Food & recipes

News Bites

Nourish your body and tickle your taste buds with our round-up of the latest research

MEAT REDUCER

Sir Paul McCartney launched the ‘meat free Monday’ campaign a few years ago encouraging people to go vegetarian for one day a week. But, experts from the World Health Organisation have recently suggested that rather than having one meat-free day, you should instead have six meat-free days and only eat organic meat once a week. It’s been reported that eating too much meat can cause obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Last year. the then chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, said cutting consumption by 30 per cent would prevent 18,000 premature deaths a year!

PRODUCT SHOW CASE

THESE TEMPTING TREATS ARE DELICIOUS AND HEALTHY TOO!

Udo’s Choice Ultimate Oil Blend, £10.99

If you’re battling with cravings this delicious oil could be just what you need. It is a blend of organic seed oils that are packed full of omega-3 and omega-6, which are good fats and will keep you feeling full.

Osho Chocolate bar, £3.99 for a seven bar pack Do you want to support your gut flora but can’t stand yoghurt? Well, this scrummy chocolate bar contains a billion good bacteria, plus it’s lactose and cholesterol-free.

Mornflakes Union Jack, £1.89 Start the day right with a warming bowl of these organic oats. They’re bursting with natural goodness and will keep your tummy satisfied and your heart ticking over nicely.

Sunny side up!

Vitamin D deficiency is on the rise, and has even afflicted health-conscious Gwyneth Paltrow. Despite the highly-publicised news stories, according to the Institute of Medicine, cases of rickets in children (a condition caused by a lack of the vitamin which leads to weakened bones and bow legs) are on the rise. The Dickensian disease was thought to be eradicated in the 1940s as food became fortified with the vital vit but experts claim lack of sunlight exposure is the major cause. Although catching some rays is the most effective way of topping up, you can also find the bone-boosting vitamin in mushrooms.

DID YOU KNOW?

Stocking up with algae may curb any unhealthy cravings. It’s bursting with fibre which boosts feelings of satiety and means you’re less likely to gorge at dinner.

VITAMIN VIEW

We all know minerals are important but what do they actually do? Here our nutritional expert, Alice Bradshaw, explains all

In the world of nutrition, minerals often take a backseat, with the spotlight being on certain vitamins or exciting new nutrient discoveries. Most people recognise calcium and iron as minerals, but may be completely ignorant of the existence and importance of lesser known minerals, such as molybdenum or vanadium.

Minerals are vital to the health and function of the body. They work with vitamins in the production of enzymes and co-enzymes that influence the health of every cell. The minerals are classified as ‘major’ or ‘trace’ (sometimes called macro and microminerals). These terms refer to the amount of the mineral that the human body needs on a daily basis. Although minerals are found in a wide range of foods, nutritional experts are finding that many people have sub-optimal levels, with zinc and magnesium being most commonly deficient. Iron deficiency, which may lead to anaemia, is also relatively common, with women who have heavy menstrual bleeding being particularly at risk.

Processed foods, sugar, alcohol, tea and coffee all rob your body of vital minerals. Poor digestive function also hinders mineral absorption. If you feel that you are not getting all the minerals you need, talk to your GP or a qualified nutritional therapist about what to do.

DID YOU KNOW?

Stocking up with algae may curb any unhealthy cravings. It’s bursting with fibre which boosts feelings of satiety and means you’re less likely to gorge at dinner.

Teens who drink five or more cans of fizzy drink a week are more likely to behave aggressively, according to research published in Injury Prevention.

FUSSY FRUITS

According to recent reports, up to 90 per cent of food waste from harvested crops is edible – it just don’t meet cosmetic standards or what’s known in the trade as ‘technical specifications’. These stipulate the look and feel of produce retailers are willing to buy and at what price.

“A Mediterranean diet has been touted as a possible cure for sleep apnea”

The Taste Barometer

GOING UP

NATURAL PRESERVE

A study has found that rosemary and sage essential oils are more effective at preventing oxidative decay in meat than many of the synthetic preservatives.

PERSONAL BEST

Want to be the fittest at the gym? Try guzzling an energy drink with caffeine and carbohydrates – the combo improves endurance and speed, according to a new study.

MYTHICAL MUNCH

It’s traditional in certain cultures to eat fermented vegetables to bring about good fortune. Folklore has it that the long threads of sauerkraut potentially represent a long life – plus it tastes amazing and is super healthy.

GOING DOWN

TOO FAT, TOO THIN

Despite the UK’s obesity problem, a recent poll revealed that over a quarter of under 10-year-olds say they regularly skip meals.

GUT REACTION

Women with coeliac disease – an autoimmune disorder which means your body can’t tolerate gluten – are more likely to suffer from depression.

JUST A DIP

The World Cancer Research Fund has raised concerns over the high calorie content of certain dips that are considered healthy – for example, on average hummus contains 332 calories per 100g!