Menopause among topics for free Wolverhampton women's event
Women will be able to speak to medical specialists about issues such as the menopause, sexual health and mental health at a free event next month.The two-hour session is due to take place at the Penn Manor Medical Practice, an NHS GP surgery in Wolverhampton, from 10:00 BST on 5 July.GP Shivaleela Bailwad will lead the event which organisers said was aimed at women aged from 18 to 70 and no booking was needed.Experts are due to speak at the session and those who attend will be able to ask them questions.
"So many women suffer in silence with issues that impact their quality of life," Ms Bailwad, from The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said."This event is about breaking those barriers, offering expert insights and ensuring every woman knows that support is available."
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While Suresh says stock cubes are more convenient, they are much higher in salt and tend to contain flavour enhancers and additives which make them ultra-processed. One stock cube can contain as much as a teaspoon (or 5g) of salt, according to Action on Salt. However, there are some healthier variations such as Kallo's 'very low salt' range which contains around 0.5g of salt per cube. The other hidden nasties in standard stock cubes include palm oil or vegetable fats, added salt and sugar, preservatives such as disodium inosinate, and artificial flavours, Suresh says. While not all of these ingredients are inherently harmful, they reflect the status of stock cubes being an ultra-processed food, she explains, and these 'are linked to higher risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease and metabolic issues, especially when consumed frequently'. 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After 12 weeks, their body fat mass and percentage had significantly reduced, improving their overall body composition. So, while it can help to boost satiety, thus potentially reducing our daily calorie intake and helping us to lose some weight, Suresh says it's best to pair it with other sources of protein to reap the maximum benefits. It's great for the skin One of bone broth's key benefits, often shouted about by its fans, is its supposed ' anti-ageing powers'. This is once again thanks to its collagen content, although Suresh says evidence to support this is limited. Yet many studies have proved the relationship between consuming collagen and improved skin health. One 2023 study in the Nutrients journal found that collagen supplementation can improve skin hydrate and elasticity, particularly when consumed in the long-term. However, Suresh points to the collagen in bone broth being less studied which means a scientific link is yet to be established. It keeps us hydrated Bone broth is made with water and – especially when made with vegetables – it provides electrolytes like sodium, potassium and calcium which are vital for hydration, Suresh says. The acid in bone broth (typically apple cider vinegar or lemon juice) helps to extract these minerals from the animal bones, Suresh explains. Calcium helps to regulate fluids in the body while magnesium aids in the absorption of other electrolytes and maintains balance, preventing dehydration. The risks of dehydration are well established and can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, impaired mental functioning and (more seriously) urinary and kidney problems. Bone broth provides a good hydration boost to help prevent this. Are there any health risks? Sodium content Suresh's main concern with bone broth is its sodium content. Both homemade and commercial versions can be high in salt – added and naturally occurring. In fact, one serving of broth can contain as much as 20 per cent of your daily sodium requirement, depending on the recipe. Sodium can be bad for the heart if consumed in excess with one 2015 study in Clinical Medicine concluding that high salt intake can increase blood pressure, leading to a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease. Toxic metals There are also concerns around bone broth possibly containing toxic metals, particularly lead. Suresh points to one small 2013 study in Medical Hypotheses which found trace amounts of lead, 'albeit levels were not clinically concerning', she says. Lacks key nutrients Both Suresh and Hobson say bone broth isn't a significant source of complete fibre or essential vitamins like B12, folate and iron. Therefore, Suresh says it's 'not a superfood' and should play just one part in a rich and balanced diet. How to best reap the health benefits of bone broth Suresh says that eating or drinking one cup of bone broth a few times each week may be beneficial when incorporated in a balanced diet, 'especially for individuals seeking joint support, gut health or increased hydration, such as older adults or post-operative patients'. A typical serving provides a light protein boost, hydration and potentially helpful amino acids, especially when paired with whole foods, she explains. These are her top pairing recommendations: Starchy carbohydrates such as lentils, brown rice or sweet potatoes complete the amino acid profile, and add fibre and B-vitamins. Lean proteins such as chicken breast, tofu or eggs enhance the total protein quality and satiety. Non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, carrots, kale and onions add fibre, vitamins A, K and C, and antioxidants. Fermented foods like miso, kimchi or kefir support the gut microbiota. Verdict: is bone broth healthy? 'Bone broth is very natural and comes from cooking bones for a long time so you get the health benefits that come from that, while stock cubes are ultra-processed and mainly consist of salt and flavourings,' Hobson says. Suresh agrees and says that bone broth (especially when homemade or from quality sources) is superior and healthier. FAQs Does bone broth help you lose belly fat? 'Bone broth won't directly 'burn' fat, but it's low in calories, can be satiating, and may help people reduce snacking thus reducing overall calorie intake,' Suresh explains. She says if eaten in place of processed snacks or creamy soups, it could indirectly support weight loss, but it can't target fat in specific areas like the abdomen. Does bone broth clear your bowels? The gelatin and glutamine may support the gut lining, especially in those with gut inflammation, Suresh explains. 'Anecdotally, some find it soothing for the digestive tract. However, it is not a laxative and, if anything, it may help to regulate rather than 'clear' the bowels.'
