Wisdom

There are some excellent seasonal fruits and vegetables in the winter packed absolutely full of antioxidants. It’s easy to overindulge over the festive period but with a little careful planning and simple substitutions, you can add a healthy kick to every meal.

Not sleeping? You are not alone! Sleep problems are the scourge of our times, with stress and anxiety, use of mobile phones and tablets late at night, as well as caffeine and alcohol all taking their toll on our “shut-eye”. But don’t worry - deep restorative sleep is within your grasp, if you take the time to develop good practices.

Whether your New Year’s resolution is to stop smoking, lose a few pounds and hit the gym, or cut down on your favourite tipple, studies show that it’s all about the brain.

Q: My colleagues might be wrapping up warm but I suffer terribly with hot flushes and am forever taking layers off. What do you recommend?

Q: Is it true that carrots are good for eye health?

A delicious and tasty accompaniment to eggs. Egg yolks are a good natural source of vitamin D and other vitamins as well as lecithin which contains phosphatidyl choline, a nutrient particularly important for the brain. This easy aromatic and spicy combination will stimulate your taste buds.

Our immune system can be vulnerable to attack at any time of the year, but the majority of colds and flu-related illnesses are caught during the colder months, and the classroom or place of work are ideal breeding grounds for the nasty bugs that cause them.

Too much food, larger portions and excessive alcohol can play havoc with your digestive system, causing acid reflux, bloating and digestive upset.

The menopause is a natural progression for every woman and typically begins between the ages of 40 and 50. Each woman will experience the menopause in a different way. The symptoms women experience during menopausal changes can vary with some women experiencing intense symptoms that affect their day to day lives, while others progress through the menopause with relative ease.

Halva is a sweet and dense confection found throughout the world. It basically encompasses a large range of sweets found in Central Asia, the Middle East, parts of the Mediterranean and the Balkans.

Due to the advent of modern medicine we have gradually lost touch with many of the healing properties of herbs. Research suggests that more of us are choosing to embrace herbal remedies. Use our guide below to help decide which herbs you may benefit from.

The naturally sweet flavour of squash combined with the richness of coconut and gently warming spices make this soup a wholesome lunch or delicious starter.