EAT WRITEANITA BEAN ANSWESALL YOUR NUTRITION QUESTIONS

Q. I'm pregnant and I'm confused about whether I can drink any alcohol. What's a safe limit?

The latest guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) are not to drink alcohol at all during pregnancy. But NICE also advises that if you must drink, avoid it in the first three months then limit yourself to one or two units once or twice a week.

Q. I never have sweets and I eat healthily, but my dentist says acid is eroding my teeth. What can I do?

Sweets aren't the only food that is bad for your teeth. Fruit, fruit juice, fizzy drinks and wine are all acidic and can lead to the erosion or thinning of tooth enamel. You can help neutralise acid by eating cheese or yoghurt after an acidic food. Also avoid brushing teeth straight after eating, and use a low-abrasion toothpaste such as Sensodyne Pronamel, which can help repair teeth.

Q. Is it true that toxins from plastic food packaging, cling film and containers can transfer to food?

Yes, toxins from packaging, cling film and containers may leach and transfer to food they have contact with, particularly if it's high-fat food or is heated. Minimise the risk by transferring food into Pyrex or ceramic containers before heating, and by using foil instead of cling film to wrap high-fat foods.

SUPERFOODS: Brazil nuts

The Brazil nut is a great source of selenium, an antioxidant that boosts your immune system, helps prevent cancer, heart disease and premature ageing. Just three Brazil nuts a day will provide a sufficient intake of selenium.

Comments

[mrs i swift]

can you please tell me if you can eat the outer skin on a butternut squash as i bake them in the oven and they do go crispy just like a jacket potato, thank you, regards isabel :0)