Category

Nutrition

quinoa
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Is Quinoa Good for Weight Loss? Why It’s One of My Favourite Foods for GLP-1 Patients

By Ali Sparkes 29th July, 2026

Real food for healthy weight loss Is Quinoa Good for GLP-1 Weight Loss? Quinoa for GLP-1 weight loss can be a useful addition to smaller, balanced meals. It provides plant protein, fibre and useful nutrients, making it a practical choice when medicines such as Wegovy® or Mounjaro® have reduced your appetite. My simple pharmacy lunch:

How to reduce visceral fat with healthy meals exercise and hydration
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Top Tips for Reducing Visceral Fat and Weight Around the Middle

By Ali Sparkes 25th April, 2026

Visceral fat is the deeper fat stored around the internal organs in the abdomen. Unlike the softer fat just under the skin, excess visceral fat is more strongly linked with insulin resistance, raised cholesterol, fatty liver, inflammation and increased cardiovascular risk.The good news is that visceral fat often responds well to steady lifestyle changes. You

Sunshine and vitamin D wellness promoting women's health and prevention at The Health Dispensary Neath
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Vitamin D: A Small Nutrient with a Big Role in Women’s Health

By Ali Sparkes 22nd February, 2026

At The Health Dispensary in Neath, we believe small daily actions can make a powerful difference to long-term health. One of the simplest — yet most overlooked — is maintaining healthy vitamin D levels. Often called the “sunshine vitamin”, vitamin D supports bones, muscles, immunity, mood and hormone balance. There is also growing scientific interest

Carved Halloween pumpkins showing how to reuse pumpkin flesh for soup and seeds
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🎃 Pumpkin Power: Know about Nutrition and Wellness Benefits

By Ali Sparkes 31st October, 2025

At The Health Dispensary, we love simple, seasonal ways to feel good — and few foods tick as many boxes as the humble pumpkin. It’s nutritious, affordable, sustainable, and perfect for cosy autumn meals that support balanced eating and weight management. Good to know: We can deliver selected products UK-wide, and you can also collect

immune foods

The surprising benefits of Vitamin D on your immunity

By Ali Sparkes 19th October, 2024

As the colder months approach, boosting your immune system is more important than ever. Coughs, colds, and flu tend to spike during autumn and winter. One essential nutrient that can help protect you is Vitamin D. Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” Vitamin D is crucial not only for bone health but also for supporting your

tea pot and tea cup

The Surprising Benefits of Tea for Blood Pressure

By Ali Sparkes 9th June, 2024

Great news for tea drinkers! Recent research suggests that your favourite brew might contain a secret ingredient that helps keep high blood pressure (hypertension) in check. Scientists from the University of California-Irvine have discovered that tea includes substances that help blood vessels relax, potentially paving the way for new drugs to combat high blood pressure.

cherries

The Health Benefits of Cherries: From Heart Health to Better Sleep: Why Cherries Should Be Your Go-To Fruit

By Ali Sparkes 5th June, 2024

Are Cherries Good for You? The Health Benefits Explained When it comes to fruits that offer both delicious flavor and a wealth of health benefits, cherries are at the top of the list. These small, vibrant fruits pack a powerful punch, providing a host of nutrients and compounds that can support your overall health. Let’s

operating table
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Need to shed Pounds Before Surgery? Make it easier with weight loss medications

By Ali Sparkes 25th May, 2024

Undergoing surgery can be a daunting experience, and for many, weight loss is a necessary step before going under the knife. Whether it’s for a joint replacement, bariatric procedure, or another type of surgery, achieving a healthier weight can significantly improve surgical outcomes and recovery. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of weight loss

Fresh broccoli florets on a chopping board – rich in antioxidants and key health benefits.
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Here’s Why You really should learn to love Broccoli

By Ali Sparkes 6th April, 2024

Here’s Why You Really Should Learn to Love Broccoli Broccoli has long worn the crown of “superfood royalty”—and for good reason. Packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and powerful plant compounds, this humble green veg offers incredible benefits for your gut, hormones, bones, and even your skin. But beyond the headlines, broccoli has some surprising science

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Mounjaro: Fresh Hope In Weight Loss As New Treatment Arrives In The UK

By Ali Sparkes 10th February, 2024

In February 2024, the UK welcomed a significant development in the battle against obesity and weight-related health issues with the introduction of Mounjaro (tirzepatide). This innovative medication, initially developed for diabetes management, has been authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for weight management and weight loss. This article explores the potential

onions
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The Magic Onion: Benefits, Myths, and curing Onion Breath

By Ali Sparkes 4th February, 2024

Onions are a staple in many kitchens around the world, and for good reason. They add flavour and depth to countless dishes, but their benefits go far beyond taste. This humble vegetable is packed with nutrients that can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. In this blog, we’ll delve into the nutritional magic of onions, explore

diet plan Neath
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Tips for Weight Loss & Staying Healthy With the Best Diet Support Plan

By Ali Sparkes 18th January, 2022

Considering the ongoing pandemic, staying healthy should probably be everyone’s priority this year. Millions of people across the UK make resolutions every New Year hoping to have better health by managing their weight, improving their fitness, adopting healthier diets, or quitting smoking, among others. Continue reading to find out the best diet plan in Neath

how to calculate body fat Neath
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Body Fat vs Weight – Why the Number on the Scale Isn’t the Whole Story

By Ali Sparkes 11th January, 2022

Why Body Fat vs Weight Matters for Long-Term Health Have you ever done everything “right” for a week…eaten well, moved more, felt positive…then stepped on the scales and felt completely deflated? You’re not alone. The number on the scale only tells you your total body weight. It does not tell you what that weight is

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Happy Hour? Reduce the effect of Alcohol on your Health?

By Ali Sparkes 1st May, 2021

Let’s start as always with the good news! A study from the American College of Cardiology has shown drinking moderate amounts of alcohol can reduce stress-related signals which could lead to heart disease. The researchers have said this is the first report to link moderate drinking with heart health in this way. “The thought is

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Top 10 Foods that simply 💚 LOVE your Heart

By Ali Sparkes 30th August, 2019

There’s no magic food that can keep your heart healthy but here are some of our favourites that we think help to do what the Heart is good at – Love and nurture! 1. Salmon Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which can help improve your “good” HDL cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy

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Health with a Pinch of Salt

By Ali Sparkes 4th March, 2019

Salt has been part of our lives for thousands of years going back to the Egyptians and Romans who used it in cooking but also has a food preservative. We need salt in our diets but as with most things too much can be a bad thing. Campaigns such as National Salt Awareness Week aim to

rainbow foods
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Food for Thought – 5 Foods to make you Happy?

By Ali Sparkes 26th January, 2017

I think we generally get the fact that eating the right things is good for our body, help keep us the right weight, have plenty of energy and prevent disease, but here are FIVE recommendations for some foods to Feed your Brain and may  even make you happy. Credible research links nutrient deficiency with mood especially with folate,