A new study published in Food Chemistry shows that adding phenol-rich olive oil to breakfast successfully lowers the inflammation linked to metabolic syndrome.

Inflammation is associated with metabolic syndrome, an increasingly common condition characterized by the presence of three of the following pathologies in an individual: obesity (particularly abdominal fat), high blood pressure, a low level of “good” HDL cholesterol, high fasting blood sugar and a high level of triglycerides. Left untreated, metabolic syndrome can trigger diabetes, stroke and heart disease.

Scientists are always on the lookout for solutions to medical problems provided by Mother Nature. New Zealand's well-known culinary mollusk the green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) is helping to solve the age old riddle of arthritis pain, and is also attracting scientific attention around the world.

A distinguished French professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the Hong Kong Polytechnic, Dr Georges Halpern, wrote in his 2005 book The Inflammation Revolution that ''Researchers have found that the green-lipped mussel oil extract, which contains healthy omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, is one of the best anti-inflammatory agents available."

Since its launch, the PUREFRESH range has received rave reviews from both the dental fraternity and the public. These accolades acknowledge its effectiveness in creating and maintaining oral and dental health based on a range of factors. Firstly, PUREFRESH toothpaste is naturally formulated from pure plant extracts and therefore, contains no harmful ingredients

Today, so many of us reach for the nearest tablet to restore our health. In a way, this can be construed as strange because a wide range of natural foodstuffs have the same or similar effects to regain and maintain our health if we include them in our diet.

Over the next couple of months, we will run a series of articles that will focus on the synergy between two natural foodstuffs that can be used very effectively and easily to ensure optimal health. They are OliveHeart, a deliciously fruity, healing olive oil and Lyprinol, an extract from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, which has taken the world by storm because of its amazing ability to counteract the effects of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and asthma.