Daily cuppa!

Most people know that green tea is an excellent source of antioxidants, but did you know that black tea is also packed full of goodness. Antioxidants are excellent at protecting the body against cancer and heart disease as well as potentially harmful free radicals which are found in cigarette smoke and pollution. But making a speedy brew on the go may not be the answer as research has shown that you need to take a bit more time to prepare your tea.

Researchers in Aberdeen found blood antioxidants levels were 60% higher in those who had consumed tea which had been brewed for 5 minutes compared with those who drank tea which had only been brewed for 1 minute. It was found that within an hour of drinking the tea antioxidant levels had increased by 45%. So now you have no excuse for not making the tea at work as it will mean a nice long break from your desk too!

On your bike!

The time has sadly come for me to say goodbye to the trusty bike that I have had since I was at school and for me to upgrade to a smart, new one. I am a huge fan of cycling; not only is it excellent exercise and the most efficient means of transport it is also friendly to the environment and very convenient for dodging traffic jams (and parking fines!). Now I have my speedy new bike (he's called Roger) I intend to cycle to work at least twice a week. This is a 15 mile round trip, so I am aiming to cycle a minimum of 30 miles a week and preferably more. I shall be attaching my speedometer at the weekend and will be keeping a record of how well I do. I'll keep you posted!

PS Don't worry - my old bike won't be clogging up the landfil sites. I have found him a happy new home and hope he will be on the road for a few more years yet!

Blemishes!

I heard an interesting piece on the radio while I was in Florida last week about how we should not be so fussy with the produce we pick out at the supermarket as some blemished fruit and vegetables actually have a greater nutritional value than perfect looking ones! The following is a summary of the findings and makes interesting reading. Perhaps we shouldn't be so fussy when we're next out shopping!

If you pick through the bins at your grocery store looking for the most blemish-free produce – stop it! According to experts, you're bypassing the fruits and veggies that pack the biggest nutritional punch. Here are the facts from Woman's World magazine.

• If you find a tomato with healed-over cracks near the stem – it isn't old or damaged. It just means it grew in dry conditions, which doubles the concentration of B-complex vitamins. And researchers say that boosting your B-vitamins balances your blood sugar, helps you focus, boosts your memory, and helps you sleep better.
• Dark dots on green bell peppers. It doesn't indicate it's past its prime. It actually means the pepper is sweeter and less acidic than an unblemished one, and contains 120% more vitamin C. Which boosts your resistance to stress, reduces your risk of allergy attacks, and makes your facial skin more elastic.
• Pick the papayas with small brown spots. Amazonian Indians know that signals a tastier and healthier fruit. And Venezuelan researchers say that spotted papayas contain 400% more of the antioxidant lycopene, which strengthens your bones, protects you from UV rays, and helps lower your cholesterol.
• Bananas with tiny brown flecks. Jamaican researchers say that spotted bananas have 170% more magnesium. A mineral that relieves muscle aches and migraines, helps maintain healthy blood pressure, and reduces your risk of belly bloat.

To recap: Skip the perfect produce, and choose blemished tomatoes, green peppers, papayas and bananas instead. And you'll be getting more of a nutritional bang for your buck.

Back soon...

Apologies for the lack of posts recently. I have been in Florida doing some fieldwork on the American diet/ size 00 phenomenon (see photo). I'll be back on home soil at the weekend, so normal blogging will resume next week!

May Newsletter

This month's newsletter is now up on my website. Visit Food Mentor to check it out - I hope you enjoy it!

Strawberry fields already!

I have been reliably informed (by my mother!) that the first British strawberries are hitting the shops! Keep your eyes peeled and see if you can get your hands on some for a real early summer treat. Try sticking them in a smoothie with some live natural yoghurt, seeds and oats for a yummy breakfast. Or, if you're feeling lazy, just cut them up and have them with your cereal for a seriously healthy start to the day.