A clinical trial in older women finds that taking a daily probiotic supplement slows bone loss.Probiotics are live microorganisms that may offer a health benefit when taken in adequate amounts. Be it from fermented foods such as yoghurt or from a commercial supplement, there is a lot of consumer interest in them.The clinical evidence for probiotics places treatment of … [Read more...] about Probiotics show promise in protecting bones
Fast eating a health hazard
Eating food slowly seems like good advice. But why could it better for you to slow down at the dinner table? Maybe because new research finds that fast eaters are at greater risk of weight gain and metabolic disease.The advice seems credible: eat slowly so that you have a chance to feel full before you can overeat. Eating less can then mean less chance of gaining weight. So … [Read more...] about Fast eating a health hazard
Steam, boil or fry? How cooking affects nutrient losses from foods
Raw food eating is one of today’s hottest dietary trends. So does this mean you should pause and think twice before obliterating the nutrients in your food every time you cook it? Fear not – on the scales of health, there is little to be concerned about.Cooking food is something we have done since the first caveman threw a mammoth steak on the fire. While it is true that … [Read more...] about Steam, boil or fry? How cooking affects nutrient losses from foods
How gut bacteria control your weight
The gut microbiota is the hottest of hot research fields today. The microbes that inhabit our intestine are more than passive freeloaders living off the food we eat. With a thriving mix of beneficial bacteria, our gut microbiome can keep us healthy.Immunity, mental health, diabetes and even body weight make up the fascinating areas covered in the ever-growing research field … [Read more...] about How gut bacteria control your weight
Five ways to cut your risk of bowel cancer
Bowel cancer ranks as one of Australia’s most common cancers, especially for people aged over 50. This is one form of cancer where diet and lifestyle choices play a big part in changing a person’s risk of developing it. That makes it a good news story because lifestyle factors are changeable. Here I outline the key lifestyle habits to consider looking at.Bowel cancer (also … [Read more...] about Five ways to cut your risk of bowel cancer
This is your brain on blueberries
What’s blue, round, sweet, grows on a bush and can boost your brainpower? If you answered blueberries you would be correct. Or that should be: ‘mostly correct’. The ‘brain-boosting power’ part needs a bit more science to catch up to the headlines, but it is looking promising that blueberries may be one food worthy of a ‘superfood’ title.There is so much to be gained by … [Read more...] about This is your brain on blueberries