Q: I recently bought some edamame seeds, tofu, alfalfa and quinoa because I read somewhere they were good for me. Could you tell me why they are so great and what I can do with them?

A: First of all I want to congratulate you for breaking out of your normal shopping routine and buying something new. Variety is the key to a healthy diet. Don’t be daunted by foods that have tricky or exotic sounding names as most of them are really easy to use and delicious tasting as well.

• Let’s start with tofu. Soya rich foods like tofu are so good for you because they can keep your cholesterol levels down and ease symptoms of the menopause. They are also rich in protein and calcium which is great for strong and healthy bones. Tofu absorbs flavours brilliantly so try marinating it as a meat or fish substitute in curries, casseroles, sandwiches and soup.
• Quinoa is a nutty grain that is richer in protein, calcium and iron than rice and wheat. It’s also packed with magnesium which is great for insomnia, pain relief, strong bones and easing PMS. Soak it for a few minutes and use it as substitute for rice, oats or pasta.
• Alfalfa is a brilliant source of iron which can really boost your energy. Try adding it to salad and sandwiches as you would cress.
• Finally edamame beans are baby soya beans that are a great source of protein and fibre. They have a tasty, nutty flavour and are a delicious alternative to peas that can fill you up for hours. You’ll find them in the freezer section of most supermarkets and all you need to do is boil them for a few minutes and serve with any meal, toss into a salad, stir fry them or take them to work with you as a snack.

Q: How can I minimise or prevent scaring naturally?

A: The best way to prevent scarring is to make sure the wound heals properly if you cut yourself. If you get a scrape or gash apply pressure to the area to stop the flow of blood and wipe away any dirt.

If you don’t keep the wound clean the immune system will try to engulf the foreign particles and cause pus and slow down the healing process. Rinse the cut in sterile salt water: boil filtered water, let it cool and stir in one tablespoon of salt per pint of liquid. Then mix a pinch of powdered goldenseal which is rich in antibacterial berberine and moist slippery elm bark which is a natural skin healer with a few drops of healing aloe-leaf gel to make a thick paste. Spread the paste over the surface of the wound to form a poultice.

If the cut is deep and open you may need stitches to prevent scarring as wounds left gaping are more likely to cause scars. After the cut is secure take 500 to 1000 milligrams of antioxidant vitamin C twice a day to speed the healing process. If a scar does form use can a good quality vitamin E and pierce the capsule and rub in the oil.

Q: Could the fish I’m eating be toxic?

A: Fish is a superb source of protein and is packed with essential omega fats and is a great source of calcium, selenium, vitamin D and E so I’m glad you are including it in your diet. Having said that, the fish you are eating may contain mercury – a heavy metal that can cause nerve damage in high doses due to pollution getting into the rivers and seas. However, levels of this heavy metal are not high enough to do you any harm in the quantities most people consume them.

Research does, however, show that swordfish and marlin contain the highest levels, due to their size, where they feed and the age they live (which concentrates the mercury). These fish are closely followed by tuna. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive the Food Standards Agency suggests limiting your intake of these fish or avoiding them altogether. It’s fine, however, to eat plenty of smaller fish like sardines, salmon, trout and mackerel which are low in these toxins and no threat to your health and wellbeing.