health and wellbeing

Two new scientific studies have reinforced the importance of vitamin D, sometimes called the sunshine vitamin, to our health and wellbeing. Scientists working in Sweden and Australia have found links to suggest the introduction of vitamin D can improve pain and fatigue during cancer treatment while a lack of it can be connected to cardiovascular disease.

The humble walnut, that crunchy, tasty whole food much-loved combined with coffee in a cake, is the oldest tree food known to man - dating back to 7,000BC.

Our health, wealth and the planet will benefit from change Feeding the world sustainably remains one of the biggest global challenges that humankind currently faces. For, according to the United Nations, agriculture accounts for almost a quarter of the world’s damaging greenhouse gas emissions. Livestock farming is considered one of the major contributing factors to the extreme weather conditions that large parts of the world are experiencing.

Winter is the time to bolster your immune system against the bugs and infections that abound at this time of year. From spices to nuts and chocolate we can make changes to our diet that can give us a ring of confidence during those short days and long nights. Here are the foods that can help our internal protection system:

We bring you all you need to know about the incredible superfood that is so intertwined with Christmas. But with so many inbuilt health benefits this brilliant berry is good for us all year round.

Scientists have mapped the toll your food can take on your life expectancy. And they have found that eating a handful of nuts each day could help you gain 26 minutes of healthy life. In contrast a hotdog could cost you 36 minutes

In the run up to the festive season is there a scent that can better summon up those cosy winter days than the delicious smell of gingerbread? Gingerbread figures, houses, iced decorations and crystallised ginger atop delicious family favourites mean just one thing… it’s Christmas, well almost!

The five foods that can support you through the festive season. More than 200 years ago the American statesman Benjamin Franklin famously said of life: “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.”

Looking for the perfect grab and go food? Look no further, these Beetroot Falafels are delicious and packed with flavour especially accompanied by homemade Harissa paste. Add these Falafels into a wrap, pitta or simply on their own. The added coriander adds a fresh vibrant taste to this dish.

Did you know that there are ways of creating bespoke treatments from your store cupboard which could save you not only a trip to the beauty counter but money too? Aromatherapists Amy Galper and Christina Daigneault’s book, Plant-Powered Beauty, aims to provide the inspiration to do just that and show you how to create your own beauty products.