What's On Tablelands August 2019 | Page 8

words by Sarah Dobbs And just like that it’s winter in the tropics with the arrival being marked by the sound of…. coughing! This year in my clinic I’m seeing more and more coughs that simply won’t give up. Keeping us awake, our families awake and making the neighbour’s dog bark in the middle of the night. There’s plenty that can done but I really want to highlight a fruit we have in plentiful supply up here that is not only tasty but has the ability to help with our coughs. The pineapple, prickly and crowned with spikes, is the tastiest way I know to beat a cough! Here’s how - pineapple contains bromelain. In fact, it’s one of the richest sources of bromelain. Bromelain is a protein digesting enzyme that research shows to be an anti-inflammatory. This makes it perfect for those persistent coughs as well as sinus and hay fever. Because it also has immune modulating properties and some anti-bacterial properties it is incredibly useful to support the immune system in its time of need. It even has the added benefit of increasing the absorption of antibiotics should you need them. Some of you will have noticed that I said anti-inflammatory and might straight away be thinking ‘what else is it good for?’ Studies show pineapple is also useful in cases of arthritis. I’m starting to feel like a Direct Marketing TV channel because truly… wait…there’s more! A delicious and healthy alternative to commercial chocolate Ingredients: Method: 100g Coconut Oil 100g Cacao Butter 100g Almonds 50g Coconut Flour 90g Cacao Powder 150g Sultanas 30g Coconut 50g Honey 50g Pecans Melt butter & oil in small bowl over a saucepan of hot water, take care not to make too hot. Consume pineapple post-surgery because bromelian has been shown to reduce the number of days you experience post-surgical pain and inflammation. Bromelain can be useful for bouts of diarrhoea as well. Finally, pineapple contains an awesome amount of vitamin C, making it a super- antioxidant to mop up any free radicals in the body looking for cells to cause trouble with - it's the clean-up crew! The only question left is…when can you get some? Sarah is a Natural Health Practitioner in Kuranda with a passion for nutrition as well as being a Bowen Therapist and Homeopath. Find her at Simply Healing m. 0402 804 591 simplyhealing.net.au Tablelands Biodynamic Organic Farmers Co-op Everyone welcome! You don’t need to be a member Process almonds, add flour, cacao, sultanas & coconut & process again until desired consistency – smooth or chunky as you like it! Add honey to melted oil then add to processed dry ingredients & mix well. Finally add pecans & process until just mixed. Pour into lined tray & chill overnight before cutting into squares and enjoying as an alternative to commercial chocolate. Find our cakes & brownies at The Closet Hippy, The Famers Co-op, Atherton Health Food Centre, The Nest (Cairns) & Origin (Port Douglas) Facebook: Healthyhubqld 8 What’s On & Where To Go August 2019 Certified Organic & Biodynamic Fresh Fruit & Veg Local Produce Groceries Grains Meats Nuts BULK DISCOUNTS ~ MEMBERS DISCOUNTS 10% 7E Herberton Road, Atherton Ph. 4091 1268 Open: Mon-Fri 9.30am - 5:30pm Sat 9am - 12pm