Category Archives: Diet

May 21, 2018

CUT YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE – WITH FLAXSEEDS.

High blood pressure is the number-one risk factor for death and disability worldwide. It puts strain on your heart, can damage sensitive blood vessels in the eyes and kidneys and can cause bleeding in the brain.

It is now widely accepted that increased blood pressure isn’t just a natural result of ageing, but rather it can remain stable throughout life, or even decrease after middle-age.

Commonly prescribed medication can reduce the risk of heart attack by 15% and the risk of stroke by about 25%. But in a recent study, three portions of whole grains a day were shown to help people achieve the same benefit without taking pills.

People who consumed a few spoonfuls of flaxseeds every day for six months lowered their blood pressure to a degree that could be expected to result in 46% fewer strokes and 29% fewer instances of heart disease over time. It is 2-3 times more effective at lowering blood pressure than exercise (not that you shouldn’t do both).

Sprinkle a spoonful over cereal, soups, salads and stews everyday.

May 4, 2018

HEALTH MYTH #5: RAW IS BEST.

The theory of raw eating is that cooking destroys enzymes and nutrients in food. In fact, some foods actually release more nutrients when they are cooked.

Therefore it is best to eat a good mix of both cooked and raw foods.

April 16, 2018

CAFFEINE – THE TRUTH.

Filtering out the biggest caffeine-related myths:

  1. Caffeine doesn’t cause dehydration. It’s a mild diuretic and can make you need to urinate but the fluid content tends to offset the effects of losses.
  2. Caffeine isn’t bad for your health…in moderation. Sticking to 400mg a day has no lasting damage on the body.
  3. Caffeine does not aid weight loss. The only way to increase your metabolism is by building more muscle and exercising.
  4. Caffeine is not addictive. Like shopping or watching tv, it is habit-forming rather than addictive.
  5. Caffeine does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease or raise cholesterol levels. You may notice a slight raise in blood pressure if you are sensitive to caffeine, though.
April 2, 2018

HEALTH MYTH #4: FRESH JUICE BEATS FRUIT.

Juice and smoothies are seen as a good way to get a lot of nutrients in one go. However, when you juice a fruit, you remove the fibre.

Juices also have a lot of free sugars, which are high in calories.

You don’t need to ban juice, but just stick to the recommended daily intake of 150ml. Get the rest of your nutrients from whole fruit and veg.

March 5, 2018

HEALTH MYTH #3: FAT MAKES YOU FAT.

Ounce for ounce, fat has more calories than any other nutrient, so it has been long shunned by dieters. But we just need to know which fats to eat.

Try to eat sources of unsaturated fat, which don’t raise cholesterol – such as oily fish, avocados and nuts – and keep portions small.

February 2, 2018

HEALTH MYTH #2: AVOID EGGS.

 

When it was discovered that cholesterol raised the risk of heart disease, it was thought that eating foods high in cholesterol would increase the levels in our body.

Over the years science has disproved this notion and has in fact found that people who eat two eggs a day as part of a 12-week calorie-controlled diet actually saw their cholesterol levels fall.

So, if you like eggs, eat them!

January 15, 2018

HEALTH MYTH #1: VEGETARIAN = GOOD.

Although it’s true that studies suggest vegetarians are less likely to suffer from heart disease and cancer, it’s possible to be a vegetarian and still eat badly.

Ensure your diet has a range of proteins, with a variety of beans, pulses and dark greens to boost iron level.

December 22, 2017

FOODS TO FILL YOU UP.

Here are the best healthy options to keep you feeling full:

Almonds
These have the highest protein and fibre content of all nuts.

Soup
Opting for a smooth soup, rather than a chunky can make all the difference. Blended vegetables make them more filling.

Berries
These have one of the lowest glycaemic values of all fruits. Berries keep blood-sugar levels stable, avoiding the energy dip that causes us to crave sugary snacks.

Eggs
Their high protein content helps to reduce the hunger hormone ghrelin, while raising levels of peptide YY, a hormone that helps us feel full.

Avocados
The combination of healthy fats and fibre work together to boost that feeling of being completely satisfied.

Edamame beans
Their high protein and fibre content, as well as a low glycaemic value helps keep hunger at bay.

December 1, 2017

THE PAIN-RELIEVING DIET.

Cherries
Cherries gain their lovely deep red colour from anthocyanin – a type of flavonoid which is a powerful antioxidant. Anthocyanin has anti-inflammatory properties similar to those found in aspirin.

Turmeric
Containing curcumin, known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, studies have linked turmeric to reduced inflammation in a number of condition, including psoriasis. Curcumin has also been shown to help fight against the inflammation in the body that contributes to the growth of cancer tumours.

Salmon
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is high in protein and antioxidants. The fatty acids can help to lubricate tight joints in the body and control the overproduction of pain-stimulating prostaglandins in the lining of the womb. So it’s a great fish to eat to alleviate uncomfortable periods.

Green tea
A great source of polyphenols, which help to reduce inflammation-causing free radicals in the body.