Good Food
type: channel
link: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com
date: 2026-03-25T11:08:49.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: New science shows tweaking your diet now can save your brain later
items: 10 expert tips and easy swaps to keep your heart healthy
items: The acid reflux diet: what is it?
items: "My PCOS took over four years to diagnose. Here's what I've learned…"
items: What are the best and worst foods for acne?
items: Is hay fever hitting harder and earlier than ever?
items: Be your own physio: reduce injury risk and get DIY treatment hacks from the experts
items: The diet that reduces your blood pressure AND cholesterol at the same time
items: We asked 8 men their biggest health fear – then got an expert to answer them
items: 7 things never to say to someone who’s menopausal (and what to say instead)

New science shows tweaking your diet now can save your brain later
type: item
date: 2026-03-25T11:08:49.000Z
creator: Vicky Chandler
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: Nutrition
subject: How to
subject: ageing well
subject: boost brain power
subject: brain foods
subject: brain health
subject: goodhealth
description: It’s never too late to make these achievable changes – now proven to reduce cognitive ageing
encoded: For a long time, I assumed dementia was merely a matter of genetic fate. Something that either was or wasn't coming for you, written into your DNA long before you'd ever thought to worry about it. But a wave of new research is starting to challenge that idea, and place far more control back in our hands than we might expect. Published in March 2026, several major studies suggest that what we eat, particularly in midlife, may play a meaningful role in how our brains age. Not just in terms of memory or focus, but in measurable changes to risk and even brain structure itself. Crucially, the message isn’t that you needed to start decades ago. The evidence increasingly points to something far more encouraging: that it’s never too late to make changes that matter. The most striking findings come from a large study which followed around 159,000 adults. Researchers found that those who adhered most closely to healthy dietary patterns had a significantly lower risk of cognitive decline. One approach stood out, the DASH diet, originally designed to lower blood pressure. Those who followed it most closely had around a 41% lower risk of cognitive decline compared to those with the poorest diets. It’s one of the clearest signals yet that a widely recommended, relatively accessible way of eating could support long-term brain health. From a clinical standpoint, the findings are both reassuring and unsurprising. “From a GP’s perspective, these findings are encouraging because they reinforce something we’ve long suspected, that dementia risk isn’t fixed, and lifestyle factors can play a meaningful role alongside genetics,” says Dr Semiya Aziz, NHS GP and founder of Say GP. “While the evidence for diets like DASH and MIND is observational rather than causal, we know these patterns support cardiovascular health, and heart health and brain health are closely linked.” Firstly, what are the MIND and DASH diets? You've almost certainly heard of the Mediterranean diet. MIND and DASH are it…

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10 expert tips and easy swaps to keep your heart healthy
type: item
date: 2026-03-23T11:47:51.000Z
creator: Victoria Taylor – Senior dietitian - British Heart Foundation
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: How to
subject: British heart Foundation
subject: cholesterol
subject: Dairy
subject: goodhealth
subject: heart health
subject: Red meat
subject: Victoria Taylor
description: What should you eat to support your heart health? Victoria Taylor, senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation, shares her top dietary and lifestyle tips
encoded: With over two decades of experience Victoria Taylor, senior dietitian at The British Heart Foundation, provides expert advice on diet and its links with heart disease. Victoria shares her top 10 tips for a heart-healthy diet and suggests we start first by increasing the number of fibre-rich, nutrient dense foods we eat. It can be hard to know where to start with healthy eating, especially if you have a specific focus, such as heart health, we asked Victoria Taylor, senior dietitian at The British Heart Foundation to give us an easy step by step guide to better heart health. Discover what is heart disease?, the best heart healthy foods and our heart-healthy recipe collection. 1. Fill up on fibre Health experts recommend we eat at least 30g of fibre a day, depending on our age and gender – sadly, very few of us achieve these levels. Eating fibre-rich foods, like beans, lentils, nuts and seeds as well as wholegrains, such as oats, helps to keep us fuller for longer, supports our gut health and may help us manage weight. If you’re not used to high amounts of fibre in your diet, make increases gradually so you don’t overwhelm your gut. Why it matters: eating a high fibre diet is associated with a significantly lower risk of heart disease, stroke and heart-related deaths. One thing to do this week: swap white bread, pasta and rice for ‘brown’ wholegrain versions. 2. Go low with dairy Using low-fat milk instead of whole milk will reduce your saturated fat intake, which in turn may help lower cholesterol levels. It might seem like a small change but, because milk is an everyday staple for many people, it can add up and make a big difference to your overall diet. Why it matters: saturated fats are a primary cause of raised low density lipoprotein (LDL), this is the type of blood fat often referred to as ‘bad cholesterol’. One thing to do this week: if you already use semi-skimmed milk but are reluctant to use skimmed, give 1% milk a go. Find out more about cholesterol. 3. Bi…

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The acid reflux diet: what is it?
type: item
date: 2026-03-05T00:00:20.000Z
creator: Kerry Torrens – Nutritionist
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: How to
subject: acid reflux
subject: acid reflux diet
subject: drinks for acid reflux
subject: foods for acid reflux
subject: goodhealth
subject: heartburn
description: Is acid reflux (aka heartburn) affecting your life? Nutritionist Kerry Torrens explains what it is, the triggers and how diet and lifestyle may alleviate symptoms
encoded: What is acid reflux (heartburn)? Acid reflux, often referred to as heartburn, is one of the most common digestive complaints, affecting approximately one in five UK adults. For many of these people, occasional heartburn or regurgitation is an unpleasant experience, but doesn’t progress to anything more serious. Its typically described as a pain or burning sensation in the chest which comes on after eating. A typical trigger scenario might be bending to load the dishwasher after eating a rich, heavy or spicy meal. For those with frequent or severe heartburn, it may be the presentation of a potentially more problematic condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Discover our full range of health benefit guides and check out more on popular diets such as the low FODMAP diet and 5:2 diet. Visit our ‘All you need to know about diets’ page for recipes and more expert advice on weight loss, including low-GI and the Mediterranean diet’ What are the symptoms of acid reflux? Symptoms vary from a warm to burning pain felt in the middle of the chest, which rises up towards the throat. Some sufferers complain of an unpleasant taste in the mouth or bad breath. All of these symptoms are understandable when you consider that reflux involves the acidic contents of the stomach repeating into the gullet or oesophagus. At its mildest this is unpleasant, but can become more serious. While the stomach lining protects itself against the acidity needed for digestion, if enough reflux makes its way back into the oesophagus, this may, over time, lead to inflammation and even ulcers. How does acid reflux start? As we age, our muscles lose tone and start to function less effectively. This is relevant because there is a muscular ring, known as the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), which separates our stomach from our oesophagus. The role of this muscle is to act as a one-way gate allowing the flow of food down the gullet and into the stomach. However, as our muscle tone weakens,…

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"My PCOS took over four years to diagnose. Here's what I've learned…"
type: item
date: 2026-03-04T10:46:02.000Z
creator: Kayleigh Rattle
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
subject: PCOS
subject: PCOS diet
subject: PCOS nutrition
subject: PCOS tips
subject: women's health
description: This condition isn’t rare, yet achieving a diagnosis sometimes feels like an impossibility
encoded: Those four letters can elicit fear, sympathy and dread. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects up to one in eight women of reproductive age, yet many of us are waiting almost half a decade for a diagnosis – and what often feels like an eternity for any support. More than a third of women with PCOS have to wait longer than four years for a diagnosis, while 38 per cent of women surveyed did not receive any follow-up resources once they received a diagnosis, according to a recent report. I had this experience, too. A couple of weeks ago I received a formal diagnosis of PCOS. It has taken four years, for something I now realise has been a lifelong problem. Early suspicions PCOS is identified by having at least two of the following three symptoms: irregular periods, excess androgens (male hormones) and a scan showing polycystic ovaries (fluid-filled sacs on enlarged ovaries). Other common symptoms also include difficulty getting pregnant (PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility), excessive hair growth (due to excessive androgen), insulin resistance, weight gain, oily skin and acne. Having PCOS can also increase the chance of developing type 2 diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnoea. Sugar crashes, unruly hormones, crippling periods and secondary infertility are just some of a long list of symptoms I’ve experienced over the years, but have been attributed by professionals to being part of my monthly cycle. But I’ve always suspected something wasn’t quite right. Even my friends and family have learned to carry snacks with them between meals in case I ‘dip’ or ‘crash’. Like a Tamagotchi, I need feeding regularly. This extreme reaction to sugar (or lack of), led me to suspect diabetes, but blood tests have always come back as normal. Worsening symptoms After having my son six years ago, my symptoms reached the point where I could no longer believe them to be ‘normal’. There have been sugar…

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What are the best and worst foods for acne?
type: item
date: 2026-03-02T15:56:40.000Z
creator: Jo Williams – Registered nutritionist
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
description: Can removing certain foods help clear your skin? Explore the link between diet and acne: learn which foods may worsen breakouts, which support healthy skin, and how nutrition can play a powerful role in achieving a glowing, acne-free complexion.
encoded: Acne is one of those things that almost everyone deals with at some point, especially during the teenage years. In fact, around 85% of people aged 12-25 experience it at some point. But despite how common it is, figuring out how to treat it can feel like navigating a maze. Topical creams, cleansers, antibiotics, supplements… the options are endless, and often pricey. But what if the secret to clearer skin lies not in your bathroom cabinet but in your fridge? Let’s dive into the connection between diet and acne, and explore whether ditching certain everyday foods could help you glow from the inside out. Next, check out how to eat your way to fabulous skin, find out how to stop spending money on collagen supplements and 10 cheap ways to get enough fibre. What is acne? Acne isn’t just about having a few spots, it’s a medical condition. It happens when your pores and hair follicles get clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to inflammation, excess oil production, bacteria buildup and breakouts. It can show up as: Blackheads and whiteheads Red bumps (papules) Pimples Painful cysts Acne can affect your chest, back and shoulders as well as your face. It can linger for weeks or months, with the risk of scarring and pigmentation, and can really impact your confidence and mental health. Common triggers include: Hormonal changes (puberty, periods, pregnancy) Excess oil production Dead skin cell buildup Bacteria in pores Diet (especially dairy and sugary foods) Stress Certain medications Heavy makeup or skincare Genetics How does diet affect acne? Growing research shows that diet can influence the severity and frequency of acne. It’s important to distinguish between foods that trigger or worsen symptoms and those that cause acne outright, because the root causes are usually internal (genetics, hormones, some medications). Nonetheless, diet can act as a powerful external factor. What the research says Research has shown that diets high in sugar, fried foods and dairy are …

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Is hay fever hitting harder and earlier than ever?
type: item
date: 2026-02-27T10:55:14.000Z
creator: Helen Salter
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: News & Trends
subject: How to
description: Severe hay fever has been reported following a short bout of February sunshine but what is making symptoms worse for sufferers? And why this early?
encoded: It’s not even spring yet but two days of warm weather have seen hay fever sufferers in misery as tree pollen runs wild. It feels like the season starts earlier and hits harder every year. But can this be true? Rebecca Seal, journalist and author of Irritated: The Allergy Epidemic and What We Can Do About It, explains that more people are developing allergies such as hay fever now than ever before. "In the early-mid 1800s the first researchers to look into hay fever found it very hard to find subjects to study because hay fever was so rare, whereas nowadays up to a quarter of adults have seasonal allergies and numbers are rising." What’s causing more severe symptoms for hay fever sufferers? While more people are developing hay fever, it also seems that symptoms are worsening. But what is causing this: higher pollen counts in the air or the body’s histamine response? Rebecca tells me that one reason hay fever symptoms are primarily made more severe is by the pollen in the air: "The more pollen there is, the more intense the symptoms. One reason that hay fever rates are going up is that the amount of pollen in the air is increasing too." Rebecca also notes how, strangely, it is more of an issue seen in cities. "This is partly because we have unwittingly filled urban areas with highly allergenic plants, like birch trees, of which many are male trees chosen because they don't drop as much onto city streets," says Rebecca. "Male birch trees are pollen super producers, though, so even if they make an area look nicer to live in, they can also cause a lot of harm." Once you start to look, Rebecca says, you'll notice that urban planting often involves a lot of potentially allergenic grasses too. "Pollen can get trapped in hard landscaping and swirl around rather than being washed away, especially in dry weather. Pollution can make the problem worse still, because polluting chemicals interact with pollen to break it into smaller pieces, meaning it can travel deeper into our lu…

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Be your own physio: reduce injury risk and get DIY treatment hacks from the experts
type: item
date: 2026-01-23T10:28:02.000Z
creator: Lucy Gornall
subject: Fitness
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: exercise tips
subject: goodhealth
description: You can’t get fit if you're out of action! Here are the most common exercise-induced injuries and how to treat them
encoded: New year, new routine? Whether you’re returning to exercise after a Christmas break or you’ve promised yourself to get fit following a long workout hiatus, it’s wise to avoid going full throttle on day one. As a personal trainer, I see it all the time: clients push too hard too fast and often end up nursing an injury that requires them to slow down or worse, stop exercising entirely. Although injuries can just be a part of being active – even the most seasoned athletes struggle to avoid these setbacks – most exercise-related injuries are preventable. Poor form, especially in the weights room, as well as skipping warm-ups and cool-downs, are some of the biggest injury-inducing culprits, along with overloading your body before it’s ready. If any of my clients do experience pain, I encourage them to stop all high-impact activity (I’m talking running and HIIT workouts in particular) and book an appointment with a physio, to help treat the pain and prevent it happening again. However, physios come at a cost. So, there are some things you can try at home which may help you to keep your routine on track. The injury: Runner’s knee With 40 per cent of the UK population running at least once a week (according to research by SportsShoes), and over 50 million people in the United States running regularly, plenty of people are at risk of Patellofemoral joint pain, also known as runner’s knee. This refers to pain at the front of the knee or around the kneecap where it meets the thigh bone. Doing too much, too soon – whether that’s mileage, speed or hills – overloads the joint and if your knee can’t tolerate this load, pain can kick in. “Activities that increase the compressive load and therefore repetitive impact through the knee when it’s bent, can trigger symptoms,” says Julia Draper, physiotherapist and sports masseuse at The Running Room Battersea clinic. This includes squatting, cycling, jumping and landing and even sitting for long periods with bent knees. Prevent it: New t…

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The diet that reduces your blood pressure AND cholesterol at the same time
type: item
date: 2026-01-12T11:24:39.000Z
creator: Jo Williams – Registered nutritionist
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: How to
subject: DASH diet
subject: DASH diet recipes
subject: diets
subject: goodhealth
subject: popular diets
description: With a mass of science behind it, and proven benefits to heart health, why isn’t this diet more well known?
encoded: If you’ve been told to watch your blood pressure or cholesterol, you might think this means strict calorie counting, expensive supplements, or giving up all your favourite foods. The good news is there’s a proven eating plan that requires none of that yet still delivers powerful health benefits. It’s called DASH, short for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It was originally designed to lower blood pressure, but it's become evident that it also improves cholesterol levels, supports heart health and promotes overall wellbeing. What Makes DASH Different? Unlike fad diets, DASH isn’t about deprivation or complicated rules. It's a flexible, natural approach that encourages eating more of what your body needs, such as whole foods, and less of what it doesn’t, such as processed, high-salt foods. Research shows that following DASH can lower systolic blood pressure (the top number) by around five points, and the diastolic (bottom number) by about three points. It has also been shown to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, therefore reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. And here’s the best part: no calorie counting, no weighing portions, no expensive supplements. Instead, DASH focuses on real, everyday foods that you can find at any supermarket. What is the DASH eating plan? The DASH diet emphasises nutrient-rich, whole foods that are high in potassium, calcium, magnesium, fibre and protein, all of which help regulate blood pressure and support heart health. The key principles are: Limit sodium/salt Increase intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean proteins, nuts and seeds Reduce intake of red and processed meats, sugary drinks and sweets, and ultra-processed foods high in saturated and trans fats. The recommended daily servings based on a 2,000-calorie diet can be found here: What is the DASH diet? Exactly how good is it for you? The DASH diet is one of the most researched diets in the world. It’s backed by decades of clinical tri…

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We asked 8 men their biggest health fear – then got an expert to answer them
type: item
date: 2025-12-11T12:58:49.000Z
creator: Emily Burg
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
description: Many men stay silent about their health, but speaking up can save lives. We explore key concerns, from heart health to stress, plus get expert tips from nutritionist Kerry Torrens and GP Dr Chintal Patel
encoded: When it comes to health, men have a bit of a reputation for adopting a 'head in the sand' approach, hoping that if a problem is ignored long enough, it will simply disappear. But, silence can be dangerous. In the UK, around 15 men die prematurely every hour, often from conditions that could have been prevented or treated earlier. From worries about ageing and fitness, to disease and mental wellbeing, these concerns are real – yet too often they go unspoken. In this article, we’re opening up the conversation around men’s health. We’ll explore the real worries men often think about but rarely discuss, from heart health and degenerative diseases to stress and nutrition. The aim? To show that these concerns are both valid and common – and that with the right support and small lifestyle shifts, men can take charge of their wellbeing with confidence. "Heart disease runs in my family" Frank, 27, Cork Heart disease is my biggest health concern because it runs in my family. My grandfather had severe heart problems throughout his life, including a triple bypass and several heart attacks, and I’ve been told I have a slightly irregular heartbeat. I usually feel fine, but sometimes my heart skips a beat or doubles up, which feels strange, almost like a reset. It doesn’t affect my daily life, but it does make me more conscious about looking after myself. I gave up smoking recently and I’m cutting back on alcohol and processed foods. I exercise regularly too, which I’m sure helps. One common misconception is that heart disease only affects older people. In reality, it can be hereditary and often develops over time, so taking care of your heart when you’re young really matters. When it comes to advice, I follow a mix of nutritional websites and Instagram accounts. The same themes often recur – olive oil, ginger, vegetables, fruit and eating earlier in the evening, as well as avoiding heavy carbs and refined sugars. I chat to my parents about heart health now and then, but not reall…

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7 things never to say to someone who’s menopausal (and what to say instead)
type: item
date: 2025-11-20T10:33:50.000Z
creator: Rob Kemp
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
subject: help with menopause
subject: manage menopause
subject: Menopause
subject: menopause tips
description: Health writer and husband Rob Kemp spoke to menopause experts, relationship counsellors, psychologists and even a hostage negotiator (yes, really) to understand why talking about menopause can be so hard - and how to make it easier.
encoded: When menopause exploded into our lives, we went looking for a no-nonsense guide that explained what the hell was happening. We found brilliant menopause books for women, but nothing that showed us chaps how to step up without ballsing it up. So, for the husbands, partners, sons, brothers, friends and work colleagues of those women experiencing the menopause, we’ve tried to expose the conversational booby traps - the throwaway comments, awkward jokes and well-meant advice – that can turn a perfectly ordinary chat into a full-blown domestic crisis. Or worse. (One survey by The Family Law Menopause Project and Newson Health Research and Education showed 7 in 10 respondents blamed the menopause for the breakdown of their marriage.) Here then are some tips we’ve learned from women who’ve lived it, and men who’ve ridden the rollercoaster alongside them. Some clung on by their fingernails. Others somehow learned to enjoy the ride. Before you accidentally say something that earns you a night on the sofa, here are 7 things never to say to someone going through menopause… and what to say instead. 1. “It’s just a phase” Why not to say it: This is the conversational equivalent of patting someone on the head. Menopause isn’t a mood swing or “a bit of a bad day.” It’s a major biological transition that can last years. Dismissing it as temporary trivialises the physical and emotional load she’s carrying. What to say instead: “How are you feeling?” It’s open, kind and shows you’re actually listening - not minimising. Menopause affects sleep, sex drive, energy levels, cognition, mood and confidence. And no, it doesn’t “just pass”. But with the right support, symptoms can be managed - which starts with a conversation that doesn’t shut her down. 2. “You’re not yourself lately.” Why not to say it: It sounds like an accusation, even if you don’t mean it that way. Many menopausal symptoms are hormonal, not emotional, and women already feel self-conscious about feeling “different.” What t…

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