Many of the diet- and nutrition-related stories on our site don't fit into a specific category. Find them all in this section.
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Most of us are either endomorphs or ectomorphs. Good examples of how these two types of body build react to low energy intakes are provided by the Survivor TV series.
The revenues collected by taxing luxury foods could be put to good use to fund obesity research and educate the general public about healthy eating habits.
Do companies and employers have a responsibility not only to supply their staff with food, but to make sure that the food that is for sale is nutritious and well-balanced?
If you watched “Bootylicious” on TV, you are probably contemplating micro-fat surgery to have your buttocks enlarged. Here's why you shouldn't jump on the bandwagon too soon.
It is usually during wintertime that we gain weight, and that we get flu. What can you do to ensure that you don’t gain weight, while still getting all the necessary nutrients?
Nutrigenomics is a very new and exciting approach to the treatment of a wide variety of diseases by means of genetic identification and diet therapy.
Genetic factors influence how we react to various treatments. In this article, DietDoc takes a look at further examples of gene-diet interactions.
Green tea is increasingly being used in western countries to obtain health benefits. But how true are the claims that green tea can cure certain diseases and induce weight loss?
A new health food, called red palm oil is emerging. It can be used in cooking, baking and food preparation and is free of cholesterol and trans-fatty acids.
It is estimated that one in five American adults suffer from metabolic syndrome and it is plausible that more or less the same figures apply to South Africa. DietDoc comments.
Soy has been touted the miracle food of the 20th century, but new research suggests it may be doing more harm than good. Are you confused? Then read these comments by DietDoc.
Could milk consumption lead to increased levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and subsequent increased risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes? DietDoc investigated.
Some people regard GM foods as toxic and dangerous, while others hail these foods as the solution to mass starvation. DietDoc takes a look at this hotly debated subject.
In this article on genetically modified (GM) foods, DietDoc takes a look at some of the most persistent myths that do the rounds – and the actual facts.
We're all entitled to having likes and dislikes when it comes to food. But which foods should we all make a point of including in our diets, because they're simply magic?
The 11th series of the ever-popular Survivor Series started on Tuesday, and already after the first episode, there are lessons we can learn from the Survivors, writes DietDoc.
Today, on International No Diet Day, you should take time off from whatever crazy diet plan you are following and instead listen to your body's unique hunger and satiety needs.
Iron overload, or hereditary haemochromatosis, is more common than was previously believed. And it can be very risky. Read DietDoc's comments - and check if you have symptoms.
Call it whatever you like: yellow ginger, haldi, turmeric or E100. This versatile herb, a spice commonly used in curries, is turning out to be amazingly healthy.
A toffee here, a jelly baby there. Do these foods, and how much sugar you eat, have an effect on your blood-fat levels? DietDoc recently reviewed a number of relevant studies.
Insulin resistance is a blood sugar disorder associated with heart disease and often caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. Check how many of these risk factors you have.
Right now, commercially produced functional foods are causing quite a stir. Health24 takes a critical look at consumer awareness levels and the potential of this market.
An actor died after eating pufferfish and a girl with a peanut allergy didn't survive the kiss of a boyfriend. Find out which foods you should avoid if you want to stay alive.
Ostrich meat has become part of a balanced diet and allows the meat lover the pleasure of a great steak or fillet in the full knowledge that it is, in fact, a healthy choice.
The answer to mood swings, irritability and low energy levels may be as simple as the food we put on our plates – and how frequently we eat it.
A controversial new review shows that some antioxidant supplements that people take to prevent or treat disease might actually increase their risk of death. Should you be worried?
Thousands of South Africans drink vitamin supplements, which they get from pharmacies and health stores, every day. Yet new research shows that this could be a deadly practice.
There’s a champion new berry that’s come to town, and in its plump little body it has 18 amino acids, six vitamins, anti-ageing properties and the richest source of antioxidants.
Worldwide, obesity has become a major force to be reckoned with. Now, the people of the world's fattest nation are also getting shorter. Here's why we should be concerned.
Eating fish is a healthy choice. But you may be eating fish in danger of extinction, or a species that may be illegal to buy or sell in South Africa. Check here.
Wondering what a balanced diet looks like? Looking for a good weight-loss diet? Or desperate to find nutritious menu plans? Then this book is for you.
Female frogs outnumbering male ones, snails born without penises, and fish that have both male and female organs. Dangerous chemicals in our water could be affecting humans too.
Are you feeding your family nutritious, healthy meals? Curious to know whether or not your favourite recipe is really healthy? Then send it to us and we'll tell you.
Honey, sugar or artificial sweeteners: which is best? Two experts make sense of all the research.
Feeling the financial crunch? Fortunately, there are many seriously good-for-you foods you can get for under R10.
Android, one of our health bloggers, has not just learnt to say 'no' to empty calories, but also to people who are pushing their luck.
Many people believe that eating eggs may be bad for your health. Here are some excellent reasons to justify why eating eggs can make you healthier, brainier, leaner and stronger.
We're stunned by all the amazing, newly discovered health benefits that vitamin D delivers. Take a look at this roundup of the latest research - there's something in it for you.
Planning a get-together for National Braai Day (24 September)? Here are a few ways to limit the cancer-causing substances in your braai meat.
Renowned nutritionist Patrick Holford is back in SA to promote his latest book, The 10 Secrets of 100% healthy people. Health24 reveals the secrets we all need to know.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation SA (HSFSA) has launched a groundbreaking Tuck Shop Programme that challenges parents to examine what their children are being fed at school.
In each one of the Survivor series, food has played a crucial role and often determined the outcome of survival for individual participants.
A fascinating aspect of the Survivor series is how much weight the contestants lose during the series – all this without consciously going on a diet. DietDoc comments.
According to a data survey, breakfast is “the most missed meal in Europe”. There is little reason to believe that things are different in South Africa.
Hypoglycaemia commonly affects diabetics who inadvertently use too large doses of insulin, but it can also occur in non-diabetic individuals. What should you know?
CANSA's 5-a-day campaign refers to five servings of fruit and vegetables a day for better health. Dietdoc tells us about the role of nutrition in the fight against cancer.
Have you ever received e-mail warnings that read something like “Food X will make you blind, impotent, or give you cancer”, or “Additive Y is a carcinogen, and may cause ADHD”?
Genetic factors influence how we react to various treatments such as folic acid supplementation and low-fat diets for heart disease. DietDoc explains.
Nearly 50% of adults in the developed world suffer from overweight or outright obesity and South Africa is on par with countries such as the USA and the UK, research shows.
The Department of Health promotes the use of beetroot, garlic, virgin olive oil, onions and herbal cures in the treatment of HIV/Aids. But how safe and effective is this really?
The European Commission is taking steps to counteract the harmful effects that junk food is having on the European population. Should our government be doing the same?
Is gallbladder surgery on the cards? Note that there are certain dietary adjustments that should be taken into consideration.
Far Eastern cooking is becoming more and more popular in western countries, leading to an increased interest in cooking with coconut products. Is this a good or a bad thing?
Studies show that carnitine may prevent nerve degeneration in diabetics, assist with male infertility, possibly help to improve sports performance, and more. What should you know?
In this article on genetically modified (GM) foods, DietDoc considers labelling issues and the potential effects on nature and consumers.
The "no-cholesterol" craze of the 90s gave eggs a bad name. But are eggs really so unhealthy? Or should this food form part of a balanced diet?
Our ancestors from long ago never experienced the health problems that we do such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Here are some reasons why.
Phytochemicals have become a nutrition buzzword. What exactly are they and how can you benefit?
It's still early days in the Survivor Guatemala series and already the monotony of the maize diet is starting to have its effects. Read DietDoc's interesting comments.
High salt intake raises blood pressure. And high blood pressure is a major health threat. Be more aware of your salt intake by taking note of this list of the top-10 culprit foods.
One often hears that the modern Western diet is unhealthy and that people's eating habits have changed in the last couple of decades. Many things get added to our foods.
As manufacturers inch closer to the holy grail of low-calorie, trans-fat free, flavoursome foods, one has to ask how we veered so far from the common sense of home-cooked meals.
The Survivor SA series probably illustrates the most fundamental diet truth of all: human beings have evolved to eat a varied, and balanced diet. Read DietDoc's comments.
You've heard of probiotics, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. But have you heard of "functional foods"? In essence, they form part of the same concept.
A balanced diet can do wonders for your wellbeing. Check out these food tips.
One of the world's leading nutritionists, Patrick Holford, will undertake a national tour of South Africa from 19 February 2007 to launch his new book "Food is Better than Drugs".
Fed up with hearing that you can't eat this, that that will clog up your arteries and that your favourite snack will eventually be the death of you?
Most of us assume that if we eat five fruits and veggies per day, we're okay – at least in terms of fibre intake. Sadly, this isn't so.
In 2010, as we all know, the world is going to descend on South Africa for Soccer World Cup. What we want to know is: who is going to feed the world? And what does the world eat?
Recent meta-analyses have suggested no benefit for multivitamins, and even, in some cases, the potential for harm. Patrick Holford, world-renowned nutrition expert, comments.
Here's the good news: if you start emulating the lifestyle of the Mediterranean world now, you'll attain newfound health. And there's a book on the market to help you get there.
International anxiety about the quality of Chinese food products has hit the red-alert button. Here is a timeline of the recent food-safety scares.
Sure, dieticians can help one to lose weight, but this isn't their sole purpose. Should you be consulting one?
The change from the old year to the new is often a spur to turning over a new leaf, especially with regards to health. But you'll only succeed if you set reasonable goals.
Good nutrition not only adds years to life, but also life to years – a philosophy that becomes all the more important as we reach our 60s, 70s, 80s and perhaps 90s.
Let your inner couch potato out: we've got it contained.
These food safety principles are for everyone, especially those with compromised immune systems, such as people living with HIV/Aids.
Nutrition and dietary habits play an important role in the prevention and treatment of TB.
What do the Slow Food Movement, Lamb Burger and courage have to do with each other? Read Magiric's blog to find out.
The economic downturn hasn't stopped food manufacturers from being innovative. Here are four trends to get excited about - our hearts and waistlines can benefit.
Another super-supplemented maize meal has been introduced to the SA market. The hope is that it could fill a nutrient gap among the less privileged. But will it? DietDoc doubts it.
Celebrities swear by the energising effect of the vitamin B12 injection. A doctor examines the facts.
Mayonnaise, Caesar salad, chocolate mousse – some of our best loved recipes call for uncooked eggs. But, with its susceptibility to bacteria, is it wise to eat raw eggs?
