deliciousmagazine.co.uk 77
health matters.
SEASON’S EATINGS
What’s at its best right now – and why it’s so good for youPEAS
It’s hard to beat fresh peas popped straight from the pod. Their
grassy sweetness is one of the most delightful springtime treats,
they’re a good source of dietary fibre and protein, and peas are
brimming with vitamins C and K, thiamine and manganese.How to enjoy them...
Pluck peas straight from their pods and enjoy the childish pleasure
of chomping them raw. Or scatter into a salad along with sharp
feta and a drizzle of spritely lemon dressing. Fresh peas are also
excellent in risotto primavera: quickly blanch, along with other
spring veg such as asparagus and young broad beans, then stir
into the rice towards the end of cooking.
Find the recipe for pea and crab crostini (left), a brilliant starter or light
lunch, at deliciousmagazine.co.ukIN:TOASTTOPPED WITH
FRUITAND YOGURT OR
NUTBUTTER
Toastslathered with jam
is one of life’s pleasures,
butit’s wise to make
healthy tweaks now
and then. Instead of
sugary jam, spread
granary toast
with thick greek
yogurt or ricotta
and top with
berries. Or spread
with nut butter, add
sliced apple, pear or
banana, then sprinkle
with cinnamon and
seeds. Not only will you
feel fuller for longer, you’ll
also have started the day with
a dose of nutrients and fibre.SWAP
SHOP
BECAUSE SM A LL
CHANGES CAN MAKE
A BIG NUTRITIONAL
DIFFERENCEOUT: TOAST
AND JAMMYTH BUSTING
‘Boost your immune system
with a daily spoonful of blah...’
There’s been much talk in recent months
of ‘immune boosting’ foods said to supercharge
the body’s ability to fight off infection and
disease. But this term makes no scientific sense,
according to doctors and dietitians.
Simply put, you can’t ‘boost’ your immune
system through diet, according to the British
Dietetic Association (BDA). That’s because
the immune system is a complex network of
cells and organs that defend against infection
and disease. A boost in that process would mean
an overactive immune system and possibly
autoimmune disorders.
According to the BDA, the ideal is a normally
functioning immune system, which requires
a range of nutrients. This is best achieved by
(you guessed it) eating a healthy balanced diet.
That diet should include adequate protein, fibre,
vitamins and minerals (including copper, folate,
iron, selenium, zinc and vitamins A, B6, B12,
C and D). Exercise, minimising stress and not
smoking also support the immune system.