Gut health has become a popular topic in recent years, and for good reason. It's an important aspect of our overall health with research investigating the link from immunity, mood, energy levels and to chronic disease risk...
There is so much confusion and misinformation around nutrition, when we add in the complexity of looking at food labels this for many of us, can just be too much to take on! There is no doubt that food labelling is complex, there are specific laws that govern what information must be available and other information which is voluntary. As a consumer it can be challenging, and it takes time to understand this information and what it means. The aim with this article is to explain some of the key nutrition information to be aware of, when looking at food labels, in order to help you make a food choice that supports your specific health needs.
Most of us maybe aware that fibre is good for our health and that we need to be consuming it as part of our diet. However, do we understand what fibre is, why its good for our health and what food sources should we be eating to ensure we meet the required intake? So, what is fibre?
Climate change is a global concern but how does what we eat impact on it? We understand now more clearly, the environmental impact and food waste at all stages of food production, from farm to fork. The farming and manufacturing processes used to produce the food we eat, as well as the way we eat and dispose of food is damaging the planet.
The latest Healthy Ireland Report outlines that only 28% of the population eat 5 or more portions of fruit and vegetables each day, a number which unfortunately has continued to decline since 2021. Eating fruit and vegetables is advised within all the dietary guidelines, due to the health benefits that they confer. They are high in dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals, including bioactive plant compounds, with antioxidant properties such as polyphenols or beta-carotene.
For the first time a report published last year from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), examined vitamin D intake in people in Ireland aged between 5 and 65 years. Based on this review it was recommended that as well as intake from food sources, everyone take a vitamin D supplement especially teenagers, pregnant women and people of dark-skinned ethnicity who are at highest risk of vitamin D deficiency.
If we were to read some social media posts, protein is all we should be eating, all day every day! Whether it’s a high protein diet, protein supplements or shakes, protein is the proposed solution for weight loss, to build muscle, support joints or indeed preventing Alzheimer’s.
The experiences of the menopause can vary significantly from woman to woman, as can the severity of symptoms. Some may only experience symptoms for a few months while others may suffer for years.
Why is a healthy lunch box important for children? A sustaining nutritious lunch supports steady growth and development for children, supports their immune system and reduces the risk of chronic disease later in life.
To help support your nutrition while on holidays, this month we have compiled some advice to help reduce the stress you may feel.