The truth about healthy eating.

Presenter Fiona Phillips explores the myths surrounding healthy eating, by conducting scientific experiments and undergoing personal medical tests. First, Phillips and Nutritionist Sian Porter discuss the health benefits of foods termed Superfoods, and suggest some cheaper alternatives that have an equal number of health benefits. Dr Gunter Kuhnle conducts some control tests to compare the nutritional benefits of various superfoods and their cheaper counterparts. Next, Dr James Brown and Exercise Scientist Dr Graham Close look at breakfast cereals, using a control group to explore how the body responds to cereal, compared to other popular breakfast foods. Phillips visits Dr Giles Major to discuss the legitimacy of claims to health benefits in whole grain foods and those rich in fibre. Major demonstrates the digestive journey of highly fibrous foods. Major exhibits his new research into fibrous foods using MRI scanning. Phillips visits Nutritionist Amanda Ursell to explore the health claims associated with fried foods, particularly eggs. They compare the retention of vitamins in vegetables when using different cooking techniques. Biochemist Dr Gordon McDougall demonstrates how fruit and vegetable smoothies travel through the digestive system and intestine to explore whether claims to antioxidising benefits in the product are legitimate. Phillips conducts an experiment under controlled conditions exploring how antioxidants affect her body. Dr Kirsten Brandt analyses the results of Phillips’ tests, and explains how the body naturally regulates nutritional elements. Phillips conducts another experiment looking into the benefits of dietary supplements, such as vitamins and fish oils. Professor of Metabolic Medicine Naveed Sattar analyses the results of Phillips’ experiment. Phillips and Marketing Creative Will Audry experiment with different marketing techniques that heighten nutritional claims in various fad food advertising campaigns. Dr Stuart Galloway then conducts an experiment comparing the health benefits of water, compared to other beverages. He also exhibits different ingredients that will boost hydration in liquids. Professor of Nutritional Medicine Margaret Rayman compares the iodine levels in cow’s milk and alternative milk products. Nutrition Scientist Dr Justin Roberts look into food products that claim to be detoxing by conducting an experiment involving various diets.