Iron is an important nutrient that plays a vital role in many processes. As iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies globally, it is important that people are aware if the foods they are consuming are rich in macro and micro nutrients, such as iron, and accordingly adjust their diet.

Blue Zones are regions of the world where residents have a longer life expectancy and lower rates of chronic disease than the expected average. The culture within Blue Zones, such as daily activities, social networks, and diet, appears to be the main influence in this phenomenon.

Potassium is a key electrolyte and an essential mineral important for proper functioning of the heart and muscles, and it also assists in reduction of cardiovascular diseases and the risk of stroke. Though potassium deficiency is rare, there are certain individuals and age groups that could benefit from more potassium in their diet and supplementation.

Eggs are a staple food in most Kiwi diets. Different egg farms have different farming methods, which produce different quality of eggs. In this article we explore egg producers in New Zealand and verification certifications that allow us to make informed choices about eggs.

In the second part of looking into these two types of diets, we see that plant-based diets can assist with cognitive health, diabetes and reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease. However, they also might increase the risk of non-communicable diseases due to micronutrient deficiencies.

Copper is an essential trace mineral that is important for various processes within our body. Despite being required in relatively small amounts, its presence is indispensable for maintaining optimal health and well-being since it’s involved in energy production, iron metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis and several other processes.

Nutrigenomics investigates the interaction between genetics, nutrition, and health, and is an important tool for creating effective personalised diets that enhance overall well-being. However, as a stand-alone approach, nutrigenomics has limitations, which calls for a holistic approach to creating personalised diets that involves lifestyle, socio-economic factors, and cultural influences.

Biotin, or vitamin B7, is an essential micronutrient that belongs to the B complex group of vitamins. It is water-soluble and plays an important role in assisting the metabolism to break down fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Studies show that it is also very important during pregnancy for normal foetal development.

Egg farming is an important aspect of the food industry, providing a nutrient-rich and protein-packed staple. It is important for us to be educated on our food production and farming systems so that we can make informed choices that are aligned with our values, and most importantly our health.

When compared to an omnivorous diet, a plant-based diet has shown to improve several important health markers, such as body mass index (BMI), cardiovascular and cognitive health, and decrease risks of cancer and diabetes. This sounds great, however, we need to look more closely into the studies to see what lies behind the term “omnivorous diet”, in order to have a better understanding when comparing these two types of diets.

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin, and one of the eight B vitamins. It has an important role in our healthy metabolism and immunity, as well as during development in pregnancy and childhood. The biologically active form of vitamin B6, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) is responsible for more than 100 biochemical reactions in our body, making vitamin B6 an essential nutrient.

Modern medicine has an integral part in our health and life, however, we should have an approach to it “in case of emergency break glass”. This means that looking after ourselves and our health should be our primary responsibility, which is where many foods, such as herbs and spices can make a significant difference.