Since ancient times, sun-ripened Spanish olives and their oil have been highly valued for their medicinal benefits. Traditionally cured Spanish olives are low in calories, high in antioxidants, minerals and healthy fat and are a great source of fibre, so whether you eat them straight from the bowl or combine them with your evening meal for a deliciously subtle Mediterranean flavour, you can be assured that they are doing you good.
The recommended daily intake is seven olives (or approximately 25g) per day, and with numerous health benefits on offer why not give you health a boost by trying one of the many varieties on Spanish olives available at your local supermarket this January?
Low in calories
Spanish table olives are a tasty alternative to traditional high calorie snack foods such as crisps so are a great alternative if you’re looking to cut down your calorie intake after an indulgent Christmas. 25g of olives contain just 37 kcal, almost four times as little as the 140 kcal contained in 25g of crisps.
Nutritional benefits
Olives promote good health because they contain a high amount of antioxidants and minerals such as polyphenols, calcium and magnesium, all needed for the healthy functioning of our bodies.
Different Spanish olives contain different nutritional qualities, for example, black olives contain less salt and more iron, yet fewer calories than green olives; Manzanilla olives contain more salt and vitamin E; and Hojiblanca olives boast more fibre. However all Spanish olives offer the following:
• Monounsaturated fats – Spanish olives are fruits of the tree known as Olea europaea. Olea is the Latin word for oil, reflecting the olives very high fat content. However, 75% of this is oleic acid, an incredibly healthy omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid that has been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels and increase HDL (good) cholesterol.
Research has also shown that it is the type of fat consumed that determines the risk of developing conditions such as atherosclerosis (a condition where which an artery wall thickens as the result of a build-up of fatty materials such as cholesterol), colon cancer, arthiritus and asthma. Regions such as the Mediterranean area consume large amounts of olives and olive oil and have a lower risk of developing those conditions.
• Vitamin E – Spanish olives are a good source of vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties, because they contain mixed tocopherols.
• Fibre – with 100 grams containing 2.6 grams of fibre, Spanish olives are high in fibre and so are easily digested.
Spanish olives are also a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and iodine.
Health benefits
• Anti-inflammatory properties - Spanish olives contain a variety of beneficial active phytonutrient compounds (plant compounds which are thought to have health-protecting qualities) including polyphenols and flavonoids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Interestingly polyphenols also give the olive its taste and aroma.
• Protection against cell damage - however, it is the combination of a number of nutrients in Spanish olives that work in synergy to provide great health benefits. As outlined above, Spanish olives are a good source of monounsaturated fats, rich in vitamin E - a fat-soluble antioxidant that neutralizes damaging free radicals, and also contain polyphenols and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
It is these three health-boosting compounds that work hand-in-hand to provide a protective an anti-inflammatory effect on cells that can lower the risk of cell damage and inflammation which in turn helps:
1. Reduce the severity of asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis - three conditions where most of the damage is caused by high levels of free radicals
2. Prevent heart disease
3. Prevent colon cancer - by neutralizing free radicals, the nutrients in olives help prevent colon cancer. A higher intake of both vitamin E and the monounsaturated fats in olives is also associated with lower rates of colon cancer1.
• Menopause – clinical studies have shown the effect Vitamin E has on reducing hot flushes, so Spanish olives are a great snack for women looking to up their vitamin E intake during the menopause.
• Alzheimers – a recent study of thousands of civil servants (Whitehal II trail) showed people with low level of HDL (high density lipids) or bad cholesterol were 53% more likely to have memory loss as compared to those with high level of HDL (high density lipids) or good cholesterol. As olives have high levels of oleic acid which helps increase good cholesterol, an olive rich diet may also help prevent Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease2.
• Sore throat - olive soup is a good remedy for a sore throat, according to traditional Chinese medicine (it's also the only time olives are used in Chinese cuisine).
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Beanz meanz… Fondues?
Resourceful Britons are turning to new ways to make their Heinz Beanz go further-
Beans may have been confined to just toast and jackets in the past, but now almost a third (28%) of Brits are taking the hearty, convenient and economical ingredient to new culinary heights – adding them to fondues, pizzas and sandwiches, to name just a few uses.
With the nation still feeling the pinch this year and three-quarters (78%) of us making food go further, the ‘King of Beans’, Heinz, is compiling a selection of the nation’s most adventurous ways of serving Heinz Beanz and is making a collection of 57 recipes available for everyone.
Development Chef for Heinz Beanz, Adam Wilcock and independent chef, Steve Scuffell1 have compiled the list of ‘57 Wayz to Eat Heinz Beanz’, along with help from the British public,2 which includes recipes such as Heinz Beanz Fondue, Heinz Beanz Jam and even Heinz Beanz Soufflé! The 57 recipes are available for Heinz Beanz fans to view on
the online community site: www.goodtoknow.co.uk/heinz, with plans to incorporate them into a new Heinz recipe book next year.
New consumer research showed that alongside the traditional uses of beans on jacket potatoes (79%) and English breakfasts (77%), the nation is now using beans:
As additions to meat dishes such as Bolognese (42%)
In sandwiches (28%)
As a pizza topping (10%)
On canapés or even attempted to add them to cakes or fibre packed shakes (3%)
Adam Wilcock, Heinz Beanz Development Chef says: “Whilst Heinz Beanz have been a staple of dishes such as English breakfasts and a topping for jacket potatoes, it’s great to see that people are getting creative and extending their use to a whole variety of dishes. The ’57 Wayz to Eat Heinz Beanz’ list will provide inspiration to add a highly nutritious, convenient and economical food staple to a whole variety of new dishes”.
John Alderman, Marketing Manager for Heinz Beanz comments: “There are times in life when ‘It Has To Be Heinz’. The research and our creation of these recipes means consumers can now enjoy nutritional Heinz Beanz at a variety of different meal occasions, whether it be a dinner party, during the Sunday roast or even at the office Christmas party.”
Friday, November 27, 2009
Jennings Brewery in big flood clear-up
The flood-damaged Jennings is set to resume brewing again by mid -anuary. Brewery staff have been working hard since last week’s floods left the Cockermouth site under five feet of water.
After assessing the damage, the brewers are confident the brewery can begin production again by mid-January. The Jennings shop and brewery tours will start again shortly after that.
To make sure customers are still able to stock Jennings beers – like the local favourite, Jennings Bitter, and nationally-available brands such as Cumberland Ale, Sneck Lifter and Cocker Hoop – during the busy Christmas season, brewing will temporarily move to Jennings’ sister breweries in the Marston’s group.
In the meantime until the brewery reopens, Jennings will donate 10p from every pint of its beers sold in pubs across Britain to the Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund to help the many people affected by the floods in Cumbria.
Jennings head brewer, Jeremy Pettman, said: “We’ve decided to move brewing of some of our beers to our other breweries to ensure that our customers are not let down. They will be produced under the supervision of myself and other Jennings staff. We’ll be working hard to get as close to the flavours of our Cumbrian beers as possible.
“As soon as the brewery re-opens production of all our beers will be moved back to Cockermouth.”
Jennings’ Gaynor Green said: “There are hundreds of pubs up and down the country that stock Jennings beer, so we hope that this is a way for people wherever they are to support the people of Cumbria. Any money towards rebuilding homes, bridges and replacing clothes, food and Christmas toys will be greatly appreciated by them.”
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Martial arts chief turns hobby into quest to save the traditional English tearoom
The move has been partly prompted by the worrying trend of tearoom closures in England hitting approximately 10 a week, and partly through his love of tea in a tranquil setting.
Ellis, who is chairman of the National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools (NAKMAS - www.nakmas.org.uk), the national martial arts governing body, will list tea rooms on the website that he considers Highly Recommended, Recommended and also list Moderate tearooms.
Those tearooms that he feels are Highly Recommended and Recommended will bear a window sticker and be issued a certificate.
Joe says: "It's probably the last place you would find a martial arts enthusiast spending their spare time, but my interest in tearooms has been with me since the 1970s. I have visited so many that the next logical step was to share my knowledge with others via the new website. I have even had interest from two book publishers, though Hollywood film producers have yet to knock on my door.
"While it is a hobby for me, there is a serious issue affecting the tearoom industry for which I hope to raise awareness - they are closing down at a worrying rate and my fear is that they might become extinct. That is something I hope to prevent and by raising the profile of our nation’s tearooms others will appreciate their contribution to local communities."
Tearooms have provided Joe with a comfortable setting for many years. Joe has Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism, and dislikes very crowded places, prefers quieter environments, and can easily be overwhelmed if too much is happening at once. He also gets very disturbed when there are constant banging noises or shouting. Tearooms provide a tranquil environment where Joe feels more comfortable.
Dr Luke Beardon, Senior Lecturer, Autism Centre at Sheffield Hallam University, says:
“As with many people with Asperger syndrome (AS), Joe prefers a calm environment over one which may be over stimulatory. In addition to this preference many individuals have what might be termed 'passionate interests' and are able to spend considerable time engaging in their area of focus; one of the extraordinary strengths displayed by so many people with autism is this ability to focus on their interests, and Joe demonstrates this quality both in his working life and in his leisure time.
“Joe also has a well developed sense of fairness and justice - again, a characteristic often found in the population of people with AS - and his ability to judge fairly and objectively will stand him in good stead in this venture. If Joe recommends a tearoom then it will be a sure bet that it is one worth visiting.”
The website includes tea facts, how to make tea videos, famous tea quotes, the history of tea, even calm and tea-related music, and lots more. Joe also has a blog to keep viewers informed of his movements and encounters. Joe will revisit the same tea rooms to check status and will visit new ones over the coming months.
Sandra Ellis, Joe's wife, says: "Joe works hard as chairman of NAKMAS and uses tearooms as a way to wind down, so his knowledge and experience of them is vast.
"If he is ever asked directions to anywhere he will often use a tearoom as a point of reference, in the same way many people use a pub. Joe has no idea where pubs are, as he never drinks alcohol, but instead loves a cup of tea whenever he is out and about. Even our three year old Yorkshire terrier, Holly, and two year old Yorkiepoo, Rosie, enjoy their tea thanks to Joe.
"I admit I favour the ones which also serve a glass of wine, but like Joe, I enjoy the atmosphere of the more traditional ones. If somewhere gives bad service or there is rude or unfriendly staff, he will rarely go back."
Joe has made it his mission to find every great tearoom and tell everyone about them. Unfortunately for them, it is also his mission to weed out the not-so-great ones and tell everyone about them as well.
Be warned, Joe Ellis is coming to a tearoom near you.
Visit Joe Ellis’ Tea Room Guide – www.tea-room-guide.org.uk.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Gary Rhodes across Italy in brand new show
Mama Mia! – Gary Rhodes jets off to Italy for his latest culinary adventure.
From tiramisu to spaghetti carbonara, feast on Italian favourites, as well as plenty of surprises!
Rhodes Across Italy is on weeknights at 9pm from Wednesday 20th January on Good Food.
Hot on the trail of Rhodes Across the Caribbean, Gary Rhodes hot-foots it to Italy on a mission to learn the secrets of Italian cooking from the very best. Taken out of his comfort zone, Gary must learn how to master the dishes of ten Italian regions, whilst viewers are treated to an Italian cookery course as Gary picks up tips from masters.
Gary and his Sous chefs Clare and Marc, handpicked to take part in the series due to their love of food and Italy, will travel the length and breadth of Italy – from Rome to Sicily from Tuscany to Venice, discovering the delicacies of ten regions.
Using the stories of the Italian contributors as the guide to find authentic dishes, Gary will learn to cook their recipes using the abundance of fresh vegetables, olive oil, seafood and of course pasta, at each stunning location and will discover the traditional roots of the classic Italian dishes we all know and love.
Rhodes Across Italy culminates with Gary and his two apprentices catering for a celebration banquet in Venice, using the knowledge and skills acquired on this trip of a lifetime. In attendance will be the many mentors Gary has met on his Italian journey, eager to see just how much he has learnt from them. Will Gary be able to master the necessary Italian culinary skills in time, or will the pressure be too much for him and his apprentice Sous chefs?
Gary Rhodes says: ‘Italy showed off to me its wonderful natural beauty, abundance of gourmet delights and proved to be one of the most memorable and fascinating culinary experiences that I can remember. I think I’ve fallen in love!’
The sumptuous dishes and breathtaking scenery, as well as the heart warming tales from those Gary meets on his way, will provide some much needed comfort food amongst all this wintery gloom. Have a Venetian Spritz, or a full-bodied Chianti, put the pasta on the boil and recreate your own Italian winter break with Rhodes Across Italy.
All the recipes from the show as well as recipe clips will be available on goodfoodchannel.co.uk
Rhodes Across Italy starts weeknights at 9pm from Wednesday 20th January on Good Food.
FACT FILE:
(www.goodfoodchannel.co.uk)
Good Food features all the biggest names in food, including Jamie Oliver, Gary Rhodes, James Martin, Rachel Allen, and The Hairy Bikers. Appealing to both the expert cook to someone who just wants to have fun with food, Good Food delivers exciting originations such as Family Supercooks, Aaron Craze’s Rude Boy Food and Market Kitchen, alongside exclusive titles from overseas such as Bill’s Holiday and 4 Ingredients.
Where to find Good Food: Sky channel 249 and Virgin TV channel 260.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Zia Teresa Restaurant celebrates its ‘Golden Anniversary’
Owned by Stefano Fraquelli of Metropolitan Restaurants and previously owned by his late father, Zia Teresa restaurant in Hans Road, Knightsbridge is this year celebrating its Golden Anniversary. To mark this momentous anniversary and the continuity of management and ownership, Fraquelli is offering every customer a complimentary glass of sparkling, golden Franciacorta wine, in association with one of Italy’s leading producers, La Montina, for the next 12 months.
Zia Teresa’s reputation and on-going success has earned it several accolades over the years, including The Independent's "Best Neighbourhood Restaurant" award in 2005, for "serving hit-the-spot, reliable Italian food." It was the only Knightsbridge restaurant that was consistently voted for by The Independent's discerning readers. Incredibly for these times of credit crunch, sales figures are currently 25% up on last year, validating the impression that Fraquelli really knows how to look after his customers.
When asked about the success of this much-loved restaurant Fraquelli’s explanation is simple; “I’m terribly lucky; it’s probably one of the best locations for a restaurant in the world and we attract all generations from local residents to business people and tourists. They like the fact that the food is good quality without any hefty price tags, which you wouldn’t expect, given the location. People’s demands may appear to have changed over the decades, but in actual fact the success of Zia Teresa comes down to its traditional charm and character and the simplicity of the menu, which still reflects what Italian food has always been about. Nowadays there are very few concepts that are so resilient.”
Further endorsement of this special anniversary comes from Fiat’s flagship store in Marylebone, who have boldly displayed the Zia Teresa Golden Anniversary logo over two of their new Cinquecento model, (Fiat 500). Cinquecento and Zia Teresa could, in fact, both be considered modern day icons, with their roots firmly in the past, but still perfectly apposite in today’s world. One of London’s leading shirt-makers, T M Lewin, have sponsored the staff uniforms and collectively this level of support is a reflection of Fraquelli’s reputation and demonstrates their desire to be associated with this inveterate restaurateur, who was decorated with the esteemed title of ‘Cavaliere’ by the president of the Italian Republic, for his services and contribution to the Italian community.
Customers visiting the restaurant between November 2009 and 2010 will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling, golden Franciacorta wine; and for a limited period, a special 3 course Golden Anniversary Menu for only £15.00.
www.ziateresa.co.uk
Zia Teresa’s reputation and on-going success has earned it several accolades over the years, including The Independent's "Best Neighbourhood Restaurant" award in 2005, for "serving hit-the-spot, reliable Italian food." It was the only Knightsbridge restaurant that was consistently voted for by The Independent's discerning readers. Incredibly for these times of credit crunch, sales figures are currently 25% up on last year, validating the impression that Fraquelli really knows how to look after his customers.
When asked about the success of this much-loved restaurant Fraquelli’s explanation is simple; “I’m terribly lucky; it’s probably one of the best locations for a restaurant in the world and we attract all generations from local residents to business people and tourists. They like the fact that the food is good quality without any hefty price tags, which you wouldn’t expect, given the location. People’s demands may appear to have changed over the decades, but in actual fact the success of Zia Teresa comes down to its traditional charm and character and the simplicity of the menu, which still reflects what Italian food has always been about. Nowadays there are very few concepts that are so resilient.”
Further endorsement of this special anniversary comes from Fiat’s flagship store in Marylebone, who have boldly displayed the Zia Teresa Golden Anniversary logo over two of their new Cinquecento model, (Fiat 500). Cinquecento and Zia Teresa could, in fact, both be considered modern day icons, with their roots firmly in the past, but still perfectly apposite in today’s world. One of London’s leading shirt-makers, T M Lewin, have sponsored the staff uniforms and collectively this level of support is a reflection of Fraquelli’s reputation and demonstrates their desire to be associated with this inveterate restaurateur, who was decorated with the esteemed title of ‘Cavaliere’ by the president of the Italian Republic, for his services and contribution to the Italian community.
Customers visiting the restaurant between November 2009 and 2010 will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling, golden Franciacorta wine; and for a limited period, a special 3 course Golden Anniversary Menu for only £15.00.
www.ziateresa.co.uk
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Bernard Matthews. Something for everyone this Christmas
“Bernard Matthews has been farming turkeys since 1950. There is something for every consumer this Christmas. And for the rest of the year, too, for that matter.”
To read the rest of this article and an exclusive interview with Bernard Matthews' Ambassador Sharron Davies please follow this link:
http://thatschristmas.blogspot.com/2009/11/bernard-matthews-something-for-everyone.html
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