Category Archives: Health

Margarine and health, removing the confusion on dietary needs

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A big, fat confusion

We all need fat in our diet, but knowing which types can often be confusing.

The Fat Information Service (FIS) is supported by a group of expert dietitians, nutritionists, lipid experts and GPs to give the low down on the role of fats and oils in our daily diets. It aims to offer clear information to help identify good fats from bad fats and to support informed dietary choices needed for good health.

The following e-feature bulletin from FIS explains why findings published this week regarding the changing trends in the UK’s fat consumption are both concerning and potentially life-threatening.

Get to know your fats

Dietary fats are classified by their chemical composition, and can be either saturated (as found in animal products such as butter) or unsaturated (found in vegetable-based products such as spreads and  margarine).

When choosing fats, we are advised to choose unsaturated fats over saturated fats, as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle[1]. This is because clinical research clearly illustrates that risk of developing heart disease is reduced when saturated fats are replaced with unsaturated fats[2].

Sorting fact from fiction

A worrying new report suggests that Britons are increasingly shunning evidence-based advice and are choosing butter over spreads and margarine, believing it to represent a purer, more natural alternative.

Commenting on these findings, nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire from the Fat information Service (FIS) says: “Consumers should not be concerned about the notion of margarines and spreads being ‘highly processed’ or ‘packed full of additives’.

 

“The primary ingredients in margarine include vegetable or plant seed oils, water, milk and salt; all of which are naturally sourced.

 

“Processing of spreads is necessary to ensure that the natural oils are combined with other ingredients to develop a smooth consistency for spreading. The only additional step used in making margarine compared to the production of butter is the initial process of extracting the oil from seeds.

“Although spreads do contain additives, many of the colours used are natural and vitamins A and D are added by law. And whilst they contain preservatives, their use is strictly controlled and regularly reviewed to ensure they are entirely safe in the quantities consumed.

“The bottom line is that margarines, when consumed in moderation, represent a healthy, natural choice for consumers”.

Dangerous consequences

 

So what consequences might these unfounded myths regarding spreads and margarine have on the UK population if they remain unaddressed?

 

Sara Stanner adds: “With heart disease already the UK’s biggest killer[3], the recent surge in butter sales is worrying news for the health of the UK population.

 

“More than  half of the fat found in butter is saturated fat.  Scientists agree that a high dietary intake of saturated fat raises the level of total and bad cholesterol in the blood, which increases the risk of heart disease.

 

“In contrast, spreads made with vegetable oils contain less saturates and a higher proportion of heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, which help reduce cholesterol levels when substituted for saturated fat.

 

 

“At the end of the day our food choices are driven by what we enjoy, but consumers who prefer the taste of butter should be advised to use it sparingly and opt for vegetable oil blends where possible, in order to maintain good health. ”





Fat Information Service tips 


 


As in all aspects of a healthy diet, balance is key and dietary fats are no exception. While unsaturated fats (such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) offer significant health benefits, getting too much of any type of fat can be damaging to your health.


 


Whilst it’s not desirable to increase the total fat content of the diet by simply adding them to your diet, replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats will help you achieve a better balance for your heart and overall health (along with a healthy diet and lifestyle).


These tips will help show you how:


ü  Switch to lower-fat dairy products, like reduced-fat cheese, low fat yogurts, and skimmed or semi-skimmed milk to reduce your intake of saturated fats.


 


ü  Swap butter for small amounts of spread or margarine as this can help reduce your saturated fat intake. Spreads are also fortified with other vitamins and can help supplement your diet with key nutrients. Additionally, spreads made from seed oils contain essential fats, omega 3 & 6; these are fats that your body cannot make and you thus have to take in via your diet.


 


ü  Choose lean cuts of meat, poultry or oily fish rather than fatty or processed meat products. Make sure you trim any excess fat and remove the skin from chicken or turkey before cooking.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Get Fit & Flab Free This Summer With The Dukan Diet & Nicki Waterman

			
						

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getfitandfabWith 96% of UK women admitting they are unhappy with their bikini body[1] the Dukan Diet and celebrity fitness expert Nicki Waterman have joined forces to help you fight the flab and feel fab this Summer.


Said Nicki Waterman, “What you eat is only one part of the weight-loss equation. Diet alone may help you drop pounds, but you’ll have trouble keeping them off if you don’t exercise. And that’s not to mention the added benefits you’ll miss out on, from improved mood, to better sleep, to disease prevention. The exercise has to be there!”


“It’s understandable that people want to look good on the beach, but it’s more important to be healthy and do this safely” said Dukan Diet creator Dr Pierre Dukan. “Thousands of UK women are still resorting to crash dieting and unhealthy methods because they are so unhappy with the way they look. Crash diets may help you may lose weight in the short term, but you will inevitably regain that weight in the long-term. My diet is the only plan which devotes 50% of the plan to stabilising your weight, for the rest of your life.”







In as little as 8 weeks you can lose up to 1 stone[1] and tone up those wobbly bits with this exclusive diet and fitness advice:







THE DIET PART 


The Dukan Diet; a high-protein, low-carb and low-fat weight loss plan, has a huge worldwide following, with numerous celebrities reportedly fans too. No calorie counting, it’s based on protein rich food and veggies you can eat as much as you want of, to give quick results and long-lasting weight-loss.


The Dukan Diet is a 4-phase plan; two phases to lose weight and two phases to ensure you keep the weight off forever.


 


Phase 1: A brief ATTACK phase with immediate results – lasting between two and seven days, depending upon how much weight you have to lose, during this stage you can eat as many of the 72 protein-rich ‘approved’ foods as you want in any combination. Approved ATTACK ingredients include fresh fish, shellfish, poultry, lean meats, low-fat dairy products and eggs.  Expect to see quick results during this phase.


Phase 2: As you enter the CRUISE phase now add vegetables. CRUISE continues uninterrupted until your true weight is reached. Dieters alternate pure protein days with protein and vegetable days with anaverage weight loss of 2lbs per week. On average 5 weeks is spent on the Cruise Phase if you have one stone to lose.


 


Phase 3: Once you have reached your target weight the Dukan Diet differs from any other diet as it ‘weans’ you back into eating a balanced diet, ensuring all your hard work doesn’t go to waste. A CONSOLIDATION phase lasting five days for every pound lost is implemented and reintroducesfruit, wholegrains, fats and finally starchy foods to your diet. This phase is designed to reintroduce dieters to the ‘pleasure’ of food whilst prevent the rebound effect that occurs after any rapid form of weight loss. In an 8-week plan and with one stone to lose, you would bethree weeks into your Consolidation phase by the time you go on holiday, enabling you to enjoy a varied diet.


Phase 4:The final stage – STABILISATION – is less of a diet and more of a set of guidelines to live by to counter-act any mild weight gain:


·       Eat 3 tablespoons of oat bran per day


·       Regular exercise (min 20 mins walk per day)


·       Have a Pure Protein Attack day once a week.


To get started – calculate your True Weight on the dukandiet.co.uk’s free online calculator or pick up the Dukan Diet Book (Hodder; £12.99). Additionally, the following code will give you a 15% discount off all products in the online shop for twenty days fromtoday (4th July 2013): FITFLAB15


 


THE DUKAN DIET EXERCISE PLAN BY NICKI WATERMAN


Depending on your level of fitness aim for a minimum of 30mins exercise every day. This can be walking, cleaning the house or dancing to the radio – as long as you’re active.


 


The following exercises and tips are guaranteed to target those troublesome spots and get your body bikini-ready:


 


1.)Add Some Pounds


Adding resistance training to your routine will give you a toned – not bulky – look and increase metabolism.


 


 WALKING LUNGE


Tones your legs, bottom and thighs.


SETS: 3


REPS: 20


HOW OFTEN: Every other day.


Take a big step forward and bond both your knees to 90-degrees, keeping your body upright and feet pointing forward. Push off your back foot and brig it in front of you to go into the next lunge. Walk forward with each lunge


 


2.)Squeeze In A Fast Workout


If you’re short on time, simply do press-ups for a quick, calorie-burning upper- body workout.


 PRESS-UPS:


Tones your arms, chest, shoulders and deep core muscles.


SETS: 1


REPS: As many as you can do.


HOW OFTEN: Every other day.


Lie with your hands beneath your shoulders and your body in a straight line from head to heels. Brace your stomach muscles and bend your elbows, keeping them close to your body. Lower as far as you can before pushing back up.


 


 


3.)Make Achievable Goals


Making lofty resolutions like deciding to lose 30 pounds in two months is setting yourself up for failure. Instead, make smaller goals you can tackle individually and incorporate into your lifestyle. Try adding a new fitness class to your exercise routine, taking a lunchtime walk instead of eating at your desk or do some simple Step-ups whenever you can.


 STEP UPS


Tones your legs, bottom and thighs and gets your heart pumping


SETS: 3


REPS: 15 each side.


HOW OFTEN: Every day.


Stand in front of stairs, box or a chair at about knee height. Place one foot flat on the stair, box or chair without letting your trailing leg touch down. Return to the start and do all your reps on one leg before repeating on the other.


 


 


4.)Plank It Out


The plank is one of the best moves to tone your core. After mastering the basicplank, you can add more advanced moves. Touching your elbow with your knee while in plank is great for the oblique muscles. To get some extra arm toning in, try the up and down plank: start in plank, come up onto your hands while holding the plank position and then return to the plank and repeat.


 PLANK WITH LATERAL TOE TAPS


Tones your core and upper body.


SETS: 3 sets


REPS: 30, alternating sides


HOW OFTEN: Every other day.


Rest your weight on your forearms and keep your body in a straight line from head to heels. Move one foot out to the side with a straight leg; tap the floor andthen return slowly to the start. Alternate sides.


 


 


5.)Try Some Big Movements


Don’t be intimidated by certain exercises. If you’re looking for all-in-one moves, push-ups, squats and planks are hard to beat. These powerhouse moves work the core, your legs and raise your heart rate.


WIDE LEG SQUAT


Tones your bottom, thighs and core.


SETS: 3


REPS: 20


HOW OFTEN: Every other day.


Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart, toes turned out. Keeping torso upright and weight on your heels, squat down as far as you can manage, raising your arms fro balance. Hold for a second then push back to the start.


 


 


6.)Work Muscles Together


Don’t want to waste any time at the gym? Combine exercises that incorporate both your upper and lower body, and work multiple muscle groups at once. Try this military press as you come up from a squat.


 SQUAT MILITARY PRESS


Tones your shoulders, arms, abs, bottom and legs


SETS: 3


REPS: As many as you can do for one minute.


HOW OFTEN: Every other day.


Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding a weight in each hand (half litre bottle of water or cans of beans will do), arms by sides. Squat down and then stand up quickly, bending elbows to bring dumbbells up in front of shoulders, palms facing forward. Immediately press arms straight overhead.


 


 


7.)Target Arm Flab


While genetics decide where your body will store fat (thanks, Mom and Dad), you can spot tone problem areas. To sculpt toned arms, incorporate moves that will work all three of the muscles in your triceps, your biceps and shoulders. Tricepkickbacks, bench dips, overhead presses and head bangers are all great options.


 


TRICEP DIP


Tones the back of your arms.


SETS: 3


REPS: 15 – 20.


HOW OFTEN: Every other day.


Place your palms on a sturdy bench or chair behind you, fingers pointing forwards. Keep your body upright, bum close to the bench and legs out in front of you. Bend at the elbows keeping them pointing back. Lower slowly and push back up.


 


 


8.)Do What You Love


If the idea of traditional exercise makes you shudder, there are other options. Have you always wanted to learn how to do a sun salutation? Try a yoga class. Interested in self-defense? Sign up for boxing lessons. Meet friends for a walk instead of lunch, or bike ride around your town instead of driving. You’re more likely to stick to a fitness routine if you’re enjoying it – and remember, you don’t have to be at the gym for it to count.


 YOGA: THE COBRA


Improves posture.


SETS: 1


REPS: Hold the position for 5 full breaths, then release.


HOW OFTEN: Every day.


Lie on your tummy with your legs spread at hip width and the tops of your feet on the floor. Rest your forehead on the floor and relax your shoulders; bend your elbows and place your forearms on the floor with your palms turned down and positioned near the sides of your head. As you inhale, engage your back muscles, press your forearms against the floor, and raise your chest and head. Look straight ahead. Keepyour forearms and the front of your pelvis on the floor, being mindful of relaxing your shoulders. As you exhale, lower your torso and head slowly back to the floor.


 


 


For more information or to create your free personal weight-loss plan please visit www.dukandiet.co.uk


  








[1] Depending upon how much weight you have to lose








[1]The research for Dukan Diet was carried out online by Opinion Matters between 03 / 05 / 2013 and  07 / 05 / 2013 amongst a panel resulting in  1,715 respondents. All research conducted adheres to the MRS Codes of Conduct (2010) in the UK andICC/ESOMAR World Research Guidelines. Opinion Matters is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and is fully compliant with the Data Protection Act (1998).

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Why do our sugary cravings always strike at 4pm?

			
						

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clip_image002It’s 4pm, you’ve got an inbox that’s bursting at the seams, a to-do list longer than your morning commute, but all you want to do is devour an entire packet of biscuits in an effort to stay awake.  


Overwhelming food cravings are the culprit behind most broken diets.  But why does this sweet treat urge always seem to hit us at around 4pm? And what can we do to curb these calorific cravings?  We enlist the help of independent nutritional expert and dietician Naomi Beinart to help explain this 4pm food phenomenon and offer us some healthy snack solutions.


When we are tired, we tend to make poorer food choices, wanting a quick sweet fix to perk us up. This can occur most often in the afternoon when cortisol levels can take a natural dip (cortisol is a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands that fluctuates throughout the day) and when this dip occurs, we may feel more tired as cortisol normally gives us a feeling of energy.


Sweet Fix


Naomi explains ‘When you’re in your 20’s, it’s very easy to snack on sweet things without putting on weight, and still having enough energy to get through the day and go out all night.  Fast forward to your 30’s and 40’s and sweet snacking can cause a host of problems from premature ageing, a decrease in energy levels, hormonal imbalances and mood problems.’’


Thankfully all of these health concerns can be helped by eating the right foods at the right time, ‘eating well will help balance out blood sugar, reduce sweet cravings, increase energy levels and help make skin look better,’ says Naomi.


Blood sugar rollercoaster


Fluctuating glucose levels can be harmful for our health.  The rollercoaster of glycemic highs and lows is not good for our general health.  If over time, you become insulin resistant, where more and more insulin is being produced by the pancreas, but the insulin receptors in your cells do not respond effectively to it, then this can increase your risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.


Want to get off the ride?



Try taking a natural nutritional supplement that can help to balance out your blood sugar levels. Diabain has 2 such products that do just that.  Diabain’s Inusol is a herbal remedy made from a scientific blend of 8 natural nutrients and minerals that can help to control blood sugar levels and is free from any harmful chemicals. Similarly Diabain’s Vittol is a multi-vitamin and mineral formula with a blend of 26 essential elements, ensuring you have the fundamental nutrirnets to help keep you healthy.  Vittol has been scientifically formulated to help lower blood sugar levels & glycemic response in both type-2 diabetics and those diagnosed as having a pre-diabetic condition. Inusol and Vittol are £9.99 from www.diabain.com.


Naomi’s diet Do’s and Don’ts


Don’t be restricted by your circumstances.  Travel, eating out and dieting can all restrict our food choices.  Overcome these by always having a healthy snack with you, such as a banana, almonds or oatcakes with guacamole or hummus.


Supplements can be helpful in controlling sugar cravings and energy dips.  Choose one with key blood sugar regulating properties such as Fenugreek extract, Cinnamon bark and Gymnema Sylvestre extract.


 Avoid sushi, as the white rice can be bad news for your blood sugar levels, instead go for sashimi or grilled chicken and vegetables.


Eat every 3 hours.  When you eat, your blood sugar (glucose) rises in response to the food.  The higher and quicker it rises, the more 


insulin has to be produced by your pancreas.  The higher your blood sugar goes up, the lower it crashes down afterwards.   This crash will also occur if you leave longer than three hours between eating.  At the drop, your body will send you off for a quick fix, like a bar of chocolate or a cup of tea and biscuit, because it need to lift the blood sugar up again.


Get more of Naomi’ top tips here… 




For your chance to win 1 of 10 prizes of Inusol and Vittol, please Follow Frost on Twitter, subscribe to our monthly newsletter or like us on Facebook and answer this question.


Where in the body is cortisol produced?


a) The adrenal glands


b) The kidneys


c) The small intestine

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
First-ever anti-ageing supplement range launches at Harrods

			
						

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  BOXHollywood comes to Harrods


First-ever anti-ageing supplement range launches at Harrods


California’s favourite supplement brand, Nature’s Plus, is launching a groundbreaking new range of anti-ageing supplements to help promote the youthful vitality of Harrods’ finest.


The Nature’s Plus AgeLoss range is an entirely new approach to promoting good health, it works to counteract harmful free radicals that can lead to inflammation whilst also giving the body a healthy boost.


Step 1

With Vitamin D for healthy immune function1, antioxidant vitamins and minerals* and organic whole foods, Nature’s Plus AgeLoss First Day provides unparalleled nutritional activity.


Step 2

AgeLoss Women’s Multi features a vibrant offering of botanicals and amino acids to support a woman’s quality of life, it is the first-ever women’s multivitamin enhanced to promote youthful, restorative wellness in the female body’s organs and systems via specialised antioxidant nutrition.2


Step 3

Customise your quality-of-life programme by selecting the individual formulas in the AgeLoss range most appropriate for the bodily systems you wish to address. Each product employs specialised antioxidant blends, each designed to uniquely address the free radicals of specific tissues or systems.


·      Promote a healthy digestive system with Digestion Support†

·      Uplift your energy levels with Energy Support†

·      Take care of your eyesight with Eye Support†

·      Maintain your joint health with Joint Support†

·      Feel on top form with Immune Support†

·      Promote a radiant skin with Skin Support†


Maintaining good health is now just as easy as picking a new dress.


 


 • Nature’s Plus AgeLoss range is available at Harrods




 • AgeLoss Women’s Multi £28.45 (for 60 tablets)




 • AgeLoss First Day £47.45 (for 90 tablets)

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Taking the Big Fat Problem Out of Recipes

			
						

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Fresh_meatNew study prompts the Fat Information Service (FIS) to introduce 10 ‘recipe rules’ to reduce saturated fat content when following your favourite recipes. 


A recent UK study[1] analysed 904 recipes developed by celebrity chefs and discovered over three quarters (87%) contained high levels of undesirable nutrients, particularly saturated fats. Eating too much of this type of fat contributes to heart disease and obesity.


Prompted by the new findings, along with evidence indicating that the UK currently consume 20% more saturated fat than is recommended, FIS experts have developed 10 easy to follow rules that can be applied to any recipe to help make it healthier by reducing the saturated fat content.


The new initiative by FIS aims to encourage the nation to get ‘recipe savvy’ by helping them recognise how to make their favourite home-cooked meals healthier without compromising on taste. For example, simply swapping butter for a vegetable oil based spread or replacing cream with low fat yogurt can significantly reduce the saturated fat content of a recipe.  In addition, FIS are also reminding people of the importance of comparing food labels and selecting products that are lower in saturated fat as another simple way to boost their heart health.


Dr Emma Derbyshire, nutritionist and independent advisor to FIS, comments, “Celebrity chefs are great for inspiring people to cook fresh meals and try different types of foods. The problem is that their recipes are generally far too high in saturated fat and calories to be eaten regularly, making them better suited for treats and special occasions.


“The ‘recipe rules’ developed by the Fat Information Service aim to address this by introducing simple changes that people can make to any type of recipe to make it healthier and allow them to include it as part of their regular diet.


“These simple steps to cut down on the amount of saturated fat, such as adapting recipes by swapping less healthy ingredients with lower sat fat ones, and using healthier cooking methods, could potentially save thousands of lives and years of living with heart disease.”


The Recipe Rules:


1.                  If the recipe includes cream, replace with lower fat fromage frais, natural yoghurt or crème fraiche


2.                  Swap whole milk for semi skimmed or skimmed milk


3.                  If you are using cheese to flavour a dish or a sauce, opt for a strong tasting cheese and use a smaller amount of it. Alternatively, try a reduced fat version


4.                  Swap butter for vegetable oil based spreads or margarine


5.                  Use unsaturated oils such as olive, sunflower or rapeseed oils instead of butter, lard or ghee


6.                  Wherever possible grill meat and poultry instead of frying it and cut off any visible fat or skin before cooking


7.                  Use a non stick pan to avoid adding extra fat when cooking


8.                  Add less meat to stews and casseroles and replace with pulses and extra vegetables instead


9.                  When making a pie opt for just one crust – either a lid or a base – as pastry is high in saturated fat  – (also try to make pastry with


Vegetable oil based spreads or margarine instead of butter)


10.              Grill, bake, poach or steam rather than frying and roasting


[1] Food and Public Health journal, April 2013.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Festival Survival Pack

			
						

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Festival survival packWaking up in a tent with a hangover means a dry mouth and bad breath. Forgotten your toothbrush? Then Oraldiet is the perfect solution to keep you minty fresh all day. It’s an innovative lozenge that contains the probiotic lactobacillus reuteri, which balances out the bad bacteria in the mouth – the main cause of bad breath. It also contains aloe vera gel, which helps to keep your mouth bacteria balanced and keep you bad breath free.


I reviewed Oraldiet to see if it works. I took one everyday after brushing my teeth and it made a difference. It tastes like a strong mint. My mouth was fresher all day and I also noticed an improvement in my overall dental health. Better gums, whiter teeth and my tongue looked healthier too. Pretty cool.


Being on your feet all day at a festival can leave you feeling a little sore in the sole, but now you can add an extra weapon to your armoury against foot care woes with Carnation Footcare’s Anti Blister Stick. Long lasting, invisible and non-greasy, the innovative Anti- Blister Stick can be applied directly to the areas of your feet where shoes pinch and rub, providing instant relief, while also being easy to pop into your bag and carry around – perfect for when you are stuck in a field in the middle of nowhere. I use this almost everyday. I even took it on a recent trip to Toulouse and it helped with the hours of fun sight-seeing, which are always hard on poor feet.


Planning on dancing the night away? Look no further than the 9bar range for all of your energy needs. Available in nine tasty varieties – Original, Nutty, Pumpkin, Flax, Organic, Peanut, Anglesey Sea Salt, Cracked Black Pepper and Sweet Chilli – there’s a flavour to suit every taste bud. Packed with nutritious seeds that give a slow release of energy, 9bars keep you feeling fuller for longer, allowing you to concentrate on more important things – like which stage to attend. I have tried them and they are delicious.


Don’t let hangovers get in the way of your festival fun. Start your day with a Nature’s Plus Red Lightning powder sachet and feel electric. Each sachet is packed with over thirty whole food extracts including cranberry and pomegranate, giving it an antioxidant punch, perfect for curing those sore alcohol induced heads. It’s the perfect way to start your festival day!


The lights have gone off, the field is silent and you feel the need to sleep for days. It’s safe to say that the festival is over. Make sure that you are ready to get back to the daily routine with Detox Patch-It. This simple plaster-style detox system uses reflexology to support the body’s natural detoxification process. Just apply the Detox Patch-it to the bottom of your feet and let it do all of the work. Using double distilled mandarin wood vinegar and green tea the patches deliver FAR-infrared energy to stimulate key reflexology points on the feet so you awake feeling revived and ready for your next festival!


The 9bar range is available from Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Holland & Barrett and independent health food stores nationwide. Original, Nutty, Pumpkin, Flax, Organic and Peanut are available in 4 x 40g multi packs, RRP £1.89, and in 50g singles, RRP 70p. Anglesey Sea Salt, Cracked Black Pepper and Sweet Chilli are available in Waitrose stores nationwide. All varieties are available as 30g singles, RRP 65p.


Oraldiet is available from www.revital.co.uk. £6.35 for 30 lozenges.


Carnation Footcare’s Anti Blister Stick is available from £4.05.


Detox Patch-It is available from Holland & Barrett stores nationwide. £3.99 for 2 patches or £29.99 for 20 patches.


Nature’s Plus Source of Life Red Lightning powder sachets are available from www.nutricentre.com. £1.38 for 6g sachet.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
South West Hair Loss Salon provides help for women like Nadine Dorries and Esther Rantzen

			
						

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South West “Hair Loss” Salon provides help for women like Nadine Dorries and Esther Rantzen who have spoken out about hair loss and thin hair


With celebrities like Esther Rantzen and MP Nadine Dorries highlighting the problems of thin hair and hair loss, more women are seeking out the services of Simone Thomas from Make-up, Wigs and Hair (MWAH) in Bournemouth.


This week Conservative MP and “I’m a Celebrity Get Me out of Here” contestant Nadine Dorries revealed her own hair loss brought on by a stressful year and her reaction to it. She called the condition a “confidence stealer,” likening it to when women have a mastectomy.


She said: “You’re losing your confidence and you’re losing your ability to go out and actually face the world because you think what identifies a woman are her hair and her breasts.”


Her announcement comes after Esther Rantzen revealed that she has worn a wig for over 30 years because of her own thin hair, but criticised the quality and staying powers of her own wigs.


[image]Simone Thomas who runs MWAH Bournemouth knows exactly how both these celebrities feel as she lost her own hair twice as a result of alopecia and then cervical cancer. Having worked in TV, Film and Magazine Modelling since the age of 18 Simone was forced to look for ways to cover up her hair loss, but found there was little on the market except for cheap and nasty looking wigs.


After taking several courses in Specialist Hair Extensions & Hair Loss Systems Simone set up a business that provides professional makeup services, hair extensions and hair loss systems to clients all over the UK and Europe. She sources the best products and systems and has a range of clientele that includes celebrities, TV companies, photographers and agents.


Simone has recently moved to Dorset from London and has opened her first all encompassing salon in Bournemouth called MWAH Bournemouth – Makeup, Wigs & Hair. Through her research she found there was nowhere in the South that catered for women who have suffered with hair loss from cancer treatment, thinning hair, premature fine hair, receding hair loss, female pattern hair loss, alopecia, trichotillomania, temporary hair loss or women who want thicker longer hair through safe hair extensions that are glue and adhesive free. With over 3 million dying from breast cancer in the region she identified a real need.


Simone says, “At my salon we don’t just find a solution to the hair loss or thinning but try to help with the underlying causes where we can, sometimes referring the client to a therapist and of course making sure that our products are free from any parabens that are linked to cancer.”


Hair loss is always going to be traumatic for the person involved, but as Nadine Dorries says, there is help available for both men and women who suffer from conditions like alopecia and temporary hair loss. MWAH Bournemouth means that there is now an expert service in the South West to help anyone who suffers from this condition.


Further information from www.mwahbournemouth.co.uk or email: mwahbournemouth@gmail.com or tel: 01202 760 003.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
The role of red meat in the diet

			
						

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Fresh_meatThe role of red meat in the diet


A government dietary surveys continue to demonstrate that diets in the UK, whatever our age, are worryingly low in some nutrients commonly found in meat, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium and potassium. Meat has been a staple part of the human diet since the dawn of mankind and a new review[1] just published, has found that including lean red meat in 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, the evidence suggests that nutrients commonly found in red meat play a role in supporting cognitive function, immune health and addressing iron deficiency.


 


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’ – i.e. more than 30% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) – of niacin, vitamin B12 and zinc. It is also a ‘source’ – i.e. 15% or more of the RDA – of iron, potassium and phosphorous. Pork is a ‘rich source’ of vitamin B1 (thiamin). Meat, particularly from grass-fed animals, can be a valuable source of long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids, also found in oily fish, support normal foetal development as well as helping to lower the risk of inflammatory conditions, depression and dementia in later life. Red meat is an important source of haem iron – the type that is most readily absorbed – while survey data show that average iron intakes in the UK are worryingly low in some groups such as young children, teenagers and pregnant women.


 


 


GETTING THE FACTS RIGHT:


 


In response to a study on vegetarian diets published yesterday2, independent dietician and member of the Meat Advisory Panel (MAP) Dr Carrie Ruxton comments: “This study looked at different groups of Seventh Day Adventists in the US using questionnaires, noting that those with vegetarian diets lived slightly longer than those consuming meat. However, there were several problems with the study. Firstly, vegetarians had a lower body mass index and were less likely to smoke or drink alcohol than non-vegetarians. Secondly, little attempt was made to account for other dietary variables which could affect mortality risk. It was reported that the vegetarians had high vitamin C and fibre intakes, which could certainly impact on health. Thus, the simple presence or absence of meat is an unlikely reason for the differences in mortality rates, given the large differences in smoking, body mass index, alcohol intake, vitamin C and fibre.


 


“The study also points out that differences in mortality between vegetarians and meat eaters have not been shown in European studies, for example the large European Prospective


Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition–Oxford (EPIC Oxford) cohort study of 47,254 participants[2]. Thus, the US study is not relevant for the UK where intakes of red meat are lower. There is no reason why a moderate amount of red meat, as recommended by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) and consumed as part of a balanced diet, should not be seen as beneficial for health and wellbeing.


 


Red meat contains highly bioavailable nutrients, particularly zinc and iron, which are less available from a vegetarian diet. Given the low dietary intakes of some nutrients within the UK population, adults should continue to consume a balanced diet with up to 70g of lean red meat per day and up to 500g per week as recommended by SACN”.


 


DID YOU KNOW? Meat and heart health: In a cohort study among over 51,000 people, meat consumption up to ~100 g/day, was not associated with increased mortality from ischemic heart disease, stroke or total cardiovascular disease among either men or women.[3]


 




In summary, lean red meat plays an important part in a balanced diet. Red meat supplies key nutrients which can be lacking in the diets of some sub -groups of the UK population.  Evidence indicates that consumption of red meat in recommended amounts does not have a deleterious effect on lipid levels, a risk factor for heart disease. Lean red meat can make a positive contribution to bridging the dietary gap that exists in the diets of some people in the UK.




 


THE FACTS: UK nutrition – the seven ages of mankind: 1


 


    

  • Infants and pre-school children – studies show that diets in this age group are low in vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, zinc.
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  • 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.
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  • Teenagers (13 to 18 years) – diets are low in many key nutrients – including vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium and potassium.
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  • Adults of reproductive age (19-50 years) – diets, particularly for females, fall short in magnesium and iron, as well as zinc, selenium and potassium.
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  • Pregnancy and lactation  – Women on average fail to get enough calcium, magnesium, iron, iodine, selenium and potassium and vitamin D.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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