Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient, and has a crucial impact on our health and healthy pregnancy. It serves as a cofactor for enzymes, impacting cell function and growth. It also has a role in DNA replication and contributes to the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates.

Chemical interactions between packaging and food products might pose potential health hazards, since chemicals from packaging can migrate into the food and be ingested.

Acupuncture is a treatment that encourages energy flow through the body. Acupuncture points are located along channels, or meridians, through the use of needles. The treatment can help neurological, chemical and hormonal processes in the body.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, bok choy, cabbage and cauliflower have proven to provide a certain level of anti-cancer and anti-tumor protection, and in certain quantities may even prevent cancer cell proliferation. So, how often should we include them into our diet?

Fat loss requires more than just dieting or doing heavy cardio sessions. Ideally, we should increase our everyday movement, while keeping our cortisol levels low, and also do resistance training to increase lean muscle mass.

Power naps are frequently recommended as a way to improve cognition, focus and reduce tiredness. But what are the physiological effects on the body, and why can longer nap times leave us more groggy and tired than before?

Discovered in 1929, Vitamin K has a crucial role in preventing bleeding and coagulation, especially in newborns, and is important for our bone and cardiovascular health. Ongoing research also suggests that vitamin K can assist with cognition, skin health and wound healing.

The ketogenic diet (KD) is recognised for its potential to support fat loss, but its impact on physical performance, especially for athletes, remains contentious. While anecdotal evidence suggests performance benefits in some scenarios, scientific studies show mixed results. KDs may promote fat oxidation and weight loss but might not be ideal for enhancing muscle mass or performance in high-intensity activities.

During prenatal development, amino acids are vital for proper growth and formation of the fetus, and contribute to the development of organs, muscles, and the nervous system. They also have a direct impact on other compound molecules such as nitric oxide that supports placental growth and enhances maternal-fetal blood flow, ensuring adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen.

Slow breathing is often defined as taking about six breaths per minute, and many of us are not far away from this figure in normal circumstances. This, of course, will differ when it comes down to our age, weight or how we breathe – through our nose or mouth. Studies have shown that slow breathing, through our nose, can positively impact our memory, cognition, stress levels, blood pressure and even our bowel movements.

Many of us have at least one older family member or a neighbour who has experienced a serious fall. With falls being a major health risk affecting the quality of life and leading to accidental deaths in the aged population, we should inform ourselves how to prevent them through different exercises and strategies.

Regular physical activity is a powerful tool for enhancing brain structure and function. It promotes the release of neurotrophic factors that support neuron survival and the growth of new synapses, improving brain functions and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.