Mens Health Blog. Medical Blog

The normal processes of growth and differentiation are involved both in creating new human beings and in repair and renewal. Every human being develops from the union of just two specialised cells—the sperm and the egg. An embryo which is only a few days old consists of a small number of very similar looking cells. Within only a few months, these multiply, differentiate and organise themselves into a complex human being with all its different parts and functions.

Throughout life, orderly, controlled growth and differentiation continues, keeping our bodies in normal working order. The baby grows to an adult. New cells replace old, worn out ones. Injuries are repaired—after an injury cells multiply, differentiate and arrange themselves so as to reproduce the original structure as accurately as possible, hor example, it you break your leg, cells which can develop into bone multiply to fill the break, mature and start to form strong bone. Damaged muscle cells, fat cells, skin cells etc are also replaced and arrange themselves so as to restore the original shape and strength of your leg as accurately as possible.

Clearly, the most incredibly complex and delicate mechanisms must exist in our body to control the normal processes of growth and differentiation. What happens if these mechanisms go haywire?

*29/40/1*

Grilled Pesto Chicken

150 grams skinless organic chicken breasts

1 heaped teaspoon of pesto

Slice the chicken breasts across and spread their insides with half of the pesto.

Spread the remaining pesto on top of the chicken. Grill for 25 minutes or until cooked.

Indian Spiced Chicken

Juice of 1 lemon

1 clove garlic, crushed

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

Dash of cayenne

1 chicken breast (preferably free range)

Steamed broccoli, spinach and cauliflower, or jasmine rice

Blend the lemon juice, garlic and spices. Place the rinsed chicken breast in a dish and toss into the spice blend until it is well coated. Leave to marinate for at least 30 minutes. Place under a hot grill for 25 minutes, or until cooked. Turn it over once, throughout cooking. Serve with steamed broccoli, spinach and cauliflower, or with jasmine rice.

Roast Chicken Breast with a Twist

2 small chicken breasts (with skin)

1 clove garlic, sliced

2 sprigs fresh tarragon

1 dessert spoon olive oil

Juice of 1/2 a lemon

Place garlic slices and tarragon under chicken skin. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Place in oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked. Remove skin and serve.

*234/34/5*