbon foot print, and the impact on the land of that foods production.
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