Lower Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Daily beetroot juice lowers blood pressure, scientists find

Drinking a daily cup of beetroot juice has been shown to significantly lower blood pressure among patients with high blood pressure, according to scientists from Queen Mary University of London.

Monday 19 January 2015

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Patients with high blood pressure who drank a daily 250ml glass of beetroot juice experienced an average decrease in blood pressure of about 8/4 mmHg (which for many patients brought their blood pressure levels back into the ‘normal’ range). This is due to beetroot – and other leafy green vegetables such as lettuce and cabbage – containing high levels of the substance ‘inorganic nitrate’.

The potential importance of these findings is substantial as large-scale observational studies suggest that each 2mmHg increase in blood pressure increases the likelihood of death from heart disease by 7 per cent and stroke by 10 per cent.

This is the first evidence of a long-lasting blood pressure reduction with dietary nitrate supplementation in a relevant patient group. The average reduction in blood pressure through a single anti-hypertensive drug is 9/5 mmHg. Therefore, these findings suggest a role for dietary nitrate as an effective, easy and affordable treatment in managing blood pressure with similar results to drug treatment.

Professor Amrita Ahluwalia, Lead Author, Queen Mary University of London, comments: “Diseases of the heart and blood vessels – which can cause heart attacks and strokes - remain the biggest cause of death worldwide. However, unlike some other serious illnesses, we are fortunate in that we can make certain lifestyle changes which dramatically improve our heart and blood vessel health. This research has proven that a daily inorganic nitrate dose can be as effective as medical intervention in reducing blood pressure and the best part is we can get it from beetroot and other leafy green vegetables.”

The double-blind Phase Two clinical trial, published in the journal Hypertension and funded by the British Heart Foundation, was carried out among 64 patients aged 18 – 85 years. Half of the patients were taking prescribed anti-hypertensive drugs but were failing to reach their target blood pressure, and the other half had been identified as having high blood pressure but not yet on medication.

Patients were randomly assigned a daily dietary supplementation for four weeks – half received the dietary nitrate (250ml beetroot juice) and the other half received a placebo (250ml nitrate-free beetroot juice). In addition, patients were monitored for two weeks both before and after the study, bringing the total study period to eight weeks.

During the study, patients in the intervention group also experienced an improvement of around 20 per cent in blood vessel dilation capacity and around a 10% reduction in arterial stiffness. These changes in blood vessel function have been shown, by other studies, to be associated with substantial reductions in heart disease. There were no adverse side effects from the daily dietary nitrate.

In the two weeks after the study period, the blood pressure readings among patients in the intervention group returned to their previous high levels.

There were no changes to blood pressure, blood vessel function or arterial stiffness among the placebo group during the study.

Professor Amrita Ahluwalia concludes: “These findings are exciting because we’ve now tested the effectiveness of dietary nitrate in reducing blood pressure in 64 patients, over a sustained period of time, and found it works. Plus it’s so easy for patients to work this into their daily lives and see a positive benefit. The next step will hopefully be to run a large-scale Phase Three clinical trial so we can determine whether the impact of dietary nitrate is sustained long-term, and whether this should be recommended in NHS guidelines.”

“It is hugely beneficial for people to be able to take steps in controlling their blood pressure through non-clinical means such as eating vegetables. We know many people don’t like taking drugs life-long when they feel ok, and because of this, medication compliance is a big issue.

“For those looking to work dietary nitrate into their daily diets, the trick is not to boil the vegetables – as dietary nitrate is water soluble – but steaming, roasting or drinking in a juice all has a positive effect.”

Dr Shannon Amoils, Senior Research Advisor at the British Heart Foundation, which funded the study, said:

“This interesting study builds on previous research by this team and finds that a daily glass of beetroot juice can lower blood pressure in people with hypertension – even those whose high blood pressure was not controlled by drug treatment.

“The possibility of using a natural product, rather than another pill, to help lower blood pressure, is very appealing.  The trial is small however, and the next step will be to see if this result can be repeated in a much larger group of people with high blood pressure and over a longer period of time.”

Source: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/media/news/items/smd/146262.html

Worried about high cholesterol? It can cause heart attacks and even bring on a STROKE

WE'RE constantly bombarded with the news high cholesterol is bad for you - but what on earth is it in the first place?

By FELICITY THISTLETHWAITE

PUBLISHED: 07:11, Sat, Nov 7, 2015 | UPDATED: 21:14, Tue, Nov 10, 2015

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Food with plenty of saturated fats in will cause a high cholesterol

If you listen to your mum/wife/the news you'll know a high cholesterol is bad for you - but what is it and how do you lower it? 

Full English breakfasts, burgers, takeaways: they all contain fatty substances known to raise your cholesterol. 

Express.co.uk spoke to Linda Main, Dietetic Adviser for Heart UK, about high cholesterol and what we can do to make sure, as a nation, we're more healthy and happy. 

What is cholesterol - and is it bad if it's high? 

Cholesterol is essential and our bodies need healthy levels of it to function properly.  It is needed to build the outer wall of our cells (the body’s building blocks), to make vitamin D and some hormones.  Our liver makes most of our cholesterol, but we do get some from food too.  

Only animal foods supply cholesterol, there is no cholesterol in fruits, vegetables or cereal foods.  Less than 25% of our body’s cholesterol comes from food.

High cholesterol can affect anyone regardless of gender, ethnicity, weight, or age, because family history is a big factor. 

Most people who have high-cholesterol do not show any obvious symptoms. The only way to tell if you have high cholesterol is to have a simple blood test.  If you are aged between 40 and 74 your doctor can arrange this as part of a simple NHS Health Check.

How does having high cholesterol affect your body? 

The heart, blood vessels and blood make up our circulatory system.  The heart is a muscle which never stops beating, it acts as a mechanical pump.  

The heart has its own blood supply which comes from 3 small coronary arteries.  These divide many times to provide oxygen and nutrients to every part of the heart muscle to help keep it healthy and pumping normally.

Problems occur when any one of these arteries becomes narrowed due to the gradual build-up of fatty material (called plaque or atheroma).  This process is called atherosclerosis, it happens over many years and causes coronary heart disease.  

Sometimes an artery can become so narrow it cannot deliver enough blood.  This results in warning symptoms such as chest pain – this is called stable angina. 

When these fatty deposits become very large or extended they may burst.  Just like when you graze your knee, a blood clot and then scarring forms over the damaged area.  Over time this damage may partly or completely block the artery.  When this happens it is called acute coronary syndrome (ACS), unstable angina or heart attack. 

A heart attack does not happen overnight it can take 30-40 years, but the process is speeded up by having unhealthy levels of cholesterol.  And it can happen even faster if you have other risk factors too such as high blood pressure, diabetes or if you are a smoker.

How do you lower cholesterol? 

• Adopting a healthier lifestyle, such as eating a heart-healthy diet and being physicallyactive can help lower the levels of cholesterol in your blood.  And by encouraging other family members to do the same you are helping to protect them from future heart disease too. 
  
• Cutting down on saturated fats and eating more foods rich in unsaturated fats, eating more whole grains and fibre rich foods, incorporating plenty of fruit and veg into your diet, could have a dramatic effect on your cholesterol levels.
  
• Foods that are high in saturated fat include meat pies, butter, cream, hard cheeses, cakes and biscuits, and products containing coconut or palm oil.  Try swapping for foods containing saturated fat for oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocadoes and vegetable oils and spreads.
  
• Your diet should include a mix of sources of fibre, such as wholemeal bread, wholegrain cereals, fruit and vegetables, pulses, nuts and seeds. You should aim to eat at least five portions of different fruits and vegetables each day.

What does it affect? Are you more susceptible to other diseases - cancer, heart attacks, diabetes?

The furring up or narrowing of blood vessels can happen in any part of the body. If it causes a restriction in the blood flow this means too little oxygen and nutrients reach that part of the body that the artery serves.  

In the heart this can cause angina or a heart attack, in the brain it can lead to a mini stroke or stroke and in the arms and legs it can lead to pain and difficulty walking. It can also cause the failure of key organs such as the kidney.    

Surprisingly it’s not the amount of body fat that you carry that contributes to unhealthy cholesterol levels but where on the body you store this extra fat.  Storing fat around the waistline is particularly bad. 

Scientists often refer to people as being apple shaped or pear shaped.  Being apple shaped increases your risk of heart disease as well as other problems such as type 2 diabetes. 

So having a large waist circumference is a bigger indicator of heart health risk than what your bath room scales say.  Ideally men should have a waistline below 94 cm (37inches) and women below 80 cm (32 inches).  Having a waistline over 102 cm (40 inches) in a man and 88cm (35 inches) in a woman puts you at serious risk of heart disease.  You should measure your waist at its widest part – around where your tummy button is.

Even if you have a healthy diet, don’t smoke, don’t have diabetes or high blood pressure you can still have high cholesterol if you inherit that tendency from a parent.

What top tips can you give to keep your cholesterol low? 

By adopting a healthy balanced diet and being physically active you can make big strides in your journey to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. 

• Ditching foods with high saturated fats

Swapping them in for foods with unsaturated fats that are rich in omega-3, along with fuelling your body with foods high in fibre, helps you take positive steps to lowering your cholesterol levels. There are lots of simple swaps you can make to your everyday pantry staples.

• Choose wholegrain

High fibre foods such as breads and cereal products as well as heart healthy spreads. Ideally we should all being a portion of oily fish per week too. 

It is important for your doctor to find out what is causing your high cholesterol

Is there a treatment for having high cholesterol? 

Talk to your doctor if you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol. It is important for your doctor to find out what is causing your high cholesterol. As part of an NHS health check they can also advise you of your risk of having a heart attack in the future.  

Your doctor will often encourage you to make some changes to your diet and lifestyle to see if you can make a difference to your cholesterol levels over a few months. If after this time your cholesterol levels have not dropped, you may be advised to take medication to lower this. 

There are several different types of cholesterol-lowering medicines that work in a number of different ways, your GP can advise you about the most suitable type of treatment for your needs, and may also prescribe medication to lower your high-blood pressure if this affects you.”

If you have high cholesterol is it for life? 

If you have high cholesterol and manage to lower it by adopting a healthier diet or by taking a medicine then well done. However if you stop taking the medicine or revert back to an unhealthy lifestyle your cholesterol will go back up to pre-treatment levels.  

So it is important to make long term healthy habits rather than rely on short terms fixes. 

If you are looking for specialist products that play a role in managing cholesterol levels there are plenty of them too.  Try Hovis “Good Inside”; a loaf that has added Omega-3, derived from seeds.  Just two slices provides nearly half (42%) of the beneficial 2g/d requirement of omega 3, as ruled by EFSA.

And special dairy products that are fortified with plant sterols and stanols such as Flora ProActiv & Benecol can actively lower cholesterol too.

Source: http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/diets/617513/high-cholesterol-heart-attack-stroke-treatment

EXCLUSIVE: The foods YOU can eat to prevent cancer, reveals Oncology dietitian

THIS week we learnt red meat can give you cancer from the World Health Organisation, but is your diet linked to illness?

By FELICITY THISTLETHWAITE

PUBLISHED: 08:01, Sun, Nov 1, 2015 | UPDATED: 10:26, Sun, Nov 1, 2015

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Oncology dietitian Tara Whyand has revealed all about the link between cancer and diet

Cancer is a scary word and a diagnosis of the disease can be intimidating and daunting - but what can we do to prevent or lower our chances of getting it? 

Tara Whyand, an oncology dietitian, has explained to Express.co.uk there is a link betweendiet and the chances of getting cancer. 

Did you know turmeric can help act against bowel, breast and pancreatic cancer? Express.co.uk asks the questions YOU want to know the answer to. 

Which nutrients have been shown to have a role in cancer prevention?

Curcumin, a compound inside turmeric may act in bowel, breast, pancreatic and liver tissue

Tara Whyand, oncology dietitian

There are a vast number of laboratory studies showing nutrients and botanical supplements acting against the cancer process. What is harder to distinguish is what helps to lower cancer risk when studying a person’s diet as a whole. 

Different body tissues have different relationships with nutrients and foods we eat, for example vitamin D is linked to bowel and breast health but not so much prostate health.

Higher lycopene levels are related to lower breast and prostate cancers.  Selenium is related to pancreatic health. Green tea may help bowel, pancreatic, prostate and liver health.

Curcumin, a compound inside turmeric may act in bowel, breast, pancreatic and liver tissue, whereas vitamin E and thiamine are especially useful in damaged livers. A low intake of zinc is related to increased breast cancer risk.

It's thought green tea may help act against certain cancers

How do they do this? Some vitamins, minerals and botanical extracts can directly block cancer pathways and protect against DNA damage using antioxidant properties.

Vitamin D is a little different, possessing hormone action, and can normalize cells, decrease cancer cell growth, stimulate abnormal cell death and reduce blood vessels forming around tumours. Botanical extracts, such as curcumin and green tea reduce inflammation, which is sometimes the starting point for cancer.

Which should we be taking every day? 

A normal varied, mainly plant based diet, including at least 5 fruit and vegetables a day from a rainbow of colours will provide enough vitamins and minerals to keep some people healthy.

It will not treat vitamin and mineral deficiencies however, or provide high doses of curcumin, pomegranate, or green tea, so called ‘nutraceuticals’, unless you make a conscious effort to include these in large amounts every day.

People can therefore take appropriate supplements if they need to treat a proven deficiency or have a condition that is very likely to benefit from a botanical extract.

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Some vitamins, minerals and botanical extracts can directly block cancer pathways

Top tips for avoiding cancer? 

• If you know you have an increased risk of cancer from being overweight or having a poor diet and lifestyle then it is advisable to prevent deficiencies related to specific cancers. How you choose to do this, with or without supplements is up to you.
• If you have a condition in one of your organs e.g. diabetes, pancreatitis, polyps, hepatitis you must attend all appointments and comply with medication, diet and lifestyle advice given to reduce your risk.
• Keep a healthy weight (BMI between 18.5-24.9kg/m2) and exercise everyday if possible.
• Include at least 5 different coloured fruit and vegetables in your diet every day and cook with turmeric daily. Choose black tea or green tea over alcohol!     

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Turmeric and green tea are amongst the list of good foods to eat

Is it different for men and woman? And how?
Men and women have different requirements for vitamins and minerals depending on age, and if you meet these requirements it reduces the chance of deficiency.  

For cancer risk factors which include deficiency of a vitamin or mineral, meeting the requirements may reduce cancer risk. There are no official requirements for intakes of green tea or curcumin as our bodies do not need them to live, but they contain dietary compounds which can be seen as an added bonus for health.

Men have a prostate gland which obviously women do not, so things like pomegranate may not benefit women in the same way to men, although still remain beneficial to all round health as one of their 5 a day.

Are there specific foods we should avoid?Avoid smoked, salted and cured meat and fish as they are likely to raise the risk of some cancers, especially those in direct contact with the gastrointestinal system

Source: http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/615786/Food-to-eat-prevent-cancer-breast-diet

5 Japanese Superfoods You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Ellen Freeman December 2nd, 2014 KABOCHA; IMAGE: GETTY If you’re a superfood super-fan, you’re probably already familiar with healthy Japanese delicacies like matcha tea, tofu, miso and edamame. But with the distinction of having the most citizens living to the ripe age of over 100 and a vegetable-based traditional cuisine that’s world-renowned for being both tasty and wholesome, this island nation has much more to offer foodies. Read on to discover five Japanese superfoods whose health-giving benefits you’re missing out on — and then get yourself to the nearest Asian supermarket. Natto If slurping down some slimy, fermented beans sounds less than appetizing to you, let us assure you that you’re not alone — natto is an acquired taste even for the Japanese. But recent studies suggest that acquiring it may have countless health benefits. Natto is created by letting soybeans hang out with the bacteria Bacillus subtilis making it a probiotic food (like yogurt), which you already probably know is great for your gut. It’s a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium and iron (goodbye multivitamins). Nattokinase, an extract of the enzymes found in natto, is even used to treat cardiovascular disease. If you can stomach it, adding natto to your diet is an easy way to consume more plant-based protein. Natto is sold in single-serving Styrofoam packs at Asian grocery stores, and can be eaten alone with a little soy sauce or on top of rice. One of those “love it or hate it” foods, those who love it say the flavor and aroma is like a well-aged cheese — and those who hate it liken it to smelly socks.  Umeboshi Looking for a cute overload in addition to a new superfood? Spend a few minutes watching YouTube videos of Japanese babies trying umeboshi for the first time. These traditional pickles are made by curing unripe Japanese plums (ume) in salt and the herb shiso for a few months, then letting them dry in the sun. The result is extremely sour, salty and, according to holistic health enthusiasts, may also be extremely good for you. An essential part of a macrobiotic diet, umeboshi have been used as a folk remedy for everything from digestion to detoxing the liver — even curing hangovers — for centuries, and were given to samurai on the battlefield to fight fatigue. Though the medical world has yet to fully investigate the health benefits of umeboshi — and the high salt content may be a no-no for those watching their sodium intake — the eye-watering snack is so popular in Japan that it’s taken on the equivalent status of the American “apple a day” ethos.  Kinako Here’s a superfood that will satisfy both the gluten-free and peanut-allergic camps: Kinako is made from ground, roasted yellow soybeans, so it contains all the health benefits of soy, but can be used in novel ways. Try the protein and vitamin-packed powder in paleo baking as a flour substitute that’s also low in carbs. Kinako’s nutty flavor will please peanut butter lovers who don’t want all the calories, or those who are sensitive to nuts. Traditionally used as a topping on Japanese sweets, you can even dust desserts with kinako as a healthy alternative to powdered sugar. Think of it as a protein powder without any freaky ingredients — stir it into green smoothies, sprinkle it on yogurt or mix it with hot milk/soy milk for a satisfying drink. Kabocha This holiday season, whip up a pumpkin pie with kabocha instead. The Japanese squash is superior to more familiar winter vegetables like butternut or pumpkin with fewer calories and carbs, but has a super-sweet flavor and velvety texture. Like other bright orange veggies, kabocha is loaded with beta-carotene for beautiful hair and skin, and also packs in iron, fiber and antioxidants. Since the dark green skin is edible, you’ll save yourself the struggle with a knife that other squashes require. Kabocha is becoming a more common sight at farmers markets across the U.S. Toss roasted kabocha chunks into savory winter soups and stews, or bake up a batch of healthy kabocha muffins with cinnamon-like spices. Maitake Health guru Dr. Weil recommends eating “unlimited amounts” of cooked Asian mushrooms every day. A good place to start is with maitake, a mushroom native to Japan that’s known in the U.S. as the “hen of the woods.” In fact, in Japan it’s sometimes called the “dancing mushroom” after a legend in which a group of Buddhist nuns and woodcutters come across maitake growing on a mountain trail and dance for joy at the delicious discovery. If the fact that this fungus is currently being studied for its anti-cancer, blood sugar-lowering and immune-boosting properties doesn’t make your mouth water, its meaty flavor will. Saute maitake and add it to stir-fries, make a maitake risotto or chop some into your favorite mushroom burger recipe.  Source: http://www.theukfashionspot.co.uk/wellness/503239-5-japanese-superfoods-youve-probably-never-heard/

Hemsley + Hemsley's Jasmine And Melissa On Post-Workout Snacks And Why Puppies Are Great Fitness Buddies

The Huffington Post UK  |  By Natasha Hinde

Posted: 19/08/2015 15:14 BST Updated: 20/08/2015 12:59 BST

Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley are the sisters, food lovers and fitness fanatics behind wellness brand, Hemsley + Hemsley, (think quinoa... and lots of it).

The duo are well known for their international bestselling cookbook The Art of Eating Well, a 150-page cookbook filled with nutritious recipes and coveted by foodies.

We caught up with the sisters who are helping to spearhead a wellness revolution, to find out how they incorporate fitness into their busy lives.

How important is fitness in your life? How often do you do it?

Melissa: In a section of our book, The Art of Eating Well, we give the tip to ‘move your body and sweat for 20 minutes every day’. I like to do that each day, whether it's on a mat at home, at a class or preferably outside, so I can get some sunshine and fresh air.

I tend to wear black leggings most days in the hope that I can catch a class at some point throughout the day.

Jasmine: Very! I don’t think of it so much as fitness, more like anti-static.

Some days we’re on the move, others we're stood around all day in a kitchen doing demos or at our desks writing. Fitting in some movement, whether it’s shoulder rolls or folding over and touching your toes, is really important to me.

On Saturdays I like to catch up with friends and make a day of hanging out at Frame in Shoreditch or Queens Park, Peckham's Yoga Rise or TriYoga Soho. I dip in and out of every type of yoga class from Kundalini to Rocket.

During the week if it’s especially busy I’ll make do with a few squats and jumps to loosen up my body and then a quick run around the block. In the evening I'll do a 10-20 min yoga class online, which really helps me to sleep well.

Were you always interested in working out?

Melissa: We’ve always danced. Growing up, at one point as a teenager, I was going to ballet, jazz, rock n roll, ballroom and contemporary (we used to do some very interpretive routines to Michael Jackson hits).

I also loved playing netball at school. In fact I miss team sports and would love to do more.

A friend introduced me to yoga in my late teens and since then, I’ve always tried to fit in some form of exercise each day if I can. Sometimes it's just a very brisk walk from one meeting to another.

I always feel better when I exercise regularly and get my blood flowing.

Jasmine: I modelled for about 15 years so being in shape was important, and exercise was a regular part of it.

I’ve always been sporty - I used to run and do high jump for my school but I’ve never been mad on the gym so I have to mix it up with a variety of indoor classes like pilates or rebounding and over the last few years I‘ve been enjoying tennis in the summer.

Are you each other's fitness buddies?

Melissa: With our private clients it’s always good for one of us to be available and we’re still a tiny company, so we tend to take it in turns to be 'off' for a few hours.

Sometimes we bump into each other at the same classes and whenever we go abroad, we always look up the local yoga studio or get up early and do some exercise in a hotel gym - it’s a great way to beat jet lag.

Having a fitness buddy or gang is great as you can keep on motivating each other and bring each other post workout snacks.

Jasmine: My fitness buddy is now my puppy. I get up early to take her to the park and we have a new routine running from one end of the park to the other - she understands 1, 2, 3, GO! - or I’ll do lunges and squats while playing fetch with her.

What type of exercise do you like to do?

Melissa: I love the Beyonce dance workshops, reformer pilates and yoga at FRAME. I also love doing yoga outdoors if the weather permits.

I do weekly personal training sessions with Joan (co-founder of FRAME) to an excellent and ever-changing soundtrack - 80s hip hop is our current favourite. Each class is different to keep things interesting and to keep the body guessing. 

Jasmine: Pretty much everything except the gym.

If I’m staying in a hotel then I’ll have a go at their gym because it’s new and exciting, but other than that it’s all about classes: rebounding, reformer pilates and my first love which is yoga.

Running is brilliant when you’re travelling as it gets you outside in the fresh air and you can explore at the same time. My boyfriend and I will usually head out for an explore first thing and look for a breakfast spot, then take a leisurely stroll back and if we’re on our holidays we love to fit in a hike somewhere.

Which is your favourite fitness brand/items of sportswear?

Melissa: So many... Because I tend to wear fitness clothing most days. I love Manuka which has beautiful soft yoga pants and I love the ‘Pip’ leggings from the Whistles x Frame collaboration. I look out for new brands on the Hip & Healthy website too. 

Jasmine: Usually some loud leggings, a good sports bra and an old t-shirt. My favourite leggings are by Lululemon and Sweaty Betty (for style and fit), and I’m a big fan of Lucas Hugh sports bras - I like their graphic patterns and the fact they're comfortable and supportive.

My favourite outfits are by Wellicious, some harem pants and a matching top; as well as a pair of shorts from Stella McCartney which still look as good as new six years on.

I’ve been wearing VivoBarefoot trainers for the last six years and can’t imagine wearing those clumpy, heavy trainers that I used to wear anymore. They make such a difference to my running - I actually look forward to springing around rather than making myself do a heavy jog.

What do you like to eat before and after a workout?

Melissa: A mug of broth with an egg stirred in at the end and some miso is delicious post-workout. I carry a green smoothie around in my Hemsley stainless steel canteen for a mid-morning or afternoon snack - in fact, I’ve always got something food related in my bag.

Jasmine: I’d have to recommend our tahini bliss balls which I make every few months and keep in the freezer - a hunger-busting delicious mix of fats and protein made with coconut and tahini. They take no time at all to whip up and work brilliantly as a small breakfast, pre-workout or to tide me over until I get to a meal.

As a post-workout meal I’ll go for an egg, avocado and salad breakfast with friends or I’ll bring a thermos with hot chicken and veg soup.

How does fitness make you feel emotionally?

Both: Brilliant. Eating well and being fit keeps us happy and ready to take on our packed schedule. It also keeps us grounded - physically and mentally.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/08/19/hemsley-and-hemsley-interview-fitness-and-food_n_8009178.html