Bloggin Noggin

Foods that have lots of healthy properties have been termed ‘superfoods’. So what about all these foods that have so called ‘superfood’ properties? Here is our A-Z guide to some of these- how to say them for a start- and some of the health benefits they can offer. 

Of all the super healthy greens, kale is one of the healthiest and most nutritious plant foods in existence. Loaded with all sorts of beneficial compounds, here’s a top line introduction on what you need to know on why kale is king. Super easy to cook ( recipe link at the bottom of this article ), it’s great in smoothies and makes a nutritious alternative to crisps. 

Believe it or not, caffeine is the world’s most popular drug. In the UK we drink 120 million cups if tea per day and 90 million cups of coffee a day. And that is before everyone was locked down and working from home. Caffeine can be mood boosting, improve alertness, aid concentration and can even be useful pre exercise to get us get that heart rate going. 

To understand why antioxidants are important  here is a little refresher on school science. Remember that electrons, proteins and neutrons make up atoms? Atoms want their electrons to be in pairs to be seen as stable. Unstable groups of atoms have one or more unpaired electrons. In our bodies, these unstable atoms are called free radicals and they try to make themselves a pair by stealing electrons from other atoms-this can cause a problem.

Along with other B vitamins, B6 is a team player and helps convert sugar into glucose which our brain and body needs for fuel.  B6 is also important for general circulation and facilities storage of energy  from our food. B6, B9 and B12 work together to lower the level of homocysteine (ho-mo-cis-teene)- high levels of homocysteine are linked to heart disease. And what is good for your heart is also good for your brain.

What we drink, when and how much of it also matters for how we feel, our memory and brain health.

Noggin vitamins and minerals supplements contain a multivitamin and mineral complex, including all 8 forms of vitamin B, to help support energy levels and your immune system. 

Our gut health is an important part of our immune system and also for our general well being. Bloating, pain and problems with constipation, gas and burping are symptoms I hear about from my patients regularly. 

Can Sauerkraut help your gut health? What is Sauerkraut?Pronounced sow-er-krowt, it is thought to have originated in China more than 2,000 years ago and is a type of fermented cabbage with major health benefits.

Exercise is about more than just movement regardless of age. Having medical problems, being on medication, a lack of access to facilities or a lack of interest in exercise can all have an impact on people’s ability to exercise in later life.

We’re learning more about how important it is to look after our gut. More than just feeling the odd tummy pain, or a bit bloated, this long tube that winds from our mouth all the way though our bodies is more than just about what happens when the food goes in and the food comes out.

Yet more evidence this week about the importance of fruit and vegetables in our diet- this time specifically related to risk of the most common type of stroke.