EAT WRITEANITA BEAN ANSWESALL YOUR NUTRITION QUESTIONS

Q. I crave salt and salty foods. Is it my body telling me what I need?

A. There's no scientific basis to suggest that cravings are caused by our body's need for a particular nutrient. They are more likely to be linked to a negative mood. When we eat something tasty (like foods high in salt), the stimulation of our taste buds causes the release of opioids, mood-enhancing hormones. It's that feeling we crave.

Q. Do potatoes count towards my five portions of fruit and veg a day?

A. They don't. But recent research has found spuds, especially red and purple-skinned ones, contain high levels of flavanoids and carotenoids, which protect against certain cancers, just below their skin. Boil with the skin on or bake for the maximum benefit.