In recent weeks I have had to reduce my dairy intake due to a previously unidentified dairy intolerance. This decision, coupled with an unfortunate hip fracture in a family member has got me thinking a lot about calcium, bone health and osteoporosis prevention and detection. This is the first of a few posts that will explore all of these topics in detail, starting with calcium metabolism.

While finishing off the post on the benefits of the Mediterranean diet to our health, it occurred to me that while many people know cardiovascular disease = heart disease, many don’t understand the mechanisms behind it all. Now I’m not saying I’m fully versed in the area, but I thought that at least my limited knowledge may help someone understand the process better – and knowledge is power.

Last month the International Journal of Impotence Research published an article that would be of great interest to many men – the investigation of how pistachios affect erectile function, as well as blood lipid profile (i.e. cholesterol).

For many years I counted calories, and for many years I avoided foods which are naturally high in fat. In the past few months I’ve decided to give up on all of that, and instead enjoy a life full of all the foods I enjoy, be they calorie or fat rich. One food I have welcomed back into my life with open arms is the humble avocado.

There are many benefits to reducing your blood pressure (if it is high), particularly in terms of your heart health. This is because the higher your blood pressure is, the greater the resistance the heart has to work against when beating.