Evidence has emerged that organic food crops contain higher levels of important nutrients. They said analysis of organic tomatoes, apples and peaches revealed greater concentrations of vitamin C, polyphenols, beta carotene and flavonoids.
The nutrients are said to protect the body against heart attack and cancer-causing chemicals.

Federal and state health ministers have backed a South Australian plan to tackle growing obesity rates in children under 5. The ministers, meeting in Melbourne, agreed to adopt a push by SA for a stronger national approach to preventing obesity in toddlers.

The family fruit bowl could be one of the best ways to ward off heart disease, high cholesterol and a range of cancers, several studies have revealed.

Researchers told a meeting of the American Chemical Society in Chicago that antioxidant-rich fruits such as blueberries, grapes and black raspberries could reduce the risk of developing some cancers, while a study reported in a science journal found that oranges and grapefruit could lower bad cholesterol.

Tasmanians are in denial about being overweight and the ignorance is fuelling a diabetes epidemic, says an internationally recognised obesity expert.

More than one in 12 Tasmanians has diabetes  - but only a third know, says Kelly Shaw, specialist medical adviser in population health for the Department of Health and Human Services. She said our "obesogenic" society made staying slim and losing weight very hard.

Exercise is probably the last thing on the minds of patients suffering lymphoedema - but it can have significant psychological benefits.

New research shows patients with the incurable condition benefit from regular exercise. University of Queensland psychiatry lecturer Jane Turner presented the findings of a study of 32 women with lymphoedema at Melbourne's Austin Hospital yesterday. The women participated in an eight-week exercise program which was found to boost their self-confidence and reduce their sense of fear about using affected limbs.