Jim asked: Hi, I was just reading the post about coffee and it got me thinking about whether eggs are good or bad. There’s so much conflicting advice about how many you should eat a day/week so could someone advise? I try to eat a lot of eggs for protein so is it a good idea to remove the yolks?

Answer…

This is a good question. You are so right about all the conflicting advice that we read about eggs. It is generally the media that portray such conflicting advice but it is the scientific research on this subject which holds the answer.

We now know that dietary cholesterol contributes insignificantly to cholesterol levels in the blood and it is other factors that contribute to raised cholesterol levels.  There is a wealth of scientific evidence to confirm this now. Current research available on the whole supports the consumption of eggs. 

Nutrient value of battery eggs is questionable so stick to free range or organic. They are an excellent source of quality protein and the yolk is rich in Omega fats as well as minerals such as iron and zinc and vitamins such as Vitamin D, E, B12 and Folic Acid. So enjoy your eggs every day, especially the yolks!! 

Gwen Warren is a Nutritional Consultant and member of the British Association of Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy.  Gwen is also a corporate Health Promotion Consultant for Bupa and experienced lecturer.

Ask Gwen about: Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Sports Nutrition, Healthy Eating, Digestive Problems, Menopausal Symptoms & PMS, Chronic Fatigue.

Got a fitness, nutrition or weight loss question? Ask it here!

Ali asked: I suffer badly with PMS. Are there any alterations I can make to my diet to help reduce the symptoms?

Answer…

PMS can be relieved very effectively by making some small changes to the diet. PMS is usually due to an imbalance in hormone production.

Consumption of refined sugar (in the form of confectionery, biscuits, cordials and sugary drinks, cereals, cereal bars, processed foods and chocolate) can significantly unbalance your hormones so cutting these foods out of your diet as much as possible (with the odd treat at weekends) has shown in clinical practice to greatly improve the symptoms of PMS. Try it for one month.

Also Magnesium and Vitamin B6 tend to work together to help relieve PMS.  Magnesium is natures tranquiliser and can help alleviate the cramping associated with PMS. Supplement with 300mg-500mg Magnesium per day. Dark green leafy vegetables and brazil nuts are rich in magnesium.  

The pains associated with PMS are a result of inflammation so you could also take a fish oil (omega 3) supplement which encourages the production of anti-inflammatory compounds in the body or you could use one tablespoon of cold pressed flaxseed oil every day over salads, in mash/soups etc.  Make sure you drink two litres of water every day to help alleviate any bloating from water retention as a result of PMS.  

Gwen Warren is a Nutritional Consultant and member of the British Association of Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy.  Gwen is also a corporate Health Promotion Consultant for Bupa and experienced lecturer.

Ask Gwen about: Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Sports Nutrition, Healthy Eating, Digestive Problems, Menopausal Symptoms & PMS, Chronic Fatigue.

Got a fitness, nutrition or weight loss question? Ask it here!