Good Food
type: channel
link: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com
date: 2026-02-16T14:59:46.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Are wellness shots worth the hype?
items: The best pre-workout supplements 2026 – tried and tested
items: The best creatine supplements 2026 – tried and tested
items: Top 11 health benefits of chickpeas
items: Do you have bad gut health? This tell-tale symptom will show you

Are wellness shots worth the hype?
type: item
date: 2026-02-16T14:59:46.000Z
creator: Jo Travers
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Wellness
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
description: Are these ‘magic potions’ a magic bullet for your health? Or just overpriced juice? Our nutritionist investigates what’s worth your money and what’s not
encoded: Wellness shots might seem like a modern phenomenon, with rows of colourful little bottles now packing out fridges in shops and cafés, but taking tonics and elixirs is nothing new, as Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicines show us. Since there have been people, it seems, there have been people wanting to feel better. Finding ways to improve athletic performance, enhance the immune system, get more energy, reduce anxiety, heighten focus and alertness and generally optimise how we function is something that is important to many of us. But we prefer it to be easy, right? And that’s where modern wellness drinks slot in: quick, convenient and ready-made with the promise of ticking those boxes. What are the different types of wellness shots? There are a few different categories of wellness drinks aimed at different people. Exercisers are targeted with recovery shots; people with gut health issues can try pro- and pre-biotic drinks; for stress and relaxation there are CBD-infused drinks; vitamin shots for immunity; herbal extracts for perimenopause and brain-boosting shots containing adaptogens. But do they actually live up to their promises and, if so, should we all be drinking them? Let’s have a look at the evidence to see if they’re worth the money and, most importantly, if they're safe. 1. Recovery drinks There is definitely a lot of evidence that nutrients can help performance and recovery after exercise. Some shots on the market contain caffeine to give an energy kick, or beetroot for a source of nitrates, shown to aid blood flow and respiration. Electrolytes can help rehydration, and amino acids, such as leucine and isoleucine, can help muscle soreness. Look for these ingredients in your drink, but also be aware that getting the effective dose is important. A lack of regulation in the market means that, unfortunately, there is very little reassurance that these drinks actually contain what they say they do. For example, studies show that, to see an effect on muscle r…

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The best pre-workout supplements 2026 – tried and tested
type: item
date: 2026-02-10T11:43:41.000Z
creator: Good Food team
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Review
subject: Supplements
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
description: What are the best nutrients to be taking to boost your training? Whether you’re looking for performance enhancement or muscle building, our expert nutritionist has looked into the best supplements on the market
encoded: For those looking to maximise their workouts, pre-workout supplements have become a popular choice to boost energy, focus and endurance. Designed to support physical performance, these supplements can help you push through fatigue, whether you’re tackling high-intensity training, building muscle or improving stamina. By combining active ingredients like caffeine, amino acids and creatine, they provide the extra edge needed to reach fitness goals. The effectiveness of a pre-workout supplement depends on its ingredients and your individual needs. Some focus on enhancing energy and concentration, while others target muscle recovery or endurance. Caffeine is a common inclusion that's known for improving alertness and performance, while creatine aids short bursts of intense activity. Beta-alanine and nitrates are also often included to help delay fatigue and improve blood flow during exercise. Timing is key when using pre-workout supplements, with most designed to be taken 30-60 minutes before exercise. Experimenting with timing and formulations can help you find what works best for your routine. Best pre-workout supplements at a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS Podium Athlete Pre, £23.99 ProMix PreWorkout, £39.99 Innermost The Energy Booster, £29.95 Optimum Nutrition Fruit Punch Gold Standard Pre-Workout 330g, £27 Jump to: Best pre-workout supplements to buy in 2026 What should be in a pre-workout supplement? What makes a good pre-workout supplement? When should you take a pre-workout supplement? Why you can trust Good Food reviews This review was developed with the help of a qualified nutritionist and registered dietitian, who combined her clinical expertise with a practical understanding of how pre-workout supplements fit into real training routines. Each product was checked for its formulation, dosage, ease of use and value for money, with special attention to ingredients like caffeine, creatine and beta-alanine and whether they were included at levels shown to be effective. A…

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The best creatine supplements 2026 – tried and tested
type: item
date: 2026-01-19T11:25:25.000Z
creator: Good Food team
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Review
subject: Supplements
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
description: This popular supplement is taken by gym-goers to help muscle bulking, as well as by performance athletes. Find out more and read our expert nutritionist’s review of the best products on the market
encoded: If you're into your fitness, you've probably heard of creatine. It's naturally found in the body and in foods like meat and fish. It helps regenerate ATP, the molecule that powers high-intensity physical activity. For those engaged in sports or resistance training, creatine can improve performance, boost recovery and support strength development. The effects of creatine have been extensively researched and while athletes often use it to enhance muscle growth or endurance it’s also beneficial for general energy metabolism. Available in powders, capsules and tablets, creatine monohydrate is the most studied and cost-effective form. Innovations like capsules and micronised powders offer added convenience. A daily dose of 3-5 grams is sufficient for most users. Pairing creatine with carbs or protein can enhance absorption, though timing relative to workouts remains debated. Affordable, safe and effective, creatine is a staple in sports nutrition (it's the only one allowed in competitive sport). Whether you're an athlete or casual gym-goer, it’s a brilliant way to elevate performance and recovery. Best creatine supplements at a glance Best creatine powders: FreeSoul Pure Creatine Monohydrate Powder, £12.49 FreeSoul HydraCreatine Creatine & Electrolytes Powder, £19.99 VivoLife Creatine, £19.99 ESN Ultrapure Creatine Powder, £17.99 Warrior creatine and electrolytes (mixed berry), £19.99 FreeSoul CreaGlow Creatine + Collagen Powder, £34.99 Innermost The Power Booster Creatine, £24.95 Elite All Blacks Creatine Monohydrate, £35.19 MyProtein Impact Creatine, £3.99 WeightWorld Creatine Monohydrate Micronised Powder, from £8.49 Ancient + Brave True Creatine +, £28 Best creatine capsules: MyProteinCreapure Micronized Creatine Capsules, £32.99 Best creatine tablets: WeightWorld Creatine Monohydrate Tablets, £19.99 Jump to: Best creatine supplements to buy in 2026 How much creatine should I take each day? When should I take creatine? What form of creatine should I take? What format…

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Top 11 health benefits of chickpeas
type: item
date: 2026-01-13T12:59:58.000Z
creator: Jo Travers
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Nutrition
subject: How to
subject: Chickpea
subject: Dried beans and pulses
subject: dried chickpeas
subject: goodhealth
subject: health benefits
subject: Hummus
subject: tinned chickpeas
description: Chickpeas are a versatile pulse that can roasted with garlic & rosemary oil, added to a curry and much more. Our nutritionist reveals more about their metabolic and other health benefits.
encoded: What are chickpeas? Chickpeas – otherwise known as garbanzo beans – are a type of legume that is grown in over 50 countries worldwide. They are generally dried for easy long-term storage, then rehydrated (or, in developed countries, canned). They have numerous benefits, providing a cheap, plant-based source of protein, micronutrients and fibre, as well as slow-release carbs, which support energy levels and blood sugar control. They form a large part of the diet in India, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe, and are eaten in curries, salads, soups, dips and spreads – hummus is a popular recipe around the world. Chickpeas can also be milled into flour, known as gram or besan, and made into flatbreads, such as roti or dosa – an Indian pancake. They're now widely available in the form of chickpea pasta, too, making them extremely versatile. Discover how to cook chickpeas, beans & pulses recipe ideas and mealtime inspiration in our chickpea recipes, from easy falafel to chickpea curry. Benefits of chickpeas may include: Good source of protein Contain anti-inflammatory polyphenols High in iron Source of magnesium Low glycaemic index (GI) May help regulate blood sugar Associated with lower risk of bowel cancer Help with weight management by reducing fat storage May help restore the balance of bacteria in the gut, supporting good digestive health Can lower cholesterol Can lower blood pressure Nutritional profile of chickpeas 100g (cooked) chickpeas provides: 164kcal 9g protein 27g carbohydrate 8g fibre Top 11 health benefits of chickpeas 1. They are a good source of protein Chickpeas are high in plant proteins, which are widely accepted to be beneficial for health when compared to animal proteins. This means they can be a good substitute in recipes that contain meat, providing additional nutrients such as magnesium and fibre. 2. Contain anti-inflammatory polyphenols Chickpeas contain isoflavones, a type of polyphenol that is antioxidant – meaning it can prevent damage …

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Do you have bad gut health? This tell-tale symptom will show you
type: item
date: 2025-10-20T14:00:37.000Z
creator: Jo Travers
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Wellness
subject: How to
subject: bloating
subject: constipation
subject: Digestion
subject: foods for gut health
subject: goodhealth
subject: gut health
description: Did you know your gut health can affect your immunity, digestion, energy levels, mood and overall well-being? No surprise then that many of us are increasingly fascinated by what makes a ‘healthy’ gut. But how can you tell if yours is ‘healthy’ or not? Could one tell-tale symptom hold the answer…
encoded: A growing body of evidence supports the importance of gut health to our overall wellbeing. This is because what goes on in the gut is linked to many other organs and systems in the body. For example, the gut is in direct contact with the brain (known as the gut-brain axis) and is also an integral part of our immune system. This means our gut is not only responsible for digesting food and absorbing nutrients, it can lead to a host of other symptoms too, from altering our mood to influencing how many colds we get. If you’re feeling bloated, most of the time, then listen up, because your body could be telling you that your gut is not as ‘healthy’ as it could be. This is because regular abdominal bloating can be a sign of too much gas in your system. If you experience regular bloating, say it happens every day from lots of different foods and drinks, it suggests the food you eat isn’t being digested properly, and instead is fermenting in the gut and producing lots of gas. One reason for this is that the balance of bacteria that are known to live in the gut may be less favourable. Remember not all bloating is caused by an unhealthy gut, for example, drinking lots of fizzy drinks can cause bloating, occasionally, as can gulping your food too quickly so it may be helpful to keep a food diary to see how relevant this is for you. Discover more about gut health with the Good Food guide to digestive health, or try some of our gut-friendly recipes and the best probiotic foods. Here's some other ways to tell if your gut might not be as healthy as it could be… 1. You’re suffering excessive wind Everyone passes wind (the average is around 25 times a day), but if you’re finding you have a lot of wind, it’s another sign that excess gas is being produced in the gut. As humans we can’t digest fibre, so we rely on good gut bacteria to digest it for us. If we don’t have the right balance of bacteria in the gut – a condition called dysbiosis – the breakdown of certain foods can be affect…

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