The Mediterranean diet focuses on healthy fats, unrefined carbohydrates, legumes, nuts and copious amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables, lean protein, very little sugar, and a small glass of red wine with your evening meal. So why is this tipped as the diet to follow? Well, evidence has shown an abundance of health benefits. I […]
It’s important to take a combination of vitamins to keep you feeling good this Winter and to help prevent unwanted coughs and colds. Vitamin D From October until early March we don’t get any Vitamin D from sunlight. The vitamin is made by our body under the skin in reaction to sunlight, so it’s important […]
‘Keep calm and carry on’ is a British mantra and nutrition has its own part to play. If you are feeling angry, helpless and anxious after the terrorist attack in Westminster last week, you are not alone. Thousands of people are feeling jittery and upset in the wake of the violent killing of a policeman […]
We have made headway so that most people know that you need folate (also called folic acid) in your diet, especially if you are planning a baby or already pregnant. Folate, a B vitamin which is vital for the formation of red blood cells as well as other important functions in the body, is found […]
Iodine deficiency has long been overlooked as a public health problem, but people need to start taking this issue more seriously. Iodine is a necessary trace mineral which is essential for the formation of thyroid hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Symptoms of a deficiency include lethargy and tiredness, difficulty concentrating and unusual weight gain. In the […]
Eating five portions of fruit and vegetables each day is known to reduce the chance of heart attack, stroke, cancer and early death. But ten portions daily offers the greatest benefit, according to new research, led by scientists from Imperial College London, which analysed 95 studies on fruit and vegetable intake. The study, which was […]
Fasting has become more mainstream in the last three years thanks to books like The Fast Diet. New research suggests that fasting for 18 hours a day offers better results such as improved insulin sensitivity, lowered cholesterol and weight loss but of course eating only between 8am an 2pm, burning six per cent more calories that […]
When it comes to health-boosting properties, cocoa content is key. Therefore, the darker you eat your chocolate, the better. Bittersweet chocolate contains up to 75 per cent of cocoa solids. However, some people may find this too bitter to eat on its own. Dark chocolate, which contains around 70 per cent cocoa solids, is tasty […]
The evidence of diet playing an important factor in the control and relief of Crohn’s disease symptoms is much stronger in children. But there is general dietary advice which, if followed, can make a difference in easing symptoms. Drink lots of fluid to keep your body well-hydrated and to prevent constipation, sluggishness and aching muscles. […]
Alcohol has no nutritional benefit. It is a toxin that contains excess calories and contributes to weight gain without any positive outcome for health. There have been some scientific studies that moderate intake of red wine, which contains polyphenols and antioxidants, may help to reduce oxidative damage in the body, but a landmark report by […]