I can’t believe it’s not trifle

  • I can't believe it's not trifle NutriShield Multi Vitamins and Minerals

I can't believe it's not trifle NutriShield Multi Vitamins and Minerals

“I can’t believe it’s not trifle”

I can't believe it's not trifle NutriShield Multi Vitamins and Minerals

Preparation: 30-35 mins [15 mins if you already have cake]
Cooking: 30 mins [none if you have cake]
Chilling: 2 hours

I can't believe it's not trifle NutriShield Multi Vitamins and Minerals570ml/1 pint live natural yoghurt
1 x 200g/7oz tub low fat crème fraiche
2 large mangoes, stone and skin removed, chopped or 250g/9oz tinned mango pulp
1 x 225g/8oz punnet blueberries, washed
450g/1lb strawberries
30g/1oz toasted flaked almonds

3 free range eggs
85g/3oz golden caster sugar
1½ tbsp warm water
85g/3oz plain flour, sifted
Pinch low sodium salt


First make the sponge:
1 Set the oven at GM4/180C. Prepare a cake tin,18cm/7 inch or 20cm/8 inch in diameter, by lining with parchment.

2 Place eggs and sugar in a bowl and using an electric beater, whisk until light, thick and fluffy, and then add the water.

3 Sift the flour and salt and, with a large metal spoon, fold into the mixture, being careful not to beat out any air.

4 Turn the mixture into the prepared tin and bake in the middle of the oven for about 25-30 minutes.You will be able to tell whether the cake is cooked, as it will shrink away from the sides. If you use the larger cake tin, it will cook slightly quicker.

5 Cool on a wire rack. When ready to use cut into pieces.

To assemble the trifle:
1 Mix together the yoghurt and the crème fraiche.

2 In a blender liquidise the mango or measure out the tinned pulp and fold this into the yoghurt mixture.

3 Put a layer of yoghurt mix in the bottom of a bowl and top with pieces of the sponge. Moisten if necessary with a little apple juice, then add a layer of blueberries and strawberries.

4 Continue to layer up finishing with a layer of yoghurt/mango. Sprinkle the top with the toasted, flaked almonds and decorate with whole strawberries. For a special occasion, you can top with a layer of creme fraiche before decorating. Refrigerate for 2 hours and serve.

I can't believe it's not trifle NutriShield Multi Vitamins and MineralsDr Clayton says

It’s difficult to believe that this super dessert is also nutritious. But it is because the ‘baddies’ in a traditional trifle have been substituted by nutritious ‘goodies’.

Eggs are unusual in that they contain saturated fats, but in the form of phospholipids which increase good HDL cholesterol levels. Vitamin D is also found in eggs and is essential for the uptake and distribution of calcium in the body.

Natural live yoghurt contains probiotics (‘healthy’ bacteria), some of which can help reduce the risk of food poisoning. Yoghurt and crème fraiche are also rich in calcium essential for bone growth and repair.

Mangoes, strawberries and blueberries are all rich sources of the anti-oxidant Vitamin C. Mangoes have the added advantage of being high in beta carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A, which is vital to maintain healthy vision. Blueberries also contain high levels of flavonoids linked to increased protection against heart disease and various cancers.

I can't believe it's not trifle NutriShield Multi Vitamins and Minerals

Dr Clayton says

highlights the benefits from the main ingredients in each recipe, and the symbols show how those foods can reduce major health threats. The more symbols, the stronger the protection.

I can't believe it's not trifle NutriShield Multi Vitamins and Minerals Heart disease

I can't believe it's not trifle NutriShield Multi Vitamins and MineralsBowel problems

I can't believe it's not trifle NutriShield Multi Vitamins and MineralsJoint damage

I can't believe it's not trifle NutriShield Multi Vitamins and MineralsSkin ageing

I can't believe it's not trifle NutriShield Multi Vitamins and MineralsOsteoporosis

I can't believe it's not trifle NutriShield Multi Vitamins and MineralsCancer

I can't believe it's not trifle NutriShield Multi Vitamins and MineralsBrain function

I can't believe it's not trifle NutriShield Multi Vitamins and MineralsEyesight

Health benefits of selected foods

Click on the category to see the health benefits of foods widely used in the recipes.
  • EGGS
    Eggs contain lecithin phospholipids which increase levels of HDL cholesterol (the ‘good’ cholesterol). They also contain carotenoids and the more intensely coloured the yolk, the higher the carotenoid content; free range eggs contain higher levels of these valuable micro-nutrients. Carotenoids have anticancer properties and protect the eyes and skin.
  • FISH Herring - Mackerel - Salmon - Sardines - Shrimps & Prawns
    Herring are an excellent source of Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs), which have strong cardioprotective properties. PUFAs have also been shown to reduce inflammation of the airways and joints, and can help to reduce the symptoms of asthma and arthritis. Herrings also contain iodine (essential for thyroid function); traces of selenium; and a useful combination of calcium and Vitamin D which can help to maintain healthy bones.
    Mackerel: similar to herring
    Salmon: similar to herring. Wild salmon are preferable to farmed, as they generally contain significantly higher levels of the valuable and cardioprotective Omega 3 PUFAs. They also typically contain higher levels of astaxanthin, a carotenoid with antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.
    Sardines contain some Omega 3 PUFAs, also calcium and Vitamin D, and traces also of iodine.
    Shrimps/prawns (especially fresh water) contain betaine which can reduce blood levels of the toxic compound homocysteine, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks. Betaine is also found in squid, mussels, oysters, sugar beet and spinach, but is most easily consumed in supplement form.
  • FRUITS Apples - Avocados - Bananas - Blackberries - Blackcurrants - Blueberries - Cherries - Citrus fruit - Dried fruit - Mangoes - Pears - Prunes - Raisins - Raspberries - Redcurrants - Strawberries - Tomatoes
    Apples contain the flavonoid quercitin, which is anti-oxidant and probably cardioprotective, Vitamin C and fibre (pectin) which lowers blood cholesterol levels, if consumed in sufficient amounts.
    Apricots are a good source of beta carotene and fibre, and also flavonoids.
    Avocados provide a mix of monounsaturated and poly-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs and PUFAs) which are cardio-protective. They also contain B vitamins and Vitamin E.
    Bananas: an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, and pre-biotics, as well as being rich in potassium (which may help reduce blood pressure) and dietary fibre.
    Blackberries: similar to blackcurrants.
    Blackcurrants contain high levels of Vitamin C and flavonoids linked to increased protection against heart disease, various cancers and the loss of vision that can accompany diabetes.
    Blueberries: similar to blackcurrants.
    Cherries (especially black cherries): similar to blackcurrants.
    Citrus fruit (oranges, lemons, grapefruit, etc) contain Vitamin C and flavonoids with many therapeutic properties. They are anti-inflammatory, cardio-protective and probably have anti-cancer properties.
    Dried fruit: in general, a good source of dietary fibre and flavonoids.
    Mangoes are an excellent source of beta carotene, plus Vitamin C and dietary fibre.
    Pears contain Vitamin C, dietary fibre and traces of B vitamins and some minerals. Perhaps their most interesting ingredient is the polysaccharides which form the gritty particles in pear skin. These are immuno-stimulants, similar to those found in shiitake mushrooms (see below).
    Prunes have high levels of flavonoids, and may also contain pre-biotic compounds as well as dietary fibre
    Raisins are similar to red wine without the alcohol, but contain more sugar! A good source of flavonoids. Currants are particularly good, sultanas less so. (Their lighter colour indicates a lower level of flavonoids.)
    Raspberries: similar to blackcurrants, although not quite as good a source of flavonoids.
    Redcurrants: similar to raspberries.
    Blackcurrants contain far higher levels of the valuable flavonoids – as evidenced by their darker colour.
    Strawberries contain Vitamin C and some flavonoids.
    Tomatoes and tomato products are the richest source of lycopene, a carotenoid with strong cardio-protective and anticancer properties.
  • GRAINS AND FLOUR PRODUCTS Bread - Brown rice - Bulghur wheat - Couscous - Oats - Pasta - Sushi rice - Wheatgerm
    Bread is a source of B vitamins, calcium and magnesium. It also provides dietary fibre.
    Wholemeal breads tend to provide more of these micro-nutrients than white breads.
    Granary bread is a rich source of dietary fibre. It contains rather more iron and zinc than white bread and also contains B and E vitamins.
    Brown rice provides dietary fibre, and a range of B vitamins. Nutritionally superior to white rice, which has a higher glycemic index (see notes), brown rice also has a more interesting texture.
    Bulghur wheat: similar to brown rice.
    Couscous: similar to brown rice.
    Oats are a good source of dietary fibre, and have been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels. They contain beta glucans, an excellent pre-biotic that protects the lower bowel and liver, together with B vitamins, some Vitamin E and various minerals including traces of chromium.
    Pasta is a good source of carbohydrate with a medium glycemic index.
    Sushi rice: rice bran contains interesting actives which lower blood pressure and induce a calming effect. See also brown rice.
    Wheatgerm: traditionally one of the best sources of Vitamin E.
  • HERBS AND SPICES Black pepper - Cayenne pepper - Cinnamon - Coriander - Cumin - Ginger - Mustard - Oregano - Paprika - Parsley - Thyme - Turmeric
    Black pepper contains a combination of pepper oils and flavonoids which have been shown to protect against ageing of the brain.
    Cayenne pepper has trace pepper oils, with anti-oxidant properties.
    Cinnamon is claimed to increase the activity of insulin, and to be of some use in Type 2 diabetes, but this has yet to be substantiated.
    Coriander is reported to have antioxidant and digestive properties.
    Cumin is reported to have anti-oxidant and digestive properties.
    Ginger provides ginger flavonoids which have marked anti-inflammatory properties and are also probably cardio-protective.
    Mustard contains sulphur compounds that boost synthesis of protective enzymes in the body.
    Oregano (marjoram) is a rich source of flavonoids, powerful anti-oxidants with marked anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties; capable of stimulating the body's own detoxifying enzyme defences.
    Paprika: a powdered extract of peppers (see under vegetables/peppers).
    Parsley has some diuretic effect, if consumed in large amounts. It contains various anti-oxidants.
    Thyme: similar to oregano
    Turmeric provides a group of flavonoids called curcuminoids, which have many therapeutic properties. They include antiinflammatory, cardio-protective, antidiabetic and anti-cancer activities.
  • MILK AND DAIRY PRODUCTS Cheese - Creme fraiche - Fromage frais - Milk - Quark - Yoghurt
    Cheeses contain varying amounts of salt, which can contribute to increased blood pressure. They provide calcium and magnesium, but tend to be high in saturated fat.
    Crème fraiche (preferably low fat) is a good source of calcium, needed for growing healthy bones and teeth.
    Fromage frais has some protein and traces of B vitamins.
    Milk (preferably skimmed milk for adults): similar to crème fraiche.
    Quark: see fromage frais.
    Yoghurt: natural live yoghurts contain pro-biotic bacterial species. Not all are effective, but some may protect against gastro-intestinal infections.
  • NUTS Almonds - Brazil nuts - Pecans - Pine nuts - Pistachios - Walnuts
    Almonds contain MUFAs and Omega 6 PUFAs, as well as Vitamin E, which may help to prevent heart disease.
    Brazil nuts contain MUFAs and Omega 6 PUFAs which may help to prevent heart disease. They also provide Vitamin E, which is additionally cardio-protective, and high levels of selenium, a mineral with powerful anti-cancer properties.
    Pecans: a nut containing MUFAs, Omega 6 PUFAs and Vitamin E.
    Pine nuts contain MUFAs, Omega 6 PUFAs, Vitamin E and flavonoids.
    Pistachio nuts have traces of MUFAs, Omega 6 PUFAs, Vitamin E and flavonoids.
    Walnuts contain MUFAs, Omega 3 and 6 PUFAs and ellagic acid, which are thought to be cardio-protective, as is their Vitamin E.
  • VEGETABLES Artichokes, globe and Jerusalem - Beansprouts - Beetroot - Black-eye beans - Broccoli - Carrots - Celery - Chillies - Chives - Courgettes - Cucumber - Garlic - Haricot beans - Kale - Kidney beans - Leeks - Lentils - Mushrooms - Onions - Peppers - Potatoes - Shiitake mushrooms - Spinach - Sweet potatoes - Wasabi
    Artichokes (globe) are a useful source of fibre.
    Artichokes (Jerusalem) are an excellent source of inulin, a pre-biotic fibre which protects the lower bowel, the liver and the heart.
    Beansprouts are a good source of B vitamins and dietary fibre, with some Vitamin C.
    Beetroot contain a group of flavonoids, which give them their intense red/purple colour, the most prevalent of which is called betalain. This flavonoid is not thought to be particularly therapeutic, however, as it is unstable.
    Black-eye beans (or black beans) are a good source of fibre. They also contain B vitamins, and are an excellent source of carbohydrates with a low glycemic index (see Notes). They may also help to lower blood cholesterol levels.
    Broccoli is an excellent source of Vitamin K, essential for healthy bones; sulphur compounds linked to cancer protection; the anti-oxidant Vitamin C; lutein, which protects the eyes, and dietary fibre.
    Carrots contain, as the name implies, beta carotene. Darker red carrots contain higher levels of this micro-nutrient, and anyone lucky enough to be able to buy West Indian carrots (which are almost purple in colour) is getting maximum carotenoids and taste! Carrots also provide dietary fibre, and some Vitamin C.
    Celery contains compounds that lower blood pressure (if eaten in large quantities), also fibre and traces of B vitamins.
    Chillies provide flavonoids, and capsaicins, which create the sensation of 'hotness'. They trigger histamine release, which may make them troublesome for asthmatics.
    Chives: similar to onions.
    Courgettes have traces of B vitamins and minerals.
    Cucumber contains traces of B vitamins and trace minerals.
    Garlic contains sulphur compounds which may lower blood cholesterol levels. These also have anti-cancer properties.
    Haricot beans: similar to black-eye beans.
    Kale is similar to broccoli, but generally contains even higher levels of the same micro-nutrients.
    Kidney beans: similar to black-eye beans
    Leeks: similar to onions
    Lentils: similar to black-eye beans.
    Mushrooms contain traces of chromium, which may be helpful in adult-onset diabetes.
    Onions contain a flavonoid called quercitin, which has anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective properties. They also contain pre-biotic fibres, other dietary fibre, and some of the same sulphur compounds that are found in garlic. Red onions may contain slightly more quercitin than white.
    Peppers (red, orange and yellow) contain flavonoids which are anti-inflammatory, and have cardio-protective and anti-cancer properties. The red peppers are, in addition, a good source of beta carotene.
    Potatoes have traces of Vitamin C and the B vitamins. They have a high glycemic index.
    Shiitake mushrooms contain polysaccharide molecules which act as adjuvants, or immuno-stimulants. Similar compounds occur in Echinacea, pear skin and the cell walls of certain bacteria.
    Spinach is a good source of beta carotene and Vitamin C, which may help to prevent cancers; lutein, which protects the eyes; Vitamin K, essential for maintaining healthy bones; dietary fibre; and betaine, a valuable compound that is both cardio-protective and immunosupportive.
    Sweet potatoes are a rich source of beta carotene; the deeper the colour, the higher the beta carotene content.
    Wasabi (Japanese horseradish) contains traces of B vitamins and trace minerals.
  • OTHER FOODS Chocolate - Grape juice - Green Tea - Groundnut oil - Nori seaweed - Olive oil - Salt - Sesame oil/seeds - Soy protein/soya beans - Sunflower oil - Wine
    Chocolate is now gaining acceptance as a health food, especially dark chocolate. This is due to its high content of antioxidant flavonoids, which are cardioprotective, cancer-protective and antiinflammatory. The fat in chocolate (stearic acid) is metabolised in the body to oleic acid (as in olive oil), so that too may be cardio-protective. Chocolate contains a lot of calories, however, and the white and milk chocolates in particular have a high glycemic index (ie they increase blood sugar levels); so don't overdo.
    Grape juice (especially red grape juice) is a good source of flavonoids shown to reduce platelet stickiness. Similar to red wine, but not quite as potent.
    Green tea is another source of flavonoids, considered to be cardioprotective and cancer-protective. The combination of flavonoids and fluorides in tea probably help to ward off tooth and gum disease.
    Groundnut/Peanut oil: groundnuts are peanuts. Peanut oil is a reasonable source of MUFAs, which are cardio-protective.
    Nori seaweed is a good source of minerals including iodine, zinc and copper. It also provides traces of calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium.
    Olive oil contains mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which can help lower ‘bad’ cholesterol in the blood, and flavonoids which are reported to reduce the risk of colon and other cancers.
    Salt: high sodium is a major cause of raised blood pressure. Switch from table salt to a low sodium/higher potassium and magnesium salt alternative to help reduce blood pressure.
    Sesame oil/seeds contain MUFAs, Omega 6 PUFAs, Vitamin E and flavonoids.
    Soy protein is derived from soya beans and has been proven to lower blood cholesterol levels. It must, therefore, be considered to be cardio-protective. Some soy extracts contain isoflavones, reported to alleviate pre-menstrual and postmenopausal symptoms, which confer additional cardio- and some cancer protection. Some isoflavones (eg genistein) have additional anti-cancer properties. Last but not least, soy protein is of a very high quality; its amino acid composition means that it is regarded as a complete protein, similar to meat or egg, so is particularly suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
    Sunflower oil is a source of Omega 6 PUFAs and some Vitamin E.
    Wine: red wine contains flavonoids, antioxidant compounds with antiinflammatory properties which reduce the risk of heart disease and cancers. White wine is not as good a source. For maximal flavonoid levels, choose a wine with the deepest red colouring: Cabernet Sauvignon grapes tend to score particularly highly.

Nutritional terms

A substance capable of neutralising free radicals, which could otherwise cause tissue damage in the body.
A group of compounds derived from foods which have antioxidant, immuno-stimulating, anti-cancer and other health-promoting properties. Typically coloured, varying from red (lycopene, astaxanthin) to yellow (lutein) and orange (alpha and beta carotene).
A group of compounds derived from foods which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. They are also anti-glycosylant, which means they help to reduce the cross linking of collagen and elastin which would otherwise lead to loss of elasticity of the skin, arteries, etc.
Flavonoids are vital ingredients in our diet. Often coloured, they range from curcumin (yellow) to anthocyanins (typically red, blue and purple).
Glycemic index
The extent to which the carbohydrate elements in food increase blood sugar levels. Refined carbohydrates have a high glycemic index, while unrefined carbohydrates have, in general, a low one.
The high glycemic index of the Western diet has now been identified as a probable cause of Type 2 diabetes – so a shift to a lower GI diet is strongly recommended.
Mono-unsaturated fatty acids contain a single double bond and are liquid at room temperatures (eg olive, peanut oils). They help to lower LDL (the ‘bad’ cholesterol).
Poly-unsaturated fatty acids contain more than one double bond and are liquid at room temperature (eg sunflower, safflower oils).
A dietary fibre which stimulates the growth of bifidobacteria and other healthy bacteria in the gut.
Healthy bacteria, which are consumed either in fermented milk products or as supplements.
A flavonoid found in onions and apples. Probably the quantitatively most important flavonoid in the Western diet.
Saturated fats
They contain no double bonds. Solid at room temperature, they are mostly derived from meat and dairy foods. The only plant sources of saturated fats are coconuts and palm oil.


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