Talk about health

One of this morning's news items was about the amount of fish that pregnant women should eat. It referred to the guidelines that we all should eat oily fish such as samon, tuna or sardines twice a week to get the best amount of omega-3 oils to sustain ideal mental and physical health. However, pregnant women have previously been advised to perhaps cut this in half just in case of impurities in the fish, such as mercury and other metals, that could affect the growing child. And now they have been advised by another board to increase their intake of fish. The result? Confusion!

What should they do? It's another example of information overload especially when it comes to food. The number of books and research findings each of which makes the news seems to multiply. Eat this, do that, avoid the other.

And then there are a growing number of cookery programmes on TV. With the statutory "celebrity chefs" demonstrating just how easy it is to rustle up a three course meal with a few simple ingredients (and twenty years of cooking experience).

I like these programmes so I shouldn't complain. But, I don't use what I've been shown. I go back to what I know and what I've cooked over the years. It's all a little boring.

Two things!

One. Just remember that food is the basis of your health. Eat rubbish food all the time and your health will suffer. A diet of mainly processed or fast foods will lead to being overweight, type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure and worse. The bottom line is to eat as much fresh fruit and vegetables as you can. Don't add sugar to everything. Fruit is sweet enough just as it is.

Cut down on the readymeals and other processed food. Manufacturers have become financially fat on providing you with the meal in a box; biscuits; fizzy drinks and the rest.

You'll get the maximum nutritional value and the best of health from a diet that includes at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. And add to that regular portions of oily fish - I think twice a week is enough whether the fish may or may not have contaminants in it. Remember you can always take fish oil supplements to boost your omega-3 levels.

Two. Use the cookery programmes as something to stimulate your ideas for new and different recipes for you and your family. If nothing else, they show that it doesn't necessarily require a degree in nutrition and many years experience. Meals don't need a days preparation, just a little planning.

What's the answer? Be a little skeptical about the mass of food advice. Don't rush into changing your diet right away. Try to change a little at a time based on what appeals to your way of thinking. Today's research breakthrough wil be forgotten by next week when another breakthrough is announced. Stick with basic common sense advice to use simple foods with a minimum of factory manipulation. Cook it yourself so you know what's been added. Then if you'll know where it cam from and how fresh it is, your health will be at its best.

If you want to know some basic facts about your food and health just pop over to http://www.healthexplored.co.uk and read about our publications and sign up for the FREE newsletter and gift.

Wishing you the best of health.