Diet news - diets, recipes, food and nutrition facts

Latest research has shown that eating a diet rich in fresh fruit can help reduce 5 main cancers: lung, larynx, mouth and stomach. The high fibre in fruit can also protect the body from bowel cancer. As well as containing many healthy vitamins and minerals, fruit is full of phytochemicals - including flavanoids - powerful antioxidants which protect the body from cell damage.

Fizzy drinks accelerate ageing process

A new report has suggested a link between the chemical phosphate in many fizzy drinks and premature ageing. The study was carried out using mice, so there is no conclusive evidence yet to suggest this applies to humans. It has however prompted medical investigation into the effect of excess phosphate on health. It is also debatable whether the levels of phosphate in fizzy drinks are high enough to affect health. Fizzy drinks are already not a healthy option, due to their high sugar and calories.

Hip to eat protein

New studies, involving 1,000 pensioners, have shown that older people are less likely to suffer hip fractures, if they eat more protein in their daily diets. Protein is already recognised as helping to strengthen muscles, and it is thought these help reinforce bones when subjected to a fall and a possible hip injury. A protein rich diet is also believed to be linked to higher bone density, which is important in older people, as this can gradually decrease with age, such as in conditions like osteoporosis.

Try these delicious protein recipes: Chicken and peppers in black bean sauce Chilli chicken with broccoli Grilled chicken breast

Low-calorie diet boosts immunity

A recent study has revealed that cutting your calories down in order to lose weight can also boost your immunity. Researchers discovered that the T-cells - a type of white blood (immune) cell, improved their function when the participants of the study reduced their calories for 6 months. More info on Calorie Restriction / Longer life Diet

Not so 'Healthy' reduced-fat snacks

A lot of 'healthy' snack foods have been marketed as containing reduced saturated fat, because of its links to obesity and heart disease, but now health experts are warning that sugar should also be reduced. Sugar has been used by many food manufacturers to fill in and compensate for reducing the fat in many products, it is said to improve the texture and taste. So called 'healthy' snacks for children are to be the first items under scrutiny; there are certain cereal bars on sale that contain 69% sugar. This is more than three times the level of sugar found in some brands of ice cream.

A recent study has discovered that people who ate more added sugar were likely to have higher levels of certain unhealthy blood fats and lower good cholesterol levels - both factors can contribute to an increase in the risk of heart disease. It is believed that eating a lot of sugar affects the lipids in the body, in a similar manner to eating a high-fat diet. Over-consumption of sugar is already known to be a cause of obesity, diabetes and tooth decay.

Nuts lower cholesterol

Eating plenty of nuts in your diet can help lower your cholesterol levels, reports a new health study involving seven countries.
Nuts contain a number of healthful substances, including 'good' fats, fibre, and antioxidants. Consuming an average portion of 2.4 ounces (67 grams) of nuts daily was found to lower people's cholesterol levels by 11 points - a 5% reduction. Eating nuts, which are full of anti-oxidants and fibre, can improve your lipid profile, so helping reduce the risk of heart disease.

Walnuts contain the highest omega-3 fatty acids and Brazil nuts are full of selenium - a powerful anti-oxidant. Almonds are high in calcium and Cashews contain vitamin A and are a good source of iron.

Olive oil protects against bowel disease

Organic doesn't equal low calories

A new study has found that many people assume that a food that has an organic label is better for you, so therefore contains less calories. Researchers discovered that organic labels on food can encourage people to overeat, believing whatever the food item is, it is good for them.

Choosing organic products is a healthy food choice because it avoids consuming various chemicals, pesticides and hormones, etc, which can be harmful to the body. But certain organic products are not necessarily suitable for those on a calorie-controlled diet plan. Eat organic to be healthier, but not as a diet aid. It's always a good idea to read the nutrition label and note the fat and sugar content.

Sausages linked to Heart Disease

A new American study has proved a link between eating processed red meat products, such as sausages, bacon, ham, salami and hotdogs, and an increased risk of Coronary Heart Disease and diabetes. The latest figures reveal that, on average, a 50g daily serving of processed meat (such as 1 sausage or 2 rashers of bacon) is linked with a 42% higher risk of developing heart disease and a 19% higher risk of diabetes. The study also checked out the effect of eating red meat: pork, beef and lamb, and discovered these were not as harmful as the processed meat products. Whether it is the processing, or the high salt content, or the use of lots of nitrates and preservatives which affects the meat is still not clear.

The best advice given, regarding these products, is that if you do want to eat them try and choose the very best product you can afford, which will be less likely to be full of nitrates,etc, and not to consume them regularly.

Treat them as an ocasional treat, not part of your healthy daily eating plan. Buy the best and eat less!

A new American study has discovered worrying levels of an industrial chemical, Bisphenol A (BPA), in certain tinned food. The chemical is used to line tins, and has been discovered to be present in 46 out of the 50 tinned food items tested. BPA can act as a synthetic oestrogen, and so the analysts believe this may be linked to an added risk of various health conditions, including: breast and prostate cancer, heart disease, diabetes and fertility problems. Some food manufacturers have already found alternatives to BPA, and others are being urged to follow. BPA is also used in the manufacturing of plastic containers.

Recent studies have shown that by eating a vegetarian diet you can help lower your cholesterol. Meat, particularly red, is high in cholesterol compared to vegetables. A healthy step is to cut down on saturated fat, which raises the cholesterol, and to increase the amount of fruit, vegetables and fibre you eat. Health experts recommend that the average man should have no more than 30g saturated fat a day. The average woman should have no more than 20g.

Protein sources, such as nuts, seeds, beans and fish, can be a healthy alternative to meat, if you are trying to lower a high chloresterol. However, vegetarians still need to be careful not to consume too many dairy products and processed foods, as these too are high in the wrong fat. Unsaturated fats, such as in oily fish, nuts and seeds, are not thought to raise blood cholesterol and may even lower levels. They also provide us with essential fatty acids.