When it comes to the new trend in polyphenols, flavanols and other phytochemicals, the first thing you should know is that these are not essential for nutrition. They are neither micronutrients (vitamins or minerals required in small amounts to aid the normal functions of a living thing) nor macronutrients (nutrients…

Bread is often deemed “bad” and “unhealthy” as it is considered a high glycaemic index simple carbohydrate, which rapidly gives you energy, raises blood sugar and blood insulin levels and causes sugar lows which make you tired, emotionally low and hungry, increasing your weight with minimal nutritional benefit. However, bread…

By Laura Campbell Eat rubbish? You feel rubbish. Eat well, you feel well. In the past, we all focused on the effects of nutrition on physical health, looking at the effect on heart disease and so on. However, more and more evidence is emerging that shows that key mental health…

By Laura Campbell Our brains are amazing things. Our brain cells, nerve cells or neurones, are linked by neurotransmitters, which work with neurohormones, neuropeptides and hormones to help regulate our emotions and mood, memory and intelligence, energy levels, appetite and digestion, coordination and balance, immune system, senses and ability to…

Collagen is a protein made from many amino acids, mainly non-essential ones such as glycine and proline, that make up skin, muscle, gut walls, connective tissue, joints, and bones. It requires vitamin C (from citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, bell peppers, and tomatoes) and zinc (in shellfish, legumes, meats, nuts…

By Laurentia (Laura) Campbell Omega-3’s are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid that we can only get from our diet (our bodies cannot make them) which are essential for brain functioning (Kidd, 2007), glucose control and insulin sensitivity, as a source of energy and which reduce inflammation. They play a…

By Laurentia Laura Campbell The 2023 Mental health week theme is anxiety. There’s no shame in getting anxious sometimes. Anxiety is a strength as it helps you detect threats first. Try to learn to harness it to your advantage and you can be the strongest in the tribe. …

Most adults have a glass of alcohol or a sugary drink with a meal. Sugar-sweetened beverages make up 60% of the calories in the US diet. These fructose and high-fructose-corn-syrup fruit smoothies, fruit juices, sodas, bubble teas, cordials, pops and fizzy drinks as well as artificial sweetener-sweetened drinks are associated…

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin which is carried in chylomicrons and LDL cholesterol to tissues. It was discovered that inhibition of this vitamin caused the abortion of rat offspring and decreased sperm motility. It was named Tocopherol and found to be a series of chemicals including tocopherol and tocotrienol…