Q: I hear conflicting reports about how many eggs we should eat. What’s the truth?

A: In the past, health experts thought that egg’s high cholesterol content might endanger heart health. But in recent years several studies have shown that egg consumption does not necessarily raise blood cholesterol or increase risk of heart disease.

Current heart-related nutrition recommendations still encourage limiting eggs to no more than four or five a week, especially the yolk, which raises health concerns. But it is clearly much more important to limit foods high in saturated fats (fatty meats and dairy products) and trans fatty acids (margarine and commercial baked goods, cakes, biscuits and deep-fried foods).

When it comes to cancer risk, a landmark report from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) notes that a high intake of eggs or cholesterol could possibly the increase risk of some forms of cancer, but many other aspects of what we eat have a much greater influence on cancer risk. Set your priorities on an unsaturated fat, whole grain and plant-based diet. Eggs are an inexpensive source of protein and other nutrients, and they don’t send your blood cholesterol soaring, if you enjoy them in moderation.

Q: What supplements do you recommend for an over-active thyroid?

– Andrea, London

A: The thyroid gland produces hormones which regulate metabolism. When the thyroid becomes overactive, metabolism is speeded up and calories are burned off quickly causing weight loss, restlessness, insomnia and the eyes can have a bulging appearance.

It is important to get a medical diagnosis if you have these symptoms and also to look at your diet and to add in certain supplements. With your diet, avoid any stimulants such as coffee, tea and sugar as these can make your body produce more adrenaline. It is thought that stress can be implicated in an overactive thyroid problem. The B vitamins are known are the ‘stress’ vitamins and so are important for an overactive thyroid.

Take a good all round multivitamin and mineral and add in a B complex together with extra vitamin E, as a deficiency in this vitamin can cause the thyroid gland to secrete too much hormone.

Q: I have recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis and wondered what advice you can offer?

A: Calcium is the most prevalent mineral in the bone but other nutrients are involved in calcium absorption with magnesium playing a crucial role in the prevention and reversal of bone loss.

Include mineral rich foods in your diet; calcium, magnesium and silica are found in tinned salmon, chlorophyll rich greens, pulses, almonds and sunflower seeds. Vitamin D aids absorption of calcium and good dietary sources include egg yolk and oily fish; 20 minutes of daily sunshine will also help. Avoid fad diets and eat a healthy diet with sufficient protein, especially if you are a vegetarian.

Reduce your intake of acid-forming foods such as coffee, tea and salt which can disrupt the calcium-magnesium natural balance in your body. Developing stronger muscles through weight bearing exercise and yoga will also help protect your bones.

Take a good bone supplement containing boron to help reduce urinary excretion of both calcium and magnesium. (Osteoplus is a good combination containing calcium and magnesium citrate, zinc, boron, vitamin D3 and digestive enzymes).