Search Results for 'Community Nutrition and Dietetic Service'

It seems that low levels of vitamin D are being linked to a growing range of health problems. Research from Bristol University in the UK showed that pregnant women with higher levels of vitamin D had taller, stronger-boned children. Other research has suggested that lower levels of vitamin D in childhood could be linked to a greater risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Researchers have also linked insufficient vitamin D to heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure, various forms of cancer, diabetes, and arthritis.

There is little information on the actual salt intake of Irish adult; however a typical British adult consumes on average 8.6g of salt per day. In the US, this figure is more like 10g per day. So we could assume that the average Irish person if likely to have similar levels – what it boils down to is that it is too much!

It is World Heart Day this Sunday September 26, and it’s a good time to take stock of your lifestyle and see if you are doing the best for your heart. Most dietary surveys show that we as a nation are still eating too much fat in our diets. Too many of us are carrying weight that our bodies were not designed to carry. All this is a recipe for disaster, and this is reflected in world statistics showing that people in Ireland are more likely to suffer from heart disease than in practically any other country on the globe.

Autumn is upon us and the nights are closing in. Instead of resorting to the biscuit tin for comfort we just have to look around us to observe nature’s bounty in the form of ripe green apples on the trees and juicy blackberries in the hedgerows.

First and foremost, it must be stated – fat is an important part of a healthy diet. The trouble is that not all fats are equally healthy! ‘Trans’ fats have recently been highlighted as an unhealthy type of fat, but many people are unaware of what foods contain this type of fat, and how best to avoid it.

Summer is in full swing and usually this means festivals, sunny days out, and day trips galore. So whether you are planning on making a visit to Electric Picnic, Oxegen, or a long, active day out with the family, make sure you are well kitted out with nutritious snacks to keep fuel levels topped up for your body’s engine!

Sound eating is an essential component of improving performance in all sports. No amount of training will help you reach the top if you don’t have a healthy balanced diet to provide your body with the fuel it needs for activity.

As exam time approaches, we all know that hard work is one of the most important things to help towards exam success. In addition, adequate sleep, regular study breaks, fresh air, regular physical activity, and eating well can all help improve performance.

It is suggested that people should have at least two portions of fish per week, one of which should be oily. So why fish? Oily fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid considered an essential fatty acid.

Children and young people need to be moderately active for one hour every day. Some types of moderate physical activity include brisk walking, games and active play, dance, cycling, swimming, skipping, climbing, gymnastics, and most sports.