Written by Dr Marilyn Glenville PhD

Volume 1 - Issue 7: July 2007

by Dr Marilyn Glenville PhD

About This Issue

This issue of Natural News is packed full of useful articles and tips to keep you in good health.  The recipe the month is hummus which is a wonderful summer food to have with raw vegetables or warm wholemeal pitta bread.  The spotlight ingredient is chickpeas, which are actually an amazing food with potential to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes and also are excellent around the menopause as they are a rich source of phytoestrogens.

In the May issue of Natural News, I talked about the confusion surrounding black cohosh and how I felt that it is still the herb of choice around the menopause for its ability to help with hot flushes and night sweats. 

Further research has shown that black cohosh could have other benefits for women.  Research published this year in the International Journal of Cancer has shown that black cohosh may halve the risk of breast cancer.  The researchers found that the use of black cohosh was associated with a 61% reduction in the risk of breast cancer.  This was confirmed by another study this year on breast cancer cells which showed that black cohosh inhibited the growth.  It has been suggested that in fact black cohosh works like a SERM (selective oestrogen receptor modulator).  SERMs function as an oestrogen promoter in organs where oestrogen is needed, such as the bones, while acting as an ‘anti-oestrogen' in organs where unnecessary oestrogen can be dangerous (for example, the breast and womb).  This would explain the beneficial effects of black cohosh on breast cancer because the herb would actually be blocking the oestrogen receptors in the breast.  It also explains why there are no significant changes in hormone levels when women are taking black cohosh indicating a non-oestrogenic effect.

So at least, the research is now confirming what many cultures have known for centuries when they have used herbs as their way of preventing and treating illnesses.

Kind regards

Dr Marilyn Glenville PhD

Table of Contents

Regular features

4 Letter from Marilyn
5 In the news:
Recent progress in the world of health

  • A daily portion of pistachio nuts
    helps protect your heart
  • Porridge can help you conceive
  • Lower your risk of lung disease
  • Guidance on alcohol in pregnancy
  • Calcium can help you stay slim

25 Case Study:
How Mandy and Paul conceived against all the odds

41 Ask Marilyn:
Your questions answered

  • Should I drink decaf?
  • How should I overcome my daily
    energy slump?
  • Are whole eggs good for health?
  • Have I got brittle bones?

44 Ingredient spotlight:

  • Chickpeas – a healthy choice

45 Monthly meal idea:

  • Hummus – a delicious paté to make
    at home

46 Resources

  • Where to find books, supplements, tests and consultations

48 Coming next month


Special Articles

9 Alternative therapies for weight loss

  • 4 Natural techniques

13 Disease fighting foods

  • Your body's best form of defense

17 20 Natural energy boosters

  • Tackle your flagging vitality

22 All about garlic

  • Allicin - the magic ingredient

29 Master your metabolism by the decade

  • Stay fit, slim and toned over the years

31 Follow the right diet to become a monther

  • The best foods to boost fertility

35 Natural ways to ease headaches

  • 5 effective remedies

38 Learning to relax during the menopause

  • How to beat stress and remain positive

Top Tips

12 Did you know?

  • Whizz thorugh the calories

15 Memory boosting smoothie

  • A delicious drink with extra benefits

16 Naturally cleaning your air

  • Alternative air fresheners

21 Nutritional spotlight: Apples

  • The old saying proves the point

24 Healthy words

  • Inspiring quotes

34 You got rhythm

  • Music soothes the pain away

37 Eat fish to keep your eyes bright

  • Keep your vision clear