Icky, sticky ice cream

It's hot - heat wave hot! Yup, it's that one time of the year when eating ice cream becomes a necessity - not a luxury. So, imagine my shock and horror when I read the news story of an ice cream parlour in London serving breast-milk ice cream! While reading the article, I was hoping for a "don't worry, we're just pulling your leg" closing paragraph, but, alas, to no avail. A total of 11 "altruistic" women offered their nutritious breast milk for this new delicacy called "Baby Gaga". The ice cream parlour describes it as an "organic, free-range treat". The mind boggles.

Thankfully, according to Health24's weekly poll on this novel dessert, 61% of Health24's users agree that breast-milk ice cream is a terrible idea. I'm rather relieved to share the latest news report with you: government officials have confiscated the ice cream from the shop following complaints and concerns that the dessert is unsafe. Viruses, including hepatitis, can be passed on through breast milk. According to an official the dessert is currently being tested, but whatever you do in the meantime, I beg you, don't try this at home.

Let's rather talk about the weather. When the heat gets too much, make sure you take in enough fluids. This may be obvious, but that actually means drinking lots of water to stay hydrated. The caffeine in coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks will simply dehydrate you more, whereas the high levels sugar in carbonated drinks are no good either. Here's an idea: keep a water bottle at your desk or in your car and fill up regularly with fresh clean water. If you keep the water in sight, you won't forget to drink it. Visit our water centre for more info.

If you're still set on detoxing your body and perhaps losing a few kilos, have a look at our latest article on responsible detoxing. According to dietician Kim Hoffmann (of the Lean Aubergine Dietetic Services) nutritional support and adequate intake of water are very important for balanced detoxing. "Targeted nutrition providing the full spectrum of supportive co-factors and modulators for balanced detoxification, and support for energy production and excretion may optimise balanced detoxification and promote optimal health throughout life," Hoffmann says.

And, finally, if you want to lose a few kilos before the end of summer, take our quiz to find out if you're following a balanced, high-fibre, low-fat diet that will help you to shake off those unwanted kilos. The correct eating plan can make all the difference.

- (Birgit Ottermann, Health24, Nutrition Newsletter, March 2011)