From the Farm to the Pharmacy y Leaving brutal winter temperatures
for the warmth of the tropics often includes late night parties to calorific feasts. This can bear on your immune system and since Christmas is a time of over-indulgence and stress, while on your A & B getaway, seek out foods that help ward off cold and sniffles and help build your overall immune system. With myriad of manmade solutions in pharmacies, scientific research shows that the natural benefits found in many foods come directly from local farms and fisheries, These local super foods widely available in A & B, are loaded with key nutrients that have been incorporated in many over the counter remedies. If symptoms persist, please consult your physician. 1) Pomegranate With high levels of antioxidants and distinctive red juicy seeds, pomegranate is at the forefront of the superfood movement. Health benefits associated include rich in Vitamin C, K, B5 and folate. Scientific research has shows that the polyphenols in pomegranate juice may reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. An easy way to incorporate pomegranate is to garnish desserts with the seeds, as you would with raspberries or blueberries. 2) Yogurt A healthy balance of “good� bacteria in the digestive tract is key for bodily functions such as digestion and immune function. Being a dairy food, yogurt contains calcium, Vitamin B-2, B-12, magnesium and potassium. Health benefits associated with yogurt include reduction of thrush occurrences,
helping gastrointestinal conditions (constipation, diarrhoea and Inflammatory Bowel Disease). Yogurt is not limited to your breakfast muesli. It is used in curry or blended with some fruit and honey for a deliciously simple smoothie.
We are indeed much more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us to be much more than what we are. Adelle Davis (1904 – 1974)
3) Oily fish Fresh salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines, and tuna are good sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Highly concentrated in the brain, omega-3 fatty acids is important for cognitive performance, such as brain memory. For beauty buffs the unique combination of protein, omega-3 fats and antioxidants in oily fish are also good for healthy skin and hair. 4) Dark green vegetables Kale, chard, spinach, bok choy, broccoli, asparagus and green beans are just a few of the top dark green vegetables that are jam-packed with vitamins A and C, calcium, iron and phytonutrients. These veggies keep your heart healthy and waistline slim through being filling, high in fibre and low in calories. 5) Pulses Chickpeas, beans, peas and lentils are a great source of vegetable protein and make a cheap and nutritious meal when added to stews, salads, curry and chilli entrees. As well as vegetable protein, pulses are also a great source of fibre, complex carbohydrates, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Research also shows that regular pulse consumption may assist with weight loss by controlling appetite through increasing feelings of fullness. BUZZ December, 2011- A&B BUZZ