Food for Thought

Nitric oxide might sound obscure, but it is one of the body’s most important molecules, helping to control blood pressure, support the immune system, and keep us healthy. The catch is that as we age, our ability to produce it declines, increasing the risk of conditions like high blood pressure. The good news is this is not a one-way street; we can still top up our nitric oxide levels. But here is the twist: your body does not work alone. It teams up with the bacteria living in your mouth. When you eat nitrate-rich foods like leafy greens and beetroot, these tiny microbes get to work, converting nitrate into nitrite, which your body then transforms into nitric oxide. In other words, your mouth is home to a miniature chemical factory, powered by what you eat. We will explore how these oral bacteria influence your health, and how your diet, lifestyle, and even daily habits can shape this hidden microbial community, for better or worse.

Ultra-processed foods are increasingly in the spotlight, but what exactly are they, and what effect might they be having on our health? This talk will explore these important questions, highlighting the role ultra-processed foods play in the modern obesogenic environment and presenting research on consumption patterns among children and young people in Scotland.