Folate for women (13 Sep 2008) Folate (also known as folic acid) is a B-group vitamin. Women of child-bearing age should take extra folate daily because this vitamin is crucial to the healthy development of babies in early pregnancy.
Folate taken before conception and during the first few weeks of pregnancy can prevent seven out of ten cases of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Over 600 pregnancies in Australia every year are affected by neural tube defects.
Calcium - children (13 Sep 2008) Calcium is an important part of the daily diet, especially for children. It is essential for the growth of strong bones and teeth. Dietitians and dentists recommend that children should meet their calcium needs by eating dairy foods and having a well balanced diet.
Severe calcium deficiency can result in diseases like rickets in children and osteoporosis later in life.
Fibre in food (13 Sep 2008) Dietary fibre is found in cereals, fruits and vegetables. Fibre is made up of the indigestible parts or compounds of plants, which pass relatively unchanged through our stomach and intestines. The main role of fibre is to keep the digestive system healthy.
Other terms for dietary fibre include 'bulk' and 'roughage', which can be misleading since some forms of fibre are water soluble and aren't bulky or rough at all.
Antioxidants (13 Sep 2008) The process of oxidation in the human body damages cell membranes and other structures including cellular proteins, lipids and DNA. When oxygen is metabolised, it creates 'free radicals' which steal electrons from other molecules, causing damage.
The body can cope with some free radicals and needs them to function effectively. However, an overload of free radicals has been linked to certain diseases, including heart disease, liver disease and some cancers. Oxidation can be accelerated by stress, cigarette smoking, alcohol, sunlight, pollution and other factors.
Food variety and a healthy diet (13 Sep 2008) Dietary fibre is found in cereals, fruits and vegetables. Fibre is made up of the indigestible parts or compounds of plants, which pass relatively unchanged through our stomach and intestines. The main role of fibre is to keep the digestive system healthy.
Other terms for dietary fibre include 'bulk' and 'roughage', which can be misleading since some forms of fibre are water soluble and aren't bulky or rough at all.
Healthy eating tips (13 Sep 2008) A healthy diet should include a good variety of nutritious foods. These include breads, pastas, fruits and vegetables. Eating breakfast is also an important part of a healthy diet.
Headache and diet (13 Sep 2008) According to some studies, what we eat and when we eat it plays a significant role in headache and migraine. Overactivity of the arteries in the head has been found to cause pain, and wildly fluctuating blood sugar levels can prompt these vessels to spasm in susceptible people. Caffeine, a compound commonly found in coffee, tea and chocolate, has been linked to headache. Researchers believe that people who are prone to headache and migraine may be sensitive to the effects of caffeine. Limiting drinks or foods containing caffeine is generally recommended. Food additives and naturally occurring food chemicals can also trigger headache in some people. If you suspect that your headaches may be linked to your diet, it is important to seek medical attention so that your sensitivities can be properly diagnosed
Heart disease and food (13 Sep 2008) Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, causing nearly 36 per cent of all deaths in Australia in 2004.
Food is directly involved in many of the risk factors for coronary heart disease. Paying attention to what you eat is one of the most important preventative measures you can take.
Healthy cooking tips (13 Sep 2008) Eating healthy food doesn't mean giving up your favourite foods and switching to salads. Healthy cooking is easy. In many cases, your favourite recipes can be modified so they offer a healthier alternative. Non-stick cookware can be used to reduce the need for cooking oil. To keep valuable nutrients, microwave or steam your vegetables instead of boiling them.
Sight as you age (13 Sep 2008) A gradual failing of sight used to be accepted as an inevitable part of ageing. It's true you'll be less able to focus on close objects as you get older, but most people should have good sight into their 80s or 90s.
