Vegetarian diets

Vegetarian diets reduces risk of various cancers, but may increase others

Human authored, evidenced-based, 7 min read According to data from the World health organisation (WHO), cancer rates have increased world-wide (1), including Gibraltar (2). Cancer is a leading cause of mortality, accounting for nearly one in six deaths. The WHO predicts over 35 million new cancer cases may be expected by 2050 (3), and that four in ten cancer case may be prevented highlighting the needs for effective preventative measures. Physical activity, and dietary patterns that prioritise fruit, vegetables, and fibre-containing foods, and avoid processed…......
Health benefits of avocado

Evidence-based health benefits of Hass avocado

Human authored, evidenced-based – 8 min read The health benefits of avocadoThis blog post will evaluate the published research discussing the benefits of consuming an avocado-rich diet to that of a number of avocado-free diets on various health outcomes, with a particular emphasis on the Hass avocado variety. Nutritional composition of avocadosThe humble avocado (Persea americana) is a tropical fruit that grows almost everywhere in the world but originated in Mexico and South America. There are 50 different types of avocado, but the most well-known…......
UK court rules against Oatly using ‘milk’ on their ‘diary’ drinks

UK court rules against Oatly using ‘milk’ on their ‘diary’ drinks

Fact checked - 8 min read Oat ‘milk’ vs real milk, what the law actually saysIn recently published news, Oatly has lost a long-running UK legal battle (1) to use the word ‘milk’ on their (oat) milk alternatives, reigniting debate as to what can legally be called ‘milk.’ UK courts ruled that certain marketing uses of the word ‘milk’ for oat-based drinks are restricted under UK and retained EU food-labelling law. These regulations reserve the term ‘milk’ for normal mammary secretions from animals, with only…......
Routine blood test reveals elevated uric acid & liver enzymes

Routine blood test reveals elevated uric acid & liver enzymes

Evidence-based - 5 min read PRESENTATIONAn overweight male client with a with history of gastrointestinal symptoms, hypertension, spinal hernia and 'healthy eating habits' recently come to me for dietary and lifestyle support.A ROUTINE BLOOD TESTA routine blood test (fig. 1) revealed a few imbalances, chiefly moderately elevated LIVER ENZYMES and excessively high URIC ACID, the highest iv ever seen in literally hundreds of bloods tests i've requested and analysed through the years. The client had no past knowledge of these blood imbalances. He had no…......
Cheese and the brain

Does full fat cheese and cream protect from dementia?

8 minute read - Fact checked There has been a lot of research and discussion throughout the years as to which foods and dietary patterns may protect, or increase the risk of dementia, which has divided opinions of scientists and nutritionist alike, as well as causing a lot of public confusion. Now, a 25 year prospective study of twenty seven thousand participants published in the Neurology journal (1), appears to suggest that a higher intake of high-fat cheese & high-fat cream may be associated to…......
Banana infographic

Banana reduces polyphenol absorption in fruit smoothies

8 min read - fact checked Smoothies are often seen as an easy, delicious way to pack in nutrients and functional compounds known as polyphenols, especially those from fruits and vegetables. But a growing body of research shows that what you mix together in a smoothie may influence how many of those beneficial functional compounds your body actually absorbs, which can then influence the extent of their beneficial effects on human health. A recent study in humans [1] published in Food & Function Royal Society…......
Zinc lozenges

Can Zinc lozenges prevent colds?

5 min read – fact checked ✔ Brief critical evaluation of the efficacy of Zinc lozenges in preventing and reducing the duration of colds The common cold is caused predominantly by rhinoviruses, and to a lesser extent certain Coronaviruses, representing a significant burden to public health and individual productivity worldwide. As a readily available over-the-counter remedy, zinc lozenges have garnered attention for their potential to alleviate cold symptoms and shorten their duration. However, the evidence surrounding their efficacy remains nuanced and occasionally contradictory. This blog…......
New year and the diet craze

New year and the diet craze

Fact-checked - 8 min read It's January, so the diet-culture and the anti-diet movement are ferociously competing for attention, which prompts thousands of people across Gibraltar to begin a new ‘healthier’ diet. After indulging on food and drink over the festive season (and mostly throughout the year), many people seek help to get ‘back on track’ and consider many types of extreme dietary strategies such as 'veganuary', carnivore, liquid meal replacements that often involves cutting out entire food groups and contain artificial sweeteners, heavily restricting…......
Optimising hydration

Optimising hydration

5 min read - fact checked ✔ Why hydrate?Water is essential for life, the major component of body fluids and plays a critical role in many other biological processes, including helping to regulate body temperature through sweating. Fluid balance in the body is carefully controlled by varying the concentration of fluids in the blood and urine, resulting in the release of a variety of hormones which trigger either satiation or thirst. Body loses of water occur in urine and faeces as well as smaller amounts…......