There isn’t a culture on earth that doesn’t include the use of herbs as medicines in its historical record, so it is doubtful that mankind could have survived on earth without herbs.

Generally, people are encouraged to use herbs as a supplement to help them stay well, rather than just when they become ill. A herb generally works on the body in one of four ways: it can purge the body of impurities, it can build up the immune system, it can work to rebalance the nervous system helping modulate mood, or it can strengthen the constitution of an organ so it will heal itself. Individual herbs can accomplish one or more of these functions, and specific herbs are used for specific ailments although there is often more than one herb which can aid in the treating of a condition.

Here are some of the most popular, potent and readily available herbs being used all over the world:

Good For Nausea and Flatulence: Anise

Infused as tea, anise seeds relieve nausea, aid digestion and stops flatulence. Anise is also a natural antacid. To make this wonder tea, add seven teaspoons of aniseed to a quart of water, simmer down to one and a half pints, strain and sweeten with honey.

Good For Digestion: Basil

Basil aids digestion, relieves gas, and reduces nausea, stomach cramps and migraines. Its antibacterial effect works against yeast infections of the mouth and throat. It acts as a tonic for the nerves and soothes tired muscles.

Good For Sleep: Chamomile

The fresh or dried flowers prepared as tea is an effective night cap to aid sleep. Its relaxing effect works on headaches and mixed with peppermint calms a nervous stomach. As a mouthwash, it relieves toothache. Chamomile tea bags dipped in ice water soothe eyes when placed on closed eyelids for several minutes. Chamomile and peppermint tea is commonly served after meals to aid in digestion.

Good For Anxiety: Kava

Kava is a popular traditional drink common in Fiji. It is available here as a tablet and liquid herb and is extremely beneficial in treatment of anxiety, stress and muscle tension. Kava has been shown to have a very similar effect as certain benzodiazepine drugs used for treating anxiety and it may be useful to assist in withdrawal from these types of medication when working with a professional health care practitioner.

Good For Immunity: Echinacea

This is a popular antibiotic in the herb world. Its roots are used to treat fevers, viral infections, insect bites and to relieve allergies. It is found to stimulate the body’s defences over time and is renowned as a preventative herbal medicine.

Good For Mood and Memory: Sage

Healthy young volunteers who were given capsules with high doses of sage essential oil in a study at Northumbria University said their mood was consistently enhanced.

In older people, Australian research found extract of sage improved memory and attention. The herb is thought to inhibit breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical associated with attention span and sharp memory. Sage is used as a pick me up for people who feel really bushed, pushed to their limit.

Good For the Blood: Garlic

Garlic is considered the greatest of all herbal antibiotics. Tests confirmed its effectiveness in treating yeast infection, staphylococcus, salmonella poisoning, and colds. It purifies the blood and reduces high blood pressure, cholesterol and clotting.
Good For Thrush: Oregano

This contains powerful antifungal agents thymol and carvacrol. A study at Georgetown University Medical Centre in Washington showed that carvacrol inhibited the growth of the fungus Candida albicans (which causes thrush) better than a common antifungal medication

Good For The Brain: Ginkgo biloba

A mainstay of traditional Chinese medicine for more than 5,000 years, ginkgo biloba improves blood and oxygen supply to the brain and central nervous system. The extract from the yellow autumn leaves is said to promote brain efficiency and mental alertness, vitality and peripheral circulation. Ginkgo is now believed to reduce the risk of stoke.

Good For Anemia: Rosemary 

Rosemary leaves are high in iron — a lack of this mineral can cause fatigue and anaemia. The herb also contains carnosic, which can shield the brain from damaging free radicals. This lowers the risk of strokes and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s, says a study in the Journal of Neurochemistry. The herb Rosemary holds a reputation for its powerful mood enhancing benefits.

Good For High Blood Pressure: Basil

A study at Xinjiang Medical University found an extract of the herb reduced blood pressure in a similar way to medication. It is believed the levels of endothelins, a proteins which constrict blood vessels, provides a  hypotensive effect.

Good For Diabetes: Fenugreek – Cinnamon

A daily extract of its seeds improves diabetics’ blood sugar control and decreases insulin resistance, say researchers at the Jaipur Diabetes and Research Centre in India.

It may also increase inadequate breast milk supply, nursing mothers have reported. But as the spice is also a traditional remedy to induce childbirth, the seeds shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy. The benefit of Cinnamon in helping regulate blood sugar is also gaining huge popularity.

Good For Stomach Ulcers: Cardamom

If you’ve had a stomach ulcer, or are prone to them, try adding cardamom to spicy dishes or rice pudding. Indian researchers found its oil extracts protected the stomach lining and helped guard against ulcers induced by alcohol and aspirin. The active ingredient is thought to be nootkatone, obtained from ground pods

Good For Energy: Panax Ginseng

Ginseng strengthens the body by increasing the efficiency of the endocrine, circulatory and digestive systems and body metabolism. It reduces physical, mental and emotional stress by increasing oxygen-carrying red blood cells and immune-strengthening white blood cells, thereby eliminating toxins. Tests show ginseng inhibits cancer cells and increases alertness, reflex actions and stamina. This potent herb should not be taken continuously.

We strongly recommend you consult with a qualified health professionals in all matters relating to your physical and mental health so the correct diagnosis and care can be given to your specific condition. The above information should not replace the services of trained professionals. Call us today to find out how herbs can help your health.

STEP INTO HEALTH WELLNESS CENTRE -   07 3398 1977

Ingredients: 

2 large potatoes, washed, peeled and cut into chunky bite-sized pieces

3 large beets, thoroughly washed and peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces

1  red capsicum, cleaned and cut into thick strips

1 large onion, finely chopped

3 ripe tomatoes, chopped into eighths

2 carrots, peeled and cut into bite-size chunks

1/2 head of sugar loaf cabbage, thinly chopped

1 can white beans with their juice

4 tablespoons oil

2 bay leaves

2 dessertspoons of massel chicken stock powder

3 tablespoons tomato sauce

4 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 tablespoon chopped dill

1 teaspoon salt

Method:

 It is the objective to cook all your vegetables so they stay slightly firm so they will be individually visible in the soup.

1.  Add potatoes to a large soup pot and cover with boiling water and bring to a boil. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until potatoes are starting to soften.

2.  When the potatoes are almost cooked and you can pierce them with a fork, add cabbage and continue to cook 5 minutes.

3. Start this step while potatoes are still cooking. Heat a large skillet over medium/high heat. Add 4 tbsp olive oil and sauté the beets, onions, tomato and capsicum. Cook until vegetables are starting to soften (15 – 20 minutes).  Stir through the ketchup and add sautéed veggies to the potato soup pot.
4.  Add 2 dessert spoons of massel chicken stock powder to a 500 mls boiling water and add to soup pot. Then add the lemon juice, pepper, bay leaves and can of white beans (with their juice) to the pot.

5.  Add chopped dill (retain enough to sprinkle a little on the top of each bowl) and ½ teaspoon of salt. Taste and add more if required.

6.  Cook the soup for another 5 minutes, or until the cabbage is soft and well cooked. If too much  liquid has evaporated add more at this point and quickly heat through.

Serve with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle of dill.

It’s a great meal for babies too –  just puree it in a blender.

Ingredients:

 3 bundles of young asparagus spears

1 leek, white part chopped finely.

6 cups of boiling water

2 teaspoons of massel chicken stock powder

1 small white onion finely chopped

1 dessertspoon of butter

2 bay leaves

1 tablespoon natural Greek style yoghurt (optional)

1 tablespoon of almond flakes toasted

black pepper to taste

Method:

Heat a medium saucepan and add butter – then the finely chopped onion and leek – cook for a few minutes on medium heat until the onion softens.

Peel the asparagus lightly if necessary – trim off any dried ends – chop into thirds, then add to the saucepan along with 4 cups of the boiling water, chicken stock powder and bay leaves. Stir well to dissolve the stock powder.

Cover and bring to the boil. When soup is boiling reduce to low heat (remove a few pieces of asparagus at this point to add to finished soup) and then simmer for ½ hour or until the asparagus is very soft. Remove from heat – remove the bay leaves and then use a blender or bar mix to liquefy. Add extra hot water if you prefer the soup to have a thinner consistency.

Mix through the yoghurt. Serve with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, a few almond flakes, a couple of complete asparagus spears..

Many of the best health retreats and alternative hospitals in Australia, Mexico and Europe believe that adding Asparagus to your diet on a daily basis, could provide a major protective factor for your health. It is often found in programs used to fight cancer naturally and also included in cancer prevention protocols.

This soup is really really delicious  and is ideal for these cooler days…….

 Ingredients:

750g pumpkin, peeled & chopped (Butternut pumpkin will make your soup sweeter)

1 medium sweet potato, peeled & chopped

1 large onion, diced

½ cup chopped celery

4 cloves garlic, chopped

4 inches knob ginger, chopped

Celtic sea salt

pepper

½ teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon turmeric

½ teaspoon ground coriander

½ teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon chilli powder

4 kafir lime or bay leaves

¼ bunch coriander finely chopped

2 tablespoons butter or organic coconut oil

1 dessertspoon massel chicken stock powder

1 cup organic coconut milk or cream (optional)

1 orange juiced – retain the peel.

Method::

Sauté in a large sauce pan the onion and garlic in a little butter or oil until soft and caramelized.

Add pumpkin, sweet potato, celery, ginger, spices, lime or bay leaves, massel chicken stock powder, coconut milk and enough boiling water to cover the vegetables. Cover and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for about 30-40 minutes.

Prick the vegetables with a fork to make sure they are soft and well cooked. Remove from the heat then purée soup in a blender or bar mix and check seasoning.

Finely grate some of the orange peel, you will need approximately 1 tablespoon.  Add the orange juice, orange peel and  chopped coriander (retain just enough to sprinkle on top of each bowl, to the soup before serving. Reheat if necessary.

If you prefer soup with a thinner consistency add more hot water.

A good source of beta-carotene, this delicious warming soup is great for your immune system. Coriander is reputed to have heavy metal chelating properties too!

Sadly for year’s magnesium supplementation has been dramatically underutilized. There are over 200 published clinical studies documenting the need for magnesium. In fact, at the 1992 American College of Cardiology annual meeting, a limited biography on magnesium was the most often requested item at the National Council on Magnesium and Cardiovascular booth.

Recently conventional physicians have become interested in using magnesium to  treat patients with acute heart attacks, chronic cardiovascular disease, heart arrhythmias, diabetes, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome and many other disorders.

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency?
Magnesium deficiency can affect virtually every organ system of the body. With regard to skeletal muscle, one may experience twitches, cramps, muscle tension, muscle soreness, including back aches, neck pain, tension headaches and jaw joint (or TMJ) dysfunction. Also, one may experience chest tightness or a peculiar sensation that he can’t take a deep breath. Sometimes a person may sigh a lot.

Symptoms involving impaired contraction of smooth muscles include constipation; urinary spasms; menstrual cramps; difficulty swallowing or a lump in the throat-especially provoked by eating sugar; photophobia, especially difficulty adjusting to oncoming bright headlights in the absence of eye disease; and loud noise sensitivity from stapedius muscle tension in the ear.

Continuing with the symptoms of magnesium deficiency, the central nervous system is markedly affected. Symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, hyperactivity and restlessness with constant movement, panic attacks, agoraphobia, and premenstrual irritability. Magnesium deficiency symptoms involving the peripheral nervous system include numbness, tingling, and other abnormal sensations, such as zips, zaps and vibratory sensations.

Symptoms or signs of the cardiovascular system include palpitations, heart arrhythmias, angina due to spasms of the coronary arteries, high blood pressure and mitral valve prolapse. Be aware that not all of the symptoms need to be present to presume magnesium deficiency; but, many of them often occur together. For example, people with mitral valve prolapse frequently have palpitations, anxiety, panic attacks and premenstrual symptoms. People with magnesium deficiency often seem to be “uptight.” Other general symptoms include a salt craving, both carbohydrate craving and carbohydrate intolerance, especially of chocolate, and breast tenderness.

Diagnosing Magnesium Deficiency

Aside from the signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency, how else can it be diagnosed? Unfortunately, laboratory testing is of limited value. Since magnesium is found primarily in the cells, the serum magnesium may be normal in spite of a significant magnesium deficiency. The red blood cell magnesium is a little bit better. Hair mineral analysis is also used by some practitioners with some degree of success. However the best method of diagnosing magnesium deficiency is the combination of signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency, which improve with a therapeutic trial of oral magnesium.

Getting Magnesium from Your Diet

How can one get magnesium from foods? The best way of insuring enough magnesium is to eat a variety of whole foods, including whole grains, nuts, seeds and vegetables. The green colour of green vegetables is due to chlorophyll, which is a molecule that contains magnesium. Adding powerful green powders that contain chlorophyll (green barley, wheat grass, spirulina, chlorella) is a great way to boost magnesium and energy.  Avoid refined processed foods, especially white sugar and white flour products, as most magnesium is removed from them in the milling process.

Prevention and Treatment of Magnesium Deficiency Using Oral Magnesium
For people who suffer from chronic magnesium deficiency and also to prevent the development of this condition, oral magnesium supplements are essential. Magnesium is available in many forms and unfortunately this makes it tricky for health shoppers to choose the magnesium that is best for their requirement. One form that many people will be attracted to because it is the cheapest, is probably magnesium oxide, but this form is not well absorbed. Better choices include magnesium diglycinate which is extremely bioavailable, chelated magnesium, magnesium phosphate, magnesium oratate and magnesium aspartate. A great but hard to source is magnesium taurate, an unusual form of magnesium in which magnesium is chemically combined with the amino acid derivative taurine, is particularly well utilized and beneficial. I have found that a number of good quality powdered magnesium formulas have added taurine. This is because some of the same effects that one hopes to get from magnesium, such as the calming effect on mind and nervous system, as well as providing a strengthening effect on heart muscle, is also gotten with taurine. So, the two are synergistic together. It is popular for all forms of cardiac and nervous system disorders.

What about dosage? The recommended daily allowance or RDA for magnesium is 350 milligrams of elemental magnesium. An important point here is that when reading the label of a supplement containing magnesium, it is important to distinguish between the number of milligrams per tablet or capsule of the entire magnesium complex versus the number of milligrams of elemental magnesium or pure magnesium. For example, one label of a chelated magnesium states that 4 tablets contain 4,000 mg of the chelated magnesium complex with 500 mg of elemental magnesium. The important number is the one that refers to the elemental magnesium. The other 3,500 mg in this case refers to the amino acid complex that is bound to the magnesium.

Keeping this definition of elemental magnesium in mind, many people do not even get the RDA of 350 mg of magnesium daily. A therapeutic dosage could easily run between 400 mg and 1000 mg daily of elemental magnesium in divided doses. However, too much oral magnesium will result in diarrhoea. Recall that milk of magnesia is a laxative containing a magnesium salt. In general, magnesium doses of 1000 mg per day or less are extremely safe.

Magnesium Supplementation for Various Medical Disorders
Oral magnesium supplementation may be helpful to a wide variety of medical disorders including: high blood pressure, asthma, angina pectoris, coronary artery disease, cardiac arrhythmias, chronic fatigue syndrome, all types of musculoskeletal disorders, epilepsy, mitral valve prolapse, anxiety, panic disorder and many other medical and psychiatric conditions.

Increased use of oral magnesium, along with a diet rich in magnesium, should greatly improve therapeutic results for many people if the signs of magnesium deficiency are evident.

This is information is not intended to be prescriptive and we recommend you consult a qualified practitioner if you suspect you are suffering with magnesium deficiency.

An international move, a house renovation, and the planning of a wedding had all contributed to a gradual but steady weight gain.  The next 6 years saw me trapped in an endless cycle of low energy, poor health and diminishing self esteem which I attempted to hide from by mindless unhealthy eating!!

Then 2 months ago I made an appointment with Maxine – sitting in front of me, listening attentively to my story was a woman so gentle in nature and truly glowing in good health.  I felt as though someone finally understood my battle.

Maxine was informative and encouraging throughout the process of putting a plan into action to get me on my path to renewed health and weight loss. About a month ago Maxine and I discussed using the HCG program and since starting I have lost 8kg and gained so much energy and positivity that had previously eluded me.

The program was a challenge with good days and trying days but as someone once said “It doesn’t get easier, you just get stronger!”

My strength came from Maxine and the Team’s support and constant encouragement.  Within the first days I saw results on the scales as well as with my energy levels and my thinking.

The program will push you to reach deep within yourself but the results will amaze you!!  The change is felt not only on the scales but also in your thinking. My husband and I are taking off for a fabulous overseas holiday, but I have already decided I will use the HCG program again when I get back.

Thank you Maxine and the Team for my renewed health!!

Kirsten Taylor    14.4.12

Your body has a BLUEPRINT of what perfect health is and is constantly trying to achieve this goal for YOU. Your body has the ability to HEAL ITSELF of disease… All it needs is your assistance.

We encourage you to STOP focusing on your disease and START focusing on Creating Powerful Health! Your disease is not a curse, it is a GIFT, a BLESSING, It is what brought you to this new beginning of the greatest adventure in your life, to discover and create a healthier new life and to create a ”NEW YOU!”

Are you ready to take the steps to create vibrant health and the empowering life to match?

Naturopathy is a style of healing in which you assist your body increasing its own powerful self-healing ability. This is done by creating a lifestyle where you eliminate those things that create disease and increase those things that create vital health. When your mind and body is healthy and strong and you feed it well with an abundance of nutrient dense foods, it can and will heal disease. In time your body will completely repair and rebuild itself.

The ONE important thing you need to do to heal yourself is simply STOP doing what makes you sick. Do you know what that is?  Most people do recognize their self destructive patterns like abusing alcohol, living on fast foods, chocolate and coffee, living in negative relationships,  environment or job etc. But if you cannot answer that question right now spend some time in reflection and I guarantee the answer will come. Then START doing whatever moves you towards vital health!

An old Chinese proverb says, “Focus on the good to eliminate the bad.”  Another true saying is ‘If you keep on doing what you have always done, you will keep getting what you have always gotten”. In the same way, Natural Healing is about focusing on creating powerful health and vitality. Letting your body do what it knows how to do better than any doctor, and what it does best, which is repair and heal you.

So here are the steps:

1. DRINK liquids that Hydrate, Flush and Nourish you : Drink Pure Water, Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Juices and Herbal Teas!

2. EAT Food that Creates vital Health : Abundance of fresh vegetables, salads, fruits, quality fresh protein, lentils and legumes, nuts and seeds, extra virgin olive oil and organic coconut oil,  fresh and dried herbs. EAT A RAINBOW OF FOOD EVERY DAY!

3. Use Herbs, supplements and food as your MEDICINE : To Prevent Dis-ease and Nourish, Clean, Detoxify, Tone, Balance and Heal your Body!

4. MOVE your Body Every Day : Walking, Dancing, Running, Riding Jumping, Stretching, Breathing, Sweating, Yoga,  Sex… Always Fun!

5. Take some time out Every Season to CLEANSE & DETOX yourself Internally.

6. Use Only Natural TREATMENTS to encourage healing and to prevent Dis-ease : Massage, Bodywork, Far Infrared Sauna, Hydrotherapy, all therapies that HEAL and Do No Harm.

7. Create a Healthy HOME Environment for Well-Being : Soothing or uplifting music, natural cleaning products and soaps, create light and brightness, clean and tidy atmosphere.
8. Have Positive THOUGHTS that claim your good health : Positive Thoughts and Affirmations that Create Abundance, Love, Laughter, Passion, Peace, Fun and Bliss.

9. COMMUNICATE and spread to others :  happiness, friendliness, positivity, sincerity, caring and loving attitudes.

10. LOVE yourself and your life more and more every day : Practice Being Self-accepting, Self-motivated and appreciative of all you have and are. Give thanks in advance for all you want to achieve in your life.

Your FOCUS determines your FUTURE! Tomorrow is what you believe and do Today!

Do you dread the thought of the cooler months rolling in for fear of starting the merry go round of throat infections, colds, flu and then bronchitis or worse..

Does your life become limited because you fear another infection and the news of the latest imported virus like bird flu makes you want to lock your doors and hide away? The antibiotics you have had to swallow have left you with digestive problems and you know they add to your immune weakness.

I’m sure you are really sick of feeling run down, tired and unwell.

If this sounds like you, isn’t it time to do something to change this pattern. It is possible to strengthen your immunity using safe natural supplements and dietary support.

How to Strengthen your Immunity with Powerful Herbs and Nutrients such as Zinc and Vitamin C

Your immune system is one the most complex systems on the planet. It is highly evolved and is able to cope with an amazing diversity of challenges. The problem is however, that the amount of foreign toxic material, virus, bacteria and fungus that your immune system has to deal with, is increasing. Our world is not becoming cleaner, but is changing rapidly, with new chemicals and toxins introduced every day. The fact that allergies and many immune disorders are increasing is hardly surprising.

Our immune system is highly dependent on some specific nutrients. The main ones are zinc and vitamin C. And guess what? They are also what your adrenal glands need to help you recover from and cope with stress.  So, if your stress levels are high and your adrenals have used up most of your zinc and vitamin C supplies, you likely have a lowered immune system.

Zinc - Many people know that zinc is the number one mineral for your immune system. Unfortunately, we often see, and research confirms, that huge numbers of people have zinc levels that are extremely low. This results in a weakened immune system with increased risk of infections and allergies. Low zinc is also associated with poor growth, skin disorders, low fertility, and also low mood. Unlike other minerals, there is a very simple test for your zinc status. One of the first indications of low zinc function is a loss of taste and smell. Here at Step Into Health Wellness Centre we use a taste test to determine your zinc level, which is remarkably effective. This is a very quick and easy test that we recommend all people have done on a regular basis.

Restoring low zinc levels however is not always a simple process. We test many people who take a zinc supplement and find that they are low to very low in zinc. Switching to a more bio-available, high potency liquid zinc supplement has a dramatic effect, not only on their taste test, but also on the many signs of low zinc level.

Note: Your highest source of zinc in food is seafood, however eating sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, pepitas, oats and yoghurt as a porridge every morning, made from these ingredients would be a great start to boosting zinc levels.

Vitamin C – It is a similar story with vitamin C. Anyone with a highly processed diet is guaranteed to be vitamin C deficient. Your immune cells have the highest concentration of vitamin C of any cells in your body. To keep your immune system in top shape, we recommend a vitamin C supplement containing a blend of mineral ascorbates and high quality bioflavonoids that are proven to get into your immune cells fast.

Note: Vitamin C rich foods include all dark greens like baby spinach, rocket, broccoli, asian greens, citrus fruits and fresh herbs. Our recommendation is to take a product called Meta Zinc +C in a maintenance dose every day throughout the winter months, this way you are getting therapeutic doses of zinc and vitamin C. The bonus is it tastes great so every member of the family will enjoy it.

High Quality Immune Herbs – It is truly extraordinary the power some herbs have to stimulate our immune system.  Some can reduce allergies, and some can increase our defence against invading organisms. It is important, however, to ensure that you are getting the highest quality product, using it at the appropriate dose and the right stage of the infection.

A highly researched and effective immune stimulating herb is Andrographis. This amazing herb has been shown to fight against infections and to be effective against viruses. It is important with all viral infections to try to start your treatment early. Once a viral infection has taken hold, it is much more difficult to treat it. Having a robust immune system and having the right nutrients and herbs on hand to catch viruses early is the main defence against any infection that can take hold at any time. Perhaps the most popular and well know immune herb is Echinacea. To gain the maximum benefits from taking this efficient herb, is to use it as a preventative to successfully strengthen your immune system. So those of you who reach for the Echinacea when a cold or flu has taken hold could invest your finance more wisely in a formula that treats the acute symptoms of the virus instead.

Call us now for your zinc assessment and your immune boosting program.

STEP INTO HEALTH WELLNESS CENTRE   PHONE  07 3398 1977      email- stepintohealth@optusnet.com.au

Looking for that special recipe to delight your guests

this Easter – try this exquisite combination of fish, crab,

prawns and asparagus. So delicious and good for you..

Ingredients

1 medium size coral trout or snapper, scaled, gills removed, filleted, head and carcass reserved
2 sand crabs
40ml extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1/2 baby fennel, chopped, fronds reserved
12 medium green prawns, peeled, deveined, tails intact, shells reserved
60ml (1/4 cup) pure thickened cream or coconut cream
40g organic butter, chilled, chopped
2 tbs lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to season
12 asparagus spears, trimmed

20ml peanut oil

Stock
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 tsp peppercorns
1 thyme sprig
1 bay leaf
1 parsley stalk
1 carrot, chopped
1 celery stick, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 baby fennel, chopped
100ml dry white wine ( can use any dry white wine you have left in the fridge)
850ml cold water

Method

1. Rinse trout and then pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.

2. To make stock, place all ingredients with fish head and carcass in a large stockpot. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve lined with muslin into a jug. Discard solids.

3. Break up crabs, clean and pick the meat and then set aside.

4. Heat half the oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrot and fennel and cook, stirring, for 6-7 minutes or until softened and slightly browned. Add prawn heads and shells, then cook, stirring, for a further 3 minutes. Add 500ml of the fish stock and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes.

5. Strain liquid through a fine sieve into a deep frying pan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 3-4 minutes or until liquid has reduced by half. Add cream, bring back to the boil and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.

6. Add butter and whisk into sauce until melted and combined. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

7. Blanch asparagus in a large saucepan of boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain.

8. Add prawns to a medium saucepan of salted boiling water for 1-2 minutes or until they change colour, then drain.

9. Meanwhile, lay fish fillets on a chopping board and cut into 4 portions on the diagonal. Brush fillets, skin side up, with peanut oil and season with salt and pepper.

10. Heat remaining oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add fish, skin side down, and cook for 3 minutes, then turn and cook for a further 1 minute. Set aside to rest.

11. Return sauce and crab meat to a medium saucepan over medium heat and warm through.

12. Divide asparagus spears and prawns between serving plates. Top with a portion of fish, then spoon over sauce and garnish with fennel fronds to serve.

Tip:- If you can’t find coral trout or snapper substitute with barramundi or red emperor..

Preparation time:  30 mins

Cooking time: 1 hour 10 mins

Serves: 4

Coconut oil is a functional food, which simply means that it is a food that provides health benefits over and beyond the basic nutrients in the food. While it has gotten a bad rap in the past, coconut oil is now being promoted as a healthful food.

Coconut Oil and Traditional Medicine

In traditional medicine around in the world, coconut has been used to treat a wide variety of health problems including abscesses, asthma, baldness, bronchitis, bruises, burns, colds, constipation, cough, dysentery, earache, fever, flu, gingivitis, gonorrhea, irregular or painful menstruation, jaundice, kidney stones, lice, malnutrition, nausea, rash, scabies, scurvy, skin infections, sore throat, swelling, syphilis, toothache, tuberculosis, tumours, typhoid, ulcers, upset stomach, weakness, and wounds.

Benefits of Coconut Oil in Modern Medicine

In modern medicine, coconut may have the following benefits:

• kills viruses, bacteria, fungi, and yeasts
• expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites
• a nutritional source of quick energy
• boosts energy and endurance
• improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients
• improves insulin secretion and utilisation of blood glucose
• relieves stress on the pancreas
• relieves symptoms and reduces health risks associated with diabetes
• improves calcium and magnesium absorption
• helps protect against osteoporosis
• reduces inflammation
• supports tissue healing and repair
• supports and aids immune system function
• functions as a protective antioxidant
• supports thyroid function
• supports the natural chemical balance of the skin
• softens skin and helps to relieve dryness and flaking
• prevents wrinkles, sagging skin and age spots
• promotes healthy hair and complexion

Coconut Oil and Lauric Acid

Coconut oil has received a bad reputation over the past decades due to its saturated fat content, but research shows that not all saturated fats are alike. Coconut oil is unique in its structural makeup – it is the highest source of saturated fats at 92 percent but it also has the highest source of medium chain triglycerides (62 percent) of any naturally occurring vegan food source. Around half of these medium chain triglycerides are made up of lauric acid, the most important essential acid in building and maintaining the body’s immune system. Other than coconut oil, the only other source of lauric acid in high concentrations is in breast milk. Some saturated fat is actually necessary for human health and research has shown that medium chain fatty acids such as lauric acid help to increase metabolism, and they are more easily digested than fats found in other oils. Their digestibility is because they are processed directly in the liver and immediately converted into energy. As they have no opportunity to be stored in the body, they are less likely to cause obesity than other types of fats.

Lauric acid converts to the fatty acid monolaurin in the body. It has adverse effects on a variety of microorganisms in the body including bacteria, yeast, fungi, and enveloped viruses. It destroys the lipid (fat) membrane of such enveloped viruses as measles, herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), influenza, and cytomegalovirus (DMV). Capric acid makes up another 7 percent of the fat content of coconut oil and it also stimulates anti microbial activity in the body.

Coconut oil has antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiprotozoal properties. By replacing other cooking oils with coconut oil, you can create a more favourable ratio of good to bad cholesterol in the body. Even though it is a saturated fat, it does not lead to high serum cholesterol or to higher rates of heart disease. In fact, in some studies, coconut oil has led to a decrease in total cholesterol.

How to use Coconut Oil

To get the protective benefits of coconut oil, it is simply a matter of including organic coconut oil or coconut products in your diet.

The benefits of cooking with organic coconut oil is now well researched and is believed to be the most stable of oils at high temperatures.

From a weight loss aspect, organic coconut oil can be added to a salad dressing you make by combining apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice and a clove of crushed garlic together. This dressing can be refrigerated and used as required. Adding a dessertspoon of virgin coconut oil to your breakfast shake is a delicious way to gain all the benefits of this amazing oil.

For those of us who are dairy sensitive, a great new coconut product is now available called CoYo – it is coconut yoghurt and really delicious. You could also add this to your shake or your breakfast cereal to gain the benefits of the coconut and the probiotic.