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Fonterra’s announcement that it will sponsor free milk in schools is good news for the future health of young New Zealanders. Milk is promoted on the basis of bone health but there are many other health benefits that should be promoted.
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Did you know? New Zealanders consume 2.7kg of mushrooms per person each year. Mushrooms rank as the third most popular vegetable in this country in 2010. White button mushrooms are the most commonly eaten type of mushroom in New Zealand. Mushrooms do not need light to grow. They obtain all their goodness and nutrients from … Read more »
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With Winter now upon us its time to eat more Brassica vegetables. What are they? Broccoli – 7th most popular vegetable in New Zealand Cauliflower – 13th most popular Cabbage (all types) – 12th most popular Brussel Sprouts Broccolini – consumption rocketing! Swedes Turnips Why are they so good? Brassicas contain: Antioxidants, from the following … Read more »
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The protective role of alcohol in protecting against heart disease has been reported throughout various media sources in previous years, however only recently has it also been shown in people with Type 2 Diabetes. Epidemiological evidence suggests that a light to moderate alcohol intake may have a protective role against the development of Diabetes in … Read more »
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Public awareness of sugars within our diet has slowly increased in recent years. Whilst fat has borne the majority of blame for its implication in development of excess body weight, sugar has escaped relatively lightly. Low fat foods have resulted in increased contribution of sugar to ensure suitable taste and mouth feel for consumers. Total … Read more »
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During times of stress it is tempting to reach for alcohol in the hope that it will relax you and take away the pain or sense of loss you may be feeling. You know that you have had too much if: Friends and family express concern about how much you are drinking You can’t function … Read more »
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Following the recent earthquake our water sources may have been contaminated and so weare being reminded on a daily basis to only drink water that has been boiled first. This is to stop the spread of gastro-intestinal diseases. If you do suffer bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea then here are some helpful tips… First aid … Read more »
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Fruit is plentiful over the summer months. Grapes, stone fruit and berries flood our supermarket and country stalls. In New Zealand we are encouraged, as part of the 5+ A Day Vegetable Federation promotion, to eat 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit the size of our hand each day. Over summer it … Read more »
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Fish is a good source of many essential nutrients such as: Protein for body growth Vitamins A,D and E for skin, eye and nerve health Iodine, selenium, iron and zinc for the brain Omega 3 fats for nerve and brain development Fish for the Heart Studies have found that eating 1-2 servings of finfish each … Read more »
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New technology, modern transport systems and the availability of high-tech packaging and storage facilities now allow fresh fruit and vegetables to be eaten year round, rather than just restricted to availability determined by individual seasons. Does this mean the end of frozen varieties? A study conducted overseas, by the Austrian Consumers Association has shown that … Read more »
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The majority of the New Zealand population is well aware of the need to reduce their salt intake. This recommendation resulted from associations of a high salt diet with high blood pressure, which is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, especially stroke. The effect of sodium does vary with age and blood pressure, having … Read more »
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Vegetarian women have been found to have a significantly lower bone density and Vitamin D status than those consuming an omnivorous diet and appears to have an association with the absence of meat consumption. Red meat remains an unequalled source of highly available iron and zinc, also making major contributions to copper and selenium intakes. … Read more »
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Have you noticed that as the days lengthen and we head into summer everyone looks a lot happier. Research has found that light does affect our moods and has an antidepressant effect. Sunlight is also important for Vitamin D production What is it? Vitamin D has been hitting the newspaper headlines a bit lately. This … Read more »
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Open any kitchen cupboard around the country and you will most likely come across a can of food somewhere. In our Bach’s, boat’s, pantries, the City Mission, hospitals, student flats there they are waiting for you to open them. History First discovered, by the French in 1790 and patented by Englishman Peter Durand in 1810, … Read more »
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After the past week of media coverage most New Zealanders have now heard of folate. Whether or not folate is finally added to bread one thing is clear…. We all need folate! Folate and Children Folate is a B Group vitamin essential for DNA production Children need it during times of rapid growth Folate protects … Read more »
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Adding breakfast to your daily eating pattern is a major step towards a healthier lifestyle. Breakfast helps to prevent chronic illnesses such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels, skin problems, bowel cancer, iron deficiency and fatigue. Breakfast is for everyone. Breaking what for many can be a 7-8hours fast provides growing children and … Read more »
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Without doubt eggs are one of the cheapest forms of good quality protein in our diet today. They are rich in B group vitamins, Vitamin A and B12. However because their yolks contain cholesterol many research dollars have been spent over the years to determine whether or not they pose a risk to the development … Read more »
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Around two thirds of the human brain is made from fat and the types of fats that we eat not only affect things such as our weight, heart and cholesterol levels but also the way our brain processes information Saturated fats are sticky and over time clog our arteries and raise cholesterol and the risk … Read more »
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Iron is important for happiness because without it our moods change. Iron’s main function as part of the haemoglobin in red blood cells is to carry oxygen into the brain and muscle cells, keeping us active and alert. Not surprisingly, iron deficient people become tired, grumpy, lethargic, tense and apathetic. They could sleep for 10-12 … Read more »
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Over the last month reports in the media have focused on the new A2™ milk that has been marketed as a risk-free alternative. According to an A2™ Corporation’s press release “The standard milk on the New Zealand market is A1 containing beta-casein which has been linked to heart disease and Type 1 (childhood) diabetes and … Read more »
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Alcohol is seemingly the most respectable drug within the New Zealand social scene but could our consumption be contributing to New Zealander’s growing problem of obesity? Could the odd social tipple be placing you at risk from obesity which can lead on to other health problems such as heart disease and some forms of cancer? … Read more »
If given a tray of Easter Eggs can you stop at one or two or do you eat the whole lot?
