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.

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.

EAT WRITEANITA BEAN ANSWESALL YOUR NUTRITION QUESTIONS

Q. Are probiotic yoghurts really good for you?

In short, yes. Probiotics are the good bacteria in our guts. They help digestion and improve immunity, but can be depleted by stress, poor diet and antibiotics. They're found in live yoghurt or dairy products such as Yakult or Müller Vitality. But a probiotic tablet such as Boots Feel The Difference Probiotic and Prebiotic, £7.99 for 30, has a higher dose.

Q. I'm an insomniac. Can any foods help me sleep?

Try foods containing the amino acid tryptophan. This helps create serotonin — the sleep-inducing hormone — and is found in foods including turkey, chicken, brown rice, nuts, cheese and eggs. Foods containing carbohydrates also help, so try a bowl of cornflakes or a slice of toast and jam.

In Issue 13 (April 27) Anita said eating 50g of processed meat per day would not increase the risk of bowel cancer. However, the World Cancer Research Fund's advice is to avoid processed meat as no amount can confidently be shown not to increase bowel cancer.