Welcome to Dr Nic’s page, where I get to share with you all a few tips on how you can try to boost your health by eating well. As a GP, I am often asked about the health benefits of certain foods, and I also try to dispel some common myths.

Please contact me, if you have any specific questions or areas you would like to know more about, and i’ll do my best to oblige!

I thought I’d kickstart this feature by featuring two classic vegetables which are very much in season in February……..

Good old Cabbage

- a great source of vitamin C
- as well as vitamins A, B and E
- good source of iron, useful for women in their menstruating years as they often have low iron levels
- may reduce the risk of developing several cancers, of note colon cancer
- very low in calories too, only approx 25 calories per 100g

One of my favourites…Parsnips

- a close relative of the carrot but richer in most vitamins and minerals
- rich in potassium…an alternative to bananas which are often recommended to boost low potassium levels
- a good source of fibre
- good source of vitamins B & C and folate, though these levels are reduced on cooking them…but they are lovely roasted!
- low in calories at only 66 per 100g….more if roasted in oil!

Five a day

One of the best ways of ensuring you get five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, is to sign up for a vegetable box , which are often organic, from your local farm shop or farmer….they often deliver them to you weekly and you get a selection of the produce in season and available that week. They are also a great way of getting introduced to unfamiliar vegetables, and forcing you to get creative in the kitchen! Please let us know of any great schemes near you……

Well, that’s about it for now….hope you’ve learned a little bit about some great British veg, and pop back soon for some more foodie facts!

Dr Nic