Nutrition
The importance of varied diet
For most people a healthy diet is one that includes at least 5 portions of veg and fruits a day; 2 or 3 portions of whole grains such as pot barley, oat or brown bread; and 2 or three portions of lean protein such as fish, red meat or egg. A balanced diet should also include oily fish, nuts, seeds, plant oil such olive oil, herbs and spices.
No one food can make you healthy on its own. Aim instead for a varied and balanced diet
Back To Basics
Nutrients
Dietary minerals
Fruits
Fruits are rich in vatmin C, antioxidants and fibre. They offer a wide range of health benefits as they are a good source of energy. They can be added to almost any meal or eaten as healthy snack throughout the day.
- Blackberries
- Melons
- Plums
- Cranberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Grapefruits
- Lemons
- Pineapples
- Oranges
- Papayas
- Pears
- Mangoes
- Apricots
- Figs
- Grapes
- Avocados
- Apples
Vegetables & Salads
Vegetables and salads are a quick source of minerals and vitamins. They can complement any dinner and could be served after, alongside or before the main dish.
- Squash
- Chicory
- Watercress
- Rocket
- Radicchio
- Leek
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Sweet Potatoes
- Seaweed
- Red Cabbage
- Beetroot
- Peas
- Asparagus
- Celery
- Kale
- Fennel
- Artichokes
- Garlic
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Broad Beans
- Brussles sprouts
- Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
Chicken, Fish & Seafood
Chicken, fish and seafood are some of the most important elements to include in a healthy diet.
Fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines are packed with lean protein and contain an abundance of Omega 3 fatty acids, which will help fight heart disease, circulation problems and various types of cancer. They also prevent depression and dementia, and are a good source of the necessary vitamins that help maintain nerve tissues, strong bones and teeth.
Grain & Pulses
Grains and pulses are the best source of fibre and energy-giving carbohydrates. Their wide range of diverse textures and flavours allow them to be used in side dishes, as a base for dips or to enritch sauces and soups.
They contain low-fat protein, minerals and a lot of fibre. They can lower cholesterol, fight heart disease, stabilize blood sugar and lower your risk of cancer
Herbs & Spices
Herbs and spices offer both nutritional and medecinal benefits. They can make an impact on any diet, even in small quantities.
- Turmeric
- Nutmeg
- Ginger
- Cumin Seeds
- Cinnamon
- Chillies
- Fennel Seeds
- Thyme
- Coriander
- Oregano - The Most Antioxidant plant
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Parsley
- Mint
- Basil
Nuts, Seeds & Oils
Nuts and seeds are high in protein, essencial fats and minerals. They are a vital part of any diet. Eat them on their own as a quick snack.
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Sunflower Seeds
- Cocoa Beans
- Rapeseed Oil
- Olive Oil
- Sesame Seeds
- Hazelnuts
- Pine Kernels
- Walnuts
- Brazil Nuts
- Almonds
- Cashew Nuts
- Peanuts
- Pistachio
Supplements
Supplements are not magic and don’t contain anything you can’t get from food ( don’t confuse them with steroids). Taking supplement won’t give big muscles and strip aways your body fat without any effort on your part, but they are a useful way of controlling you diet.
Suggested Healthy Diet
Glossary of Nutritional Terms
- Lutein
- Tryptophan
- Tannins
- Sulphoraphane
- Sulphides/Organosulphides
- Sterols/Plant Sterols/Phytosterol
- Soluble Fibre
- Saponins
- Quercetin
- Probiotics
- Prebiotics
- Polyunsaturated
- Polyphenol
- Phyteochemical
- Phenolic Compound/PhenolPhenolics
- Pectin
- Pathogen
- Omega-3
- Oestrogen
- Monounsaturated Fatty Acids
- Metabolism
- Lycopene
- Lignan
- Insulin
- Inulin
- Insoluble Fibre
- Homocysteine
- Good Cholesterol/HDL
- Free Radicals
- Essential Fatty Acids(EFAs)
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- Ellagic Acid
- Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
- Daidzein
- Catechin
- Carotene/Carotenoids
- Bioflavonoid/flavonoid
- Beta-sistosterol
- Beta-glutans
- Bad Cholesterol/LDL
- Anthocyanin
- Amino Acids
- Alpha-linolenic Acid
- ORAC
- Cholesterol
- Antioxidant
- kilogram calorie/Kcalorie
- The glycaemic Index (GI)