Advice and recommendations on “free from” foods and drinks for those looking to avoid certain ingredients and chemicals.
Anyone passionate about understanding the chemicals in their food has probably come across the ingredient propylene glycol. This is an extremely common food additive that is legal in the United Kingdom. But what foods contain propylene glycol in the UK? Why is this compound added to food? And is propylene glycol safe to eat? This …
Nitrates are usually associated with fertilisers, but did you know that nitrates are also found in food? Nitrates are mainly known for their presence in processed meats since scientists and politicians called for a UK ban on nitrates in bacon and ham in 2018 due to potential carcinogenic properties. But are nitrates still present in …
Injecting cows with synthetic hormones to increase milk production is currently banned in the UK, so British milk doesn’t contain additional hormones. However, cow’s milk does contain some hormones naturally, so milk is never completely hormone free. What Is Bovine Growth Hormone? Bovine somatotropin (bST), also known as bovine growth hormone, is a protein hormone …
Bread is one of the most commonly consumed foods in the United Kingdom. We have toast for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, croutons in salads, and garlic bread with our dinner. However, bread can be a highly processed food! Therefore, many people are curious about what actually goes into a loaf of bread. Or, more specifically, …
Many of us consider brown bread a healthier alternative to white bread. Wholemeal bread contains four times the amount of fibre, twice as much iron, and many essential B-group vitamins as its white bread counterpart. But rumour has it that white bread is a poorer choice not solely due to these nutritional differences, but also …
Many of us love to unwind at the end of a busy, stressful day with a glass of wine, and there’s evidence to suggest that moderate consumption of wine can actually be good for us. Wine contains antioxidants known as polyphenols, which are said to protect our bodies against heart disease and cancer. Unfortunately, it’s …
If you haven’t already heard of low-poo shampoo, then it might sound a little strange. Shampoo described as “low-poo” means it’s free of sulphates, silicones and other harsh chemicals. Any form of shampoo that is made from natural ingredients and is free from sulphates and silicones can be referred to as “low-poo”. In its purest …
If you haven’t heard of this group of chemicals before, then you might be surprised to learn that they are present in hundreds of household, beauty and other plastic and manufactured goods that you come into contact with. Phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) are used in plastics to soften them but are also present in many artificially …
When you’re brushing your teeth, you might not think about the ingredients that you’re actually putting in your mouth. If you’re buying toothpaste in the UK, all of the ingredients used will have been tested and deemed safe by the relevant authorities. However, some ingredients can cause irritation and discomfort for some people. One of …
Dental health can say a lot about your overall wellness; gum and tooth disease are reliable indicators of your heart health, bone condition, and metabolism. Most conventional dentists and health professionals recommend the use of fluoride to keep teeth in good shape, but this controversial mineral can also be toxic to general health in high …
