Total Pageviews

Monday 31 July 2017

Are You Aging Gracefully ?


"Aging gracefully is something many of us aspire to do regardless of race, sex or age. In a world where it feels like every second day there is a product, supplement, or regime targeted at combating age - we are bombarded with constantly changing and often conflicting messages. Aging is a natural process and unfortunately one that is far too often considered in a negative context. At the heart of the aging process are a number of biochemical changes – that we can support in a number of ways. Understanding the processes behind aging helps us to target our solutions, to ensure we take really great care of our physical health, our thoughts and perceptions and we make a conscious decision to age gracefully.

Inflammation:
Inflammation is one of the most important processes to consider in aging. Put simply, inflammation is your immune system’s response to any problematic substance that has entered your body. How do things enter? You can ingest them, breathe them, or you can absorb them through your skin.
When your immune system perceives that a threatening substance is in your diet, for example, it mounts a powerful and multi-pronged attack on the “invader”. Part of that response is to create inflammation, which we recognize as heat, swelling and redness. This occurs wherever the immune system is engaged in a battle — in the tissues of your face, in your arteries, and/or in your vital organs, for example. Inflammation is essential to keeping us alive, but it also causes collateral damage, such as scarring and wrinkling. The more pollutants we are exposed to, the more inflammation our body experiences, and the more rapidly we age.
One of the best ways to naturally dampen down inflammation is to ensure your diet is high in vitamin C – lots of fresh vegetables, citrus fruits and berries. Or alternatively consider using a high quality, preferably buffered vitamin C supplement. Vitamin C does wonderful things for for skin texture and luminosity and is critical for the synthesis of collagen, an important structural protein of our skin.

Oxidation:
Oxidation is another way we age. It has significant inner and outer health consequences. Oxidative damage is done by substances known as free radicals, which are single oxygen molecules that can hurt your tissues and other vital substances in your body.
We stay alive through a process called respiration, a process by which we breathe in oxygen, and we exhale carbon dioxide. When we breathe, oxygen splits apart, forming two single oxygen molecules — free radicals and they are angry little critters, as they have lost their buddy and are now able to damage your tissues. Free radicals do have minimal benefit within the body, which includes assisting white blood cells to reduce infection. However, the number of free radicals within the blood is greatly increased by stress, high-intensity exercise, cigarette smoke, and pollutants such as pesticides and heavy metals. You can see how modern-day living can mean that the number of free radicals in the body becomes high and stops serving our health, and begins to cause harm.

Your immune system is designed to protect you from infection and to play a role in dampening down inflammation. Immune cells will attack any substance that shows up in your body that they decide is foreign or poisonous, or that they believe you are better off without. These substances may appear in your food, water, or as viruses or bacteria that you ingest, which then generate free radicals (also known as oxidants). Free radicals are highly reactive molecules, and they destroy cells and tissues by causing them to age, form scar tissue, and die. Free radicals cause all living things to age and decay. They are the reason a cut apple left on your bench turns brown and shrivels up. In your skin, free radicals cause the moist collagen fibres that form its super-structure to become dry and shrivelled. When the foundation of your skin shrinks, the surface folds over on itself, forming wrinkles. The more free radicals in your system, the more your collagen shrinks, and the more wrinkles appear on your skin.

One of the major ways the body defends itself from free radical damage is through the consumption of antioxidants. Antioxidant-rich foods are our coloured plant foods. If you could imagine a large platter covered in beautiful, brightly coloured fresh produce, that platter would pack a massive antioxidant punch! The way it works is that the antioxidant donates one of its oxygen molecules back to the single guy (free radical) and they pair up. As a result the oxygen will no longer damage your tissues.

Glycation:
Another factor in aging is glycation. This occurs when glucose (sugar) from what we eat binds to some of our DNA, proteins, and lipids, leaving them unable to do their jobs. If we have a diet high in processed foods, the problem becomes worse as we get older, since the cumulative sugar intake for most just keeps growing. This can cause cells and tissues to malfunction, resulting in aging, or in some cases disease.
Not that long ago in human evolution, processed, high-sugar foods didn’t exist. Then, in the not-too-distant past, they were eaten only on special occasions, like birthday parties, but now they have become part of every day for too many people. I cannot say this enough: it is what you do every day that impacts on your health, not what you do sometimes. However it is important to remember that the aging process will potentially be slowed if you consume less refined sugar.

Getting Your Beauty Sleep:
Rest must follow action for us to have optimal health, the ability to remain calm, and all those “non-vital” processes, such as our skin, hair, and nails getting all the nourishment they need. And very few of us these days truly rest or live a calm state, where productivity, patience, and kindness tend to easily flow.
The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), is active when we truly rest. This is also called the “rest, digest, repair, reproduce” (and I’ve added “radiance”) arm of our nervous system. I also refer to it as the “green zone”. The challenge is that it can be dominated by the opposite arm of the nervous system, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which I refer to as the “red zone”.
Appropriate activation of the PNS is essential not only to feeling centred, calm, and lovely – but also for skin, hair and nail regeneration. Prioritizing your sleep assists in slowing the aging process as the body can get to work on repairing damaged cells.

Food To Support Aging:
When it comes to real food, for me they are all super foods. Each food has its own unique combination of nutritional value to offer you and your glow. Here is a number of foods that you can incorporate into your diet to help supply nutrients and slow the effects of the aging process.

Almonds.
A good source of vitamin E, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and calcium, all of which are essential to skin oxygenation and function.

Apple cider vinegar.
Helps stimulate digestion and may improve extraction of minerals and vitamins from your diet. It may also be a helpful natural remedy for dandruff, because the acids in the vinegar can help stop the fungus-causing chemical imbalances in the skin of the scalp.

Artichokes.
Regular consumption of these woody, fibrous vegetables is linked to healthier skin, and, in particular, improved skin luminosity.

Avocados.
A good source of biotin and monounsaturated fats, avocados help to prevent dry skin and brittle hair and nails; when applied topically, they help to hydrate dry skin. For me, they are a super special beauty food.

Beetroots.
Beetroot contains nitrates, which produce a gas called nitric oxide in the blood, which widens blood vessels and lowers blood pressure; it is also important for blood flow to skin.

Blueberries.
One of the richest sources of antioxidants, these beautiful and delicious berries counteract premature aging.

Brazil Nuts.
These are a good source of the antioxidant selenium, which helps increase the number of infection- fighting white blood cells in the body, as well as protect against cellular damage. For skin care, selenium’s antioxidant properties regenerate vitamins E and C, thereby decreasing the aging of skin. A truly amazing nut!

Brassica Vegetables.
Vegetables worthy of their superstar accolades, they are potent sources of antioxidants, as well as many vitamins and minerals, which help aid cellular repair. Vegetables in the Brassica family contain indoles, substances that help the liver detoxify hormones, which can help with sex hormone balance, which is critical for clear skin.

Coconuts.
Coconuts are great for your skin and body, inside and out. Containing vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and natural proteins, coconuts also contain medium-chain triglycerides, which are a wonderful fuel for the body, and also possess antibacterial properties. Lauric acid, for example, has been scientifically shown to have a stronger action against the bacteria often involved with acne than benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient in many medicated skin washes and some prescription acne medications. Topically, coconut oil is a great way to moisturize and cleanse your skin naturally.

Cucumbers.
The high water content means it is a very hydrating choice and is a wonderful way to reduce swelling or puffiness around eyes.

Eggs.
Eggs are a complete source of protein. They contain biotin, an essential vitamin that protects against dry skin, and is also helpful for nail and hair health. Eggs also contain iron, which is vital for oxygenation of the entire body, including the skin.

Fresh, Sustainable Oily Fish.
This is a wonderful source of omega-3, which dampens down inflammation in the body and also helps keep skin moisturised. Fresh salmon also contains astaxanthin, a carotenoid that improves skin elasticity.

Green Tea.
This wonderful skin-friendly beverage is packed full of antioxidants that are protective against cellular damage throughout the body, including the aging process of the skin.

Kale.
Kale is an excellent source of the beauty vitamins A, C, and E, which have potent anti-aging properties and help promote healthy new cell growth. It is also loaded with minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, which healthy skin needs; these minerals are also critical to our ability to relax and are highly alkaline.

Kiwifruit.
Kiwifruit is a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which help keep skin firm and slow down the formation of wrinkles, and are also great for healthy teeth and bones. The antioxidants in kiwifruit have also been shown to help protect against cancer and heart disease.

Lemons.
Rich in vitamin C, lemons are great for the skin and also stimulate digestion — starting your day with lemon in warm water is a wonderful way to kick-start your digestion. The goodies in lemons are crucial for all aspects of beauty, obtaining the maximum nutrition from your diet and helping to supply your skin, hair and nails with nutrients.

Thoughts And Perceptions:
It’s equally important to consider how you feel about ageing. Are you fearful of it? Do you feel you’re less attractive because you now have lines or wrinkles? In today’s society we place so much emphasis on youth being attractive, but there is nothing more attractive than a woman or man that is comfortable in his or her own skin regardless of their age.
Aging is a natural part of life that you don’t need to fear; we will all go through it. Your changing lines, hair colour or body in no way detract from who you really are and the goodness in your heart. The passing years also bring wisdom and that has a radiance all of its own."

Image from google, but all words from an article by Dr. Libby Weaver Ph.D - she is one of Australasia’s leading nutrition specialists and weight loss experts based in Auckland, New Zealand. See here

All the best Jan

Sunday 30 July 2017

Horiatiki / Villager's Salad ... delicious


Horiatiki means villager in Greek, so this dish simply means villager’s salad.

Ingredients:
Serves Four
125 g Greek feta
2 green peppers
1 cucumber
1 small red onion
5 ripe tomatoes
1 handful of Kalamata olives
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3-4 tablespoons red wine vinegar

It’s typically made with tomatoes, onion, cucumbers, olives and feta. It’s then dressed with olive oil and vinegar. All of these ingredients are loaded with nutrients and considered staples in Greek cooking.

The vegetables in the salad make it high in fibre. Vegetables also contain many antioxidants and nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K and potassium. 

The olives and olive oil contain healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats may reduce your risk of a heart attack and stroke, as well as reduce inflammation.
The feta sprinkled onto the salad is another staple of Greek cooking.

Feta is made from sheep or goat’s milk. It’s good for your bones since it’s high in calcium, protein and phosphorous. In fact, it contains more calcium than most other cheeses.

Method:
1. Crumble the feta into chunks, de-seed and slice the peppers, and peel and slice the cucumber and onion. Slice the tomatoes.
2. Combine all the ingredients except the oregano, oil and vinegar in a salad bowl.
3. Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with the oregano, season with freshly ground black pepper and dress with the oil and red wine vinegar.

Enjoy ...

Απολαύστε ...
Τα Καλύτερα Jan

All the best Jan

Saturday 29 July 2017

Villagers - Courage at BBC 6 Music Festival 2015

Weekend chill out time with a relaxing little number from the Villagers
Graham

Johann Sebastian Bach - Suite nº 3, BWV 1068 (Karajan)

Another track from the CD I mentioned earlier. Does music get any better? I don't think so. Enjoy. Eddie 

Massenet - Méditation (Thaïs)

Saturday night and music night again. Jan and myself spent a couple of days down on the South Coast this week. Mostly business to attend to, but we had some time to indulge one of our favourite pastimes, mooching about charity  shops and old book shops. I bought a CD still wrapped in the original plastic called Adagio Karajan. Eleven tracks of sublime music. This is one track from the collection. BTW the CD cost 99 pence just over a $dollar, a real result I reckon. Eddie 

Summer Pistou from Provençe : Is it a soup or a stew !


Provençe is a geographical region and historical province of south-eastern France. A pistou can be a paste, or sauce, from Provençe made of basil, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes Parmesan cheese and tomato paste, it can also be a vegetable soup flavoured with pistou. So please read on for this recipe suggestion which is 'a cross between a soup and a stew'. This French style dish is packed with vegetables and beans - perfect as a light lunch.

Ingredients:
Serves Four
1 tbsp. oil

2 leeks, finely sliced
1 large courgette (zucchini)
, finely diced
1 ltr. vegetable stock (made from scratch or with reduced-salt bouillon)
400g can cannellini or haricot beans, drained
200g green beans, chopped
3 tomatoes
, chopped
40g freshly grated
basil (small pack or handful)

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
for a bit more 'zing' - add a little lime juice or chilli - optional

Method:
Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the leeks and courgette for 5 minutes to soften. Pour in the stock, add three-quarters of the haricot beans with the green beans, half the tomatoes, and simmer for 5-8 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Meanwhile, blitz the remaining beans and tomatoes, the garlic and basil in a food processor (or in a bowl with a stick blender) until smooth, then stir in the Parmesan. Stir the sauce into the soup, cook for 1 min, then ladle half into bowls or pour into a flask for a packed lunch.
Chill the remainder. Will keep for a couple of days.

Tip: If making ahead it will keep in the fridge for a couple of days.

Per Serving
Fat 8g  Protein 12g  Carbs 18g

From an original idea here

Garlic, some love it - others hate it, but it has been and still is highly valued throughout the ages as a culinary spice. The garlic bulb is the most commonly used portion of the plant, composed of 8-20 individual, teardrop shaped cloves enclosed in a white parchment-like skin. It is an excellent source of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). It is also a very good source of manganese, selenium and vitamin C. In addition, garlic is a good source of other minerals, including phosphorous, calcium, potassium, iron and copper.

Garlic may also lower blood pressure slightly, mainly through its ability to widen blood vessels; it also has a long history of use as an infection fighter.

Read more about garlic and its health benefits here

Bon Appetit !

We bring a variety of recipe ideas to this blog, but not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan

Friday 28 July 2017

Why GPs should prescribe a low-carb diet for type 2 diabetes

We are doing patients and the NHS a disservice if we fail to advise them on the benefits of a low-carbohydrate diet, argues Dr Campbell Murdoch

It seems every week brings a new headline about the catastrophic epidemic of type 2 diabetes that is threatening to overwhelm our health service. But in my view we are largely ignoring the root cause of the problem and taking completely the wrong approach to tackling it – failing our patients and costing the NHS a fortune in the process.

Instead of giving patients unhelpful instructions to eat less – on a diet based on starchy carbohydrate – and exercise more, and then putting them on to more and more drugs, we should be listening to their experience and observing the growing body of evidence that cutting down on carbohydrate intake is the key.

I am seeing astonishing results in patients with type 2 diabetes who themselves chose to reduce their dietary carbohydrate intakes. Having seen the results, and after many hours of research to understand the physiology better, I believe it would be unacceptable for me not to offer advice on using a ‘low-carb’ diet to patients with type 2 diabetes.

At medical school 20 years ago I was taught that type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. This is not true – turn off the ‘sugar tap’ and the disease begins to reverse. Type 2 diabetes is a problem of homeostasis. Our body uses its various hormones, including insulin, to maintain blood glucose homeostasis of 4–6 mmol/L, which is about 5g in an average adult. But when we constantly consume food that challenges our blood glucose level, the body takes the hit and shifts the excess glucose to fat storage. Eventually, probably as a homeostatic mechanism to prevent ever-increasing obesity, our body starts to push back – and blood glucose rises.

So what do I now tell patients? I explain how type 2 diabetes is a problem of high blood glucose, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia, and advise them that one option to manage this is to avoid sugar, processed foods, and sweet fruits, and eat less carbohydrate. Instead they can eat ‘real food’ which includes lots of above-ground vegetables, a typical portion of protein (meat, fish, eggs, nuts etc) each day and as much healthy fat such as olive oil to satisfy their appetite.

In a typical patient you see impressive results within a couple of months, including a significant drop in HbA1c (80 mmol/mol down to 50 mmol/mol would not be unexpected, sometimes even more). Triglycerides plummet and high-density lipopoprotein (‘good’) cholesterol increases. People notice effortless weight loss, including losing their mid-riff (the ‘insulin tyre’) – one patient advised I owe them £750 as they had to buy new clothes!

Many patients suffering from dyspepsia are able to stop their PPIs. Importantly, these results seem to be maintained, despite the argument that ‘there is no long-term randomised controlled trial evidence for the benefit of low carb diets’. There is no long-term trial evidence because there are no such trials; the longest that look at low carb diets seem to be 24 months. Let’s not mislead people when we say there is no long-term evidence.

Some GPs worry they are going against guidelines by advising a reduction in carbohydrate intake. They need not be concerned. NICE guidelines on type 2 diabetes advise high-fibre low glycaemic index (GI) sources of carbohydrate, which in practical terms means things such as peppers and leafy greens. It does not mean potatoes and bread, which are high GI.

NICE also advises tailoring the carbohydrate to the individual. In my experience most people need to eat less than 130g of carbohydrate a day (a few small potatoes and the odd slice of bread) although those with severe insulin resistance may need to reduce carbohydrate to 50g or less – which generally means completely removing starchy carbohydrate from the diet.

Other concerns some people have include: ‘Carbohydrates are essential in our diet.’ This is not true, there is no such thing as an essential carbohydrate, and our livers are pretty nifty at gluconeogenesis if required.

‘Ketosis is dangerous.’ Actually, nutritional ketosis and ketoacidosis are completely different physiological processes – Google it, and also consider what happens when people fast: they do not become ketoacidotic. Nutritional ketosis is not dangerous (it actually makes you feel pretty good!)

I would recommend looking into low carbohydrate diets for managing type 2 diabetes. It may be the most interesting CPD you have done for a while, it will revolutionise your consultations, and it may have a significant impact on your own health.

As one my patients, a very happy male in his mid-60s, testifies:

‘I was initially quite angry when told I could reverse my type 2 diabetes. I was angry because for 12 years the NHS (doctors, consultants and internet) told me the disease was irreversible and progressive. And of course they are right, if you follow the standard low fat high carbohydrate dietary advice.

‘I changed to a real food, low carbohydrate, healthy fat diet in August last year and the results are, at least to me, a miracle. I no longer take diabetes pills, or pills for gout, or for high cholesterol, and I take fewer blood pressure pills. I have far more energy and now enjoy life to the full.'

Dr Campbell Murdoch is a GP in Somerset, RCGP clinical advisor and Public Health England physical activity clinical champion


Graham

Grilled Lamb Chops, Peaches, and a Parmesan Mint Pesto


With the help of the internet, magazines, books etc. we are so fortunate to have so many delicious recipes at our fingertips. Sometimes the 'must try this' list gets longer and longer. LOL! I happened to see this recipe, what a delicious plate of food I thought ... definitely one for sharing.
Please see full recipe and instructions here

We bring a variety of recipe ideas to this blog, but not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan

Wednesday 26 July 2017

Gary Taubes: Are You a Carboholic? Why Cutting Carbs Is So Tough

I’ve been eating a high-fat, carb-restricted diet for almost 20 years, since I started as an experiment when investigating nutrition research for the journal Science. I find it’s easy for me to maintain a healthy weight when I eat this way. But even after two decades, the sensation of being on the edge of a slippery slope is ever-present.

The holidays and family vacations are a particular problem. Desserts and sweets, it seems, will appear after every lunch and dinner, and I’m not particularly good at saying no when everyone else is partaking. The more sweets I eat, the more we eat as a family, the longer it takes upon returning home before that expectation of a daily treat fades away.

What I’ve realized is that eating a little of a tasty dessert or a little pasta or bread fails to satisfy me. Rather it ignites a fierce craving for more, to eat it all and then some. I find it easier to avoid sugar, grains and starches entirely, rather than to try to eat them in moderation. The question is why.

To begin to answer that question requires understanding that researchers are generally divided not only on what causes obesity, but also why we have cravings and often fail to stay on diets.

The conventional thinking, held by the large proportion of the many researchers and clinicians I’ve interviewed over the years, is that obesity is caused by caloric excess. They refer to it as an “energy balance” disorder, and so the treatment is to consume less energy (fewer calories) and expend more. When we fail to maintain this prescription, the implication is that we simply lack will power or self-discipline.

“It’s viewed as a psychological issue or even a question of character,” says Dr. David Ludwig, who studies and treats obesity at Harvard Medical School.

The minority position in this field — one that Dr. Ludwig holds, as do I after years of reporting — is that obesity is actually a hormonal regulatory disorder, and the hormone that dominates this process is insulin. It directly links what we eat to the accumulation of excess fat and that, in turn, is tied to the foods we crave and the hunger we experience. It’s been known since the 1960s that insulin signals fat cells to accumulate fat, while telling the other cells in our body to burn carbohydrates for fuel. By this thinking these carbohydrates are uniquely fattening.

Since insulin levels after meals are determined largely by the carbohydrates we eat — particularly easily digestible grains and starches, known as high glycemic index carbohydrates, as well as sugars like sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup — diets based on this approach specifically target these carbohydrates. If we don’t want to stay fat or get fatter, we don’t eat them.

This effect of insulin on fat and carbohydrate metabolism offers an explanation for why these same carbohydrates, as Dr. Ludwig says, are typically the foods we crave most; why a little “slip,” as addiction specialists would call it, could so easily lead to a binge.

Elevate insulin levels even a little, says Dr. Robert Lustig, a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of California, San Francisco, and the body switches over from burning fat for fuel to burning carbohydrates, by necessity.

“The more insulin you release, the more you crave carbs,” he said. “Once you’re exposed to a little carbohydrate, and you get an insulin rise from it, that forces energy into fat cells and that deprives your other cells of the energy they would otherwise have utilized — in essence, starvation. So you compensate by getting hungry, particularly for more carbohydrate. High insulin drives carb-craving.”

The result is that even a bite or a taste of carbohydrate-rich foods can stimulate insulin and create a hunger — a craving — for even more carbohydrates. “There’s no question in my mind,” says Dr. Lustig, “that once people who are ‘carboholics’ get their insulin levels down, they become less carboholic. And if they go off the wagon and start eating carbs, they go right back to where they were before. I’ve seen that in numerous patients.”

Sugar and sweets might be a particular problem because of several physiological responses that may be unique to sugar. Sugar cravings appear to be mediated through the brain reward center that is triggered by other addictive substances. Both sugar and addictive substances stimulate the release of a neurotransmitter called dopamine, producing an intensely pleasurable sensation that our brains crave to repeat. Whether this really is a significant player in sugar cravings is one of many areas of controversy in the field.

Researchers like Dr. Ludwig and Dr. Lustig who also see patients, and physicians, nutritionists and dietitians who promote carb-restricted diets, believe that a person can minimize these carbohydrate cravings by eating lots of healthful fats instead. Fat is satiating, says Dr. Ludwig, and it’s the one macronutrient that doesn’t stimulate insulin secretion. Eating fat-rich foods, “helps extinguish binge behavior,” Dr. Ludwig says, “as opposed to high-carb foods which exacerbate it.” (Although the definition of a “healthful” fat is another topic of debate.)

Whatever the mechanism involved, if the goal is to avoid the kind of slip that leads from a single forkful of rice to a doughnut binge or falling off your diet for good, then the same techniques that have been pioneered in the field of drug addiction for avoiding relapses also should work in this scenario as well. These basic principles have been developed over decades, says Laura Schmidt, an addiction specialist at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine who now studies sugar as well. They can “work for anyone who’s gotten clean and sober and wants to stay that way.”

The first and most obvious strategy is to stay away from the trigger. “Alcoholics who care about staying sober won’t get a job in a bar or even walk down the alcohol aisle in a grocery store,” says Dr. Schmidt. “It’s harder to avoid junk foods in the food environment around us, but we can certainly clean up our home environment and avoid situations where sugar and other treats are easily available.”

Changing our social networks may be necessary as well — convincing our families and our communities to be invested in eschewing these foods, just as they would help if we were trying to quit cigarettes or alcohol or a harder drug.

Another valuable technique is to learn to identify, plan for, and avoid situations that weaken resolve or increase cravings. “If I know that at 3 p.m. I have a little slump and will want to go to the vending machine, then I can have food available that’s the equivalent but that won’t trigger a binge,” says Dr. Schmidt. “Instead of sugary soda, I can drink sparkling water with a lime in it.”

Ultimately, any successful diet is by definition a long-term commitment. We tend to think of diets as something we go on and off. And if we fall off, we think the diet failed. But if we buy into the logic of carb-restricted diets, then it implies acceptance of a lifetime of abstention. As with cigarettes or alcohol, if we fall off the wagon, we don’t give up; we get back on.

“It’s a very powerful system that has to be undone, whether it’s addiction or metabolic disease,” says Dr. Schmidt. “It is knitted into the body and mind over years, and getting healthy requires taking the long view as well.”

https://www.nytimes.com/

Graham

Eat the colours of the rainbow !

image from here

'Come on now eat your greens' ... is something my Mum used to say, and sure enough there was usually at least two green vegetables on my plate, very often peas and cabbage - and I did eat them up!

"Including vegetables in your diet is extremely important. Veggies are incredibly rich in nutrients and antioxidants, which boost your health and help fight off disease. Additionally, they are beneficial for weight control due to their low calorie content. Health authorities around the world recommend that adults consume several servings of vegetables each day, but this can be difficult for some people. Some find it inconvenient to eat vegetables, while others are simply unsure how to prepare them in an appetizing way."

Nowadays, when it comes to vegetables we could eat the colours of the rainbow, there are so many great colours to choose.

The colours of the rainbow are Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet. So starting with Red - how about red pepper or red tomato. Moving onto Orange - how about carrot or an orange pepper. Next is yellow - so it could be butternut squash or a yellow pepper. Yes, it's Green next - so broccoli or Brussel sprouts ... now the last three colours of blue, indigo and violet may be easier to achieve if we think of them as one! Aubergine (eggplant) is a good start, followed by purple cabbage and how about purple cauliflower!

Have you any rainbow favourites, do please share them ...

All the best Jan

Tuesday 25 July 2017

Chicken Souvlaki


Isn't it funny how sometimes one thing leads to another ... I cannot remember tasting chicken souvlaki before, but I got to taste some this past weekend ... and it was absolutely delicious.

Then last night I happened upon these words about
Souvlaki: "consists of small, grilled pieces of meat on a skewer and is one of the most well-known Greek foods. It’s sold throughout Greece in “souvlatzidiko” or souvlaki shops and can be found in almost every Greek restaurant around the world.

Souvlaki is typically made from pork, chicken, lamb or beef. It’s traditionally only meat, but it’s now often served with vegetables like a kabob."

I searched for a nice looking recipe idea and found this ...

For the chicken souvlaki:
4 boneless chicken breasts (approx. 1 kg/35 ounces)
4 tbsps. olive oil
juice of 1 lemon
1 clove of garlic, minced
2 tbsp. dried oregano
salt and freshly ground pepper

For the tzatziki sauce:
1 cucumber
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 of a cup extra virgin olive oil
500g of strained yogurt (18 ounces)
1-2 tbsps. of red wine vinegar
a pinch of salt


To prepare this chicken souvlaki recipe, start by preparing the marinade. Cut the chicken breasts into 2 cm pieces and place them in a large bowl, along with all the marinade ingredients. Use your hands to mix really well, cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge for 30-60 minutes.

In the meantime prepare the tzatziki sauce for the chicken souvlaki. Pour in a blender the olive oil and grated garlic and blend until combined. Remove the skin and the seeds of the cucumber and grate it into a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and leave aside for 10 minutes. Wrap the grated cucumber in a towel and squeeze, in order to get rid of the excess water. In a bowl, add the cucumber, the blended garlic and oil, the yogurt, 1-2 tbsps. of red wine vinegar, a pinch of salt and blend, until the ingredients are combined. Store the tzatziki sauce in the fridge and always serve cold.

To assemble the chicken souvlaki (skewers), cut the wooden skewers to fit your griddle pan and soak them in water. (This will prevent them from burning.) Thread the chicken pieces, comfortably, on the skewers.
Preheat a grill or griddle pan on a high heat. Cook the chicken souvlaki (skewers) for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely coloured on all sides and cooked through. Alternatively you call grill them for about 20 minutes.

We enjoyed ours with a mixed green salad ... delicious. 

See more about the recipe, including a how to video here

We bring a variety of recipe ideas to this blog, but not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan

Quote of the day.

I'm not a religious man, however, I believe there is much wisdom to be found in the Bible. In this age of the Internet, many long concealed truths, and monumental lies, are now under the spotlight. It is not hard to understand why, the powers that be, and their puppet masters, want ever greater control of the Internet.

"Beware the leaven of the Pharisees, which is a hollow, pious hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed, and hidden, that shall not be made known. Whatever has been said in the darkness shall be heard in the light: and what has been whispered behind closed doors shall be shouted from the roof tops."

Luke 12:1-3


Eddie

Monday 24 July 2017

Statins in new link to back disorders, says new study

Graham spotted this article - definitely one to share.

PATIENTS on controversial heart drug statins are almost 30 per cent more likely to suffer potentially serious back disorders, a study has found, writes Lucy Johnston.

Tests on thousands of people showed as many as one in 17 of those on statins had back issues, including disc and spine conditions serious enough to be identifiable on scans.

These included painful disc herniations, debilitating narrowing of the spinal canal, and bulging discs.

The research saw 60,455 patients examined, with the results published in the Journal Of The American Medical Association.

It showed that those on statins were 27 per cent more likely to suffer back problems.

The study has fuelled the debate surrounding the group of medicines, the most widely prescribed treatment in the UK, which fiercely divides medical opinion.

Some studies have shown up to six in 10 suffer side effects from the drugs, which have also been linked to an increased risk of impotence, cataracts, muscle pains, mental impairment, fatigue and liver dysfunction.

Many doctors argue the benefits may not outweigh potential side effects in some patients while others say its effectiveness in reducing cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular disease justify the widespread use of the drug.

Sir Richard Thompson, the Queen's former doctor and past president of the Royal College of Physicians who has studied statin use also expressed concern. He said: “This is clear evidence statins are associated with real side effects. It shows people should think clearly about taking statins and assess the potential risks before they do so.”

Sir Richard also questioned the validity of industry sponsored studies on statins, which are routinely given to up to 12 million patients in the UK, or around one in four adults and have been used to back expanded use of the drugs to wider numbers of patients.

He added: “This adds to the growing evidence that we need an independent review of these drugs and the final decision on their use should be made by people with no financial or scientific conflict.”

Leading cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra, said: “Far from being a miracle drug, statins can result in a number of side effects including debilitating back problems.

“Unless you have established heart disease the reduction in quality of life from statins massively outweighs any small benefit.”

A spokesman for government drug regulator the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, said: “The benefits of statins are well established and considered to outweigh the risk of side-effects in the majority of patients."

Words taken from here

Tricolour Scrambled Eggs - a nice way to start your day!



How about some scrambled eggs with vibrant peppers, leafy spinach and smoky paprika. This beautifully colourful breakfast recipe will surely brighten up your morning!

Ingredients:
Serves Two
1 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 red pepper, roughly chopped
1/2 yellow pepper, roughly chopped
1/2 green pepper, roughly chopped
1/2 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 small garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped
2 slices of low carb
seedy bread, toasted
1/2 tsp paprika
50g (2oz) fresh spinach leaves or a large handful
3 (organic) eggs

Method:
1. Heat the oil in a medium, non-stick frying pan and cook the peppers, onion and garlic over a moderate heat, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes until softened and golden in places. Meanwhile toast the bread and place onto your serving plates.
2. Once the peppers and onions are soft, add the paprika and stir, then add the spinach leaves and stir once more. Crack in the eggs and quickly begin to stir constantly for 30 seconds – 1 minute, cooking the eggs within the vegetables until soft and creamy.
3. Working quickly, spoon the eggs onto the warm toast and serve straight away.

Tip: For a quick, no-fuss tomato sauce, in advance of this recipe, place 1 small onion into a small pan with 1 tbsp. olive oil and cook for 2 minutes. Then add two fresh, roughly chopped vine tomatoes and continue to cook for a further 3 minutes until the onions and tomatoes are soft. Add 2 tbsp. tomato purée and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and whizz with a hand blender until smooth. Serve with the scrambled eggs.
From an original idea
here

We bring a variety of articles and recipe ideas to this blog, but not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan

Sunday 23 July 2017

Limes : Some Facts and Two Lower Carb Recipe Suggestions


Limes are the same shape, but smaller than lemons, with a bright green, fairly smooth skin, limes are a highly aromatic fruit. Limes are an important ingredient in Mexican, Indian, Latin American and South-East Asian cookery.

Three main types are available:
Tahitian, which is the largest, with the most acidic flavour; Mexican, slightly smaller, very aromatic, and with a particularly bright green skin; and Key lime, which have a paler skin, a high juice content and a strong flavour. Like lemons, limes are high in vitamin C.

Availability
All year round.


Choose the best
Look for unblemished, firm limes that feel heavy for their size as they will be the juiciest. If you intend to use the zest, buy them in-waxed (shops should state this clearly). If you can't find un-waxed limes, scrub the limes thoroughly before zesting.


Prepare it
To extract the maximum amount of juice, make sure the limes are at room temperature, and firmly roll them back and forth under your palm a couple of times - that helps to break down some of the flesh's fibres. Alternatively, microwave them for around 30 seconds, depending on the size of the lime - warming them up also helps them give up more juice.


Store it
In a perforated bag in the fridge (for a couple of weeks); in a fruit bowl (for around a week). Once cut, wrap in cling-film and keep in the fridge for up to four days.


Cook it
Use to make Key lime pie; salsas and curries; marinades for raw fish; add a wedge to a classic gin and tonic or use to make cocktails such as the margarita, caipirinha or mojito.

Here are two lower carb recipe suggestions that use limes  that you may wish to try ...

Pork chops with apple, lime and mint butter - recipe here


Low Carb Lime and Vanilla Cheese cake - see recipe here


Will you be including limes on your shopping list soon ...

All the best Jan

Saturday 22 July 2017

Earl - All That Glitters

It's late and to finish off Saturday night another song from Earl 
Graham

Beth Hart Joe Bonamassa Nutbush City Limits

Saturday night so soon again, and music night on this blog. Joe is in the UK next March and my brother treated me to a ticket. At my age and state of decrepitude, that was optimistic of him LOL. Looking forward to a great night. Eddie

Persian-style herb frittata / kuku sabzi !


I believe the Persian name for a frittata/omelette is Kuku, and this recipe idea may be similar to kuku sabzi ... sabzi meaning greens, especially fresh green herbs. This quick Persian-style herb frittata recipe is made by whisking together eggs, fresh herbs, saffron strands and vibrant turmeric powder. Sprinkle with tangy feta and juicy pomegranate seeds for a colourful brunch!

Ingredients:
Serves Four
8 eggs
10g chives, finely chopped
10g coriander, finely chopped
10g dill, finely chopped
10g flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
4 spring onions, finely sliced
1 tbsp. flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tbsp. turmeric
35g toasted pine nuts
1 pinch of saffron, soaked in 2 tsp boiling water
1 tbsp. olive oil
75g feta, crumbled
1 lemon, juiced and zested
25g pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp. pomegranate seeds, to decorate
100g Greek yogurt


Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas mark 6. Whisk together the eggs in a large bowl. Add the herbs, onion, flour, baking powder, turmeric, pine nuts and saffron. Season with black pepper and whisk again.
2. Heat the oil in an ovenproof frying/skillet pan. Pour the egg mixture into the pan. Cook over a very gentle heat for 10 minutes, then transfer to the oven for a further 5 minutes to finish cooking.
3. Remove the frittata from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Turn out and top with the crumbled feta, lemon zest, pumpkin seeds and pomegranate. Mix the Greek yogurt with the lemon juice and serve with the frittata.

Each serving provides:
7.9g carbohydrate 2.0g fibre 21.2g protein 28.0g fat 
Taken from an original Sainsbury's idea here

"Feta is the most well-known cheese in Greece. It is a soft, white, brined cheese that is very nutritious and is an excellent source of calcium. As part of Mediterranean cuisine, this cheese is used in all sorts of dishes — from appetizers to desserts — because it can enhance the taste of foods."
You can read more about this cheese here

I hope you may enjoy this recipe suggestion soon, wishing everyone a great weekend.

All the best Jan

Friday 21 July 2017

Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs - Grilled with Buttermilk



Grilled chicken is an all-American summer classic that's perfect for a picnic or a scorching hot barbecue. You'll love this grilled buttermilk version as it's gluten-free and nut-free. What's more they're slowly marinated for hours making it super moist and tender.

Ingredients:
Serves Four
8-12 chicken drumsticks or thighs
300ml (10 fl oz)
buttermilk
4 garlic cloves, crushed
4 spring onions, minced
1 tsp dried chilli flakes
1 tbsp maple syrup

Method:
1. Put the chicken pieces in a large bowl or re-sealable bag. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Cover or seal and marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but no longer than 24 hours.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining liquid.
3. Arrange the chicken evenly on a large baking dish, season well, and cook under a hot grill for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through, making sure to turn the pieces at least once during cooking.
4. If cooking on a barbecue place on the barbecue on a medium/high heat. Cook for 10-12 minutes; turning regularly until they are cooked through. Cut one of the pieces of chicken with a sharp knife to make sure no pink meat remains before serving.

Each serving:
Carbohydrate 6.5g Protein 59.2g Fibre 0.6g Fat 20g

From a Tesco Real Food idea
here

How about serving with a mix of different salads ...

All the best Jan

Thursday 20 July 2017

Low-Fat Foods Are Making You Fatter

A bit of humour for Thursday night
Graham

Foods To Help Give Your Skin a Glow and Put a Spring In Your Step


If we feel good we so often look good - there's a Spring in our step and we feel "all's well with the world". What we eat is so important to our health, and also "when it comes to your skin, the phrase "you are what you eat" couldn't be more true.

"Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food." Hippocrates

With that in mind, you may wish to consider these foods which are specifically great for your skin and health.

1) Bell Peppers
Why? They naturally boost your body's collagen levels, which helps to keep your skin firm. In other words - less/no wrinkles, less/no dimples, less/no saggy skin.

Baked Mini Bell Peppers - see more here 


2) Mushrooms
Why? They contain selenium, which is an important mineral that helps protect your skin from sun damage.

Portobello Mushroom with Pate and Cheese - see more here


3) Shellfish
Why? Because it contains zinc, which is another immunity-boosting mineral that can help protect skin cells from long term damage.

Asparagus spears with shell fish - see more here


4) Strawberries
Why? They are crammed with vitamin C and flavanoids, both of which are important for keeping skin healthy.

Strawberries and Double Cream - see more here

Image result for strawberries and cream

5) Sunflower Seeds
Why? Because they're packed with vitamin E which helps to protect your body's cells and in turn can provide a healthy glow."

Low Carb Seedy Bread - which contains sunflower seeds - see more here


Some words taken from an original article
here

We bring a variety of articles and recipe ideas to this blog, but not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan

Wednesday 19 July 2017

Easy Vegetable Stir-fry


This speedy stir-fry is super easy to make, packed with vegetables and full of flavour. You may wish to pair this with stir fry chicken or pork!

Ingredients
Serves Four
2 tbsp. oil

4 spring onions (scallions), cut into 4cm/1½in lengths
1 garlic
clove, crushed
piece fresh root ginger
, about 1cm/½in, peeled and grated
1 carrot
, cut into matchsticks
1 red pepper
, cut into thick matchsticks
100g/3½oz baby sweetcorn
, halved
1 courgette (zucchini)
, cut into thick matchsticks
150g/5½oz sugar-snap peas or
mangetout, trimmed
2 tbsp hoisin sauce

2 tbsp soy sauce

Method
Heat a wok on a high heat and add the oil. Add the spring onions, garlic, ginger and stir-fry for 1 minute, then reduce the heat. Take care to not brown the vegetables.

Add the carrot, red pepper and baby sweetcorn and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add the courgette and sugar snap peas and stir-fry for a further 3 minutes. Toss the ingredients from the centre to the side of the wok using a wooden spatula. Do not overcrowd the wok and keep the ingredients moving.

Add 1 tablespoon water, hoisin and soy sauce and cook over a high heat for a further 2 minutes or until all the vegetables are cooked but not too soft. Serve and enjoy.

Each serving provides
3g protein, 7g carbohydrate, 6g fat, 3.5g fibre.

Some tips
Make sure all the food is prepared before you start cooking.
Cut all of the vegetables to a similar size to ensure they cook evenly.
The oil needs to be hot before you start cooking, but reduced to a medium heat once you start cooking.

Happy Eating!

All the best Jan

Tuesday 18 July 2017

Strawberry Dessert Tart with Cream Cheese Filling : Low Carb


Kim at Low Carb Maven site has recently shared this lovely Low Carb strawberry dessert tart with cream and goat cheese recipe. It's an easy no-bake dessert with a delicious low carb hemp walnut crust which you may wish to try.

Ingredients:
Serves 10 : 2 net grams carb per serving
Walnut Hemp Seed Crust
1 cup walnut pieces, toasted
1/2 cup Bob's Red Mill Hemp Seed Hearts
2 tbsp. coconut oil, melted
1 tbsp. Sukrin Fiber Syrup Gold or Clear (or Vitafiber Syrup) (honey if not low carb)
Cream Cheese & Goat Cheese Filling
4 ounces goat cheese, softened
4 ounces cream cheese cold
4 ounces heavy (double) cream, cold
1/4 cup Sukrin Melis Icing Sugar (or Swerve Confectioner's)
1 tbsp. lemon juice
zest from the lemon
6 ounces strawberries, sliced
Optional
2 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped

She says "This crust doesn’t soak and is absolutely fantastic in flavour and texture, but must be refrigerated. The tart takes minimal time and effort to make but does require a little time in the freezer to harden the crust before adding the filling." She suggests "keeping the crust in the freezer and the filling ready to go in the refrigerator. Then assembly should only take a few minutes depending on how fancy you'd like to make the tart."

Kim gives a very good step by step guide on how to make this dessert
here
She also gives a US to metric conversion guide, which you may find helpful here

Did you know that:
"Hemp seeds a
re the seeds of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. They are from the same species as cannabis (marijuana). However, hemp seeds contain only trace amounts of THC, the compound that causes the drug-like effects of marijuana. Hemp seeds are exceptionally nutritious and rich in healthy fats, protein and various minerals.

Here are 6 health benefits of hemp seeds that are backed up by science:

1. Hemp Seeds Are Incredibly Nutritious
Technically a nut, hemp seeds are very nutritious. They have a mild, nutty flavor and are often referred to as hemp hearts. Hemp seeds are rich in healthy fats and essential fatty acids. They are also a great protein source and contain high amounts of vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron and zinc

2. Hemp Seeds May Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
Hemp seeds are a great source of arginine and gamma-linolenic acid, which have been linked with a reduced risk of heart disease.

3. Hemp Seeds and Oil May Benefit Skin Disorders
Studies have shown that giving hemp seed oil to people with eczema may improve blood levels of essential fatty acids. It may also relieve dry skin, improve itchiness and reduce the need for skin medication. Hemp seeds are rich in healthy fats. They have a 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, which may benefit skin diseases. In some cases, this may provide relief from eczema and its uncomfortable symptoms.

4. Hemp Seeds Are a Great Source of Plant-Based Protein
About 25% of the calories in hemp seeds come from protein. Hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source.

5. Hemp Seeds May Reduce Symptoms of PMS and Menopause
Up to 80% of women of reproductive age may suffer from physical or emotional symptoms caused by premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Hemp seeds may reduce symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and may also positively affect symptoms of menopause.

6. Whole Hemp Seeds May Aid Digestion
Whole hemp seeds contain high amounts of fibre, both soluble and insoluble, which benefits digestive health. De-hulled hemp seeds have had the fibre-rich shell removed, and therefore contain very little fibre.

Although hemp seeds have not been popular until recently, they are an old staple food and people are now realizing their excellent nutritional value. They are very rich in healthy fats, high-quality protein and several minerals.

However, hemp seed shells may contain trace amounts of
THC (< 0.3%), the active compound in marijuana. People who have been addicted to cannabis may want to avoid consuming hemp or hemp seeds in any form.

Overall, hemp seeds are incredibly healthy. They might just be one of the few superfoods that are actually worthy of their reputation."

These words are just a snippet from an article on Authority Nutrition site, you can read the full article, with all related links
here

You will find a variety of recipe ideas, articles etc. within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you.
If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan

Monday 17 July 2017

Sugar is poison. My heart attack has finally opened my eyes to the truth

Giles Fraser

I am now a member of the zipper club. I know, I thought it sounded rude too. But apparently it’s the club name for those of us who have a scar right down the middle of our chest. I have one down my leg too, from groin to ankle. And as I spend time recovering from a heart bypass operation – mostly doing very little, watching the cricket, reading the paper – I have started to reflect on my condition. How did it come to this? How did the arteries of my heart become so clogged with gunk that I may have been just weeks from meeting my maker?

“Diabetic,” they said. “Pah,” I thought. I don’t feel any different. I just get up to pee a bit more at night. Some biochemical medical problem just seemed a bit too elusive, abstract, distant. I mean, when Diane Abbott blamed a bad interview on diabetes, who really took that seriously? Earlier this year, I was sent on a diabetes awareness day and spent the time looking out of the window, bored. They tried to explain it to me but I wasn’t concentrating.

Well, now that someone has sliced through my breastbone as they might a Christmas turkey, the whole thing doesn’t seem quite so distant. And suddenly – and unsurprisingly – I am concentrating. All ears to, and pretty evangelical about, the evils of sugar. Sorry to have doubted you, Diane.

Back in September 2016, the Journal of the American Medical Association published papers, discovered deep in the Harvard University archives, that demonstrated how the sugar industry has been manipulating research into heart disease for years. These papers revealed that the purveyors of this white poison – in behaviour straight out of the tobacco industry playbook – had been paying Harvard scientists throughout the 1960s to emphasise the link between fat and heart disease and ignore the connection with sugar. Since then, Coca-Cola has funded research into the link between sugar and obesity. And the confectionery industry has paid for research which “demonstrated” that children who eat sweets are thinner than those who don’t.

As I write, my son returns from the shops, perfectly on cue, laden with a chocolate bar, a full-fat Coke and a packet of lollipops. I want to tell him that Willy Wonka is a death-dealing drug dealer. But I bite my lip for now. He will think me a crank. Everything he likes has sugar in it. That’s my fault – he got hooked on sugary breakfast cereals as a child. As Gary Taubes explained in his remarkable book The Case Against Sugar, published last year, it has “assimilated itself into all aspects of our eating experience”. Advertisements have normalised the omnipresence of sugar as a part of a balanced diet. And my son’s brain has become accustomed to the dopamine it releases. He has become an addict. Most of us are addicts.

In 1996, 1.4 million people in the UK had diabetes. Since then the figure has trebled to over 4 million. Diabetes now gobbles up more than 10% of the NHS budget, with that percentage set to rise steeply in the coming years. The World Health Authority published a major report on global diabetes last year. Its figures show that the number of people with diabetes has gone up from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. This is not just a matter of bad individual choices. You can’t dismiss this as the aggregate of many millions of singular decisions, each one nothing more than a matter of weakness of will and responsible for itself alone. This has become a global epidemic.

For the last 30 years I have built a pretty effective protective shell against fat-shaming. I would probably have taken losing half a stone if offered, but I wasn’t especially unhappy with my body shape. But now I see things differently. Now I see a multibillion-dollar industry that makes its profits by keeping us obese and in the dark about why. After my operation, I cut out sugar and carbohydrates as best I could. I have lost 10 kilograms in the five weeks since. And I plan to lose a lot more. It’s not a diet – I hate diets. It’s a form of protest. The scales have fallen from my eyes. Beware the candy man.

https://www.theguardian.com/

Graham

Some Health Benefits of Eating Cucumber


Rachael Link writes:
"Though commonly thought to be a vegetable, cucumber is actually a fruit. It’s high in beneficial nutrients, as well as certain plant compounds and antioxidants that may help treat and even prevent some conditions.
Also, cucumbers are low in calories and contain a good amount of water and soluble fibre, making them ideal for promoting hydration and aiding in weight loss. This article takes a closer look at some of the top health benefits of eating cucumber.

1. It’s High in Nutrients
Cucumbers are low in calories
but high in many important vitamins and minerals.
One 11-ounce (300-gram) unpeeled, raw cucumber contains the following
:
Calories: 45
Total fat: 0 grams
Carbs: 11 grams
Protein: 2 grams
Fibre: 2 grams
Vitamin C: 14% of the RDI
Vitamin K: 62% of the RDI
Magnesium: 10% of the RDI
Potassium: 13% of the RDI
Manganese: 12% of the RDI

Although, the typical serving size is about one-third of a cucumber, so eating a standard portion would provide about one-third of the nutrients above.

Additionally, cucumbers have a high water content. In fact, cucumbers are made up of about 96% water
.

To maximize their nutrient content, cucumbers should be eaten unpeeled. Peeling them reduces the amount of fibre, as well as certain vitamins and minerals
.

Summary: Cucumbers are low in calories but high in water and several important vitamins and minerals. Eating cucumbers with the peel provides the maximum amount of nutrients.

2. It Contains Antioxidants

Antioxidants are molecules that block oxidation, a chemical reaction that forms highly reactive atoms with unpaired electrons known as free radicals. The accumulation of these harmful free radicals can lead to several types of chronic illness.

Summary: Cucumbers contain antioxidants, including flavonoids and tannins, which prevent the accumulation of harmful free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic disease.

3. It Promotes Hydration
Water is crucial to your body’s function, playing numerous important roles
. It is involved in processes like temperature regulation and the transportation of waste products and nutrients. In fact, proper hydration can affect everything from physical performance to metabolism.
While you meet the majority of your fluid needs by drinking water o
r other liquids, some people may get as much as 40% of their total water intake from food. Fruits and vegetables, in particular, can be a good source of water in your diet.
In one study, hydration status was assessed and diet records were collected for 442 children. They found that increased fruit and vegetable intake was associated with improvements in hydration status
.
Because cucumbers are composed of about 96% water, they are especially effective at promoting hydration and can help you meet your daily fluid needs
.

Summary: Cucumbers are composed of about 96% water, which may increase hydration and help you meet your daily fluid needs.

4. It May Aid in Weight Loss



Cucumbers could potentially help you lose weight in a few different ways.
First of all, they are low in calories.
Each one-cup (104-gram) serving contains just 16 calories, while an entire 11-ounce (300-gram) cucumber contains only 45 calories
.
This means that you can eat plenty of cucumbers without packing on the extra calories that lead to weight gain.
Cucumbers can add freshness and flavour to salads, and side dishes and may also be used as a replacement for higher calorie alternatives. Furthermore, the high water content of cucumbers could aid in weight loss as well.

Summary: Cucumbers are low in calories, high in water and can be used as a low-calorie topping for many dishes. All of these may aid in weight loss.

5. It May Lower Blood Sugar
Summary: Test-tube and animal studies show that cucumber may help lower blood sugar and prevent diabetes-related complications, although additional research is needed.

6. It Could Promote Regularity

Eating cucumbers may help support regular bowel movements. Dehydration is a m
ajor risk factor for constipation, as it can alter your water balance and make the passage of stool difficult. Cucumbers are high in water and promote hydration. Staying hydrated can improve stool consistency, prevent constipation and help maintain regularity.

Summary: Cucumbers contain a good amount of fibre and water, both of which may help prevent constipation and increase regularity.

7. Easy to Add to Your Diet



Mild with a distinctly crisp and refreshing flavour, cucumbers are commonly enjoyed fresh or pickled in everything from salads to sandwiches. Cucumbers are also often eaten raw as a low-calorie snack or can be paired with hummus, olive oil, salt or salad dressing to add a bit more flavour. With just a bit of creativity, cucumbers can be enjoyed in many ways.

Here are a few recipes to help incorporate cucumbers into your diet:

Baked Cucumber Chips - see here
Tomato and Cucumber Salad - see here
Strawberry, Lime, Cucumber and Mint Infused Water -see here

Summary: Cucumbers can be eaten fresh or pickled. They can be enjoyed as a low-calorie snack or used to add flavour in a variety of dishes.


The Bottom Line

Cucumbers are a refreshing, nutritious and incredibly versatile addition to any diet. They are low in calories but contain many important vitamins and minerals, as well as a high water content. Eating cucumbers may lead to many potential health benefits, including weight loss, balanced hydration, digestive regularity and lower blood sugar levels."

Rachael's full article with all information / research links is here

We bring a variety of articles, studies etc. plus recent news/views and recipe ideas to this blog, we hope something for everyone to read and enjoy. Please note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan