Category: Science Blog

The biological actions of vitamin D are carried out via the binding of vitamin D3 to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) (Ashcroft et al 2020). VDR is expressed in most cells, and may activate between 200 and 500 genes, many related to the immune system (Bergman 2021), including B and T lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and […]

Historical use of Shiitake mushrooms Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) are native to Asia where they have been cultivated for their culinary and medicinal value since the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644), who developed methods for cultivating these mushrooms on logs (Jones 1995). In the countries of East Asia Shiitake mushrooms are still used as ‘Functional […]

Historical use of olive leaf extract  As noted by Şahin & Bilgin (2018), olive leaf was first used medicinally in ancient Egypt, and was the symbol of heavenly power. Egyptians used the oil extracted from olive leaf in mummification ceremonies. Olive tree leaves have been also widely used in traditional remedies in European and Mediterranean […]

About propolis Propolis, or bee glue, is a mixture of substances used by bees to defend the hive.  As noted in a review by Przybyłek & Karpiński (2019), propolis has significant antimicrobial properties against human pathogens; properties which have been known since antiquity. The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians were aware of the healing properties […]

Marvin is a 29-year old accountant with a very stressful job, working long hours and then commuting home on a train which is often packed with commuters. He suffers from chronic constipation which he manages by taking laxatives. He is aware that his constipation is exacerbated by his stress levels and lack of physical activity. […]

Health benefits of eggs Eggs are an excellent food choice; they are a natural source of nutrients such as B vitamins (B2, B12, folic acid and choline), as well as fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K and the mineral selenium. Eggs are also a good source of carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) which protect against […]

Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is a dietary approach to lower blood pressure (BP). Research shows that even relatively small reductions in BP can dramatically reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality. DASH diet is characterised by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, lean meats, fish, poultry, low- […]

Feeling tired?  Consider checking your vitamin D status Fatigue is a very common complaint, characterized by lack of energy, feelings of tiredness that are not relieved by sleep, and an inability to function mentally or physically. Fatigue may result from a number of different aetiologies including lack of sleep, anxiety, anaemias, underactive thyroid, adrenal hypofunction, […]

I hate diets! Typically, one perceives a diet as a quick fix to lose weight, regardless of their health implications. Also, diets come and go and even experts cannot agree which diet is the best. One diet that I particularly dislike is a low-fat diet. Low-fat diet I have a pet hate for low-fat diets […]

Having just delivered a lecture to Year 1 students regarding the influence of nutrition on the immune system, this seems like the perfect time to write a short blog piece on a related topic. At this time of year, many of us find ourselves struggling with a cold, or even perhaps the flu, particularly if […]