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Autumn Harvest

Leaves are turning gold, the air is feeling crisp, and our thoughts are turning to bonfires, pumpkins and Halloween. For astronomy fans, Autumn also means it’s time for the Harvest Moon. This is the name given to the first full moon that takes place closest to the Autumn equinox. The name Harvest Moon comes from when farmers would need to start gathering in crops to prepare for the winter months. They used the bright moonlight to extend the working day. This year, it will takes place Friday 13 September 2019

So what’s in season this Autumn?

Fruit: Apples, Blackberries, Damsons, Elderberries, Pears, Plums, Quince and Sloes

Vegetables: Beetroot, Carrot, Celeriac, Mushrooms, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Marrow, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Rocket, Sorrel, Squashes, Sweetcorn, Tomatoes and Watercress

Not only does it make economic sense to eat seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables that are more readily available, but it has health benefits too, because foods in season contain the nutrients and trace elements that our bodies need at particular times of the year. For example, butternut squash and apples are packed with vitamin C, which boosts our resistance to winter colds. [Read more…] about Autumn Harvest

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The real effects of flip flops on your body.

 

During these summer months most of us ladies love to get our feet into those flip flops. We love to let our feet breathe and show off our painted toes.  Well that all sounds wonderful, and who am I to spoil that, particularly as I love to wear them too!

However it is a growing concern that heel pain is growing among young people ages 15 to 25 years. Some experts and parents cite wearing flip flops daily as the main cause. Flip flop wearers take short strides and turn their ankles inward. Long term ankle and hip problems are a cause for concern. [Read more…] about The real effects of flip flops on your body.

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Take the Plunge

Summer has us looking for the nearest beach or pool to cool down, but did you know that as well as being fun, swimming is a great way to keep fit, stay healthy and make friends. Swimming is a healthy activity that you can continue for a lifetime. It is a low-impact activity that has many physical and mental health benefits.

No matter what your fitness level, there are many general benefits of swimming. A simple half hour of leisure swimming is said to burn 220 calories, in comparison to the 99 calories burnt when walking for the same time period.

Swimming.org has offered us a good reason to take the plunge [Read more…] about Take the Plunge

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Sun Sense

Not only does sunshine make us feel good, but sunshine is vital for our bodies to produce Vitamin D. Did you know that Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, teeth and muscles?

 We need vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium and phosphate from our diet. These minerals are important for healthy bones, teeth and muscles. Vitamin D is also linked to blood sugar regulation. Sunshine is said to lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. The body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors. According to the NHS, a lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain in adults.

During the spring and summer months, most people should be able to get all the vitamin D they need from sunlight. So this being said, what about the dangers of too much sun? Sun exposure has links to premature skin aging and skin cancer. Sunbeds are no safer. “Over exposure to UV light, either from sun or sunbeds is the main cause of skin cancer,” says Cancer Research UK. [Read more…] about Sun Sense

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Summer Strawberries

Wimbledon would not be Wimbledon without strawberries and cream, but did you know that this little red gem, has great health benefits too!

Ever since 1877, when the four grand slams were first played, the strawberry become a traditional accompaniment to tennis. Did you know that according to the CNN news, over 28000 Kg at eaten at Wimbledon every year!

So why strawberries?

“It was probably two things — strawberries were in season at the time the tournament was played, and in Victorian England they had become a fashionable thing to eat,” explains Johnny Perkins, the All England Club’s head of PR.

“They were part of afternoon tea, which had become a fashionable ritual, and that took root at Wimbledon.”

It may be difficult for some to resist a perfectly ripe strawberry, but don’t resist temptation, as they have great health benefits to.

The strawberry is said to be is one of the most popular berry fruits in the world and there are more than 10 species that differ in flavour, size and texture. They all have the same heart-shaped, red flesh and seeded coat with small, leafy green caps.Strawberries are not actually fruits as their seeds are on the outside and are actually a member of the rose family.

Nutritional Information

Strawberries are said to be an excellent source of vitamins C and K as well as providing a good dose of fibre, folic acid, manganese and potassium. They also contain significant amounts of phytonutrients and flavanoids which makes strawberries bright red. They have been used throughout history in a medicinal context to help with digestive ailments, teeth whitening and skin irritations. Their fibre and fructose content may help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing digestion. Strawberries are rich in colourful pigments which have a protective effect and are thought to have a number of potential health benefits, including prevention of inflammatory conditions and heart disease. [Read more…] about Summer Strawberries