Celia Cooper

Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes     

Ingredients

200g                   butternut squash, peeled and cut into small cubes

1 large                red pepper, thickly sliced

2 large                red onion, cut into quarters

1 tbsp                 pomegranate molasses (or balsamic vinegar)

1 tbsp                 olive oil

3 tbsp                 light stock

1 tsp                   cinnamon

1 tsp...

The New Year is a good time to give your liver a rest after the festive season. It is the biggest organ in your body and works very hard to try and keep us healthy. Its main functions include:

• Breaking down and eliminating toxins including alcohol.

• Balancing blood sugar by storing and releasing glycogen. If the liver fails to do this, fatigue, sugar cravings and weight gain may result.

• Producing bile, which helps digestion by breaking down fat and removing excess cholesterol. Without it digestive disorders can result, including bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea and the malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

• Breaking down and eliminating excess hormones.

• Storing nutrient such as iron, copper, vitamins A, B12, D, E and K.
   

Tips to rejuvenate your liver:

• Drink alcohol in moderation and avoid ‘saving up’ allowances to drink in one day.

• Replace caffeine with plenty of water or herbal teas.

• Exercise will help to oxygenate your blood and your l...

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring fat produced by the body and is essential for good health if kept at the correct level. Having too high a level can increase the risk of heart disease and strokes.

Cholesterol is carried through the blood in molecules called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. It consists mainly of fat which can become deposited in the arteries. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered the “good” cholesterol since its primary role is to transport LDL back to the liver where it can be processed for elimination.

Although a large percentage of the cholesterol in your blood stream is made by your own body, one way to try and control high cholesterol levels naturally is through diet and lifestyle changes.

Tips for lowering cholesterol levels

• Reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats. These are found in fatty meats, dairy products, processed foods, biscuits and cakes.

• Increase your intake of soluble fi...