Good Food
type: channel
link: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com
date: 2026-04-22T10:39:01.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Matcha is having a moment, but is this green tea powder actually any good for you?
items: Is rhubarb good for you? We dive into the 11 health benefits
items: How does sugar affect my mood?
items: Are kidney beans good for you?
items: 13 health benefits of broad beans (fava beans)
items: Experts have discovered the best time to drink coffee - and the healthiest way to do it
items: New science shows tweaking your diet now can save your brain later
items: 8 signs and symptoms that you're not getting enough magnesium
items: These 12 foods are high in soluble fibre to help you reach your target
items: Prebiotics vs probiotics: which do I need?

Matcha is having a moment, but is this green tea powder actually any good for you?
type: item
date: 2026-04-22T10:39:01.000Z
creator: Kerry Torrens – Nutritionist
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Nutrition
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
subject: health benefits
subject: how much caffeine in matcha?
subject: is matcha healthy?
subject: Matcha
subject: matcha good for you?
subject: matcha latte
subject: Matcha powder
subject: matcha tea
description: An increasingly popular ingredient – as well as a delicious drink – is matcha really packed with goodness? Our expert nutritionist investigates
encoded: Matcha has quickly become one of the UK’s most consumed drinks, but is it actually good for you? From its vibrant green colour to an increasing presence in lattes, desserts and supermarket shelves, this finely ground Japanese tea has rapidly grown in popularity, fuelled by social media and an increasing appetite for functional beverages. We explore the various purported health benefits of matcha, from boosting heart and brain health to relieving stress. What is matcha tea? Matcha is a type of green tea, produced from the same plant as 'regular' tea – Camellia sinensis. Originally served at tea ceremonies in Japan, matcha tea is now widely available and used in the food industry and in cooking. Matcha's different appearance, taste and nutrient profile to black tea is because it is grown and produced differently. The plants are covered with bamboo mats during most of the growing period, which increases the amount of chlorophyll in the leaves and results in its characteristic bright green colour. Made from the youngest, freshest part of the plant, the leaves are steamed to preserve their colour and nutrients, then dried using a specialist tencha-ro machine. The stems and veins of the remaining “tencha” are removed and the leaves are ground to a fine powder. This means when we enjoy a cup of matcha we consume the whole leaf rather than just an infusion of its leaves. This means matcha contains more fibre than tea, and counts as a plant food (useful to know if you're following the 30 plants a day plan!). Some products sold as ‘matcha’ may in fact be powdered versions of green tea. These products look very similar so it’s not always easy to differentiate them – these are the powders often used in food products such as cake and ice cream. Matcha benefits include: Rich in protective polyphenols May boost brain health, function and alertness May have a stress-relieving effect May support a healthy heart May be good for bone health May aid weight management May support blood …

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Is rhubarb good for you? We dive into the 11 health benefits
type: item
date: 2026-04-22T08:51:11.000Z
creator: Fiona Hunter
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: News & Trends
subject: Nutrition
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
subject: health benefits
subject: Rhubarb
description: A quintessential British ingredient, rhubarb is distinctive and adaptable. A nutrition consultant reveals more about their health benefits.
encoded: Is it a fruit or a vegetable? Is it toxic or safe to eat? Is it good for you? Rhubarb is a conundrum to many, but nutrition consultant Fiona Hunter can shed some light and offer us plenty of reasons to give it a try… Discover our full range of health benefit guides and check out some of our rhubarb recipes, from rhubarb & elderflower cake to pork chops with rhubarb & grains. What is rhubarb? The pink fleshy stalks of rhubarb have an intensely tart flavour, which might be why rhubarb attracts such strong opinions. Although most often used for sweet dishes – rhubarb crumble and rhubarb & custard being two favourites – it also works well in savoury dishes, baked goods like muffins, and makes delicious jam and chutney. Forced rhubarb, grown in a darkened shed, under an upturned bucket or a pot, is harvested by candlelight in mid-January to early February. It has a sweeter, more subtle flavour than main crop rhubarb which is grown outdoors and harvested in spring and early summer. Only the stalks of the plant are edible: the leaves contain very high levels of oxalic acid which is poisonous. Health benefits of rhubarb may include: Helping to keep bones healthy and reduces the risk of osteoporosis Assisting wound healing Protecting against heart disease Aiding digestion Lowering blood pressure Reducing the risk of cancer Reducing inflammation Lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes Maintaining eye health Antibacterial properties Nutrition profile 1 serving (140g) rhubarb, stewed without sugar, contains approximately: 15 kcals 0g fat 1.3g protein 2.4g fibre 0.9g carbohydrate (0.9g sugar) 0g salt What are the top health benefits of rhubarb? 1. Can help keep bones healthy and reduce the risk of osteoporosis Rhubarb is a good source of vitamin K, a key nutrient necessary for healthy bones. Vitamin K activates a protein called osteocalcin, which encourages bones to lay down calcium. Studies show that people with a higher intake of vitamin K were less likely to suffer from hip frac…

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How does sugar affect my mood?
type: item
date: 2026-04-15T11:20:12.000Z
creator: Kerry Torrens – Nutritionist
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Nutrition
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
subject: sugar and emotions
subject: sugar and mood
subject: sugar high
subject: sugar rush
subject: sugary food
description: Does too much sugar impact your brain? Registered nutritionist Kerry Torrens explores the effects that sugar has on mental health and your emotions
encoded: “With over 20 years of experience as a registered nutritionist, I specialise in the connection between food, mood and the psychological triggers behind eating habits. I believe a holistic, mind-body approach is the most effective strategy for managing sugar cravings." Kerry Torrens What matters most when it comes to managing sugar cravings? Managing sugar cravings is not just about willpower. To be successful, you need to address the underlying imbalances which include physical (blood sugar stability) and psychological (emotional and habitual) triggers. Kerry explains, “If you’ve ever had a ‘sugar rush’, you’ll know sugar can affect your mood. It’s these frequent blood sugar spikes that have more of an impact on mental wellbeing than the occasional sugary treat”. We typically associate what we eat with our physical health and even appearance, but increasing evidence supports a link between the food on our plate and our mood or emotions. Likewise, how we feel can affect our food choices too – haven’t we all reached for that ‘feel-good’ slice of cake when we’re feeling low? Or perhaps noticed that stress can affect our appetite? Some of the pleasure we get from eating foods – especially sweet treats like chocolate and cake – comes from associating these foods with the emotions and feelings they trigger. However, the role of food and our mental wellbeing goes beyond this and is intricately connected to our brain’s reward system, our inbuilt preference for all things sweet and to the two-way conversation that goes on between our gut and our brain, known as the gut-brain axis. What is sugar? The sugar we are most familiar with is the white stuff, typically derived from plants including sugar cane and sugar beet; this is a simple carbohydrate and is broken down quickly by the body. We all know we should be eating less sugar but it’s important to remember that it’s this added ‘free’ sugar we need to focus on and not the sugar that occurs naturally in foods, like milk and f…

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Are kidney beans good for you?
type: item
date: 2026-04-10T13:28:52.000Z
creator: Kerry Torrens – Nutritionist
subject: Health
subject: Nutrition
subject: Beans
subject: climate-contributions
subject: goodhealth
subject: Kidney beans
description: We look into the pros and cons of these nutrient-dense, popular beans – a staple in most kitchens and a cornerstone ingredient in chilli con carne.
encoded: What are kidney beans? Native to Central America and Mexico, this kidney-shaped variety of common bean is available in a variety of sizes and colours, including red, white, black and purple. What is the difference between red and white kidney beans? Red and white beans differ in flavour, texture and fibre content. Red varieties have an earthy flavour and firm texture which means they hold their shape, even after lengthy cooking. White kidney beans are milder, with a creamier texture, and are reported to have a higher fibre content. The skins of the red variety get their colour from compounds called anthocyanins, which have valuable protective properties. What are the health benefits of kidney beans? Nutrient-rich Valuable plant source of protein Contains slow-releasing carbs Rich in protective plant compounds Gut-healthy May support healthy bowel movements May help manage cholesterol levels May help stabilise blood sugar levels May lower blood pressure May reduce cardiovascular disease risk May support weight management May support bone health Discover our full range of health benefit guides including why you should eat more beans and pulses, and check out some of our favourite recipes like our burnt aubergine veggie chilli and our Mexican bean burgers with lime yogurt salsa. Nutritional profile of kidney beans An 80g portion of kidney beans (canned) provides: 74 kcals/313 kJ 5.5g protein 0.5g fat 12.6g carbohydrates 6.6g fibre 12mcg folate Three tablespoons or 80g (cooked weight) of kidney beans counts as one of your five-a-day – but only one, regardless of how much you eat. This is because, although beans have a lot going for them, they generally contain a less diverse range of vitamins and minerals than other fruit and vegetables. What are the top health benefits of kidney beans? 1. Nutrient-rich Kidney beans are a useful source of a number of vitamins and minerals including folate, iron, manganese, potassium, molybdenum and copper. 2. Valuable plant source of pr…

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13 health benefits of broad beans (fava beans)
type: item
date: 2026-04-10T11:32:24.000Z
creator: Kerry Torrens – Nutritionist
subject: Health
subject: Nutrition
subject: Beans
subject: Broad beans
subject: fava beans
subject: goodhealth
subject: health benefits
description: 13 reasons why you should include these tasty beans in your meals
encoded: These large, flat-sided, bright green legumes are familiar to most of us, but did you know that in their dry form they can be ground to make a gluten-free flour and used in recipes like pancakes and pizza? Keep reading for more nutritionist-approved facts about these versatile beans. What are broad/fava beans? One of the earliest cultivated foods, broad beans, also referred to as fava beans, are packed with vitamins including the B group, as well as minerals like iron, manganese and potassium. Historically, broad beans were an important food staple because they could be stored in their dried form for long periods, but with the introduction of the potato during the 16th century, they lost popularity. The dried fruit of a smaller seeded variety of broad bean are typically known as fava beans, and are popular in Middle Eastern dishes. What are the health benefits of broad beans? Nutrient-rich Plant source of protein Gut-healthy May help support immune function May help manage blood sugar levels May support bone strength May support healthy bowel function May support blood pressure May support heart health May help with the symptoms of Parkinson’s May support iron-deficiency anaemia May aid weight management Makes a gluten-free flour alternative Discover our full range of health benefit guides including why you should eat more beans and pulses, and check out some of our favourite recipes like our pea and broad bean shakshuka and our chilli broad bean fritters with homemade labneh. Nutritional profile of broad beans An 80g portion of broad beans (boiled) provides: 38 kcals/163 kJ 4.1g protein 0.6g fat 4.5g carbohydrates 5.8g fibre 26mcg folate 16mg vitamin C Three tablespoons or 80g (cooked weight) of broad beans counts as one of your five-a-day – but only one, regardless of how much you eat. This is because, though beans have a lot going for them, they generally contain a less diverse range of vitamins and minerals than other fruit and vegetables. What are the top healt…

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Experts have discovered the best time to drink coffee - and the healthiest way to do it
type: item
date: 2026-04-02T10:26:05.000Z
creator: Helen Salter
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Nutrition
subject: How to
subject: Caffeine
subject: Coffee
subject: goodhealth
subject: how much caffeine
description: Is your morning coffee causing an afternoon caffeine crash? We investigate the best time to drink it, plus the healthiest types of coffee available – including the ones to avoid.
encoded: Coffee is a daily ritual for millions – in the UK alone, we consume approximately 98 million cups of coffee per day, while 16% of us visit coffee shops on a daily basis. But when is the ideal time to enjoy your caffeine boost? And how can you make it as healthy as possible? We asked a range of experts to explain the science, the practicalities and the healthiest approaches to consuming caffeine. What’s the best time of day to drink coffee? Many of us reach for our morning coffee almost as soon as we wake, but experts suggest holding off a little longer – until mid-to-late morning – for the most effective and healthiest energy boost. This is because your body’s natural cortisol levels are highest shortly after waking, meaning you’re already getting a natural alertness boost. Adding caffeine at this point can lead to overstimulation and jitteriness. Celeste Wong, coffee expert and barista, also advises giving yourself time to wake up before reaching for your first cup. She suggests waiting 30 to 90 minutes after waking, allowing hormones like cortisol and adenosine to regulate naturally and helping prevent an afternoon caffeine crash. Additionally, research from the University of Bath highlights that drinking coffee after breakfast, rather than before, is better for metabolic control and blood sugar stability. A protein-rich breakfast followed by coffee is considered an optimal routine for both energy and health. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2026/03/GettyImages-2148986071-fc0cf88.jpg" width="7822" height="5215" alt="Close-up of a kitchen scene - A man pours a hot cup of coffee from a french press coffee maker. The mug is surrounded by egg cups containing hard boiled eggs. Sun shines through the window creating shadows on the kitchen counter. The steam is backlit." title="When is the best time of day for your caffeine boost – and the healthiest way to get it" /> How long do the effects of caffeine last? Caffeine is absorbed rapi…

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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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8 signs and symptoms that you're not getting enough magnesium
type: item
date: 2026-03-11T16:25:19.000Z
creator: Kerry Torrens – Nutritionist
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: News & Trends
subject: Nutrition
subject: Supplements
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
subject: health benefits of magnesium
subject: magnesium
subject: Minerals
description: How to spot if you’re not getting enough of this important mineral
encoded: Having low levels of magnesium is more common than you may realise, and can affect many areas of your health and wellbeing. If you’re plagued with poor sleep, tense muscles or low energy, magnesium could be a factor. Magnesium’s role in the body is an important one, affecting everything from energy production, blood sugar balance, weight management and even mood to the regulation of muscle contractions and blood pressure. It's perhaps no surprise that it’s the fourth-most abundant mineral in the body, and involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions. Read on for the signs and symptoms of low magnesium levels, as well how to address a deficiency. Who is at risk of low magnesium levels? Most people with magnesium deficiency are undiagnosed. This is because magnesium levels in the blood don’t accurately reflect the amount in your cells. While any of us may develop magnesium deficiency, it’s more common in certain groups, including children and adolescents, older adults and post-menopausal women. Those with certain health conditions may also be at greater risk, including conditions that impact the efficiency of the gut, such as coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, as well as people with type 2 diabetes, eating disorders like anorexia or those with an alcohol dependency. If you’ve been prescribed medications, including diuretics or antibiotics, then you should be aware that these are known to deplete magnesium levels. Discover our full range of health benefit guides including the best magnesium foods and the top 10 health benefits of magnesium. Why might our diets be low in magnesium? Many of us simply don’t get enough magnesium from our diets. Nutritional surveys support this, with reports of low magnesium levels among young adults, especially women. One reason for this is the high level of processed foods that many of us rely on for convenience and speed. Studies suggest that processing removes an estimated 80% of the magnesium from foods. Another factor is…

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These 12 foods are high in soluble fibre to help you reach your target
type: item
date: 2026-03-10T12:11:04.000Z
creator: Kerry Torrens – Nutritionist
subject: Health
subject: News & Trends
subject: Nutrition
subject: Fibre
subject: goodhealth
subject: soluble fibre
description: Fibre is more than just roughage to keep us regular, also supporting gut health, balancing blood sugar and lowering cholesterol. Discover ways to up your intake
encoded: With only 4% of UK adults eating enough fibre, this is clearly one area of our diets we need to work on. Fibre is more than just roughage to keep us regular. The right type of fibre can lower cholesterol, balance blood sugar and support gut health. Read on to learn more about fibre as well as easy ways to up your intake. What is fibre? Fibre refers to a group of carbs found in plant foods including fruit, vegetables, cereals and grains. Unlike other carbs, fibre isn't digested by the body. Instead, it passes through the digestive system, providing a wealth of benefits along the way. We typically refer to two main types of fibre: soluble, which attracts water and may or may not form a gel; and insoluble, which is the roughage we most commonly associate with keeping us regular. Fibre offers various properties and benefits for health, dependent on its type and characteristics. In this article we’ll focus on soluble fibre, including the best sources, some delicious recipes to try, and we’ll answer some of your most common questions. Discover our full range of health benefit guides and check out our guide on what is fibre? and all you need to know about fibremaxxing. What’s so special about soluble fibre? Soluble fibre is considered gentler and easier on the gut; it helps to slow digestion and may have glycaemic (blood sugar-balancing) and cholesterol-managing benefits. However, not all soluble fibre acts in the same way or has the same function and beneficial outcome; this depends on how the fibre reacts with water and whether it can be fermented by gut bacteria. There are three functional forms of soluble fibre: Dissolves in water, forms a gel and is fermented by gut microbes, eg beta-glucan in oats Dissolves in water, doesn’t form a gel and is fermented by gut microbes, eg resistant starch in cooked and cooled potatoes Dissolves in water, forms a gel but is poorly fermented, eg psyllium husks Why do we need to eat more soluble fibre? While we need more fibre of all ty…

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Prebiotics vs probiotics: which do I need?
type: item
date: 2026-03-10T12:10:37.000Z
creator: Kerry Torrens – Nutritionist
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: News & Trends
subject: Nutrition
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
subject: gut health
subject: prebiotics
subject: probiotic
subject: probiotic foods
description: In the world of gut health, terminology can be confusing. Our nutritionist helps to demystify and explain which – if any – could be of help
encoded: According to Bowel Research UK, nearly three quarters of UK adults buy the same foods every week. This lack of food diversity may increase our risk of gut issues. Poor gut health can significantly impact our quality of life and yet simple dietary changes, such as changing what we routinely buy and picking some key foods, can make all the difference. Understanding what pre- and probiotics are is a useful starting point. These gut health essentials serve distinct, yet related roles, helping to nourish and balance our digestive system. A simple analogy is to think of your gut as a garden – probiotics represent the plants and flowers, and prebiotics are the fertiliser you feed them. Read on to learn more about pre- and probiotics, how they differ, how they benefit us and, if you decide to supplement, whether they should be taken together or separately. Discover our full range of health benefit guides and check out our guide on what probiotics are and what they do and all you need to know about how diet affects your gut health. What’s the difference between prebiotics and probiotics? Probiotics are beneficial live micro-organisms, such as bacteria (e.g. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria) and certain yeast (like Saccharomyces Boulardii). When administered in adequate amounts, probiotics confer a health benefit on the host. These beneficial microbes can be found in foods like fermented dairy (including yogurt and kefir) as well as fermented vegetables such as kimchi and sauerkraut. Pasteurising and cooking these foods may kill most probiotics, so look for raw, unpasteurised products and where appropriate minimise the application of heat. You need to consistently consume sources of probiotics in order to sustain their benefits. It’s worth saying that probiotics are not the same as your natural gut microbes: the latter is a unique ecosystem of trillions of micro-organisms, while probiotics are specific forms of beneficial microbes that may temporarily support gut health. Preb…

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