Food & recipes

Health: Diet and nutrition news

How protein can help you meet your work deadlines and why you may need a little salt

THE BIG SQUEEZE

A 17th century method of food preservation called ‘pascalisation’ or High Pressure Process (HPP) has been found to have an unusual health benefit. The method involves subjecting food to huge amounts of pressure which changes the molecular structure of the microbes, killing bacteria, molds and viruses. As well as avoiding the use of additives, the Department of Biotechnology and Food Engineering in Mexico has discovered that the concentration of total carotenoids (a group of powerful antioxidants) in avocado and papaya increases by more than 50 percent!

PRODUCT SHOW CASE

FIND OUT WHICH FOOD AND DRINKS WE’VE BEEN GOBBLING UP THIS MONTH

Linda McCartney Rosemary and Red Onion Sausages, £1.99

For a hearty yet healthy winter meal these meat-free sausages tick all the boxes. They’re packed full of fibre and protein and taste delicious accompanied with onion, mash and garden peas.

Scheckter’s Organic Energy Drink, £1.45

Natural, taurine-free and fairtrade – just a few reasons why we’re loving this energy drink. It’ll keep you alert if you’ve had a late night and is a delicious change from a morning cup of coffee!

Sharpham Park Artisan Spelt Pasta, £3.99

Although not suitable for coeliacs, the molecular structure of gluten in spelt is different to wheat and is a grain that many people who suffer bloating can tolerate. Plus, it tastes divine!

Beat the post lunch slump

You’ve got a deadline to meet and you’re really hungry but you need to stay alert through the afternoon – what do you have for lunch? A new study conducted at Cambridge University and published in Neuron found the amino acids in protein, not sugar, stimulate certain brain cells called ‘orexin’. These cells keep you awake and also encourage the body to burn calories. So, if you have the choice between pasta or an egg on toast, go for the latter. Even if the two have the same calorie content the protein from the egg will tell your body to keep alert.

DID YOU KNOW?

As well as regular exercise, stocking up on citrus fruits can keep your heart healthy. A new study has discovered low levels of vitamin C are linked to cardiac problems

VITAMIN VIEW

Alice Bradshaw gives us the lowdown on a vitamin B12, which is vital for a healthy body

Vitamin B12 is essential for life. It works together with folic acid, another B vitamin, to make red blood cells and plays a crucial role in nerve health. As B12 is found in meat, eggs and dairy products, it used to be thought that deficiencies only occurred in vegans and vegetarians. In fact, new research suggests that B12 deficiency is surprisingly widespread and the implications to our health are rather serious. Contrary to popular belief, spirulina, seaweed and fermented foods such as tempeh are not reliable sources of B12. These foods do contain a form of B12 but it’s not the form our body needs and is therefore useless.

The cells within the stomach produce a protein called intrinsic factor (IF) that is required for B12 absorption. Severe B12 deficiency will occur if IF is not produced and may result in anaemia. The brain and nervous system also becomes vulnerable in the absence of adequate B12 and it is now recognised that depression, dementia, cognitive decline and age-related memory loss are all correlated with a deficiency of this nutrient. Research suggests that B12 deficiency can even mimic symptoms of dementia. Many of these health conditions occur as a result of elevated blood levels of homocysteine. B12 (along with folic acid and vitamin B6) is needed to reduce homocysteine back to healthy levels.

For more information visit solgar-vitamins.co.uk

Research shows eating a Mediterranean diet can improve symptoms of sleep apnoea

BANISH ANXIETY

If you’ve been plagued with heart palpitations and sleepless nights you may want to up your intake of linseeds and oily fish. A new study from Ohio has shown that omega-3 reduces levels of cytokines, a substance linked to psychological stress.

The Taste Barometer

GOING UP

CAN’T SLEEP?

If you want to drop off to sleep forget a hot mug of milk and try drinking cherry juice. It increases levels of melatonin, the hormone which regulates sleep.

LINE YOUR STOMACHS

Research from the University of Barcelona suggests that strawberries reduce alcohol’s damaging affect on the stomach’s membrane.

SLIMMING NUTS

According to a new study nuts boost the hormone serotonin. This means they can curb hunger as well as making you happy by promoting a feelgood feeling in the brain.

GOING DOWN

A BIT MEATY

Having trouble in the bedroom? Your man may want to cut down his intake of red meat. A new study from Brazil has found a link between high saturated fat levels and impotence.

NOT SO WELL DONE

The findings of a survey from 62,000 subjects has discovered that eating overcooked or burnt food can increase the chances of developing pancreas cancer by two-thirds!

JUST A PINCH

Reducing salt intake is said to have a beneficial effect on blood pressure. However, consuming too little salt can cause elevated levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides.

The British Dietetic Diet the worst weight loss plan

Article by

Alice Bradshaw

Nutritionist for Solgar Vitamins

Article by

Alice Bradshaw

Nutritionist for Solgar Vitamins