LIVINGLIVING
FOOD
NEWS
DO PICK TEA!
KIDS STUFF
Had a busy time sorting out the season? Put your feet
up and have a cup of tea. It now looks like tea can
be proven to be an important source of fluoride and
the longer you leave it to brew, the better it is for your
teeth. Tea scientist, study co-author and a member of
the Tea Advisory Panel (TAP), Dr Tim Bond, says, "Our
findings underline the health benefits of tea. Drinks
which are very sugary or acidic are a major cause of tooth decay and erosion, and
they are often a factor in obesity, too, as we tend to focus on the calories we consume
as food rather than those hidden away in drinks. Tea does not damage dental enamel
unlike sugary and carbonated drinks, acidic juice or alcohol. Instead, tea protects and
strengthens teeth. In fact, it is estimated that 70% of the average UK intake of fluoride
comes in a cuppa." There is now evidence - from a range of observational studies
backed up by laboratory and human trials - to show that regular tea consumption
is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, Type
2 diabetes, some cancers, neurodegenerative
diseases and obesity.
www.teaadvisorypanel.com
From citrus infusions and fruit
tisanes, to detox teas and wholesome
blends, Steenbergs has added new
flavours to its relaunched herbal tea
range, which now comes in new stylish
environmentally-friendly tea boxes,
with a clear panel at the front to view
the colourful tea combinations (pictured).
With over 30 to choose from there is one for
every mood and every time of day such as Detox
- a flavoursome blend of dandelion leaves, fennel,
peppermint, red clover and nettle to cleanse the body, or Dreamtime - a relaxing tea
that encourages sleep made from a blend of St John's wort, valerian, skullcap, lemon
balm, peppermint, elder flower, hop and marigold. www.steenbergs.co.uk
Toddlers can be fussy about trying new foods. Evolution has actually preprogrammed
them this way - it's a survival mechanism to stop little ones
eating something that could be poisonous. Nowadays this brings a new
worry, that youngsters don't develop a taste for healthy foods, which
can set the scene for a lifetime of unhealthy eating habits. But two
new snacks from Little Fruit Bowl are designed to tempt toddlers to
develop a taste for healthy fruit flavours. With zero fat or protein,
the fruit sticks do contain carbs - at around 10g per 15g portion,
but can be usefully used to bridge toddler's hunger needs in between
meals as they need fuel on a more regular basis than adults.
www.fruit-bowl.com/products
KEEP UP YOUR
3S AND 6S
Most of us are aware we need to keep
an eye on our intake of omega-3s and
6s. With these essential fatty acids it's
all about striking the right balance. Most
of us don't have enough omega-3 in
our diet, but it can be hard to remember
which foods contain it. Trying to compare
these essential fatty acids is like trying
to compare a violin to a flute. Both have
different, but important, roles within the
orchestra - but if one drowns out the
other, all harmony is lost. It's the same
with omega-3 and omega-6 - we need
them both, but in a harmonious ratio.
Constant reminders about the dangers
of saturated fats may also be causing
confusion as many people do not realise
the omegas are actually fats (but 'good
fats'). Studies show they protect against
diabetes, heart disease and stroke and
there is increasing evidence for cognitive
benefits, too. Professor Michael Crawford,
director of the Institute of Brain Chemistry
and Human Nutrition says fish oils are vital
to modern life and recommends Equzen.
www.equazen.co.uk