Ask The Diet Angel

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Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:50:47 GMT

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What is the difference between calories, kilocalories and kilojoules?

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:03:02 GMT

The science bit: Energy is measured in kilocalories (kcal) or kilojoules (kJ) - one kilocalorie is the same as 4.2 kilojoules. A kilocalorie is defined as \"the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one litre of water by one degree centigrade\".The standard scientific unit is the kilojoule but most people know the term kilocalorie better. Technically, a kilocalorie is 1000 calories, but again, most people refer to calories instead.So, you\'re not really calorie counting so much as kilocalorie counting - the two terms are inter-changeable as far as the diet industry is concerned. Next time you take a packet of cereal out of the cupboard, take a closer look - you\'ll see both kcal and kJ listed.

Is beer good or bad for you?

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:20:27 GMT

Beer drinking goes back to about 4000BC, where it was drunk in Mesopotamia. Since then it\'s been used as mouthwash, for enemas and countless other purposes. Heavy beer drinking is associated with adverse health effects (especially when combined with poor diet and little exercise) and anti-social behaviour. However, as with many other \"bad\" foods and drinks, moderation is the answer and there are some benefits to beer.Beer is goodBeer does contain some nutrients including B vitamins, minerals (selenium and silicon in particular), a high potassium to sodium ratio and it also contains fibre. Hops contain a substance called trans-reversatrol, which is anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and anti-viral as well as helping to protect the heart. Hops also contain xanthohumol (a flavanoid) that may help to either prevent colon cancer or halt its progression. Silicon can help prevent the uptake of aluminium into the body - and as aluminium is thought to contribute to Alzheimer\'s disease, silicon can slow the accumulation of it in the body.Alcohol in beer, as with all other alcoholic drinks, in small quantities may improve fat metabolism, increase antioxidant activity and prevent blood clotting, all of which help protect against heart disease. Large studies have shown the moderate beer consumption is not associated with an increase in body mass index.Beer is badThe alcohol in beer equates to high calorie content - about 7kcal/g - not as high as fat (9Kcal/g) but much higher than proteins and carbohydrates (4kcal/g). Also, the bitterness of beer can also stimulate the appetite, hence the need for a kebab after a heavy night drinking!Other negative effects of beer include the effects of alcoholism, blood poisoning, cancer (especially of the mouth, digestive organs, respiratory and urinary system), diabetes and high blood pressure.Moderate beer drinking isn\'t badAs long as beer is drunk in moderation, rather than in \'binges\' and is coupled with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, it can be good for you. However, when drunk in excess alongside a poor diet, it can do more harm than good.

I'm suffering from hot flushes due to menopause, do you have any recommendations?

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:10:56 GMT

When you go through the menopause, your oestrogen and progesterone levels decrease whilst other hormones, such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone LH increase. It's thought that this is the body's last attempt to stimulate the ovaries.This hormone imbalance is thought to cause symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations, insomnia etc...Try to cut down on meat products and introduce more soya products such as tofu. Also eat more beans, lentils, fish and dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese.Avoid coffee, chocolate and spicy foods if you find these make your flushes worse.Also, to maximise the availability of nutrients to your body, keep to recommended alcohol limits, and if you smoke, try to quit or at least cut down if you can't kick the habit.

I suffer iron deficiency, what foods should I eat?

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:55:12 GMT

Make sure your diet contains lots of dark green leafy vegetables, red meat including liver, egg yolk, oily fish, beans, pulses and nuts. To increase the amount of iron you absorb from your food, have a glass of fresh orange juice with your meal as the vitamin C helps iron uptake, and avoid drinking tea with your meal as it decreases the amount of iron you can absorb.

I have inflammatory bowel disease and find if I avoid wheat this helps. Any dieting tips?

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:33:31 GMT

With inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which covers conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn\'s Disease, it\'s really important to eat a diet that suits your health. You\'ve found out that wheat-based products cause flare-ups or discomfort, so want to avoid them. If you can replace wheat-based foods in your diet with other foods that are similar in calorie content (watch out for high sugar content though!), then you can still manage your weight. You could look in your local health food shop for wheat-free products - there\'s usually a different range available than the products you can get in the supermarket, or why not look for inspiration on the internet?