Good Food
type: channel
link: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com
date: 2025-10-24T16:00:11.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Revealed: the HEALTHIEST fermented foods (and they're less weird than you expected!)
items: Here's what the experts from Good Food put in their healthy work lunchboxes
items: The best multivitamins and minerals 2025 – tried and tested
items: The best electrolytes 2025 – tried and tested
items: How to save money with our nutritionist-approved electrolyte recipe
items: Can you 'overmaxx'? The truth about how much fibre you REALLY need
items: Do you have bad gut health? This tell-tale symptom will show you
items: Top 8 health benefits of papaya
items: 5 potential benefits of red clover
items: 6 potential benefits of l-carnitine

Revealed: the HEALTHIEST fermented foods (and they're less weird than you expected!)
type: item
date: 2025-10-24T16:00:11.000Z
creator: Kerry Torrens – Nutritionist
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Nutrition
subject: How to
subject: fermented foods
subject: goodhealth
subject: gut health
subject: kefir benefits
subject: kimchi benefits
subject: prebiotics
subject: probiotics
subject: sauerkraut benefits
subject: sourdough benefits
subject: yogurt benefits
description: Fermented foods are not just for foodies – there’s plenty of accessible options for all of us to enjoy and reap the benefits from. Nutritionist Kerry Torrens rounds up the best and, if you’re new to fermented foods, check out her recommendations for delicious recipes to try.
encoded: Fermented foods have gone from zero to hero, with our growing interest spurred by all the social media posts touting their many health benefits from improved digestion and gut health to a more resilient immune function and a reduced risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. But fermented foods are nothing new, they’ve been around for centuries, used originally as a means of preservation, before refrigerators were commonplace, they also have a strong cultural identity. If you’ve shied away from the thought of a fermented food because they sounded weird and the idea of eating bugs put you off, then think again because many of the healthiest options are familiar foods many of us eat every day. Discover our full range of health benefit guides and check out the health benefits of fermenting, what are probiotics and our favourite fermented food recipes. What are the healthiest fermented foods? 1. Cheese (including aged cheddar, parmesan, gouda and mozzarella) Would you believe that some cheeses are more effective than a probiotic supplement? Mozzarella, the Italian soft, fresh cheese is a classic example, although be aware that levels of beneficial bacteria will vary depending on the source of the milk used. Discover the healthiest cheeses. Be inspired by our recipes, including caprese salad, courgette, potato and cheddar soup and parmesan spring chicken. 2. Yogurt Interestingly, just one serving of 100g of probiotic yogurt every day may be beneficial for helping manage stress, anxiety and quality of life in post-menopausal women. We need to understand more about the mechanism behind this, so more studies are needed, but it may be a good habit to start! Discover the health benefits of yogurt. Use up yogurt to make our roast aubergines with yogurt and harissa, instant frozen berry yogurt and roasted beetroot with za’atar, chickpeas and harissa yogurt. 3. Olives Olives are one of the most popular fermented foods. Their natural saltwater fermentation makes t…

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Here's what the experts from Good Food put in their healthy work lunchboxes
type: item
creator: Kerry Torrens – Nutritionist
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Healthy food guides
subject: How to
subject: Diet
subject: easy packed lunch ideas
subject: goodhealth
subject: health packed lunch
subject: Healthy
subject: Lunch
subject: Meal
subject: meal prep
subject: Packed lunch recipes
subject: Pasta
subject: Rice
subject: Salad
subject: Sandwich
subject: Sarah Lienard
subject: Soup
subject: Wrap
description: Try our delicious healthy packed lunch ideas. Choose from homemade protein pots, hearty soups, salad boxes or filling wraps and sandwiches.
encoded: The Good Health team are not just health-conscious, they’re foodies too, so they’re constantly on the lookout for new and delicious lunches to take to work. We’re pretty sure we’ve cracked it with these inspiring ideas, they’re full of nourishing ingredients so you can look forward to a midday meal that not only tastes great, but is good for you too. Read on for all the inspiration you need for the perfect packed lunch. For top storage solutions, see our reviews of the best meal prep containers and lunchboxes. Discover our full range of healthy lunch recipes or try a selection of our healthy dinner recipes, including our lighter lasagne and chicken katsu curry. Healthy lunch recipes Burrito bowl with chipotle black beans Check out this bowl of goodness! When we create a lunch bowl we first choose a base – grains work well, here we’ve used rice but quinoa or bulgur wheat are great options too. Then we think protein – you could opt for leftover chicken or, like us, beans. Finally add plenty of greens, such as spinach, kale or broccoli and fresh herbs, if you have them. Pack a light dressing for drizzling and, when you're ready to eat, pour over and enjoy. Bowl recipes like this can easily be packed up in a lunchbox and transported to work. Nutritional summary (per serving): 573 kcal, 21g fat, 4g sat fat, 72g carbs, 16g protein Give it a go with these ‘good-for-you’ bowl recipes: Quick chicken hummus bowl Salmon & purple sprouting broccoli grain bowl Roasted cauli-broc bowl with tahini hummus Easy salmon sushi rice bowl Spinach falafel & hummus bowl Sweet potato & cauliflower lentil bowl See all our healthy bowl recipes Healthy caesar pitta Guaranteed to hit the spot, this healthy caesar pitta is made using a lean source of protein, a wholemeal pitta for its extra fibre, and a lighter anchovy, garlic and yogurt dressing. Add plenty of crunchy lettuce, cucumber and tomato, and you have a lunch that’s full of flavour yet lower in fat than you might expect of a caesar sal…

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The best multivitamins and minerals 2025 – tried and tested
type: item
date: 2025-10-22T12:59:46.000Z
creator: Kerry Torrens – Nutritionist
subject: Health
subject: Review
subject: Supplements
subject: goodhealth
description: What are the best multivitamin and mineral supplements, and are they worth it? Find out who may benefit from taking a multivitamin, and which nutrients should be included in a multi
encoded: A multivitamin and mineral refers to a supplement that blends vitamins, minerals and sometimes other health-promoting ingredients. There is no set list of ingredients, and these can vary from brand to brand – this can be an issue, as it’s difficult to compare products with different formulations. Do I need to take a multivitamin? First and foremost, you should be eating a balanced and varied diet in order to get the important vitamins and minerals our bodies need to perform at their best. Vitamins D, C and K, iron, fibre, zinc and omega-3, to name a few, are all essential for good mental and physical health. However, due to a range of factors, national surveys show that we are consistently falling short of recommended intakes. Over time, this may be a risk factor for chronic disease, especially for the elderly. So, it may be wise to top up with a well-chosen supplement. There are many high-street multivitamin and minerals (multis) available, which are generally considered safe. While supplements are never a substitute for poor diet, there is some evidence to suggest they help to reduce the nutritional gap. Whether or not to supplement with a multi can be a difficult decision, especially given that some studies suggest supplementation is not associated with improved health outcomes. One of the issues here is that studies tend to use different definitions for a multi, as well as varying doses of nutrients, combined with formulations that are subject to frequent change, all of which makes comparison difficult. Discover more in our guide: do supplements work? Best multivitamins at a glance Best multivitamin tablets Best multivitamin for meeting daily recommended values: Swallow Daily Multivitamin, £30 Best one-a-day multivitamin: HealthSpan Gold A-Z multivitamin, £15.99 Best multivitamin for women: Dr Vegan Women's ProMulti, £28.99 Best all-rounder multivitamin tablet: Higher Nature Advanced multi, £19.95 Runner-up multivitamin tablet: Centrum Advance, £4.50 Best budget…

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The best electrolytes 2025 – tried and tested
type: item
date: 2025-10-21T11:38:19.000Z
creator: Good Food team
subject: Health
subject: Review
subject: Supplements
subject: goodhealth
description: Struggling with poor sleep, fatigue or headaches? You may be dehydrated and low in electrolytes. Read our guide to the best electrolytes as well as information on when to take them, the best forms, and more
encoded: If you're not sleeping well, feeling tired or even experiencing headaches you may be dehydrated and lacking in key minerals, known as electrolytes. Among these are sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, which conduct electricity when dissolved in fluids, making them essential for regulating chemical reactions in the body so our nerves and muscles can function properly. Electrolytes also maintain our fluid balance, help the heart to work and regulate our blood pressure. Read more about what electrolytes do and how to replenish them. Best electrolytes at a glance Best electrolyte powder Best electrolytes for on the go: FreeSoul Hydrate, £29.99 Best travel-friendly electrolytes: VitHit Hydration Station, £17.50 Best electrolytes for targeted hydration: Zooki Hydration+ range, from £12.99 Best fruit-flavoured electrolytes: Punchy Daily Hydration reset – Citrus, £15 Best electrolytes to start the day: Ancient + Brave True Hydration, from £19.20 Best electrolytes for balance: Humantra Himalayan Lime, from £23.80 Best plant-based electrolyte: Veloforte Mixed Electrolyte Powders, £18.90 Best easy-to-drink electrolytes: fourfive Hydro electrolytes, from £10 Best electrolytes for athletes: SiS Hydro+ electrolyte drink mix, from £8.99 Best electrolytes with added mushrooms: Spacegoods hydrodust, £34 Best electrolyte tablets Best berry-flavoured electrolytes: Healthspan Elite Activ Hydrate – Berry, £15.99 Best all-rounder electrolytes: Phizz Daily 3-in-1, £19.99 Best electrolytes for value for money: SiS Hydro tablets, from £8 Best electrolytes for interesting flavours: Hiro Hydration, £24 Jump to section: Best electrolyte supplements to buy in 2025 What are electrolytes? When should you take electrolytes? What is the best form of electrolytes? How we tested electrolyte supplements Our key criteria were price (which we judged by the cost of a recommended daily dose), the percentage of nutrient reference value (where relevant) provided in the recommended dose of each product,…

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How to save money with our nutritionist-approved electrolyte recipe
type: item
date: 2025-10-20T16:03:24.000Z
creator: Kerry Torrens – Nutritionist
subject: Fitness
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Nutrition
subject: How to
subject: dehydration
subject: electrolytes
subject: goodhealth
subject: how to replenish electrolytes
subject: Hydration
subject: what are electrolytes
description: Electrolyte supplements are everywhere, but do you really need to spend out to stay hydrated? We find out…
encoded: Electrolytes are essential minerals and crucial for hydration and muscle function. While the role they play in maintaining hydration is undisputed, if you’re already eating a varied, balanced diet do you really need an electrolyte boost and, if so, does this mean spending big on electrolyte products? Discover the answer to these questions and learn to make your own electrolyte drink. Found in our body fluids, electrolytes are minerals like sodium, potassium and chloride, and have an electric charge (‘electro’) when dissolved in liquid. They play a vital role in the body, not just to support hydration, but by regulating muscle contractions and nerve impulses, and helping balance the body’s pH levels. Trending on social media, electrolyte supplements are hot news and as a result tend to put a fairly hefty dent in your pocket. Next, discover how to stay hydrated on a run, the most hydrating foods and find out how much you should drink a day. How to make an electrolyte drink at home Easy to make and affordable, homemade electrolyte drinks can make a healthier alternative to expensive supplements and fancy, shop-bought products. Simply follow these easy steps: Pick your base Healthy options include milk, mineral water, herbal tea and coconut water. Although it might not be your first choice for hydration, studies suggest that milk is more beneficial than a sports drink. This is because it is a natural source of electrolytes, including sodium – if you choose a plant-based alternative, make sure it’s fortified with key nutrients. Coconut water is another popular choice and is rich in potassium, however it’s comparably low in sodium, as are other plant milks. Look for a product made with 100% coconut water, with no added sugars. Top up with fruit and vegetables Fruit juices, soft fruits like banana and avocado as well as cucumber and kiwi blend really easily and contribute electrolytes, including potassium, as well as natural sugars. Add balance A pinch of salt, bicarbonate…

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Can you 'overmaxx'? The truth about how much fibre you REALLY need
type: item
date: 2025-10-20T16:03:18.000Z
creator: Kerry Torrens – Nutritionist
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Nutrition
subject: How to
subject: fibre and IBS
subject: goodhealth
subject: high fibre diet
subject: high fibre recipes
subject: how much fibre
subject: types of fibre
subject: what is fibre
description: 'Fibremaxxing' is gaining traction across our social media feeds, but is maxing your fibre always a good thing or can it bring risks of its own? And, how much fibre should you be getting? Nutritionist Kerry Torrens explains.
encoded: A wellness trend popularised by social media, 'fibremaxxing' is all about upping your fibre intake; this might involve adding fibre-rich foods like prunes to your diet or, when taken to extremes, boosting fibre through supplements such as powders. Most of us think of fibre as the non-digestible mainly carbohydrate material found in plants – the part that our digestive enzymes can’t break down. Getting enough of this fibre is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes and colon cancer. Plus, when you eat fibre-rich foods, they’ll keep you fuller for longer, improve your digestion and keep you regular. When eaten as part of your everyday diet, fibre supports gut health and may increase the number and variety of gut bugs that live there; it also helps us maintain a healthy weight, supports cholesterol balance and regulates hormones. Is all fibre the same? The answer is no – there are three main types of fibre: Soluble fibre thickens and becomes gel-like when mixed with fluid. Examples include gums, pectin, beta-glucans in oats and the fibre found in psyllium husks. If you’re a keen jam maker, you’ll be familiar with this, because the soluble fibre pectin is key to getting a good ‘set’. In our bodies, these fibres slow our digestion and the speed at which we absorb nutrients. Be aware, though, that soluble fibre may affect the absorption of prescribed medication, so refer to your GP if needed Insoluble fibre is what we tend to refer to as ‘roughage'; this isn’t changed by our digestion, so it acts as a bulking agent that helps prevent constipation. Eating high levels of this type of fibre throughout our lifetime may help lower our risk of developing conditions like haemorrhoids, as well diverticulitis Fermentable types of fibre are broken down by gut bacteria; these fibres act as a fuel source for the gut bugs and, in return, create beneficial by-products called short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). These SCFAs feed the cells of our colon, help mak…

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Do you have bad gut health? This tell-tale symptom will show you
type: item
date: 2025-10-20T14:00:37.000Z
creator: Jo Travers
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Wellness
subject: How to
subject: bloating
subject: constipation
subject: Digestion
subject: foods for gut health
subject: goodhealth
subject: gut health
description: Did you know your gut health can affect your immunity, digestion, energy levels, mood and overall well-being? No surprise then that many of us are increasingly fascinated by what makes a ‘healthy’ gut. But how can you tell if yours is ‘healthy’ or not? Could one tell-tale symptom hold the answer…
encoded: A growing body of evidence supports the importance of gut health to our overall wellbeing. This is because what goes on in the gut is linked to many other organs and systems in the body. For example, the gut is in direct contact with the brain (known as the gut-brain axis) and is also an integral part of our immune system. This means our gut is not only responsible for digesting food and absorbing nutrients, it can lead to a host of other symptoms too, from altering our mood to influencing how many colds we get. If you’re feeling bloated, most of the time, then listen up, because your body could be telling you that your gut is not as ‘healthy’ as it could be. This is because regular abdominal bloating can be a sign of too much gas in your system. If you experience regular bloating, say it happens every day from lots of different foods and drinks, it suggests the food you eat isn’t being digested properly, and instead is fermenting in the gut and producing lots of gas. One reason for this is that the balance of bacteria that are known to live in the gut may be less favourable. Remember not all bloating is caused by an unhealthy gut, for example, drinking lots of fizzy drinks can cause bloating, occasionally, as can gulping your food too quickly so it may be helpful to keep a food diary to see how relevant this is for you. Discover more about gut health with the Good Food guide to digestive health, or try some of our gut-friendly recipes and the best probiotic foods. Here's some other ways to tell if your gut might not be as healthy as it could be… 1. You’re suffering excessive wind Everyone passes wind (the average is around 25 times a day), but if you’re finding you have a lot of wind, it’s another sign that excess gas is being produced in the gut. As humans we can’t digest fibre, so we rely on good gut bacteria to digest it for us. If we don’t have the right balance of bacteria in the gut – a condition called dysbiosis – the breakdown of certain foods can be affect…

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Top 8 health benefits of papaya
type: item
date: 2025-10-17T15:21:21.000Z
creator: Kerry Torrens – Nutritionist
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Nutrition
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
description: This tropical fruit contains a range of important nutrients. How can it best help your health?
encoded: Papaya is rich in vitamin C as well as protective plant compounds, including one that’s more commonly associated with tomatoes – lycopene. Our nutritionist takes a deep dive into this low-calorie fruit to highlight its nutritional and culinary benefits. What is papaya? Papaya or pawpaw (carica papaya) is a sweet, soft, fleshy fruit native to Mexico, although India is currently the largest global producer. Under-ripe papaya is a useful source of the enzyme papain and can be used to tenderise cheaper cuts of meat. The benefits of papaya include: • Source of carotenoids • Source of fibre • Source of papain • May protect the skin • May support heart health • May support eye health • May protect against cancer • May aid the management of asthma Discover our full range of health benefit guides, including the benefits of mango and benefits of pineapple. Nutritional profile of papaya An 80g serving of papaya: • 29 kcals/122KJ • 0.4g protein • 7g fat • 7g carbohydrate • 7g sugars • 2.3g fibre • 160mg potassium • 48mg vit C Top 8 health benefits of papaya 1. Source of carotenoids The fruit’s orange colour is a clear indicator that papaya is a source of fat-soluble pigments called carotenoids, including lycopene, carotene and cryptoxanthin. Interestingly, the carotenoids in papaya are more bioavailable than those found in tomato and carrots, and the fruit provides a ready source of provitamin A. 2. Source of fibre Papaya contains both soluble and insoluble fibre and, as such, may support digestive health, ease constipation, support the gut microbiome (the community of gut microbes that play a role in keeping us healthy), help stabilise blood sugar levels and potentially aid the management of cholesterol. 3. Source of papain Papaya is a natural source of an enzyme called papain, this enzyme helps to break down proteins in muscle fibres, this means when it is applied in meat preparation, it can help make the meat more palatable and easier to digest. 4. May protect the skin Key n…

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5 potential benefits of red clover
type: item
date: 2025-10-17T15:17:14.000Z
creator: Kerry Torrens – Nutritionist
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Nutrition
subject: How to
subject: best supplements
subject: clover
subject: goodhealth
subject: herbal supplements
subject: supplements
description: Often included in menopause supplements, is this plant something you should consider?
encoded: The growing awareness of the health implications of menopause and the impact this stage has on a woman’s quality of life has meant increased interested in the gamut of treatments. Herbal supplements like red clover have long been used to balance hormones and support the menopausal transition, but are its benefits backed by science? We explore the evidence to help you decide whether it’s worth adding to your repertoire or not. What is red clover? A pretty flowering plant, red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a legume from the same family as peas and beans. Like its plant relatives, red clover is a source of compounds called isoflavones which are known for their mild oestrogenic effects. Red clover has been used as a traditional remedy for hormonal issues including breast pain, menopause and male-pattern baldness. Typically taken as a supplement or tea infusion, red clover has also been used for osteoporosis, skin disorders, asthma and arthritis. That said, there is limited scientific evidence to support some of these uses. Health benefits of red clover include: May have cardioprotective effects May relieve hot flushes May support bone mineral density May support hair and skin health May support prostate health Discover our full range of health benefit guides including the health benefits of soya and the 10 health benefits of flaxseed. 5 potential benefits of red clover 1. May have cardioprotective effects Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life and is accompanied by a number of physical changes, which includes an increased risk of heart disease. Red clover isoflavones appear to have a small but positive effect in this regard. For example, red clover extract appears to lower levels of a type of blood fat called triglycerides, while increasing high density lipoprotein (HDL), sometimes referred to as ‘good cholesterol’ and decreasing low density lipoprotein (‘bad cholesterol’). These beneficial changes to a menopausal woman’s blood lipid profile may hel…

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6 potential benefits of l-carnitine
type: item
date: 2025-10-13T09:15:42.000Z
creator: Kerry Torrens – Nutritionist
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Nutrition
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
description: Have you heard of this supplement, believed to be an aid for focus and weight loss?
encoded: A naturally occurring compound produced by the body and available as a supplement, l-carnitine supports brain function and aids weight loss, according to some claims. But, does the evidence stack up? Read on to discover more. Supplements that claim to shift the pounds and slim our waistlines are understandably attractive, but before you spend, it’s important to understand the science and whether a particular supplement is appropriate for your circumstances. What is l-carnitine? Carnitine is the generic term used for several compounds: l-carnitine, acetyl-l-carnitine and propionyl-l-carnitine. Carnitine is an amino acid derivative (a building block of protein) made by the body in the liver, kidneys and brain, from two other amino acids, lysine and methionine. For your body to make sufficient amounts, you also need adequate amounts of vitamin C, iron and vitamins B3 and B6. Carnitine is not considered an essential amino acid because the body can make what it needs. We also obtain carnitine from the foods we eat, especially those of animal origin. One of the benefits of carnitine is that it helps convert the foods we eat into energy; it’s especially important for its role in taking long chain fatty acids into energy producing sites known as mitochondria. Carnitine also appears to influence the heart, as well as muscle mass. The benefits of carnitine include: • May improve fat loss • May increase muscle mass • May support energy production in the heart • May improve exercise performance • May improve male fertility • May aid brain function Discover our full range of health benefit guides, including how to lose weight healthily and weight loss drugs: are they right for you? 6 potential benefits of l-carnitine 1. May improve fat loss L-carnitine is often used as a diet aid because it supports the transportation of fatty acids into the energy-producing mitochondria. In doing so, it helps us use fat for energy, especially when we combine it with exercise. Studies suggest th…

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