From all fat being bad to a vitamin pill cure for all, we’ve learned a thing or two since the “all or nothing” 1980s.
Thirty years ago, superfoods such as spirulina and aloe vera were little known to the mainstream market. Smoothies were more likely to be a band and health and wellness, well, that was hippie speak.
Yet, one then-small company had a big vision: deliver natural nourishment to Australasia via clean, whole superfoods and supplements. Such foresight laid the foundation of what has become a billion dollar trend: Real foods are cool again and all-natural superfoods and supplements are regularly sought.
Since 1984, Lifestream has developed a following of devoted customers. While its philosophy of natural wellness has stayed the same for three decades, the world of health has most certainly changed.
Did we really believe these…? Nutritionist, naturopath, herbalist and chef Janella Purcell demystifies some of the biggest health and diet myths of the ’80s…
The ’80s Myth: All fat is bad.
THE TRUTH: “Not all fats are the same, and nor is their reaction on the body the same,” says long-time Lifestream supporter Janella Purcell who has used and recommended the brand for 15 years. “Trans fats and some saturated fats are the bad guys as they raise cholesterol levels and can increase the risk for heart disease. Monosaturated fat and polyunsaturated fats are heart healthy oils. Giving up all fats is never a good idea—we need the healthy fats for optimal brain health to help keep us happy, and for most bodily functions, and lets not forget – for great skin and hair.”
JANELLA’S REMEDY: Eat less animal fats, especially if it’s not organic, cook with healthy oils such as coconut, macadamia and olive and supplement with a pure omega 3 source. Omega 3 essential fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are essential to our health—we can’t synthesise these ourselves. The only way to obtain them is through our diet and supplementation. They are integral to the suppleness and health of all cells, and have been shown to provide many positive benefits for brain function, cardiovascular and nervous systems, joint health and mobility. Try: Lifestream V-Omega 3, which delivers essential nutrients from a plant based, sustainable resource, free from impurities and contaminants.
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The ’80s Myth: Stress is just a “cop out”.
THE TRUTH: “We now know that stress and our ability to protect against its damaging effects is important for our long-term health and longevity,” says Purcell. “Stress is a system response to situations that put us in flight or fright mode, a built-in response from our ancestral past—but these days we’re not running from lions and tigers—rather dealing with every day stressors from running late for work to money worries. Too much stress is taxing on the body’s adrenals and makes the body susceptible to illness, acidity, inflammation, burnout and mental illness.”
JANELLA’S REMEDY: Slow down, exercise regularly and supplement a healthy wholefood diet with a natural antioxidant supplement that helps to prevent the cellular damage caused by being constantly in flight or fright mode. Try: Lifestream Advanced Resveratrol with Tart Cherry, which provides key nutrients to help prevent cellular free radical and oxidative damage to the body. Resveratrol and tart cherry are powerful and rare antioxidants not usually a part of the everyday diet.
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The ’80s Myth: Chronic fatigue is just an excuse not to get out of bed.
THE TRUTH: “Whilst there are no conclusive causes identified for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, there is now no doubt that it exists. Whether triggered by a viral infection, stress, genetics or hormonal issues, it is a complicated disorder that results in extreme fatigue and affects people to varying degrees,” Purcell says. “Each sufferer can respond differently to treatments but at the heart of each, is a need to support and nourish through good nutrition for a healthy immune system and energy supply.”
JANELLA’S REMEDY: Eat a clean wholefoods diet with an emphasis on plant foods, particularly green leafy veggies. Smoothies are a great way to add in dense nutrition, particularly if you have a busy lifestyle with little time to prepare good food. Try: Lifestream Bioactive Spirulina, which is perfect for those wanting a strong healthy immune system or for people recuperating, run down and low on energy.
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The ’80s Myth: Irritable Bowel Syndrome is just an excuse of overeaters.
THE TRUTH: “Today we know this is one of the most prevalent digestive concerns,” says Purcell. “Often caused by food intolerances and disrupted bacterial flora balance. A good probiotic is needed in these cases to help get the good bacteria flourishing. Then maintain this balance with fermented veggies, kefir and kombucha. It is also essential that we practice ‘mindful eating’. Chew, and avoid multi-tasking!’
JANELLA’S REMEDY: Including fibre, prebiotics and probiotics in the diet whilst minimising sources of allergy and inflammation is essential. Try: Lifestream BowelBiotics+ promotes the growth of friendly intestinal bacteria, which in turn assists healthy bowel and immune function. It also provides soluble fibre, which helps to encourage regular bowel movements. Lifestream Aloe Vera juice is a must to help soothe the lining of the stomach and intestines, relieving bowel inflammation.
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The ’80s Myth: Vitamins and weightloss pills can replace essential nutrition.
THE TRUTH: “We now fully realise that the basis for good health is nutrition from food—not from manufactured synthetic pills,” says Purcell. “The body is of nature therefore requires nature to nourish and heal. Putting anything synthetic into the body only adds to toxicity.”
JANELLA’S REMEDY: While life is certainly busier than it was 30 years ago, it’s what you add into your daily diet that still counts. Replace unhealthy choices with a superfood smoothie, brimming with great-tasting greens and fruits. Habits take 21 days to form, so stick to it and notice how different you may begin to feel. Notice that these healthy habits will have a positive effect on your waistline as well. Try: Lifestream Essential Greens+ boasting all natural wholefoods and herbs to support key body systems and their function; liver and digestion, immune support, cardiovascular and circulation, nervous system and antioxidant protection.
LIFESTREAM – nourishing Australians since 1984.
Happy 30th Birthday to Us!
In 2014, one of the country’s favourite wholefood supplement brands, Lifestream, celebrates 30 years in Australia. From 1984 to 2014, Lifestream has helped to nutritionally support and nourish Australians.
Before spirulina and aloe vera were household names, Lifestream produced these two best-selling natural vegan supplements—and as a result, cemented its reputation as market leaders and innovators in these two categories.
Since then, Lifestream’s entire product range has followed suit, with the highest quality ingredients chosen to foster health and wellbeing. Lifestream has always produced clean, green and 100% natural, vegetarian and vegan-friendly products. Their uncompromising commitment to such excellence has resulted in a high level of loyalty with our customers. For 30 years, Lifestream, which is distributed in Australia by Planet Health, has embodied purity, consistency, quality and integrity.
Lifestream’s extensive range encompasses ultimate nutrition, energy, antioxidants, bowel and digestive health, immunity, joint and bone health, and omegas. Products include: Chlorella, Barley Grass, Wheat Grass, Natural Calcium, Ultimate Greens, V-Omega 3 and others.
See the entire product range here.
Please note: The above information is prepared and released by Lifestream. If using information from this release, in part or in its entirety, it is a requirement that Lifestream remains included.