Latest Evidence in Foods
Does Turmeric help improve eyesight? Is Quinoa good for you? Should you be eating more Cacao powder? The internet is full of claims that eating this food or that one will incur special health benefits.
In the Foods section our academics and medical professionals investigate claims like these & provide answers according to the research. Armed with this information you can avoid hype, save money, and help friends and family make wiser decisions when it comes to their health.
Do Yerba Mate Have Health Benefits? The Current Research Reviewed
Introduction Some of the giants of the coffee shop world have jumped on the health fad bandwagon. You can now order a turmeric, soy, almond or coconut milk latte in most high street coffee shops around the world. Even our little hospital has a coffee shop outlet that...
Does Eating Grapeseed Oil Have Health Benefits? The Research Reviewed
Intro You’ve heard the reports that wine – especially red wine – has health properties when used in moderate amounts. And the amazing nutrition available from many edible seeds is also common knowledge. It might stand to reason, then, that grape seeds would also...
Does Eating Fermented Foods Have Health Benefits? 21 Research Papers Examined
Introduction Fermentation has been described as 'a better invention than fire'. Hmmm, I wonder if this just relates to fermented drinks (wines and beers)? Would the same accolade be awarded to fermented foods without the drinks? Fermented foods are beloved of preppers...
Does Cinnamon Have Health Benefits? The Evidence Reviewed
Introduction New York Times bestseller and author of the 4-Hour Body, Tim Ferris, recommends using cinnamon to reduce the glycemic load of food. That’s just the latest in a long list of supposed benefits of this exotic spice. Among its many claims to fame (apart from...
Does Garlic (Or It’s Supplements) Have Health Benefits? We Review The Research
Introduction An FDA household survey in 2002 showed that garlic was the second most commonly used dietary supplement (after echinacaea) . Considering the fact the same survey showed that 73% of English speaking non-institutionalized adults in the USA used dietary...
Does Eating Avocado Have Health Benefits? 20 Research Papers Examined
Introduction Smooth creamy guacamole, crescent shaped segments of avocado in a delicious green salad, St Patrick's day coloured smoothies - what's not to love about avocado? Some foodies claim that avocados are loaded with phytonutrients, vitamins, fibre and protein...
Does Eating Spirulina Have Health Benefits? Analyzing the Research
Introduction It’s been touted as a “superfood” that can eliminate world hunger by the United Nations [1], as a potential food source for space travelers by NASA [2], and as a phytonutrient with “amazing” abilities to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, boost...
Does Eating Wheatgrass Have Health Benefits? Analyzing The Research
Introduction I just love those beautifully manicured trays of wheatgrass that are for sale in my local organic shop. The sight of a tray of wheatgrass immediately transports me back to every health spa I have ever visited as wheatgrass shots are pretty much de riguer...
Does Eating Cacao Have Health Benefits? 21 Research Papers Examined
Introduction Chocolate is the most famous derivative product of cacao. What's your personal take on chocolate? A boatload of calories? A comfort food for those Bridget Jones days? A decadent sensual indulgence? Or just maybe it is 'natures medicine' and a justifiable...
Does Green Tea (Or It’s Extract) Have Health Benefits? The Research Reviewed
Introduction Three billion kilograms of tea are produced each year worldwide making tea the second most commonly consumed beverage (after water). Tea consumption is currently growing at a rate of 2.1% per year. The high and growing rates of tea consumption globally...