Alfalfa sprouts contain an amino acid called L-canavanine, which has shown to activate the immune system in people with Lupus and cause inflammation. It is a good idea to avoid eating alfalfa sprouts as best you can. Having 2-3 fish meals per week may also help reduce inflammation, due to the presence of beneficial long-chain [Read more…]
“Why does it say on the back of chewing gum packets that having too much can have a laxative effect?”
Sugar-free chewing gums contain a type of sugar called polyols. Examples of commonly used polyols are sorbitol and xylitol. Unlike regular sugar, sorbitol doesn’t get broken down and absorbed in the small intestine. It moves into the large intestine instead and once there, it has what is termed an ‘osmotic effect’. The presence of these [Read more…]
“What is sucrose and is it bad for you?”
Sucrose is a disaccharide, meaning a short-chain carbohydrate made up of two single carbohydrate units. One sucrose molecule contains one molecule of glucose and one molecule of fructose bound together. Sucrose is one of the most common sugars available, and is also known as ‘table sugar’- the kind you buy at the shops to use [Read more…]
“I read online that if you’re trying to lose weight you shouldn’t buy fat-free and diet products because they’re loaded with sugar. Is this true?”
This really depends on what type of product it is and whether the product is likely to be high in sugar anyway. Most lollies, for example, naturally contain very little fat but are very high in sugar so choosing a packet with “98% fat-free” on the label doesn’t mean it’s a healthy choice. I recommend [Read more…]
“They say that kids need to drink more milk but mine only like milk with Milo added to it. Is this bad for them?”
Milk is a great source of calcium, which kids need to help them grow strong healthy bones. Depending on the age of your children, it’s recommended they get between 1 ½ – 3 ½ serves of milk products per day, with a serve being equal to one 250ml cup of milk. If milo is made [Read more…]
“I read somewhere that capsicum is high in sugar. Does this mean I shouldn’t eat it because I’ve got diabetes?”
Red capsicums contain 3.5g of sugar per 100 grams and green capsicums contain 2.5 grams of sugar per 100 grams so I wouldn’t classify capsicums as being high in sugar. Keep in mind also that even people with diabetes can have foods containing sugar, as long as it is in moderation. There is no need [Read more…]
“I am trying to cut back on the amount of soft drink I have each day but I find water is too boring so what else can I drink instead?”
We know that water is the best drink for you when you’re thirsty but if you are used to the intense sugary taste of soft-drink it can be hard to make the switch. Try things like adding sliced lemon, berries, or mint leaves to a bottle of water and leaving it overnight to absorb some [Read more…]
