Green Tea, Broad Beans, Berries — Are You Eating The Best Five-A-Day?
The title of this post is the same as that of this article in The Times.
This is the sub-heading.
We need 500mg of flavanols a day for heart and brain health, new research shows. Here’s how to boost your intake
These three paragraphs add more details.
You may have ticked off fruit for breakfast, salad for lunch and pulses and veggies for dinner to get your five a day, but you could still be missing out — specifically on key nutrients called flavanols, which are important for disease prevention.
Not all fruit and veg are created equal and while a variety of plant foods is best for all-round health, researchers from the University of Reading, Harvard Medical School and the University of California Davis stressed this week that our focus should be on getting more flavanols, a specific group of antioxidant compounds found in foods such as berries, apples, kale, grapes, tea and cocoa. These matter because they support blood vessels, circulation and heart health.
For their study, published in the latest edition of the Food & Function journal, the scientists tracked the diets and urine biomarkers of more than 30,000 people from the US and the UK, and confirmed that a daily intake of 500mg of flavanols reduced deaths from cardiovascular disease by 27 per cent. Their results also showed that fewer than one in five people get enough flavanols in their diet and even those who hit standard NHS healthy eating guidance are often found to be lacking in the nutrients.
I eat a lot of strawberries, as I find strawberries and yoghurt in the afternoon helps to calm my uncomplicated pancolonic diverticular disease.
I also drink two or three bottles a day of Adnams Ghost Ship Alcohol Free Beer.
Does Low-Alcohol Beer Contain Flavanols?
I asked Google AI and received this slightly surprising answer.
Yes, low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beers contain flavanols. The brewing process retains a significant portion of these bioactive polyphenols (antioxidants).
How Flavanols Get into the Beer
Hops: Hops are the primary source of specific flavonoids and flavanols.
They are also the unique source of prenylflavonoids (like xanthohumol), which are known for their strong antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Malt: Barley and grains provide the majority (70-80%) of the total polyphenolic compounds found in a standard brew.
Brewing: Because non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beers undergo many of the exact same initial fermentation and brewing steps as regular beers, they naturally retain these compounds from the raw ingredients.
Style: Darker, heavier, or more heavily-hopped beers generally contain higher amounts of total flavonoids and polyphenols.
Processing: Certain filtration and stabilization methods used to reduce haze during production can also slightly decrease the flavonoid content.
Health Value: Because low-alcohol variants bypass the negative effects of ethanol, they are often highlighted by dietitians and nutritionists as a great way to enjoy the functional and nutritional benefits of beer, such as antioxidants and vitamins.
I also feel that a lot of what is said here could also apply to real ale.
Does Real Ale Contain Flavanols?
Yes. Real ale contains flavanols (such as catechins and epicatechins) and various other flavonoids, primarily sourced from the hops and malt used in the brewing process.
Key Flavonoids and Polyphenols in Real Ale
Flavanols: Compounds like catechin and epicatechin are present in beer, providing a source of antioxidants.
Flavonols: Real ales contain flavonols such as quercetin and rutin.Prenylated
Flavonoids: Hops provide unique prenylated flavonoids (like xanthohumol and isoxanthohumol). Because ales are typically more heavily hopped than lagers, they often boast higher concentrations of these specific compounds.
Why Real Ale is a Notable Source
Ales are top-fermented at warmer temperatures and are traditionally more heavily hopped than lagers, which aids in the extraction of these plant polyphenols. Furthermore, because real ale (or cask-conditioned ale) undergoes a secondary fermentation in the container from which it is served and is typically unpasteurized and unfiltered, it retains high amounts of these natural plant compounds compared to mass-produced, heavily filtered beers.
I’ve rarely drunk any foreign lager, since my father introduced me to Adnams at about 11.
Mushrooms Could Be Used In Rivers To Clear E coli And Filter Sewage
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on The Times.
This is the sub-heading.
Ofwat has funded a nationwide trial after tests revealed that leaky dams of fungi can trap and consume dangerous pollutants
These paragraphs add some detail.
Mushrooms could be deployed in rivers to filter out toxic pollutants after a trial showed fungi can destroy bacteria that pose a risk to human health.
Ofwat, the industry regulator, has awarded Anglian Water £1.5 million to use fungi to clean up rivers after a trial showed that they could remove 80 per cent of E. coli from rivers.
It sounds promising to me, as after living in the countryside for many years, I’ve heard so many countrymen and women, with strange remedies for things like algae.
Italy Leads The World In Screening For Coeliac Disease
The title of this post is the same as that of this article on 360info.org.
This is the sub-heading.
Coeliac disease is common but often undetected. Researchers are looking at ways to make the disease both easier to diagnose and easier to treat.
This paragraph gives a few more details.
The land of pizza and pasta — Italy — has become the first country in the world to pass a law requiring all children under the age of 18 to be screened for coeliac disease and type 1 diabetes.
I feel the most interesting part of this law will be its secondary and long term ones.
Topics I will be following include.
- How will it increase the number of diabetics and coeliacs?
- Will it affect cancer rates?
- Will it affect obesity rates?
- Will it affect the rates of other diseases?
- Will it help to improve Italy’s chronically-low birth rate.
- Will it improve Italy’s performance in sports like swimming and athletics, that need a high degree of fitness.
How many other countries will follow Italy?
Daily Pill Could Revolutionise Cancer Treatment
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article in the Sunday Times.
This is the sub-heading.
Doctors hail the ‘holy grail’ of research that provides hope to patients and families facing the disease.
These three paragraphs introduce the article.
A daily pill that doubles life expectancy for pancreatic cancer sufferers may revolutionise treatment for millions of people, experts believe.
Researchers found the drug significantly extended the lives of patients by targeting a specific mutation.
The pill, daraxonrasib, is the biggest breakthrough in decades for pancreatic cancer, which is notoriously difficult to treat.
Can Old Scars Hurt In Hot Weather?
I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this post, and received this answer.
Yes, old scars can absolutely hurt or feel irritated in hot weather. Because scar tissue is different from normal skin, it doesn’t have the same elasticity, sweat glands, or ability to regulate temperature, making it highly sensitive to environmental changes.
Could A Gluten-Free Version Of The M & S Microwavable Full English Breakfast Be Created?
This link shows the product on the Ocado web site.
These are some details about the product.
- It costs £4
- It lasts two days including the delivery day.
- In How Much Vitamin B12 Is There In A Leon Full English Breakfast Egg Pot?, I got Google AI to analyse one of Leon’s very similar egg pots and these contain a good dose of B12.
These are the ingredients.
Baked Beans (50%) (Haricot Beans · Tomato Paste · Water · Sugar · Cornflour · Salt · Vinegar · Dried Onions · Natural Colour: Paprika Extract · Ground Paprika · Natural Flavouring · Garlic Extract · Onion Oil · Vegetable Oil (Sunflower/Rapeseed)) · British Pork Chipolata Sausages (20%) (Pork (73%) · Water · Wheatflour* · Pea Protein Isolate · Dextrose · Wheat Starch · Salt · Ground Spices (White Pepper · Black Pepper · Coriander · Mace · Nutmeg) · Dried Onions · Salt · Yeast Extract · Dried Sage · Raising Agent: E503) · Poached Egg (18%) · Chestnut Mushrooms (7%) · Smoked British Bacon (2.5%) (Pork Belly (made with 185g of Raw Pork per 100g of Cooked Bacon) · Curing Salt (Salt · Preservative: Sodium Nitrate, Sodium Nitrite) · Sugar · Natural Flavouring · Antioxidant: E301) · Rapeseed Oil · Salt · Coarse Black Pepper.
Sausages filled into natural pork collagen casings.
*Fortified with Calcium, Iron, Vitamins B3, B1 and Folic Acid.For allergens, including cereals containing Gluten, see ingredients in bold.
Note the added gluten, which can be swapped for a gluten-free flour.
How I Would Use These Meals
I was told by Addenbrooke ‘s Hospital, when I was first diagmosed as a coeliac to always start the day with a good meal, as if you are travelling the next meal might not be easy to find.
Given the rate at which coeliac-friendly restaurants are closing, no dietician ever made a better prediction.
So if say I was going to Liverpool for the day, I could put one of these in my fridge and have a good breakfast before I leave home. This also means I can leave home earlier and catch an earlier train.
Could Tennis Help The Symptoms Of Uncomplicated Pancolonic Diverticulitis?
When I used to play real tennis a very regularly, I didn’t seem to get the angry gut, I have now.
I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this post and received this answer.
Yes, playing tennis can help manage the symptoms of uncomplicated pancolonic diverticulitis as part of an active lifestyle, though it is best suited for the prevention of flare-ups rather than treatment during an active attack.
Regular, moderate-to-vigorous exercise like tennis has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing diverticulitis.
How Tennis Helps DiverticulitisReduces Risk of Attacks:
Studies show that vigorous activity, such as tennis, can reduce the risk of developing diverticulitis by up to 27%), as mentioned in research published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases.
Improves Bowel Function: Regular exercise helps keep bowels moving, which helps prevent constipation—a major contributing factor to diverticular pain.
Reduces Inflammation: Regular, moderate-intensity physical activity (which can include tennis) has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
Weight Management: Exercise helps manage weight, reducing obesity, which is a major risk factor for complicated diverticular disease.
My exercise levels have certainly dropped since I had the stroke and moved to London.
Could Horseriding Help The Symptoms Of Uncomplicated Pancolonic Diverticulitis?
When I used to ride horses a small amount, I didn’t seem to get the angry gut, I have now.
I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this post and received this answer.
While there is no direct scientific evidence regarding horseriding specifically, general physical activity and exercise are strongly recommended for managing and preventing the symptoms of uncomplicated diverticulitis.
Regular exercise helps to increase bowel motility (movement), which can help reduce the pressure within the colon that contributes to diverticular symptoms.
Here is how physical activity, including potentially activities like horseriding, can play a role in managing this condition:
Benefits of Regular Exercise on Diverticular Symptoms
Reduced Risk: Studies show that regular, vigorous activity can decrease the risk of developing diverticulitis.
Improved Digestion: Exercise encourages regular bowel movements, preventing the constipation that often exacerbates diverticular pain.
Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on the colon, which is beneficial for managing diverticular disease.
Important Considerations for Horseriding
Gentle Movement vs. Jarring: While light-to-moderate, regular activity is beneficial, you should ensure that the activity does not cause sharp pain or excessive stress on the abdominal area, especially if you have had recent symptoms.
Individual Tolerance: The key is to engage in regular exercise that you enjoy and that your body tolerates well.
When to Avoid Exercise
If you are experiencing an acute flare-up of diverticulitis (fever, severe abdominal pain), you should avoid strenuous exercise, rest, and follow your doctor’s advice, which often involves a liquid or low-fiber diet.
Could Uncomplicated Pancolonic Diverticulitis Cause The Constant Pain In My Hip Joints?
It’s not chronic pain, but I must have had it for at least forty years.
So what does Google AI make of my question?
It gave me this answer.
Yes, it is possible for uncomplicated pancolonic diverticulitis (inflammation throughout the entire colon) to cause constant pain in your hip joints.
While diverticulitis is primarily a gastrointestinal issue, it can cause referred pain to the hips and legs or trigger systemic inflammation that affects joints.
Here is how your condition might be linked to your hip pain:
1. Referred Pain (Nerve Pathway Irritation)
The inflammation from a diverticulitis flare-up can irritate nearby nerves that connect to the hip, thigh, or groin area.
Location: While classic diverticulitis causes left-side abdominal pain, a severe or widespread (pancolonic) flare can cause “referred pain” in the lower back, hip, and thigh.
Constant nature: If the underlying inflammation remains active, this pain can feel constant rather than intermittent.
2. Systemic Inflammation and “Diverticulitis-Associated Arthritis”
Rarely, active diverticulitis can trigger a form of inflammatory arthritis, acting as an extra-intestinal manifestation of the disease.
Migrating Pain: This can cause joint pain and stiffness in larger joints, including the hips, knees, and ankles.
Connection: As the gut inflammation resolves with proper care (antibiotics/diet), the joint pain often improves.
3. Anatomical Proximity
The colon sits in close proximity to the musculoskeletal structures of the pelvis, including the iliopsoas muscles (hip flexors).Inflammation in the colon can cause swelling that affects these muscles, leading to pain in the hip region, particularly with movement.
That looks like a possibility to me!
But it needs more investigation.
Do Some People Have Skin That Leaks Excessive Amounts Of Water And Makes Their Hands And Feet Go Red?
That’s what seems to have happened to me over the last few days.
- I also seem to be producing excessive amounts of phlegm, which I’ve dealt with by drinking bottles of Adnams Ghost Ship Alcohol Free Pale Ale, which was recommended to me by Google AI in Does Zero-Alcohol Beer Help Phlegm?. It works well!
- I slept very badly last night.
- My teeth are painful too.
- I am taking a couple of paracetamol tablets each day for the pain.
I asked Google AI, the title of this post and received this answer.
Yes, some people experience conditions where their skin—particularly on the hands and feet—becomes red, hot, and appears to “leak” fluid or sweat excessively. These symptoms are often associated with rare or chronic conditions, most commonly Erythromelalgia, Dyshidrotic Eczema, or severe Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
Here are the primary conditions that cause these symptoms:
1. Erythromelalgia (Red, Hot, Painful Skin)
This is a rare condition characterized by intense burning pain, severe redness, and increased skin temperature, most commonly affecting the feet, but often the hands as well.
The “Leakage”: While it is technically a vascular issue, the severe inflammation and heat can lead to secondary sweating or fluid-like sensations.
Trigger: It is triggered by warmth, exercise, or stress.
Characteristics: It can be primary (inherited) or secondary (linked to other conditions like blood disorders or nerve damage).
2. Dyshidrotic Eczema (Pompholyx)
This is a skin condition that produces small, intense, fluid-filled blisters on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sides of the fingers.
The “Leakage”: These blisters can leak serum (a clear fluid), making the skin look wet or “weeping”.
Symptoms: Severe itching and burning typically precede the appearance of the blisters, followed by dry, cracked, and red skin.
Causes: Triggers include stress, allergies, and hot, sweaty conditions.
3. Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)
This condition involves overactive sweat glands that produce far more moisture than is needed for cooling.
The “Leakage”: Hands and feet can be constantly dripping or damp.
Redness: While hyperhidrosis itself causes wetness, the chronic dampness and resulting irritation can cause the skin to appear red and irritated.
4. Other Potential Causes
Weeping Eczema: A complication of eczema where intense inflammation causes skin to ooze fluid.
Infected Skin (Cellulitis): A bacterial infection that causes red, hot, swollen skin, which may sometimes blister or leak fluid.
Lymphedema: Chronic fluid buildup can sometimes result in fluid leaking directly through the skin in severe cases.
Note: If you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms—specifically red, painful, or leaking skin—it is important to consult a healthcare professional, as some of these conditions require specific treatments to prevent complications like infections or skin damage.
The Anonymous Widower 