Response from Irene McCabe Naturopathic Nutritionist:

Eggs are packed full of nutrition providing omega 3, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They also contain B vitamins which are good for energy and the nervous system and lecithin, which is good for liver health and helps to balance the effect of bad fats in the body.  

Eggs are an inexpensive source of high quality protein and are one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring vitamin D.  In fact, egg protein is so high quality that it is used as the standard to which the amino acid profiles of all other proteins are compared. They are also a good source of choline which is an important nutrient that helps regulate the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular system. 

Eggs are beneficial for the hair, nails and eyes. In one study researchers found that people who eat eggs every day lower their risk of developing cataracts and may help prevent macular degeneration. Many people find their hair growing faster after adding eggs to their diet, especially if they were previously deficient in foods containing sulphur or B12.

Despite being so nutritious many people try to avoid eating eggs or will separate the eggs prior to cooking and discard the yolks. They are convinced that the yolks are bad for them because they contain cholesterol. This is a myth. 

Try to eat organic eggs from free range birds as such eggs tend to have a healthier nutritional profile than eggs that are produced in a factory farm setting. 

Response from Nikki Biddiss, Medical Herbalist: 

The apparent health benefits of chocolate are numerous. Should we be munching on chocolate to improve our health or are these findings just too good to be true? 

Over 6000 studies have been published on chocolate and it contains 700 active compounds including theobromine, flavanols, tryptophan and caffeine. Its anti-oxidant action protects against sun damage while the flavanols improve blood flow and circulation to support heart health and boost brain function. Tryptophan is converted in the body to serotonin to boost mood, while phenylethylamine increases pleasure-giving endorphins in the brain and enhances libido. No wonder it has been suggested as an aphrodisiac with life-prolonging powers! 

Most of the health benefits come from the cocoa beans which are ground down into powder. Cocoa powder is very bitter tasting and so sugar, milk, vanilla and saturated fats are added. This may add taste but it also adds calories: a 100g bar of chocolate accounts for a quarter of our daily recommended calorie intake and up to two thirds of the recommended saturated fat intake. These added ingredients are increasingly condemned as the components of our diet which lead to poor health including obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Dark chocolate has less saturated fat but eating fruit, vegetables and drinking green tea would be a healthier way to obtain the anti-oxidant benefits. 

Added to the fact that some research is sponsored by chocolate manufacturers, we can only conclude that eating chocolate is not the healthiest option but sometimes a little of what you fancy is good for you!  

  Consult your health practitioner before following any advice if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have underlying health issues or are on any other medication.  

Nikki Biddiss is a Medical Herbalist, Aromatherapy Massage Therapist and Stress and Wellbeing Coach. To book a consultation For Nikki call Napier’s, 61 Cresswell Street, Glasgow on 0141 339 5859.  

Irene McCabe is a Naturopathic Nutritionist and has been an Independent Nutritional Researcher for over 30 years. Irene also practices Allergy and Intolerance Testing and Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapy and is the former owner of Napier’s in Glasgow’s West End. To book a consultation For Irene call The Harvest Clinic, 201 West George Street, Glasgow on 0141 333 0878   

Email responsenatural@gmail.com