November’s Picks: The Best Health And Food Products

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Frostie

Here are our top picks for November. The health and food picks to keep you going through the cold winter months. Let us know what you think.

Brilliant Beetroot

Although not everyone at Frost loves Beetroot, those of us who do love this tasty and healthy drink. It is also refreshing and guilt-free. ‘Brilliant Beetroot’ – a beetroot juice blend from Cawston Press that now has 90% beetroot and 10% pure apple juice. Once confined to the pickle jar at the back of the fridge, beetroot’s now a well-established juice drink for those who enjoy its rich and earthy, yet sweet, taste.

It also has an amazingly rich source of vitamins and minerals. Available from Ocado

Yau’s Black Bean Sauce and Zumba Dipping Sauce

These Asian sauces are super tasty and not a bit artificial. They taste authentic and wholesome. Like they have been homemade. We tried the black bean sauce and the zumba dipping sauce – both great.

Bonnie and Philip Yau have a background in food from childhood, spanning from Vietnam to Shropshire and now to Peterborough. It has always focused on oriental food and the very best of this. They feel that oriental food is lacking the profile of other ethnic foods, perhaps based on poor takeaway experiences and the association with the monosodium glutamate and what this brings with it – the ‘Chinese gloopiness’! Their range of fresh, zingy, healthy sauces with only the good bits, are set to challenge this perception of their native food – they hope that it means that they can share their passion with their customers. They have developed a launch range that includes some recognised names such as sweet & sour and black bean, mixed in with more unique recipes – Zum marinade, dip and dressing was originally developed by Bonnie’s grandmother in Vietnam. All sauces have no MSG (monosodium glutamate) and are gluten free.

Restaurant, retail, cooking courses and now sauces

Bonnie’s interest in food started in Vietnam when she was growing up – she steered the boat whilst her grandmother sold hot meals to locals. The smells and sights that were part of every trip along the river have stayed with Bonnie – fresh ingredients and simple cooking methods were key to this style of cooking. In the UK Bonnie spent time working in a family-run specialist food shop developing her knowledge of Vietnamese, Chinese and Thai cooking. Philip began life in the food-haven of Shropshire; his parents ran a Chinese restaurant in the now well-known Ludlow. Their shared interest in food led them to setting-up a specialist oriental store in Peterborough and also a takeaway restaurant. Their approach to quality food, fresh ingredients and excellent customer service has been carried across their businesses. The idea for the sauces came from repeated customer requests – from both chefs and consumers, for oriental sauces that were authentic and easy to cook with – supported by ways to cook with them, for the oriental amateur. Bonnie has taken this education into people’s homes with her interactive and fun cooking and learning courses.

Cook, marinade, dip and dress

The launch range of sauces has been developed by Bonnie and Philip – they started their production in the kitchen and sold through their specialist store, Janson Hong. Due to the positive reaction and interest in the products, they have taken the business forward and sourced a British manufacturer who is working closely with them to produce the recipes exactly to Bonnie’s taste but at the same time enabling them to extend production beyond the scale of their home kitchen. The sauces are made by Eastern Country Foods in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. There are six sauces with some recognised names such as the Black Bean and the Sweet & Sour and then some more unusual names; Kung Po and Zum. Yau’s recognise the lack of understanding of oriental food and part of their launch is about recipes and re-education into just how tasty, healthy and easy oriental cooking can be for the whole family. The sauces are also a solution for caterers seeking authentic flavours for restaurant dishes.

Bonnie Yau explained why they had created Yau’s; “We love the food from China, Vietnam, Thailand and feel that in the UK Indian and Thai food is widely accepted as part of the cuisine but food termed ‘Chinese’ food has a bad image. Our aim has been to develop sauces that we would use in our home cooking, so that we can share our food. We think that there is a gap on the shelves of retailers for an artisan product in this sector and hope that we can fill it. We also believe that our product will help in restaurant kitchens – the feedback so far in our region, is very positive. We hope to spread this across the country.”

Kallo Rice Cakes

Kallo Rice Cakes are delicious. Too delicious for something that is so healthy. We have been eating the lightly salted ones at Frost with hummus on top. They taste good and make you feel good. We will be buying in bulk in future. From Ocado.

Each packet includes a charming original folk tale inspired illustration and matching short poem in vibrant, Scandinavian eye-catching colours.

Kallo uses only the finest natural ingredients to create delicious products – celebrating their ethos for eating well and enjoying a healthy lifestyle. All Kallo’s rice cakes are made from the highest quality wholegrain, puffed brown rice and corn with no artificial colours, preservatives, gluten containing ingredients or MSG and are suitable for vegetarians.

Priced from £1.19 per pack.

Mr Singh’s Hot Punjabi Chilli Sauce

This sauce is hot, super hot. Perfect for spice lovers. The sauce which made Mr. Singh’s famous. Hot and delicious! Deep, rich, umami flavour with a hint of sweetness. You get delicious flavour with a pleasurable chilli kick at the back of your throat. The original and one of the best chilli sauces ever created! Created over 25 years ago, this sauce is historically hot! Yummy with chips, fish fingers, soups, pasta, casserole, cheese on toast and whatever else you can think of!

From Selfridges

Lucy’s Dressing – Golden Dressing

This sauce only lasted for a day and a half at Frost. It was so amazing we put it on everything. A kitchen essential. Lucy’s Dressings are inspired in their family kitchen in Suffolk, using their own unique recipes. Having hand-picked the finest quality local ingredients.

Golden because it’s made from cold pressed rapeseed oil, which has half the saturated fat of an olive oil based dressing.

The good news with this dressing is that although it’s incredibly good for you, it tastes rich and full bodied and that’s because it’s made from award winning Hillfarm cold pressed rapeseed oil, cyder vinegar, mustard, lemon juice and a touch of honey for the sweetness you all love. Fantastic on salads or for roasting vegetables.

From Ocado or Selfridges

Verdesse

Our writer used these for less than a month and made no other changes. He was less bloated and lost four pounds. Impressive. From Nature’s Best.

Expert nutritionist Dr Sam Christie comments “We know that coffee drinkers are protected against type 2 diabetes – a condition characterised by blood-sugar irregularities that leads to excessive abdominal fat accumulation. Now, even non-coffee drinkers can benefit. Scientists now understand that what we eat has an enormous influence on whether or not we succumb to this type of disease. Green coffee that provides more of the sugar-normalising compounds (but without the caffeine) is a natural approach to a flatter stomach and part of your protection against this type of condition”.

Nature’s Best Verdesse contains a high dose of 400mg green coffee extract – the trial used a high dose of 500mg. Verdesse™ (£14.95 for 60 tablets from www.naturesbest.co.uk or call 01892 552 094) is a decaffeinated green coffee extract containing ‘5-caffeolyquinic acid’, proven to help you lose weight by speeding up your metabolism. Take every day for an additional metabolic boost.

Verdesse™ is a slimming supplement used to speed up the metabolism and help you lose weight faster. Verdesse™ is a decaffeinated green coffee extract with Svetol™ which contains high levels of active compounds called ‘chlorogenic acids’. One in particular which is called ‘5-caffeoylquinic acid’ is scientifically proven to help you simultaneously lose weight by speeding up your metabolism. These compounds contain powerful antioxidants that help fight free radical damage. The roasting process changes the chemical profile of the coffee bean and this is why unroasted coffee beans are used in Verdesse™. Although you could get as much ‘5-caffeoylquinic acid’ from 3 cups of green coffee, it is quite an acquired taste, taking Verdesse is an easy way to get this into your diet.

Potter’s Herbal Cold & Flu Relief

Natural and it really works.

Potter’s Cold & Flu Relief (formulated with Elder Flowers with Peppermint Oil and Composition Essence) relieves fever and discomfort of colds, chills and sore throats. It contains Bayberry Bark, Hemlock Spruce, Elder Flowers and Peppermint. Now available in Holland & Barrett – RRP £6.32.

Deep Heat Muscle Rescue Neck and Shoulder Cream

It is tempted to use this anyway in this weather, but if you have an injury or some aches and pains it eases the pain. Handy applicator too.

Works to help ease tension from tight, stressed muscles with a warming combination of rosemary and vanilla delivered via a no-mess sponge applicator. It can be used on other parts of the body, but is designed especially for the tense neck and shoulder area. The soothing, warming cream has a beautiful herbal fragrance and comes with a soft sponge massage applicator so you can massage it in at home or use it on-the-go. Massage is well known for its ability to relieve muscle tension and stress, especially when accompanied with aromatic oils. The sponge applicator enhances the tension easing properties of the warming cream through gentle massage. Both available from Boots.com

Deep Heat Muscle Rescue Bath Soak.

Perfect for helping overworked muscles. Great for the end of a long day – great stuff that unwinds and heals.

It’s specially formulated to soothe and ease muscular tension, stresses, strains and tired aching muscles. Key ingredients include electrolyte minerals (which help to prevent cramp) and essential oils of rosemary, patchouli and orange. A warm bath with Electrolyte minerals helps stressed muscles to loosen and relax, and the essential oils of rosemary, patchouli and orange assist in emotional, as well as physical, relaxation and the release of muscle tension.

Deep Relief

Great stuff that really works. I am addicted to it. Available from Boots.

A grim portrait of pain has been revealed by a new study for Deep Relief, a topical, clinically proven analgesic gel which uses both analgesic ibuprofen and counter-stimulant levomenthol to deliver a dual attack on pain to provide, effective pain relief.

In this survey of 1000 adults, almost half (43%) said they were blighted by pain on a daily basis. A similar proportion (45%) reported living with pain for more than five years. The back is the number one sore spot with more than half of pain sufferers reporting the lower back to be the main source of discomfort. The neck and shoulders come a close second affecting two out of five (42%) people.

Commenting on this latest pain data, Dr Sarah Brewer a media GP notes: “Worryingly, this new Deep Relief report revealed that three out of five (60%) who suffer regular aches and pains put their health at risk because they rely on oral pain-relief pills. Long term use of oral painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen has been linked with a corrosive effect on the digestive system and long term use of ibuprofen and diclofenac at high doses have been linked to an increased risk of heart attack. It is estimated that this family of medicines, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, is responsible for 2,600 deaths a year and 12,000 hospital admissions out of 25 million prescriptions not to mention the number of people that buy NSAIDs Over The Counter.”

GRIN AND BEAR

A staggering one in two people (48%) simply ‘grin and bear pain’. Standing for long periods (41%), household chores (40%) and sitting at a desk for long periods (33%) all aggravate discomfort and a third (32%) report that cold weather makes their pain worse.

Nagging pain can also have a huge emotional impact, with a third (29%) admitting they get upset because it restricts their activities and the same number complaining they are constantly exhausted.

“This can become a vicious cycle as there is evidence to show that low mood lowers our pain threshold and depression increases our sensitivity to pain, which makes it feel worse.” Dr Sarah Brewer

Dr Brewer adds: “The survey found that pain also prevented one in four respondents from exercising, which may exacerbate this downward spiral. In fact, we know that exercise releases mood-boosting endorphins, so remaining as active as possible is an important part of pain control in long-term conditions such as arthritis.”

Using an effective topical pain relief product such as Deep Relief gel can help maintain mobility and prevent pain from undermining the ability to enjoy daily life.

In summary, Dr Brewer notes: “This survey also found that two out of five (38%) people had not discussed their pain problems with their GP or a pharmacist and as a result many may be unaware of the risks associated with oral painkillers, and the potential for interactions with other medicines such as blood-thinning drugs. A number of studies have linked the long-term use of NSAIDs to serious side-effects and these medicines must be treated with respect. Sadly, almost one third (31%) of respondents in the Deep Relief survey believed there is nothing they can do to prevent pain.

Overall this survey paints a grim picture of debilitating pain in a significant proportion of the UK population together with a worrying lack of knowledge on how to treat it.”

However, the good news is that Deep Relief is a topical analgesic gel which uses two weapons to help fight pain – analgesic ibuprofen and counter-irritant levomenthol — to deliver a dual attack on pain which has been clinically proven to provide, effective relief.

The ibuprofen reduces pain by damping down inflammation and swelling while the levomenthol provides a counter-irritant effect which delivers cooling pain relief.

“And the synergistic action of these two key ingredients enhances penetration of the ibuprofen suggesting that Deep Relief may deliver more analgesia than products containing ibuprofen alone.

Deep Relief has been subjected to a randomised, double-blind placebo controlled trial — the toughest scientific test there is — and is proven to significantly reduce pain in walking, standing and at rest.

So if you suffer from muscular mild to moderate pain niggles opt for a topical pain relieving gel like Deep Relief gel. However, if the pain becomes severe or worsens, always seek GP advice immediately.

LEVOMENTHOL NO LONGER A MYSTERY

Menthol has been used to relieve aches and pains for centuries but it is only recently that scientists have begun to understand how it works.

Messages to the brain are relayed via a system of transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels which act as gateways on cells and allow electrical signals to pass back and forth.

A 2007 study at the University of California confirmed that one of these TRP ion channels — known as TRPM8 — is not only essential to signal the sensation of cold, but also responds to menthol. This means at a cellular level these chemical messengers cannot tell the difference between something which is physically cold and the menthol-induced sensation of cold — so applying menthol activates the same pain-relieving response as an ice-pack and triggers a barrage of ‘it’s cold’ signals to the brain which compete with pain signals and dilute their message.

Another piece of the puzzle emerged last year in a study from researchers at the Research Center for Neurobiology and Neurophysiology at Aix-Marseilles University who suspected that menthol’s pain relieving properties went beyond this counter-irritant distraction.

Their laboratory tests confirmed that menthol also blocks at least three of the ion channels which relay the sensation of pain and they reported: “We found that low concentrations of menthol cause analgesia.”[8]

This shows that menthol works in two ways: by both blocking pain signals and by diluting the impact of those which get through to the brain.

Another advantage of adding menthol to a pain-relieving gel is that it aids the penetration of ibuprofen. In vitro studies show that when levomenthol — the type of menthol used in Deep Relief — is added to ibuprofen 2.6 times more analgesic is absorbed by the skin in the first hour and at ten hours the combination of ibuprofen and levomenthol delivers 1.4 times more analgesia than ibuprofen alone.

Deep Relief is the only topical NSAID to combine ibuprofen and levomenthol to provide this two-pronged approach to pain-relief.

3 Ways Your Environment Increases Your Risk of Pneumonia

Posted on November 6, 2013 by Shaun Chatman

With the winter months quickly approaching and the atmosphere varying from state to state, pneumonia is an issue that plagues the minds of many different people. A lot of individuals have no idea what it is, how they get it, or how they can fix it.

Even more don’t know just how easy it is to succumb to pneumonia-associated mortality. If you get down the nitty-gritty, even fewer people have knowledge that there are several key factors within their environment that can cause them to fall ill to the lung-wrenching ailment. Here are a few things that contribute to your higher risk of pneumonia within your environment.

Bacteria

When bacteria contaminates the lungs by infiltrating the sinus cavities and finding its way down the esophagus and into the bronchioles, they can cause massive amounts of swelling and discomfort. Because the body is responding to a foreign invader, it creates a substance we know as puss to try and force the bacteria out of the afflicted area. However, when this puss is inside of the bronchioles, it can cause a major problem with hardening. That hardening of the bronchioles is known as pneumonia and there’s a number of bacterium that can get inside of the lungs and cause a serious complication like strep.

You may be wondering how you could get strep. If you have a child that’s of school-going age, or you work in a heavily populated environment, the chances of you contracting strep is very easy. It’s a bacterial infection that can be spread through saliva, or by that person simply coughing and/or sneezing on you. Stay away from infected people to minimize your chance of getting it.

Allergies

Yes, your sneezing, coughing, sniffling, runny nose, and redness are all due to your allergies. Your body is simply looking for a way to expel randomly roaming agents that are far from dangerous. However, your body’s way of trying to expel them can cause you more trouble than it’s worth.

By simply inhaling dust particles, pollen or other things that cause problems for many allergy sufferers, you can trigger your body’s response system, resulting in the swelling of the tiny nodes within your lungs. By the swelling of these entities, your body can cause you to have allergic pneumonia. This type of pneumonia comes in three different categories: acute, subacute, and chronic.

If you’re having an acute attack, chances are you’re too close to the aggravating agent. If you’re having an acute attack, you’ll start to feel like you are getting the flu in the worst type of way. The best way to help stop this type of attack is to move away from the allergen.

Perhaps you’re suffering from a subacute attack; chances are you’re going to feel like you have the flu and then some. You’ll start coughing up mucus and other wonderful juices from deep within your lung cavity. This is an issue that needs to be addressed by your doctor to keep yourself from sliding into the chronic category.

If you’re chronic, you’ll find yourself with myriad other symptoms including weight loss. If this stage has been reached, you need to completely remove yourself from the allergens and talk to your doctor on a regular basis to monitor your lung health.

The best way to avoid this is to minimize your exposure to any allergens that you might see or think of. You can also purchase an antihistamine to keep your body from attacking itself over something presumably harmless.

Smog

Most of us live in big urban areas, so we’re no strangers to the endless black mass of cloudy pollution called “smog.” However, this cloud can invade your home and infect you and your loved ones. If you have an issue with the quality of air in your home, you should immediately assess the easiest thing to change: your air filter. Breathing in contaminants from the outside can cause you to have a serious upper respiratory reaction.

If these contaminants have somehow managed to find their way into your home via the air intake filter, open doors, open windows, etc. then you need to find a way to cleanse your homes air immediately. Constant exposure to smog can act as an irritant within the lungs and cause the bronchioles to inflame and the body to start the production of puss. Look into getting a new air filter or investing in an air purifier in order to keep you and your family safe from these invisible attackers.

Have Your Moment Of Calm This Christmas With Goldie Hawn And Max Benjamin

Posted on November 4, 2013 by Frostie

Christmas is supposed to be a time of fun and relaxation, but for many it can be a massive source of stress and anxiety. Make sure you take some time out of your hectic Christmas schedule to indulge in a moment of calm with the help of this gorgeous candle from Max Benjamin.

The “Calm” candle in collaboration with Goldie Hawn and The Hawn Foundation features a blend of soothing Lavender oils with natural wax and three wicks. The Lavender fragrance was chosen by Goldie and Max Benjamin because Lavender aromatherapy is great for reducing stress and is widely used in aromatherapy treatment for its calming and relaxing properties. In clinical trials Cortisol, a stress hormone produced by the body, was shown to have a great reduction in the measured levels within 5 minutes of the patient smelling real Lavender.

The Hawn Foundation is a charitable organisation that aims to reduce stress and anxiety in children, allowing them to thrive and lead healthier, more resilient lives. It was set up nearly a decade ago by Goldie after she was appalled by the alarming increase in stress, anxiety and depression in young people.

Goldie says… “I created this candle to give something beautiful to people. I chose the name ‘Calm’ because a calm environment means less stress and anxiety. Knowing that scents have powerful effects on the brain, I chose Lavender for the sense of well-being it engenders. Together the name and the scent of this wonderful candle convey our essential message to children and parents alike; that their well-being, their sense of calm and confidence is of the utmost importance!”

Available from www.maxbenjamin.co.uk for £30

New Study Highlights Crucial Role of Red Meat in Plugging The Nutrition Gap

Posted on November 1, 2013 by Frostie

Millions of people in the UK are putting their health at risk because of inadequate intakes of vital vitamins and minerals, a new study has revealed. But the research also highlights just how important the role of red meat is in the diet in helping to cover this nutrition gap.

Meat has been a staple part of the human diet since the dawn of mankind, but in recent years there has been some debate over whether too much red meat can raise the risk of health problems. Now a team of researchers has studied the issue of meat in the diet to help gauge just how important it is for a healthy mind and body – as well as the crucial nutrients that red meat in the diet brings.

The latest study found that data from dietary surveys indicates that UK diets for people of all ages can be worryingly low in nutrients normally found in meat, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium and potassium. The researchers say that integrating red meat into diets across the age spectrum, from infanthood to old age, may help to narrow the present gap between vitamin and mineral intakes and recommended levels. In addition, there is emerging evidence that nutrients commonly found in red meat may play a role in supporting cognitive function, immune health and addressing iron deficiency.

Independent dietician Dr Carrie Ruxton, together with Emma Derbyshire, Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition, Manchester Metropolitan University and Prof Robert Pickard, Emeritus Professor of Neurobiology, University of Cardiff, studied data from 103 previous scientific research papers. Many of the previous studies drew from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) – now an annual rolling programme which provides a valuable insight into the nutritional quality of modern diets. The new paper – entitled Micronutrient challenges across the age spectrum: Is there a role for meat in the diet? – is just published in the British Nutrition Foundation’s Nutrition Bulletin.¹

The role of red meat in the diet

Red meat – defined as beef, veal, pork and lamb, which is fresh, minced or frozen – is a source of high quality protein and important micronutrients. Beef and lamb are classed as a ‘rich source’ – more than 30% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) – of vitamin B₃ (niacin), B₁₂ (cyanocobalamin) and zinc. It is also a ‘source’ – 15% or more of the RDA – of iron, potassium and phosphorous. Pork is also a ‘rich source’ of vitamin B₁ (thiamin). Meat, particularly from grass-fed animals, can be a valuable source of long chain (LC) n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as omega 3 fatty acids. Research shows that these fatty acids support normal foetal development as well as help lower the risk of inflammatory conditions, depression and dementia in later life. Red meat is also an important source of haem iron – a type that is readily absorbed – and data shows that average iron intakes in the UK are inadequate, especially among females in general and during pregnancy.

UK nutrition – the seven ages of mankind

Infants and pre-school children – studies show that diets in this age group are low in vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, zinc.
Pre-pubescent children – diets were found to be low in vitamin A, magnesium, iron and zinc. Boys tended to have higher intakes of iron and thiamin than girls.
Teenagers (13 to 18 years) – diets are low in many key nutrients – including vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium and potassium.
Adults of reproductive age (19-50 years) – diets, particularly for females, fall short in magnesium and iron, as well as zinc, selenium and potassium.
Pregnancy and lactation – Women on average fail to get enough calcium, magnesium, iron, iodine, selenium and potassium and vitamin D.
Middle-age and older age (50 years and above) – while this group have better quality diets, there are still shortfalls in intakes of magnesium, zinc and potassium.
Older-age (75 years and beyond) – data shows that in adults aged over 85, intakes of magnesium, zinc and potassium are below the recommended nutrient intake.

How meat affects health – latest investigations

While some studies have linked high levels of meat consumption with health issues, the evidence is inconsistent and the research varies in its quality – for instance one paper that found a link between meat and obesity included pies and pastries as well as lean cuts of meat. Indeed, other research found that lean meat consumption does not impact on risk of chronic disease. Chemicals called heterocyclic amines may be produced when meat is cooked or charred and these have been linked with an increased cancer risk. However, there is also evidence that meat contains nutrients with anticancer properties, such as LC n-3 PUFA, conjugated linoleic acids, vitamins B₆, B₁₂, D and selenium. In addition, older studies may not be so relevant today as the fat content of meat has reduced considerably over the past few decades as a result of changes in breeding and animal feeding practices.

In terms of heart health, a study showed that eating red meat (lamb) three times a week had no effect on low-density-lipoprotein levels – the so-called bad cholesterol – or triglycerides, both factors for cardiovascular disease, when compared to white meat. In another study of patients with high cholesterol levels, those who ate red meat every day were found to have fewer markers for heart disease. Studies have indicated that meat protein could help delay or reduce the gradual loss of muscle mass – a condition known as sarcopenia. Diet when younger may play a part in mental ability when older – data from a Chinese study found that adults aged 50 years and over who ate meat in childhood had improved memory recall. The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) – made up independent experts and which provides advice to the Department of Health – recommends that adults should consume a balanced diet with up to 70g of lean red meat per day and up to 500g per week.

Independent dietician Dr Carrie Ruxton, who led the study, says: “Meat has long played a central role in the human diet and is now recognised as an important source of high-quality protein and essential micronutrients. The research indicates that even in developed countries such as the UK, with a plentiful food supply, there is evidence of under-consumption of key vitamins and minerals which support long-term health. It is notable that many of these are present in red meat, such as iron, vitamin A, vitamin D, selenium, magnesium, potassium and zinc.

“Integrating red meat into diets across the age spectrum, from infanthood to old age, may help to narrow the present gap between intakes and recommendations. In addition, there is emerging evidence that nutrients commonly found in red meat may play a role in supporting cognitive function, immune health, and addressing iron deficiency. While concerns have been raised about the potential impact of meat on the risk of chronic disease, there is little evidence and may be triggered by meat cooking methods or other dietary factors.

“Moderate amounts of lean red meat provide a wide range of important nutrients, without substantially increasing intakes of energy and saturated fat. When consumed in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet, lean meat is unlikely to increase the risk of chronic disease yet provides an important source of micronutrients. In addition, people who eat lean meat regularly tend to eat more vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products and have a higher intake of nutrients overall, suggesting that inclusion of red meat does not displace other important foods.”

Dr Ruxton adds: “Meat had a central role in the diet of early man and continues to do so in modern times. When eaten as part of a balanced diet, red meat represents an important source of protein and essential nutrients, which may contribute towards improving diet quality from weaning to old age. Recommended intakes for red meat – up to 500g cooked weight per week – would appear to be safe and most UK adults are within this range.”

Kizzy’s Cookies Vegan Cookies Review

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

At the risk of sounding like an old woman; food just isn’t like it used to be. Pesticides, preservatives, GM crops…the list of horrible chemicals and stupid farming tactics seems to grow by the day. You now have to pay more money to eat natural food without all of the nasty chemicals in them. I love organic food. I also love vegan food, small businesses and anyone taking on the food giants. These are all things we support at Frost Magazine: environmentalism and good, natural food.

Which is why Kizzy’s Cookies might go in our hall of fame. These classic chocolate chip cookies are vegan. They are freshly baked and made from scratch without preservatives or chemicals. While some organic and vegan things lack flavour, Kizzy’s Cookies are the best cookies I have ever tasted in my life and our other writers agreed. They also taste fresh and pure. You can really taste the difference.

I predict, and hope for, big things from Kizzy’s Cookies. Frost loves….

Stop Worry In Its Tracks — Seven Ways To Keep Calm And Carry On

Posted on October 20, 2013 by Frostie

Britain is on the verge of a stress epidemic. One in five adults now worries for at least 60 minutes every day, and more than seven million Brits are believed to have a certifiable anxiety disorder. Even low-level worry can negatively impact work, home and quality of life and it’s a situation that costs the UK economy over £6.5billion each year.

But you don’t have to put up with your anxieties a day longer. Here, UK ‘Worry Tzars’ Professor Daniel Freeman and Jason Freeman — authors of new Pearson stress management guide How to Keep Calm and Carry On — provide seven simple but effective anxiety-fighting tips to help win the war against worry.

PUT YOUR FEARS TO THE TEST

Anxiety is the brain’s way of alerting us to potential dangers and equipping us to deal with them. Avoidance of dangers is perfectly reasonable, but not when the fears are unrealistic. Avoiding these fears means that you never put your anxiety to the test. When what you fear doesn’t occur, we assume it is because of the safety measures you’ve taken. You ignore the simplest explanation: the problem wasn’t very likely in the first place. So meet new people or confront your fear of water or dogs etc.

2. THOUGHTS ARE NOT FACTS

It is important to remember that just because you think something, it doesn’t make it a reality. The brain makes its judgement extremely rapidly, and it’s not always correct. You may think your neighbour doesn’t like you, or worry that you’re less intelligent than your work colleagues, but it is entirely possibly – and usually more likely – that you are mistaken.

3. CONSIDER ALL THE EVIDENCE

When thinking about your fears and anxieties make sure you give equal weight to each piece of evidence, rather than giving extra credence to those that support your fears. By acknowledging both sides of the argument you will see irrational worries for what they really are, and overcome them.

WRITE DOWN YOUR FEARS

Three or four times a week write down your fears. Do it in a way that a stranger could read and understand them. This stops irrational fear floating around in your mind. It is as if you physically get the worries out of your head and onto paper.

SCHEDULE YOUR WORRY

Some people can’t stop worrying – no matter what. Therefore set aside a period every day of about 15 minutes and dedicate that to worrying. Choose an uncomfortable spot, a hard chair, or a stool – to ensure you are not relaxing. Then, think through your worries. Don’t run over the 15 minutes and train your brain that this is the period for irrational worrying. If you worry about things during the day, try to put them out of your mind until your designated worry period.

THINK OF A POSITIVE MEMORY

You cannot stop worries occurring, but you CAN develop techniques and coping strategies to stop them controlling your life. One very simple but powerful technique is to think of a positive memory. When you feel anxious, recall a similar situation involving the best outcome rather than the worst.

7. REMEMBER TO RELAX

Many scientific studies have shown a strong link between exercise and stress reduction, so make some time in your daily routine to relax body and mind. Utilise proven relaxation techniques such as yoga, or light to moderate exercise . . . then Keep Calm and Carry On!

How to Keep Calm and Carry On: Inspiring Ways to Worry Less and Live a Happier Life by Daniel & Jason Freeman (Pearson) is out now, priced £10.99, from Amazon and all good book shops.

iGeneration Facing Lifetime Of Back Pain: Jodie Kidd Talks About Her Experience.

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Frostie

We have become a nation obsessed with technology and social media. Much to the detriment of our health. We’re a nation on the brink of a potential back pain epidemic. Experts say the ‘iPosture generation’ spend more time in front of a PC or laptop than they do asleep in bed.

Simplyhealth surveyed more than 3000 adults and found more than 8 out of ten of us have suffered with back pain in the last year (86%) and that we suffer with it on average three times a week.

A combination of work and home screen time (excluding traditional TV) means that over 55s spend an average of 6.64 hours a day in front of a screen compared to 8.83 hour for a typical 18-24 year old.

However, key differences seem to emerge when it comes to the different generations’ use of technology. Two thirds (67 per cent) of 18-24 year olds agree they either slouch or hunch in front of their PC or other devices at work. Their parents on the other hand (45-54 year olds) are more than twice as likely to sit up straight at home, on a chair, with their PC or laptop in front of them.

And parents today are much less likely to tell their children to sit up and stand up straight – 59 per cent of those questioned said they never gave their children this advice.

What do you think? Is the iGeneration destroying their back?

Young People Using Fertility MOTs

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Frostie

An increasing number of young people are discovering the benefit of ‘fertility MOTs’, consultants have said, even if they have no immediate plans to start a family.

Patients can come in for fertility advice even if they aren’t yet trying for children, and have a full range of tests so they can decide when they should start thinking about a family.

Mrs Yasmin Sajjad, fertility consultant at Spire Liverpool Hospital said: “The growing popularity of our fertility MOTs reflects a rising trend of young couples and singles seeking peace of mind on their fertility status.”

As people get older some may find it increasingly difficult to conceive and fertility consultancy is valuable in providing early advice as to how long it is practical to wait.

Yasmin said: “At 25 – 27 years old a woman’s fertility is already starting to decline, and upon reaching 35, chances of conception have often halved. Women who take an early assessment of their fertility can make informed decisions about their options later down the line, including the possibility of having eggs frozen for a later date.”

Erica Wilson used the fertility MOT to help make an informed decision on when she and her husband should start trying for children, she said: “I came to Spire a few years ago for a fertility MOT at the age of 31. I was keen to see if there were any issues, and help become better informed so myself and my husband Ken could find out when we should start trying for children. It ended up being a very good decision because we found out early on that there were problems and it has given us time to address this.”

Erica is now going through a treatment called ICSI, Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection. This involves injecting a single sperm into an egg in order to fertilise it, it’s then transferred back to the woman’s womb as an embryo.

Erica said: “So far we have undergone a few treatments of ICSI through the NHS. The treatment went smoothly but unfortunately it hasn’t worked. It’s now been diagnosed by Mrs Sajjad that I have certain cells, which identify the embryo being put back in my womb as a foreign body and I am now on a course of steroid treatment which should prevent this. Ken and I are now really hopeful that we can start a family and having a fertility MOT has given us the time to solve the issues, and have a good chance at trying for a family before time and the odds are against us.”

Yasmin also said that they have seen an increase in the use of the clinic by couples in the middle of trying for a family. “Many couples are leaving it later to try for children, which simply put means they can’t afford to wait around. If they have been trying for a year with no success then they should visit a GP, but often taking this route can mean they end up on waiting lists for tests and to see a fertility expert. This wait can mean the difference between having a child and not, as some couples have left it too close in terms of their fertility or accessing IVF on the NHS, where the cut off for funding is often around the age of 40. This means that the women should be referred for assisted conception treatment at least six months before their 40^th birthday.

“Many older couples are now choosing to pay privately to find out if there is an issue straight away, then they can decide what action to take.”

The Fertility MOT includes a range of packages, all of which require only two visits to the hospital within the space of a week. The comprehensive process will provide a full assessment of a patient’s ability to conceive and identify any underlying factors that may prevent natural conception down the line.

Packages are available for men, women, and couples. Men receive an expert semen analysis, while women will be given a pelvic ultrasound scan, urine test and tubal patency test. Both will also have a full blood test to check hormone status.

Upon the second visit the results are discussed and potential options will be laid out. From there consultants can give expert advice on future options, and advise any appropriate treatments.

Yasmin added: “Modern hectic lifestyles mean that more couples are choosing to postpone a family until later in life, so a fertility MOT can be invaluable in checking one’s options before it’s too late.”

Spire Liverpool Hospital is holding an information event for couples planning a family on Thursday 24 October, from 6.30 – 9pm.

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