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Whilst we like to believe that food has a consistent and measurable effect on us it is becoming increasingly apparent that this is not the case. Often, the actual effects of foods on measurable health parametres are different from what would be expected based on the macronutrient content of the foods. For example, although almonds are high in ...

Like most plant foods that we eat today oats were domesticated from wild varieties thousands of years ago. Being filling, nutritious and versatile it's easy to see why they have endured for so long in the human diet. Porridge is probably the first thing that springs to mind when oats are mentioned and even this humble dish has many recipes, ...

It is unarguable that many foods have protective and disease preventative properties. We've all heard about the wonders of blueberries and broccoli, which are, no doubt, foods we would do well to include in our diets. However, if health is the goal then it may be wise to broaden our horizons. Most research into the effects of food on health ...

Until relatively recently organically grown foods were the only foods available on this planet. They are what human beings evolved on. Government statistics indicate that levels of trace minerals in fruit and vegetables fell by up to 76% between 1940 and 1991. In contrast there is growing evidence that organic fruit and vegetables contain more ...

People in some countries have the luxury of living longer than ever before. This is partly due to advancements in medicine and social care as well as good nutrition. However, living a long life is only desirable if one has a good quality of life. A good quality of life includes being in a reasonable state of physical health as well as having a ...

Beans, seeds and wholegrains are all excellent foods in their own right. However, sprouting them hugely increases their nutrient content and bio-availability. As well as having many health promoting properties sprouts are incredibly versatile. They work well in salads, sandwiches and wraps and can add texture, flavour and nutrients to cooked ...

Whilst being unique to human beings tea drinking knows no cultural or geo-political boundaries. It is a ritual, a habit and a pleasure in peoples across the globe. And as luck would have it drinking tea is not just enjoyable, but also beneficial to health. Just to clarify that in this blog we are focusing on Camellia sinensis or Chinese tea, and ...

Not only does the planet benefit when people eat a diet rich in plant foods rather than animal products but there are many benefits to health as well. Research from Finland has found that a diet rich in plant protein is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes whilst a diet rich in meat increases the risk of getting the disease. It is ...

Artificial sweeteners are food additives that duplicate the taste of sugar but usually have fewer calories. Billions of people around the world consume food and drinks containing artificial sweeteners in the belief that they will not contribute to weight gain and will hopefully help them to lose weight. These foods are often labelled as  “low ...

Chickpeas are legumes grown mainly in temperate and semi arid climates. They are a good source of protein, fibre, resistant starch, oligosaccharides, sterols, calcium, magnesium, potassium, B vitamins, folate and antioxidants including carotenoids and isoflavones (1,2,3). But their benefits go beyond the nutrients they contain. Let's take a look ...