'People with high blood pressure should avoid two common fruits'

"A doctor has warned that some people may need to give up their favourite fruit if they are taking certain heart and blood pressure medications. Those who ignore the advice could risk a serious yet avoidable problem.

During a previous appearance on ITV's This Morning, GP Chris Steele explained that patients on specific medications must cut out some everyday foods that could conflict with what any prescribed medicine is trying to do. When eaten to excess, it could trigger dangerous complications.

One thing he highlighted was a pair of common fruits that a lot of people might have sitting in their kitchen. The healthcare expert warned that people prescribed any kind of medication known as an ACE inhibitor should cut out eating bananas and oranges.

He said in the interview: "Bananas are high in potassium, which is not good for certain medications. Try not to eat bananas or oranges if you take ACE inhibitors such as captopril, enalapril and fosinopril, among others."

ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure and treat heart failure by widening blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more efficiently. They are common first-choice treatments for hypertension, heart failure, and kidney issues, though they require monitoring for side effects.

Why do these fruits need to be avoided?

Bananas (as well as oranges and certain salt substitutes) are high in potassium. Mixed with these drugs, these foods can cause high potassium levels.

Mildly raised levels could result in issues like abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. However, many people with high potassium levels do not feel any symptoms until the level becomes dangerous, running the risk of chest pain, heart palpitations and an irregular/fast/fluttering heartbeat.

Tell your GP if you're taking potassium or diuretics alongside blood pressure medication. Avoid eating large amounts of foods high in potassium if you're on ACE inhibitors.

The NHS recommends that people in the UK aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. All fruits contain some potassium, meaning nothing is 100% safe to eat in excess. However, some options are much lower than bananas and oranges - including apples, berries, grapes, pineapples, and pears.

Watermelon is generally considered low to moderate in potassium, making it a good choice for low-potassium diets. A typical serving of diced watermelon contains about 170-180 mg of potassium, which is significantly lower than in higher-potassium melons like cantaloupe.

According to the NHS website, adults (19 to 64 years) need 3,500mg of potassium a day, which should be achievable from your daily diet. Your doctor will be able to discuss specific concerns and offer advice tailored to your health needs."
Above words and image from article seen here

Related Posts

Warfarin : Diet : What Foods Should I Avoid? : Read it here

Some Common Food : Drug Interactions : Read it here

Please Be Aware
Articles, and any comments, within this blog are provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, medication, food you eat, contra-indications from medication etc. you should contact your Doctor or local health care provider and they will be able to discuss specific concerns and offer advice tailored to your health needs."

All the best Jan

Carrot and Swede Mash : Lower Carb Alternative to Standard Mashed Potato

This delicious, colourful carrot and swede mash is a great lower-carb alternative to the standard potato variety. Serve as part of a roast dinner, or to accompany winter dishes, such as stews and casseroles.

Ingredients

Serves four to six as a side dish
400g/14oz carrots, scrubbed and chopped
400g/14oz swede, peeled and chopped
25g/1oz butter
2 tbsp crème fraîche
2 tbsp creamed horseradish (optional)
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method
1. Cook the carrots and swede together in a saucepan of boiling salted water for 30–35 minutes, or until tender. Drain and return to the pan.
2. Add the butter, crème fraîche and horseradish, if using, mash well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

From recipe idea seen here

Swede - also known as rutabaga, or ‘neeps’ in Scotland. Swede is a root vegetable similar to the turnip, although it is less watery in texture. Purplish on the outside, it has sweet-tasting yellow or white flesh and can be cooked in much the same way as other root vegetables such as potatoes. It can also be eaten raw in salads. Read more here

You will find a variety of recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e., use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

A Cup Of Tea ... there's nothing quite like it!

When the world is all at odds

And the mind is all at sea

Then cease the useless tedium

And brew a cup of tea.

There is magic in the fragrance,

There is solace in its taste;

And then laden moment vanish

Somehow into space

And the world becomes a lovely thing!

There's beauty as you'll see

All because you briefly stopped

To brew a cup of tea.

words seen here

If you are a regular reader you already know that I do enjoy my cup(s) of tea ... and I find the words in the above poem so apt.

Now of course you may not be a tea drinker; your favourite beverage could be coffee, plain water or something else? If you have a poem about your favourite beverage do please share it in the comments. (You do not have to share a poem a comment will also be lovely to receive, read and share.)

Wishing all readers a peaceful, worry-free, and happy day.

All the best Jan 

DIABETES NEWS : "Children to receive type 1 diabetes screening after 'landmark' study"

NHS pre-diabetes clinics for children are to be set up following a significant study that validated the use of finger-prick blood tests for early detection of the condition.

This "landmark" research confirmed the viability of screening for type 1 (T1) diabetes before symptoms manifest.

The new findings indicate that children can be identified during the very initial stages of type 1 diabetes, potentially paving the way for a potential screening programme in the future.

Experts suggest this development could mark a "step change" in how the disease is diagnosed and managed.

Currently, a “too many” children with type 1 diabetes are only diagnosed during a medical emergency.

Early identification would allow these children to access crucial treatments, which could postpone the necessity for insulin therapy for several years.

The Early Surveillance for Autoimmune Diabetes (Elsa) study, led by the University of Birmingham and co-funded by Diabetes UK and Breakthrough T1D, was launched to assess the feasibility of screening in the UK.

The results from the first two years of the study have been published in correspondence published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology.

UK children aged three to 13 without type 1 diabetes were invited to participate and they provided a finger print blood sample which was checked for antibodies which have previously been found to be present in pre-symptomatic patients.

Children identified as potentially having a risk of T1 diabetes were invited for further blood tests or sugar tolerance tests.

Overall 17,283 tests were analysed and more than 200 children were found to be at risk or have markers in their blood that indicate risk of T1D.

The next phase of the study, Elsa 2, will involve more children recruited from a wider age range, from two to 17.

This part of the study will support NHS clinics for four years at each of the 20 study sites across the UK.

The clinics will help support and educate families where children are found to be at risk of, or have early, type 1 diabetes.

Staff will also be able to help children as they move on to insulin treatment.

If approved by the NHS’s spending watchdog, some youngsters may have access to a new type of treatment – teplizumab – which can help delay the need for insulin treatment and was approved for UK use by the medicines regulator last year.

Lead researcher Parth Narendran, professor of diabetes medicine and honorary consultant physician at the University of Birmingham, told the Press Association: “This is a landmark study for the UK, it shows for the first time that we can identify those people at an early stage, prevent emergency diagnoses.

“It’s giving families time to prepare.”

On the new clinics he said: “Once people have been diagnosed with early type one diabetes before they need insulin, but we know that they’re going to move on to insulin. They need support.

“So the idea is that they would get regular support and advice on when to test their glucose, what symptoms to watch out for, just so they can start this insulin early and in a timely fashion.”

He went on: “Once they’re on insulin, they’ll just flow naturally, with the same healthcare team, into the normal type one clinic. So it should be a seamless transition and a much gentler introduction to insulin treatment.”

In the future there could be the possibility of offering treatments such as teplizumab, and others that are in the pipeline, “so they don’t need insulin therapy in the long term and we keep them in the very early stage of type 1 diabetes without insulin requirements”, he added.

“It’s a massive step change,” he said.

Up to 400,000 people in the UK have type 1 diabetes – about 8 per cent of people with diabetes.

About a quarter of children with type 1 are only diagnosed when they reach an emergency situation.

Prof Narendran said a new screening programme could, in the future, prevent children from “crash landing” into a diagnosis.

Amy Norman, 44, from the West Midlands, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 13.

Through the Elsa study it was found that her 11-year-old daughter, Imogen, is in the early stages of type 1 diabetes.

She was the second child in the UK to access the immunotherapy drug teplizumab.

“Being part of the Elsa study has helped us as a family to prepare for the future in a way we never expected,” said Ms Norman.

“When I was diagnosed, I had no warning and ended up quite poorly in hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis.

“Being forewarned is being forearmed. She was always going to develop type 1 diabetes, but through Elsa we’ve been able to slow down the process and prepare – we know what is coming, but we’re not scared.”

Dr Elizabeth Robertson, from the charity Diabetes UK, said: “For too many families a child’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis still comes as a frightening emergency, but that doesn’t have to be the case.

“The Elsa study is generating the evidence needed to make type 1 diabetes screening a reality for every family in the UK.”

Rachel Connor, from Breakthrough T1D, added: “This is about rewriting the story of type 1 diabetes for thousands of families – instead of a devastating emergency, we can offer time, choices and hope.

“By finding children in the earliest stages, we’re not just preparing families, we’re opening the door to treatments that can delay the need for insulin by years.”

Italy was the first country to roll out a national screening programme and other countries are looking to introduce screening for the condition.
Words above from article seen here

~~~~~~~~~~

It's always good to share the continued improvements and research that is happening in the Diabetes Community.

All the best Jan

Why Do Brits Love A Sunday Roast?

 A feast fit for a Sunday

Britain has a long and fascinating history and through time has become synonymous with everything from iconic buildings to cities known around the world, famous faces, art, sports – and several classic dishes. When you think of well-known British meals, the likes of fish and chips, Shepherd’s pie and of course, a traditional Sunday roast, are bound to spring to mind.

A Sunday roast has long been a tradition in households and a staple on pub and restaurant menus across the generations. But why do Brits love a Sunday roast and why has it long been a tradition?

Here, we take a  closer look at the history of the Sunday roast, why it is so popular and other Sunday dinner traditions from across the globe. 

What is a Sunday Roast?

a traditional roast dinner

Typically enjoyed, of course, on Sundays, the traditional British meal consists of a roasted meat, such as chicken, beef, lamb or pork, with roasted potatoes (or even mashed potato), Yorkshire puddings, vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, gravy, and even stuffing. Many also enjoy a vegetarian or vegan version, swapping out meat for nut roast or using other tasty alternatives.

Also referred to as simply a roast dinner or a Sunday lunch or dinner, everyone has their own take on the classic dish or preferences, whether that is what type of potato or vegetable is included, how thick the gravy is or how we like our meat cooked. We all have a favourite item on the plate that we believe the meal wouldn’t be the same without and no matter who makes it, we all know somebody who in our eyes makes ‘the best Sunday roast.’

Sometimes, we like to add extra bits to our roasts, such as mint sauce, apple sauce, horseradish sauce or cranberry sauce. On Christmas Day, December 25, many families go all out with bigger portions, as well as adding the likes of pigs in blankets to the dish, (sausages wrapped in bacon).

How Did The Sunday Roast Tradition Start?

illustration of Henry VII

The popularity of a Sunday roast in Britain dates back hundreds of years - but the exact point in time that it originated here is often disputed. Some claim the tradition can be traced back to medieval times when families would gather for large feasts after church services on the Lord’s Day, whereas other historians and experts believe the tradition was solidified during the reign of King Henry VII in 1485.

Henry VII, or Henry Tudor, was part of the royal lineage, The Tudors, who ruled Wales and England between 1485 and 1603. Since the 15th century, The Yeoman of the Guard – the royal bodyguards – have also been affectionately known as ‘Beefeaters,’ due to their weekly beef rations.

Others think the origins are tied to the late 1700s, as Sunday became a day of rest. Many believe the tradition of Sunday roast would see families go to church on a Sunday and leave their food in the oven to cook to be ready for when they returned home.

How our Sunday roasts have been cooked and what it has looked like and included has no doubt changed or evolved through time – but the family tradition still remains today.

Why Do Brits Love A Sunday Roast Dinner?

It might not be a dish that’s popular with everyone – but there’s no doubt that a Sunday roast dinner is loved by many Brits and its popularity has stood the test of time. But why do people love a Sunday roast so much?

Well – an obvious answer could be they love the hearty taste of a roast dinner, from the slow-cooked meat to the crispy golden potatoes, delicious trimmings and much more. It’s a feast that brings people together and is a great way to round the week off - but to many, it is more than just a meal.

As previously mentioned, it’s a tradition that’s long been part of our culture and whether you enjoy it weekly, throughout the year or just during Christmastime, it’s a dish that has long brought people together. Every year, you’ll likely find a statistic, survey or poll which discusses a roast dinner as one of the most-loved dishes, or what on the Sunday roast plate is most loved by the public.

Do Other Countries Have The Sunday Roast Tradition?

It may have deep roots in British culture – but the Sunday roast is also loved and a tradition elsewhere around the globe. Many places abroad serve up the classic dish, whether that be people with ties to Britain or hospitality businesses that serve traditional, British food.

But you’ll also find that several English-speaking or commonwealth countries have also adopted the tradition, including Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa. In different places, there are different takes on the Sunday roast, whether that be how it is cooked or served, or even replacing some food items or ingredients with something else.

Are there other traditional Sunday meals around the world?

Many other countries, cultures and communities gather today for a special meal on a Sunday – and they don’t all have a roast dinner. Like the Brits with their Sunday roast dinners, many have had their own traditions for generations, and Sunday has long been a special day in Christianity around the globe - with families gathering after church to eat or using the day of rest to spend time eating lovely food with loved ones.

In Italy, a Sunday dinner usually consists of multiple courses and big hearty dishes like fresh pasta, lasagne or ravioli. On a Sunday in Greece, families typically tuck into dishes like moussaka, roasted lamb or chicken with potatoes or pastitsio.

In Argentina, asado is typically enjoyed on a Sunday – a barbecue meal that heavily features beef as well as sides and vegetables. The dishes may be different but no matter where you go, they all have much in common – tradition, culture and bringing people together

Words and images above from article seen here

xxxx ooooo xxxx

Do you enjoy a Sunday Roast? 

Perhaps you have your own traditional Sunday meal ...

Do please share your thoughts in the comments.

This blog is presented in a magazine style. You will find a variety of articles, studies, thoughts, photographs, music and recipes! However, not all the recipe ideas featured in this blog may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan

Cheesy Chicken Bake ... makes a warm and comforting dinner

Winter is a time when most people want something rich, hearty, warm and comforting for dinner to fill them up after a cold day, but may not wish to spend ages cooking in the kitchen. Well, cooking legend Mary Berry has come up with the perfect dish with her cheesy chicken bake, which can be prepared in less than 20 minutes before you place it in the oven. You will need a wide and shallow ovenproof dish and a mixing bowl when making/preparing this dish, please carry on reading below for the ingredients and method ...

Ingredients

Serves Four
400g of passata
100g of grated mozzarella cheese
75g of full-fat cream cheese
25g of grated parmesan cheese
Six chopped-up sun-blushed tomatoes
Four skinless and boneless chicken breasts
One tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
One bunch of chopped basil leaves
Salt and pepper

Method

1. To begin, preheat the oven to 200C/180 Fan/Gas Mark 6.
2. In a bowl, mix the passata and Worcestershire sauce together, then season with salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into the base of the oven dish.
3. Mix the cream cheese, mozzarella, basil and tomatoes into a bowl and also season with salt and pepper.
4. Next, cut a chicken breast three-quarters of the way to make a slit. Repeat the process for each chicken breast.
5. Divide the cheese mixture between each chicken breast and push it into each slit. Put any remaining cheese on top of the chicken breast and then season with salt and pepper.
6. Place the chicken breast in the oven dish on top of the passata and then sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
7. Put in the oven and cook for around 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the tomato sauce is bubbling.
8. Your cheesy and delicious chicken bake is now ready to serve. Mary suggests serving it alongside a green salad or steamed green beans. Definitely yummy 😋

For readers who may not be experiencing cooler weather at the moment, why not have a look at some salads you may like to try, more details here

You will find a variety of recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e., use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Some thoughtful words this Wednesday ...

(and for international friends to translate)

You may

not always see

the results of your

kindness,

but every drop

of positive energy

you ever put out

changes the world for everyone.

All the best Jan

'What to eat if you discover you’re prediabetic' ... here is a guide to the right diet to follow

I have previously shared this article from Ceri Roberts, but with many new readers who follow and browse the blog I thought it worth repeating ...

"Diet plays such a crucial role in managing – and, in some cases, reversing – prediabetes that you ignore it at your peril. The condition increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke by at least 30 per cent for men and up to 50 per cent for women. Up to 70 per cent of people with prediabetes will go on to develop diabetes – unless they change their diet and lifestyle and take steps to reverse it.

What you eat has never been more important. Here’s a guide to the right diet to follow.

What is prediabetes?

Also known as non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, it’s a condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes.

The risk factors for prediabetes are broadly similar to those for Type 2 diabetes – particularly being overweight or obese and over the age of 45.

Prediabetes is estimated to affect around 5.1 million people in England, according to Diabetes UK. In people under 40, there has been an increase of almost a quarter in the same period – and experts fear that this is just the tip of the iceberg. According to Diabetes.co.uk, around seven million people are estimated to have prediabetes in the UK.

Why is my diet important in managing pre-diabetes?

Dr David Cavan, a consultant endocrinologist and the author of How to Reverse Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes, says: “Prediabetes doesn’t need medication. It doesn’t need exercise. The most important thing is that people need to change what they are eating. Doing this very powerfully treats, and can reverse prediabetes, in a very high number of people.”

Many leading experts in diabetes and prediabetes recommend following a low-carbohydrate diet which involves excluding white grains, sugar and starchy foods in favour of lean meat, vegetables and legumes. One of those experts is Dr David Unwin, who pioneered the approach in the UK and found that 93 per cent of his patients with prediabetes restored their blood sugars to normal after following the diet for two years.

Recommended foods for prediabetes

In order to help bring blood glucose back into balance, build meals around the following foods:

Lean proteins
Fish
Eggs
Dairy such as yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, milk
Tofu and pulses such as lentils and chickpeas

“Getting adequate protein, and spreading protein across the day is vital,” says Carin Hume, a consultant dietitian. Aim to include a good source or protein with every meal.

Have two servings of fish each week and no more than 70g of red meat per day, but you can also include eggs, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, milk, tofu and pulses such as lentils and chickpeas to boost your protein intake.

Vegetables

“Fill your plate with protein and vegetables, particularly leafy green vegetables, and have what I would call a ‘good old fashioned meat-and-two-veg’ type of meal, rather than a rice-or pasta-based meal,” says Dr Cavan. Add salad or vegetables to at least two of your meals and choose as many different varieties as possible to feed your gut bacteria.

Fibre-rich foods

High-fibre beans and pulses such as lentils and chickpeas
Grains such as buckwheat, quinoa and barley

Research shows that a high-fibre diet can improve glucose metabolism, but Hume warns that many of us aren’t eating enough. As well as vegetables and salads, build high-fibre beans and pulses into your diet.

Healthy fats and omega-3s

Olive oil
Avocado
Oily fish
Nuts and seeds, such as flax and chia

Choose healthy fats, particularly heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from olive oil and avocado, oily fish and nuts and seeds. An increasing body of research now advocates eating full-fat dairy to help manage blood glucose. Eating nuts can help to improve blood sugar control, and one study found that eating seeds such as flax and chia has the same effect.

Food and drink to avoid with prediabetes

Liquid calories including juices, sugary drinks, smoothies
Alcohol

“Try to make water your main drink, and only consume alcohol in moderation, says Dr Cavan. “I see a lot of people making fruit smoothies because they think they are really healthy, but you can have a huge amount of sugar in a smoothie.”

Processed and refined foods

Flavoured yogurts and sauces
Refined sugars (found in most shop-bought cakes and breakfast cereals)

Consuming a lot of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes – perhaps by as much as 15 per cent. “Most UPFs are highly palatable and easy to overeat,” notes Hume.

Avoid foods which contain refined sugars, such as cakes, biscuits, breakfast cereals and sweets, along with those which often contain large amounts of hidden sugars, such as flavoured yogurts and sauces. Instead include protein in every meal and fill half your plate with vegetables or salad.

Managing portion sizes

“Portion size is important, especially in reducing calorie intake to help with weight loss,” says Hume. On that note, “it may be better to enjoy ‘treat foods’ when eating out as this can make portion control easier, especially if you share dishes and desserts.”

If the thought of cutting out all the sugars and starchy foods feels too much, Dr Cavan recommends using a blood glucose monitor to see exactly how your body responds to the foods you eat. This might make you pause before reaching for the biscuit tin.

“This will show you instantly which things are pushing up your sugar levels,” says Dr Cavan. “You can quickly see what you can get away with, and this is so variable. For example, some people can have a small amount of potato and they don’t see any effect, while other people can’t.”

FAQs

Is fasting helpful for prediabetes?

Research suggests that fasting or time-restricted eating can help to improve blood glucose control and potentially prevent or treat prediabetes.

“Prolonging your overnight fast can help reduce the insulin levels in your bloodstream, which helps to counter the pre-diabetes disease process,” explains Dr Cavan. “The main form of fasting that I suggest is to skip breakfast on two or three days (or more) per week. This type of 16-hour fast can be very helpful, especially for people who aren’t hungry in the morning.”

How will I know if I have prediabetes?

“The only way you can tell if you have prediabetes is by asking your GP for a routine blood test,” says Dr Cavan. “When you have prediabetes you have a blood sugar level that’s slightly higher than normal, but nowhere near high enough to cause any symptoms, such as being very thirsty or tired, or passing a lot of urine.”

Your doctor will measure your HbA1C level, which shows your average blood glucose levels for the previous three months. If your HbA1C reading is between 42mmol/mol (6 per cent) and 47mmol/mol (6.4 per cent), this indicates prediabetes. Over 48mmol/mol (6.5 per cent) suggests diabetes."
Words above with all related links can be seen here

Related Articles/Posts
Diabetic or Prediabetic : Here Are Eleven Foods To Avoid - read it here
What is prediabetes and how can you reverse it? - read it here
Diabetes News : How 'pioneering' GP has transformed lives of 150 type 2 diabetes patients without drugs - read it here

~ xxx oooo xxx ~

Dear reader, you will find a variety of articles, studies etc. plus recent news/views and recipe ideas within this blog, something for everyone to read and enjoy...

But please note, articles within this blog are provided for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor, pharmacist or any other health care professional.

Not all recipes within this blog may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic (more about this here) and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Thyme-buttered cabbage ... a simple recipe suggestion to start the week

A simple recipe suggestion to start the week ...

Why not turn cabbage into a tasty side dish with a generous splash of cream and fresh thyme. I like Savoy cabbage but use a cabbage you enjoy.

Ingredients

Serves Two
200ml/7fl oz vegetable or chicken stock
¼ green cabbage (such as sweetheart* or Savoy), shredded
100ml/3½fl oz double (heavy) cream
2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
25g/1oz butter, chopped

Method
1. Bring the stock to the boil in a saucepan, then add the cabbage. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened, then stir in the cream and thyme.
2. Cook for a further 2-3 minutes, or until the cabbage is completely softened, then stir in the butter. Serve.

*also known as pointed/hispi/sugarloaf cabbage

From an idea seen here

~ I'm looking forward to seeing flowering daffodils soon ~

You will find a variety of recipe ideas and articles within this blog. Please note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Some creative ways to re-use old towels that can help birds and hedgehogs this winter

"The creative way gardeners are reusing old towels to help birds and hedgehogs this winter.

Every home has that one greying towel that’s dried more bodies than you dare to count. But instead of tossing it, take note from gardeners, who are giving old towels a second life as winter wildlife protectors – and keeping some of our most beloved native critters warm through the coldest months.

Oh yes, when the nights draw in and the first frosts arrive, our gardens quietly become a lifeline for wildlife. Hedgehogs search for safe places to hibernate, birds work overtime to conserve precious energy, and insects look for any scrap of shelter from the cold.

And that aforementioned towel? The one that’s all but falling apart and taking up space in your airing cupboard? This wildlife garden idea could be the best and most eco-friendly solution available, so long as you do it properly...

Upcycling towels in your wildlife garden

If you want to reuse old towels as winter wildlife protectors, the most important thing to remember is this: not all towels are created equal. In fact, Morris Hankinson, director of 'Hopes Grove Nurseries', advises sticking to natural fibres only.

'Old towels can be useful for winter wildlife protection, but it is important to only use natural fibre towels such as 100% cotton or bamboo,' he says.

'Remove any loose strands, hooks or loops, and avoid scented towels or those washed with fabric softener.'

That vital caveat in place, then, here are five easy ways to give old towels a second life outdoors...

1. Insulate a hedgehog house

Hedgehog houses can be a vital refuge during winter, and a little extra insulation can make a big difference during freezing weather. Enter stage left, then, the not-so-humble towel.

'Towels can be helpful for lining the roof of a hedgehog house,' says Morris, 'as long as the entrance and floor remain clear.'

If you fancy taking this chance to reuse old towels as winter wildlife protectors, then fold dry towels neatly and place them along the roof or sides of your hedgehog hideaway. Take care, too, to add a waterproof layer on top to keep everything dry.

REMEMBER: if towels become damp, they should be removed and replaced. Moisture can make animals colder rather than warmer, so regular checks are essential.

2. Create shelter for hibernating amphibians
Frogs, toads and newts all seek sheltered, frost-free spots to overwinter. Thankfully, old towels can help create a snug temporary home; you just have to fold and place them inside an upturned crate, flowerpot or wooden box, positioned in a quiet, sheltered corner of the garden.

'Add fallen leaves over the top for extra insulation,' Morris suggests. 'The moisture and warmth of the towels will create a comfortable winter shelter.'

He adds that you should take care to avoid disturbing these shelters once they’re in place, as hibernating amphibians rely on being left undisturbed to survive the cold months.

3. Help stop bird baths freezing solid

Birds need access to fresh water year-round, but frozen bird baths can quickly become unusable in winter.

Wrapping an old towel around the base of a bird bath and securing it with string can help slow down the freezing process. This won’t stop ice completely in very cold weather, but it can keep water accessible for longer.

'Towels should never be placed inside bird nesting boxes, as they can snag claws,' says Steven Bell, gardening enthusiast and founder of 'Paving Shopper.'

However, he points out that you can pop old towels inside open-fronted sheds or lean-tos where birds naturally roost, as these dry, insulated areas give birds a welcome refuge during harsh weather, particularly overnight.

4. Add extra insulation to bug hotels
Bug hotels provide valuable winter homes for bees, ladybirds, beetles and other beneficial insects, but prolonged cold snaps can still be dangerous.

'Adding some extra insulation can be lifesaving,' says Morris. He suggests you cut old towels into strips and gently tuck them behind bamboo canes, pine cones or other materials inside bug hotels.

The fabric will help trap warmth and reduces exposure to icy winds without blocking airflow, significantly improving survival rates until spring

5. Keep towels handy for wildlife emergencies

It’s always worth keeping one or two old towels aside for unexpected encounters. Towels are invaluable if you come across a cold or stunned bird, a hedgehog out during daylight, or an injured small mammal.

'It might be too ratty to dry yourself with, but that old towel can be used to gently contain an animal, keep it warm, and protect both you and the creature while you seek advice from a wildlife rescue organisation,' promises Steven.

FAQs

Can you use old towels in the garden?
'Old towels are ideal for garden reuse because they’re insulating, absorbent, flexible, and breathable,' says Steven Bell of Paving Shopper. 'Best of all, they’re usually destined for the bin, making this a zero-cost, low-waste solution.'

To that end, then, he recommends repurposing them as 'plant protection during frosty spells, especially for potted plants that are more vulnerable to freezing'.

'Wrap towels around pots or drape them over tender plants overnight, securing loosely with garden twine. This helps protect roots from freezing temperatures while still allowing air circulation. In the morning, remove them to prevent excess moisture building up,' he says, noting that insects sheltering in plant bases benefit from the extra insulation as an added bonus.

Does the RSPCA want old towels?
If you don't want to reuse old towels as winter wildlife protectors in your own garden, it's worth considering that the RSPCA is always in need of towels and fleecy bedding for the animals at their homing centres.

The Dogs Trust also welcome old towels.

And just like that, you know how to reuse old towels as winter wildlife protectors! What a brilliant way to help nature and give that threadbare rag a second lease of life outdoors, eh?

Give it a go this winter, and you may find that your garden’s smaller residents thank you for it. Quietly, of course. From a cosy, towel-lined hideaway."

Words and pictures from article seen here

~ ----- xxxxx ----- ~

This blog is presented in a magazine style. You will find a variety of articles, studies, thoughts, photographs, music and recipes! However, not all the recipe ideas featured in this blog may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan

Did You Know ?

 

Giraffes are 30 times more likely to get hit by lightning than people. 

True, there are only five well-documented fatal lightning strikes on giraffes between 1996 and 2010. But due to the population of the species being just 140,000 during this time, it makes for about 0.003 lightning deaths per thousand giraffes each year. This is 30 times the equivalent fatality rate for humans.

Read more here

The fear of long words is called Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia. 

Goodness! That is a long word!

This 36-letter word was first used by the Roman poet Horace in the first century BCE to criticise those writers with an unreasonable penchant for long words. It was American poet Aimee Nezheukumatathil, who coined the term how we know it in 2000.

Read more here

The world’s oldest dog lived to 29.5 years old. 

While the median age a dog reaches tends to be about 10-15 years, one Australian cattle dog, ‘Bluey’, survived to the ripe old age of 29.5.

Read more here

The world’s oldest cat lived to 38 years and three days old.

Creme Puff was the oldest cat to ever live.

Read more here

The biggest butterfly in the world has a 31cm wingspan.

It belongs to the Queen Alexandra's Birdwing butterfly, which you can find in the forests of the Oro Province, in the east of Papua New Guinea.

Read more here

I hope you enjoyed these five facts - did you know any of them?
Do please share your thoughts in the comments.

the snowdrop is one of the January birth flowers see here

This blog is presented in a magazine style, and you will find a variety of articles, studies, thoughts, funnies, photographs, music and recipes. However, not all the recipe ideas featured in this blog may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic (more about this here) and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e., use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Meatball, Lentil and Cabbage Hotpot : Warming on Cooler Days

This comforting, warming and tasty hotpot recipe comes from 'Sainsbury's' so uses a lot of their own items. It is simple to create, because it uses their own ready-made meatballs. However, as with most recipes, little tweaks and subtle changes can be made to better suit you ... i.e. you may prefer to make your own meatballs, and sauce - or use a different brand!

Ingredients
Serves Four
1 tbsp oil
560 g ready-made beef meatballs with tomato sauce and Parmesan
1 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tsp smoked paprika, plus an extra pinch to garnish
390 g carton chopped tomatoes with basil and oregano
500 ml beef stock
120 g dried green lentils
14 g fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, plus extra to garnish
0.25 Savoy cabbage, shredded
1 courgette (zucchini), trimmed, halved horizontally, and cut into crescents
4 tsp 50% (less fat) crème fraîche

Method
1. Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 10 minutes, turning, until brown all over. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Add the onion, garlic and paprika to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, until the onion is soft. Return the meatballs to the pan with the tomatoes, stock, lentils and sachets of sauce and Parmesan from the meatball pack. Turn up the heat and boil for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, until the lentils are tender.
3. Stir in the parsley, cabbage and courgette, and cook for 10 minutes. Serve with the crème fraîche sprinkled with the extra paprika and a scattering of parsley.

Sit down and enjoy.

Meals like this really lend themselves to the white bowl type serving dish as seen in the picture above.

This makes a great Friday night ... end of week dish. Or indeed you may prefer to make and enjoy it over the weekend. The choice as ever, dear reader, is yours.

Each serving provides
23.2g carbohydrate 6.3g fibre 35.4g protein 25.5g Fat
Original recipe idea can be seen here
If you would like a recipe for meatless meatballs see here

~enjoy your January days ~

This blog brings a variety of articles, studies etc. plus recent news/views and recipe ideas, something for everyone to read and enjoy. Please note, not all recipes may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Thai Green Curry : A Joe Wicks Recipe

Fragrant and filling, this Thai green curry from Joe Wicks, is packed with protein and will surely keep the whole family happy.

If you ever find yourself craving a takeaway, give this recipe a go instead. It’s simple and delicious, says Joe. Avoid the tinned coconut milks, which often contain gums and emulsifiers, and instead opt for the solid block of creamed coconut, which is 99.9% pure coconut.

The great thing with curries like this is you can really throw in any of your favourite veg. So, if you don’t enjoy the texture of aubergine/eggplant, you could use courgette/zucchini, baby corn or mangetout (also called snow peas/sugar snap peas). 

Whatever you go for, it’s guaranteed to taste incredible.

Ingredients

Serves 4

100g creamed coconut block, roughly chopped
10g desiccated coconut
4 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts, or 8 large skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 800g), roughly chopped
1tsp ground ginger
1tsp garlic powder
2-3tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1 aubergine/eggplant, cut into 1-2cm diced
170g green Thai curry paste
1x400g tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed
280g uncooked basmati rice or lower carb frozen cauliflower rice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

To serve
1 red chilli, thinly sliced (deseeded if preferred)
Handful of coriander leaves, chopped
1 lime, cut into wedges or cheeks - see how here

Method
1. Add 400 millilitres boiling-hot water to a heatproof jug and add the creamed coconut pieces. Leave to dissolve, whisking if necessary.
2. Toast the desiccated coconut in a dry frying pan over a medium high heat for three to four minutes until golden, stirring regularly (be careful: it can burn quickly). Set aside in a bowl.
3. Add the chopped chicken to a large bowl and sprinkle over the ginger and garlic. Toss well to evenly coat.
4. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan or wok over a high heat. Fry the chicken in batches for four to five minutes per batch until golden brown all over, adding another tablespoon of oil for each batch. Transfer to a bowl, season and set aside.
5. Add more oil to the same pan over a medium-high heat, add the aubergine/eggplant and stir-fry for three to four minutes until softened and starting to caramelise. Reduce the heat to medium and add the curry paste and coconut milk. Bring to the boil and let it cook for several minutes until the coconut milk reduces by more than half.
6. Reduce the heat to low, add the rinsed chickpeas and return the chicken pieces to the pan (along with any juices from the bowl). Leave to warm through until ready to serve.
7. Meanwhile, cook the basmati rice according to the packet instructions (usually in a saucepan of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes). Once cooked, drain the rice in a sieve and season with salt. Stir through half the toasted coconut.

If using frozen cauliflower rice follow cooking instructions on pack and follow instructions above.
8. Serve the chicken with the rice (of your choice), scattering over the remaining coconut. Top the chicken with sliced chilli and coriander and serve with lime wedges or cheeks on the side to squeeze over.

You may also like to see this recipe by Joe Wicks

Scrambled Egg and Feta Hash, for breakfast or lunch see the recipe here

~ wishing you a happy day ~

You will find a variety of recipe ideas and articles within this blog. Please note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

DIABETES NEWS : 'NICE is assessing first immunotherapy drug to delay type one diabetes'

Sharing this article posted by Dr Katharine Morrison on The Diabetes Diet Blog here

"Adapted from BMJ 23 August 2025

The UK drug regulator has approved the first immunotherapy to be licenced to delay the progression of type one diabetes in patients with the early stage of the disease.

MHRA says that teplizumab (Tzield) manufactured by Sanofi, can be given to children over aged 8 and adults who have stage 2 of the disease and are at high risk of progressing to stage 3. At stage 3 blood sugars are raised and usually symptomatic.

If the condition can be detected at stage 2, a 14 day course of daily infusions can delay the onset of symptomatic type one diabetes by an average of three years. It works by binding to certain immune cells and may deactivate those cells that attack insulin producing cells, while increasing the cells that moderate the immune response.

NICE is determining the cost effectiveness of the programme and will decide if it should be rolled out in the NHS. The final report has not yet been published but draft guidance as of January 2026 indicates that it will not be rolled out in the NHS.

------------------------

Dr Katharine Morrison comment: This article was published in September 2025 following approval made by the MHRA in August. So far I’ve heard nothing as to whether this drug has been approved by NICE or not. NICE is very keen on value for money. Apart from that, an important aspect is how clinicians are meant to identify those individuals who are on the cusp of developing symptomatic diabetes but who don’t yet know it. Siblings of Type Ones are at high risk (1 in 20 as far as I remember) and children of Type One men (1 in 3). I would imagine that one strategy would be monthly to three monthly finger prick blood sugar tests for those at risk over the age of 8. Time will tell."

-------------------------

Update 12 January 2026

The European Commission has approved Teizeild, the European brand name for the immunotherapy teplizumab, for use in people with stage 2 type 1 diabetes (T1D). This marks an important step forward in efforts to delay the progression of the condition.

Read more here

My comment: So thankful for the continued research that goes into Type One Diabetes and indeed all types of diabetes, but what will NICE do?

Will they approve, and will it be rolled out for the NHS?

We shall have to wait a little longer to find out - see here

All the best Jan

This Tuesday ... why not enjoy a Pork, Spinach and Butter Bean Traybake

Enjoy this simple, hearty pork, spinach and butter bean traybake, brimming with vibrant spinach and creamy butter beans ... but see below if you would prefer a vegetarian alternative!

Ingredients

Serves Four (but easily adaptable to suit)
4 (British) pork chops approx. 700g
2 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion, finely sliced​
3 garlic cloves, finely sliced
6 fresh thyme sprigs, leaves picked
1 tsp Dijon mustard​
2 x 400g tins butter beans
½ reduced-salt vegetable stock cube, made up to 150ml
220g baby spinach, washed
crusty bread, to serve (optional)
you can see six lower carb bread suggestions here

Method

1. Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C. Remove the pork chops from the fridge; drizzle over 1 tbsp oil, season and rub to coat. Cover and set aside.
2. Heat the remaining oil in a deep, ovenproof frying pan or shallow, flameproof casserole dish over a medium heat. Fry the red onion for 8-10 mins, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelised. Add the garlic and thyme and cook for another 2 mins. Stir in the mustard and butter beans, along with the liquid from the tins. Pour in the stock, bring to a simmer, then transfer the pan to the oven for 15 mins.
3. Meanwhile, heat a frying pan over a high heat. Sear the pork for 1 min each side until browned. Sear for an extra 30 secs on the fat edge (this may need to be done in batches). Transfer to a plate.
4. Stir the spinach through the beans (it will wilt down), then top with the pork and any juices. Return to the oven for 8-10 mins, until the pork is just cooked and the beans are thickened. Serve with crusty bread, if you like.

Each serving contains

Carbohydrate 22.5g Protein 46.3g Fat 31g Fibre 10g
From idea seen here

Alternative Vegetarian Tray bake
Prebiotic Roasted Tray Bake With Tahini Drizzle - more details here

~ enjoy your day ~

Dear reader, you will find a variety of recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues please take these into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Extend and improve your life by getting more creative!

I know many of you who read and also comment on this blog are creative, and I do always enjoy visiting the many bloggers who feature and enjoy art. Did you know that there is growing evidence that creativity can boost your health?

"How to extend and improve your life by getting more creative

Growing evidence reveals that creativity is one of the best-kept secrets for boosting your health. From live theatre to a quick crafting break, here’s how to harness the power of art in your everyday life.

Cut your sugar, get some exercise, stop smoking, eat your vegetables, take supplements, don’t stress, sleep well. Every day, we are bombarded with information about how to live longer, healthier, happier lives. But there is one crucial piece of health advice I bet you have never been given. It’s probably the most enjoyable health tip you could be told, but the data supporting it has – to date – remained a bizarrely well-kept secret: engage in the arts.

Over the past few decades, evidence has been accumulating to suggest that being more creative works wonders for our health. Programmes being developed around the world are starting to integrate the arts into healthcare, with astonishing results, from music in surgery reducing the amount of sedatives, opioids and anti-anxiety meds needed, to dance programmes helping people with Parkinson’s disease to walk.

But the arts aren’t just there for us when we are sick. Crafts, singing, theatre, dance, reading, writing and drawing are inherently good for us as part of our day-to-day lives, even if thoughts about our health are far from our minds."
Words above seen here and more to read here

The two images on this post are from google. I do enjoy what I would term simple drawing and colouring, it can be relaxing and therapeutic.

Do please share your thoughts on this post in the comments below ...

Dear reader, you will find a variety of articles and recipes within this blog and not all will be suitable, or relevant to you. Please be aware that the articles within this blog (and any comments) are provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.

Always take account of your personal circumstances, needs, illnesses and medication you may be taking. If you have any concerns about your general health, including medication, you should contact your Doctor / health care provider.

All the best Jan