Health

• Live longer with the Med diet

  A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who follow a Mediterranean-style diet, drink in moderation, are physically active and don’t smoke, can live significantly longer than those who don’t.So why not put some sunshine in your diet today and live longer!

• Live disease-free: The simple secret!

  You want to live a long and healthy life - but, what can you do about it? While you may not be able to control genetics, you can optimise your chances to be healthy long into your golden years. What's your secret weapon? A little something that may be lacking in your diet...

• Good news: Chocolate helps protect heart health

  A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that individuals given a diet rich in cocoa powder and dark chocolate reduced their risk of heart disease. So does this mean we can all munch on chocolate to our hearts' content?

• Potassium – the athlete’s choice

  Potassium is the little publicised nutrient that is an essential ingredient for any healthy diet, but especially for anyone who’s considering getting active. Our nutrition team keeps you informed...

• Are vegetarian diets always healthier?

  If you are trying to lose weight when following a vegetarian diet you must eat carefully to ensure your diet provides enough protein, vitamins and minerals but is also one that isn't too high in fat. Our nutrition team explains.

• Hay fever: Natural remedies to ease the sneeze

  If you're like millions of people around the country plagued with seasonal allergies, the recent good weather could literally be bringing tears to your eyes. Over the counter medications can provide temporary relief, but often with annoying and even dangerous side effects. Check out these natural hay fever remedies and get on the road to holistic healing.

• Pregnancy and diet – what’s the deal?

  Women who become pregnant while they are dieting could be risking the health of their unborn child, a new study reveals. The modern fashion for supermodel figures over child-bearing hips could be causing thousands of pre-term births every year and exposing babies to adverse health effects that can last a lifetime. Our nutrition team has the details.

• Super Selenium

  Selenium is one of the many minerals that are essential for good health. Our nutrition team explains what it does, how much you need, where you get it and the effects of having too much or too little.

• How much water do you really need?

  If you're confused about how much water you really need, I'm not surprised. Conflicting advice in recent headlines appears to contradict the old '8-glasses-a-day' advice we all grew up with. Is it necessary to chug down eight glasses of water daily, or is this recommendation exaggerated and out of date? Susan Burke investigates.

• Spotlight: Eating disorders

  Almost every family in this country is touched in some way by the devastating effects of an eating disorder. Catherine Matthews discusses the increasing levels of eating disorders and provides details of organisations that can help.