NUTRITION

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.