Table of contents for July 2016 in Longevity Magazine

In this issue we have created a new editorial section called Tried and Tested. We assembled a panel of experts in the field of nutrition to test a specific food group and advise on the healthiest choices. This is no quick exercise; it takes hours and hours to sift through and sample the food, check the labels and then research any additional information. We’ve kicked off this series with the most important meal of the day: breakfast, looking at breakfast cereals. Just as the name implies – breaking a fast – it is the first meal of the day after a fast of sleeping and not eating. And how we start our day will set us up for a good or bad performance. As dietician Celynn Erasmus says: “If we…

CONVERSATIONS ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK @GISELEWAYMES @KitchenAidSA just loved that #healthyfoodstudio kitchen Look forward to test driving it @INTELLISKIN Eat Yourself to A Better World http://buff.ly/1SPnDGx via @ longevitymag #STANDTALL @RAULMARCUS Being #Optimistic Will Increase #Longevity via @longevitymag @NFORMULARY A nice read for an introduction in #Ayurveda via @longevitymag @THEIAMENOUGHPRO Why Women Lack #SelfConfidence: via @longevitymag #selfesteem #confidence #IAMEnough @GRANDVILLAOB Learn some top tips to help you protect your memory by reading this article from @longevitymag! WHY THESE 5 CELEBS LOVE YERBA MATE TEA What if there were a coffee alternative that actually worked? Yerba mate tea may be the solution. Celebrities such as Meg Ryan, Madonna, Alicia Silverstone, Gwyneth Paltrow and the oh-so-sexy Viggo Mortensen certainly seem to think so. Share your thoughts with us @longevitymag “YOUR COMMENTS ON…

INGREDIENT NAME: BROMINATED VEGETABLE OIL (BVO) MADE OF: BROMINE FOUND IN: SOFT DRINKS WHAT IS BVO? Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is a complex mixture of plant-derived triglycerides (the main constituent of human, animal and plant fat) that contain atoms of the element bromine bonded to the molecules. It is derived from soybean or corn, and is primarily used to help to emulsify citrus-flavoured soft drinks (although it is present in many other flavours as well), preventing the flavour from separating during distribution and leaving the soft drink murky in colour. Without BVO, soft-drink flavouring would float to the surface. It is also used to slow down the chemical reactions which result in a fire, and as such can be classified as a flame-retardant. As a result, BVO is added to…

Q I am in my mid-40s; I have been married to the same man for 18 years and have known him most of my adult life. I have limited sexual experience and we have, over the years, had good sex (or as best as I would know it to be good), but in the last year I have been finding it increasingly challenging to feel sexually enthused by him and, worse still, I am having problems with orgasms. I have tried sex toys, but it is making the issue worse, as I have become dependent on them and my husband has now banned them from our bedroom. There is no problem with him and he tries new things, but nothing seems to be working. Why is this happening and what…

Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson is still considered a natural bombshell at the age of 52. Mother of two, actress and businesswoman, Macpherson has worked hard to make her mark on the world. Yet in her late 40s, a culmination of stressors meant she began to gain weight and suffered from fatigue. It took something as simple as an alkalising diet to turn her story around. ELLE’S BODY TROUBLES Four years ago, Macpherson reveals that she could feel her body was struggling. Even though she had been routinely drinking three litres of water a day, and had cut out red meat and alcohol years ago, it wasn’t enough. She was increasingly suffering from fatigue and consistent weight gain around her midsection. She explained: “I realise now that we can easily get…

Industrial hemp is well known for its use in cosmetics, building materials, nutrition and clothing, but today it’s moving into a whole new league: natural health. For the first time South Africa has access to hemp CBD oil, a cannabidiol extract that not only benefits one’s everyday health, but, as research suggests, has a positive effect on diseases such as Alzheimer’s, epilepsy and drug-resistant cancer. WHAT IS CBD? In many kitchens today, omega-3-rich hemp oil is taking the place of common olive oil. Yet there is another oil within the hemp plant that appears to support health: a cannabinoid compound known as cannabidiol, or CBD. Unlike medical cannabis, industrial hemp does not contain the cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol); in fact, CBD is known as an anti-psychoactive – it can’t make you…

“OUR BODIES CHANGE; HOW I DEAL WITH THE CHANGE IS DIRECTLY CORRELATED TO HOW BEAUTIFUL I LOOK”– Elle Macpherson A-PEEL-LING As we age, hydration in the skin begins to diminish, leading to dull-looking skin, visible fine lines, uneven skin tone and coarser texture. One of the ways to improve the condition and appearance of skin is with chemical peels. “Despite the popularity of chemical peels, they present a number of barriers,” says Dr Adam Geyer, Kiehl’s consulting dermatologist. “While effective, the treatment can cause skin sensitivity, including redness, irritation and scarring.” He adds that consumers will need to undergo preparation and precautions to ensure efficacy of an in-office peel and to minimise post-peel sensitivities. Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate with sustainably sourced quinoa husk extract delivers an alternative…

SPAR Freshline is an extensive range of your favourite top-quality fresh produce, floral and bakery products, safely produced and packed by approved SPAR suppliers for your convenience. This is aimed at ensuring your peace of mind, as any product with the SPAR Freshline branding offers you guaranteed specialist quality. Freshline follows all national regulations laid out for the produce category. All Freshline products are traceable to source, and are harvested and baked daily. The SPAR Freshline brand has a stringent On-Farm Quality System to ensure the suppliers, such as the local farmers and artisanal bakeries, comply with international food safety standards, from pre-packing through to processing. Freshline is committed to sustainable green farming practices, such as restoring healthy soils and minimising water usage. Product is sourced nationally from farms and…

“Deliciously fresh and light, these fritters make the perfect brunch.” ZUCCHINI AND AVOCADO FRITTERS WITH LEMON COCONUT YOGHURT Makes 6 fritters FRITTERS 2 zucchinis, coarsely grated Himalayan salt and ground pepper 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 cup baby spinach leaves, shredded ¼ cup basil leaves, finely chopped ½ cup almond meal ½ tsp ground cumin ½ tsp ground coriander 1 Tbsp psyllium husk 1 Tbsp virgin organic coconut oil LEMON COCONUT YOGHURT ¼ cup Greek yoghurt Zest of ½ lemon Himalayan salt and ground pepper Paprika Sliced avocado and baby rocket leaves (to serve) To make the fritters, place the grated zucchini in a colander with some salt. Sit for 10 minutes to release the moisture. Squeeze dry with your hands. In a mixing bowl, combine the zucchini and all…

WINTER IS THE TIME WHEN OUR BODY IS NATURALLY MORE INCLINED TO BULKING OR BUILDING LEAN MUSCLE MASS, SAYS TYRONE WESSELS, AN ACCREDITED PERSONAL TRAINER AND INTERNATIONALLY QUALIFIED POWER YOGA INSTRUCTOR. BEING THE BEST VERSION OF YOU “We have evolved to adapt to our environment. The form our body takes depends on the environmental signals it receives, such as the kind of food we eat and how frequently it is available, what exercise we participate in and how often, how hard we have to work to maintain our core temperature at a given time of year, and how much water we consume on a daily basis – to name a few factors. This external stimulus lets our body know at what level it needs to function in order to meet…

FOR NATURE Cape Leopard Trust and Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards Event 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa 021 437 9029 restaurants@12apostles.co.za If you are looking for something different, join the Cape Leopard Trust and Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards at the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa on Wednesday 27 July for a three-course dinner and presentation uncovering the groundbreaking leopard and predator research currently under way. Tickets are priced at R535 per person, with R100 per person donated to the wildlife initiative. The Cape Leopard Trust was established in 2004 to investigate and establish the presence of leopards in the Cape. Researchers Jeannie Hayward and Anita Meyer will share their experiences and their work to study the Cape’s last remaining and free- roaming big cats. Following the presentation, Executive chef…

Ekuthuleni Lodge and Tshwene Lodge invite you to unwind in complete luxury only 2 ½ hours from Gauteng. Situated in the picturesque malaria-free, Big Five Welgevonden Game Reserve, nature is simply a stone’s throw away. With only five luxury suites accommodating a maximum of 10 guests, each lodge offers intimacy and privacy, and is ideal for family groups or romantic weekend getaways. Guests can cool off in one of the inviting swimming pools after a game drive, relax on the deck overlooking a waterhole or curl up with a book in the comfort of their suite. Game drives are conducted by our passionate guides, whose knowledge of the fauna and flora allows them to interpret the amazing diversity of the African bush. HOW TO ENTER To win this prize, SMS…

I hate summer. No, seriously, I can’t stand it. It’s too hot, it’s sweaty, I can’t sleep properly. It’s horrible. And yet it gets all the love. Well, enough! Summer has had its time in the sun and there’s a new cowboy in town. It’s winter, baby! The Starks were right (Game of Thrones reference, sorry). I’m so happy, I could drink two hot chocolates. Winter is the best. It’s the Goldilocks of seasons – if you’re too cold, add a layer; if you’re too hot, remove one. When I climb into bed in summer, Jazz makes me keep my body heat as far from her as possible, but come winter, I’m like a human hot water bottle. What’s not to be happy about? Then there’s the food. Summer is…

BROWN FAT – CAN SCIENTISTS MAKE A PILL FOR IT? Every one of us has a certain amount of brown fat, otherwise known as “good fat”, in our body. Brown fat has a strong ability to burn energy and produce heat, unlike normal white fat, which remains stagnant and stores calories. It was thought that humans produced brown fat only during infancy and since discovering its presence in adults, scientists have been looking for a way to take advantage of its energy-burning abilities. WHAT A JADE EGG CAN DO FOR YOUR SEX LIFE Mention sex and you have everyone’s attention; mention pelvic floor health and you’ve lost them. Yet, you can’t have one without the other. As well as low libido, pelvic floor problems are linked to vaginal dryness and…

“OPTIMISING BEAUTY IS TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO LOOK THE BEST VERSION OF THEMSELVES” FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, GROWING UP ON A SOUTH AFRICAN ROSE FARM, DR ZAK SCHABORT HAS ALWAYS BEEN SURROUNDED – AND CAPTIVATED – BY BEAUTY. NOT ONLY BY THE WAY BEAUTIFUL THINGS LOOK, BUT ALSO BY THE JOY THEY CAN ADD TO PEOPLE’S LIVES. After studying dentistry at the University of Pretoria , I continued my training in the highly specialised field of aesthetic dentistry, both locally and abroad. I am the founder of the nationwide Cosmetic and Dental Emporium, and I have treated top Hollywood stars and local celebrities. I am also president of the Soft Surgery Institute of South Africa. I think it is important to consider the way a person was destined to look,…

“MEDICAL SCHOOLS AND MEDICAL JOURNALS HAVE INCREASED EFFORTS TO MINIMISE AND MANAGE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST WITH INDUSTRY” My latest Viewpoint, “Corporate funding of food and nutrition research: science or marketing”, was published in JAMA Internal Medicine 2016; 176 (1): 13-14. The longstanding influence of food-industry funding on nutrition research, researchers and professional societies threatens the credibility of nutrition science. So much research is sponsored by industry that health professionals and the public may lose confidence in basic dietary advice. Although most journals now require authors to disclose who pays for their work, disclosure – even done diligently – is not sufficient to alert readers to the extent to which industry funding influences research results and professional opinion. As is well established from experimental and observational research, drug company gifts and…

Feeling the difference alkalising had made in her life, Macpherson decided to team up with Laubscher to create a wholefood organic product line, including the The Super Elixir, a food-based alkalising supplement that contains greens, prebiotics, probiotics, Chinese herbs and medicinal mushrooms, which can be consumed daily in juice or water. When choosing an alkalising supplement, Laubscher recommends going for an organic product, saying: “If you take something synthetic, you pee out the vitamins.” Macpherson adds: “We made sure the ingredients were bio-live so they could be absorbed and were ‘useful’ to the body.” Many experts agree that an 80% alkaline diet provides the necessary fuel and nutrients to keep your organs, blood and brain in the state needed to ensure long-lasting health and vitality. You can purchase alkaline powders…

Diabetes is no longer an illness that affects a few. As our world has become increasingly less active, and unprocessed, organic food has become more expensive and harder to come by, the cases of lifestyle disease have soared into the millions, with diabetes nestling comfortably near the top of the list. “The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that there are currently 382 million people with diabetes worldwide, a number expected to increase to 592 million by 2035. An estimated 3.5 million people in South Africa have diabetes, and even more concerning is the fact that about 50% of the cases are undiagnosed,” says Dr Arien van der Merwe in her new book, Managing Diabetes and Related Health Challenges. Diabetes mellitus comes in three forms: Type-1, Type-2 and gestational diabetes. Diabetes…

Your greatest vitality comes from what you eat. I became interested in food, and in the difference I felt within me when I changed what I ate, about 12 years ago. As my knowledge has deepened over the years, I can understand why many people show no interest in where their food comes from. The problems associated with most of the food sold are immense: health issues for the humans who eat the “food”, environmental damage from the way the food is produced, and inhumane treatment of animals. In fact, I contend that homo sapiens is committing species-wide suicide. One of the simplest ways to revitalise yourself is to avoid antibiotics in your food – meat, in particular. This is a lot harder than you imagine. Especially when over 85%…

Did you know that daily washing is one of the major causes of moisture loss from your skin? Water itself is dehydrating to the skin, and your choice of cleansing products adds to this, as alcoholbased products and foaming cleansers tend to strip not only dirt and excess sebum, but your skin’s naturally oily layer too. Says cosmetic scientist John Knowlton: “Lipidol Cleansing Face Oil has been carefully designed and scientifically formulated to ensure that it has maximum cleansing potency to remove excess sebum and accumulated dirt, while at the same time leaving your skin in optimum health.” Lipidol products are locally produced and available through Clicks stores nationwide.…

Tattoos have been a part of human social evolution for thousands of years, but it was not until the early 1970s that they entered into mainstream fashion. At this point, we began to redefine the significance behind having body art and, in doing so, influenced the rest of the Western world’s perception of it. Today, tattoos are seen as a lifestyle choice. They can either be a form of art you find aesthetically pleasing or something you’d rather keep off your body and on a wall. Most people who fancy body art will start to ink up from a young age, and as with anything, delving into any life commitment that you haven’t fully understood can lead to various consequences later on. Although your impulsive inclinations are usually heightened when…

Here is a great timesaving beginner’s workout that you can do at home: 1 Run on the spot slowly for one minute. 2 Run on the spot as fast as you can for one minute. 3 Continual jumping jacks for one minute. 4 20 body-weight squats. 5 25 lunges. 6 50 sit-ups. 7 Hold plank for one minute. The exercises should follow close on one another. Increase the length and intensity of each exercise based on your fitness goals. Don’t forget to stretch before and after.…

LISTEN TO... MUST-HAVE DOWNLOAD SINGLE: Justin Timberlake is back with an original song created for DreamWorks Animation’s family movie release Trolls (in which he voices one of the “stars”). Just hearing the opening cords of Can’t Stop the Feeling will put a smile on your face, whatever your mood. ” BECAUSE YOU CAN: Part of the popular Now franchise, Now That’s What I Call A Song contains 20 songs that are bound to have memories – old and new. The album contains a range of favourites, from Dido’s White Flag and Elton John’s Can You Feel The Love Tonight to the Goo Goo Dolls’ Iris and Luther Vandross’s Dance With My Father, and the more recently released Story of My Life by One Direction and Andy Grammer’s Honey I’m Good.…

CAPE TOWN Longevity readers joined Germany-based Dr Adof Klenk and the Plantur team to learn about the caffeine-based product that not only strengthens and protects hair, but also prevents thinning and a receding hairline. Three reader events were held at the Table Bay Hotel, Cape Town, Audacia Hotel in Durban, and Crowne Plaza in Johannesburg. The morning consisted of expert advice from Dr Klenk, and live hair demonstrations and tips given by Blo owner Rory Sandilands. We captured some of the best moments of the day – see if you were there. DURBAN JOHANNESBURG…

Collagen Lift™ Paris, the new French collagen drink, has taken South Africa by storm! Collagen Lift™ Paris is a drinkable collagen that is clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by up to 50%. Collagen is responsible for the smooth, plump appearance of young, healthy skin, which, with age, diminishes and allows wrinkles to form. By using Collagen Lift™ Paris, you can now replenish your body’s collagen from within. Available online and at selected Clicks stores, pharmacies and beauty salons countrywide for R680 per box of 28 ampoules (one month supply). Or visit the website to see your closest stockists www.collagenliftparis.com. The winning letter gets a three-month supply.…

1. NUTRITION A MEDITERRANEAN DIET LOWERS STROKE RISK A new study, published in the European Heart Journal, has shown that those with heart disease who eat a Mediterranean-style diet are at a lower risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke. The study tracked 15 482 people from 39 countries, and reports many potential health benefits that can be gained from eating a diet high in fruit, vegetables, fish and unrefined foods – known as the Mediterranean diet. The participants averaged 67 years old and had already been diagnosed with heart disease. They were asked to fill out questionnaires about their current diet, and were assigned a “Mediterranean diet score” (MDS), based on how many healthy foods they consumed, and a “Western diet score” (WDS), based on the number of…

Americans’ waistlines continue to expand, with 43% of men and 64% of women now in the Abdominal Obesity Danger Zone. If that’s where you are, you’re at serious risk for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, dementia and other big health problems. And now, another new report says “skinny fat” – a normal weight plus a belly pooch – is a lot more deadly than simply being overweight. When Mayo Clinic researchers checked the waist sizes, weight and health histories of 15 184 Americans, they found that those with “weight central obesity” were twice as likely to die from heart disease as those who were overweight or obese but didn’t have that excess belly fat. And they were 87% more likely to have fatal heart disease than people with a normal weight…

For decades people have attempted to quantify beauty. Carl Jung spent the later years of his life studying various cultures, and what he found was certain shapes and symbols had a universal language, which he termed archetypes. Archetypes in their most basic form would be represented by geometric shapes: the square, circle, triangle and figure eight. Colour also represents an archetype. This concept was further expanded by the artist Phillip Hallawell, who recognised that every visual image was composed of these archetypes and that these archetypes had a universal meaning, which was the same across all cultures. Historically, it was thought that the limbic system was responsible in initial visual reactions. However, recent science has shown that the visual thalamus is capable of recognising archetypes that trigger the initial reaction…

A LAUGHING MATTER. This incredibly contagious and free antidote is exactly what can change a down day into something wonderful. We had a blast using laughter at a management meeting, and the impact was powerful. You may have seen recent adverts that demonstrate the power of a smile and laughter among strangers; imagine the impact among a project team or colleagues in an office. Notable are the health benefits, as laughter is linked to lowering your blood pressure, releasing endorphins and decreasing stress hormones. ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE. Research suggests that the more you practise gratitude, the better you will feel. Try a gratitude list, journal or drawing. Be innovative and don’t let your gratitude strategy get boring. On difficult days, I pause and remember that there is always something to…

LOW-LEVEL LASER LIGHT THERAPY AND WINTER During the winter months when the air is rife with infection, there is a decrease in the efficiency at which your system functions, thus making you more susceptible to invaders. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can be used as an adjunct to fend off a variety of infections. We are equipped with an immune system, evolutionary in its design. Its purpose is to protect our bodies from the cold, but mostly from the bacteria and viruses we are exposed to on a daily basis. It’s a defence system of cellular origin, which comes together like the “Unsullied army” to maintain perfect health. This army protects the body from invaders, such as the variety of bacteria, viruses, parasites and even fungi whose intention it is to…

THE PANEL OF EXPERTS Celynn Erasmus is a registered dietician who works as a full-time professional speaker and writer. She is passionate about equipping busy people with practical tools and techniques that will enhance their performance, help them to manage fatigue and boost energy levels. She is a regular media columnist founder and developer of the WELLCULATOR™, and has published a bestselling book with Tafelberg entitled Fast Food For Sustained Energy, coauthored with renowned dietician Gabi Steenkamp. Erasmus is also co-founder of the Resilient Energy Centre and the FAB Quotient™. Along with behavioural strategist Joni Peddie, Erasmus has published book one of a series of three called The FAB Quotient: Fight Fatigue and Stay Resilient. Linda Drummond holds a BSc in Chemical, Molecular and Cellular Sciences, and…

JIMMY NEVIS Singer-songwriter • A towel • Adidas takkies • Fitbit wrist band • Hugo Boss fragrance • Headphones LEANNE DLAMINI Singer-songwriter and founder of #EndGirlHate • Big bottle of water • Small towel • Sugarfree gum • My cellphone • Headphones • A fruit – to snack on SHASHI NAIDOO South African actress, television presenter, model, MC, entrepreneur and fashion blogger • Facial sunscreen ... I’ve gotten into the habit of never leaving the house without sunblock on, but obviously, after a hard workout, you’re bound to have sweated it all off, so I make sure I spritz a bit on after • Tissues (usually for crying) • A sweat towel • A large bottle of water…

1 Don’t favour protein over carbs, as healthy carbohydrates are an important addition to winter fitness. “The correct type of carbohydrate to focus on is resistant starch, as this keeps your colon healthy, prevents cancer and is recommended for athletes due to the slow energy release that it provides. Examples of resistant starch are cooled potatoes and green bananas. When cooked potato is cooled, it changes state and becomes low-GI. It is also not broken down at the beginning of the digestion process; rather, this occurs in the colon, which results in a change in the pH of the gut bacteria, which promotes healthy gut bacteria. These healthy gut bacteria also assist in energy release.” 2 Be careful when choosing an omega-3 supplement, due to irregularities in the quality of…

My first taste of Rome was seven years ago, on a Contiki tour. It was basically a stop-over, but the taste lingered and I knew I wanted to explore it further. There was something about the ancient history the city had tucked away that got me excited. With an appreciation of art, history and coffee, I wanted to see more, this time with my husband in tow. With the rand/euro exchange, we were forced to look for more affordable options in terms of accommodation. We prioritised location over daily transportation, so we could experience the full extent of Rome. We booked a quaint apartment in the centre of Rome through Airbnb. I planned a detailed itinerary to ensure we saw everything in the area. We arrived in Rome late on…

Aesthetic Dentist DR MARK BOWES President of the South African Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry De Waterkant Health 13 Hudson St Greenpoint Cape Town Tel: 021 418 2048 Fax: 021 418 2049 Email: info@dwhealth.co.za www.dewaterkanthealth.co.za Aesthetic Dentist DR SAM THANDAR THINC CLINIC 28 Bolton Rd Rosebank Gauteng Tel: 011 788 2701 Email: reception@thandarinc.co.za www.thandarinc.co.za Dermatologist DR IZOLDA HEYDENRYCH CAPE TOWN COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY CENTRE Central Park on Esplanade Century City Western Cape Tel: 021 552 7220 Fax: 021 552 7229 Email: info@capederm.co.za www.capederm.co.za Dermatologist (Aesthetic, General, Paediatric) DR IMRAAN JHETAM SKINMEDICS: DERMATOLOGY, SKINCARE & LASER CLINIC Suite 3, First Floor 45 Hopelands Rd, Durban KwaZulu-Natal Tel: 031 208 3370 Email: info@skinmedics.co.za www.skinmedics.co.za Dermatologist (Aesthetic and General) DR PHOLILE MPOFU Block F, Rochester Place 73 Rivonia Rd Morningside Gauteng Tel: 011 784 3004…