7.2
Years of life gained if you walk the recommended 150 minutes a week. Try to keep it brisk to gain maximum benefits.
Yearly Archives: 2016
THE SUPERFOODS YOU’RE THROWING AWAY.
It is likely that you are throwing away the most nutritional parts of certain foods. Take a look at the list below to see how you can put the ‘waste’ to good use.
- Broccoli Stalks
Rich in antioxidants, the stem contains more digestion-bossting fibre than the florets. Use in juices and soups, or grate over salads. - Sprouted garlic
When garlic sprouts a green shoot, it contains five times the antioxidants of fresh, lowering the risk of heart disease still further. - Orange and lemon peel
The skin contains more flavonoid phytochemicals – linked to better brain health – than the fruit itself. Grate unwaxed zest into salad dressings or to flavour natural yogurt. - Strawberry tops
Strawberry leaves contain more antioxidants than the fruit. These slow down cell damage linked to wrinkles. Blitz a few into your smoothie. - Celery greens
Higher in vitamins than the fibrous stalks, celery leaves are a good source of immunity-boosting vitamin E. Juice like any other green or add to stocks/soups. - Pineapple core
Tough pineapple cores contain twice as much bromelain – an enzyme with pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties – as the flesh. Slice thinly and bake on a low heat to make pineapple crisps.
HEALTH CURES: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR.
Get rid of blisters
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties, so can help prevent infection and help clear blisters. Soak your blistered feet in it, or put some vinegar on a cotton pad and dab it onto the affected area.
REASONS TO WALK #4
109
The number of journeys between London underground stations that are quicker by foot. So get walking!
TURMERIC: THE SUPER SPICE.
We all know turmeric as a curry spice, giving the dish it’s vibrant colour. But did you know it also has some serious health benefits?
Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, lowering the levels of enzymes in the body that cause pain and swelling. It’s often used to help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and ulcerative colitis. It may also help to ease the effects of chronic conditions with low levels of inflammation, such as Alzheimer’s.
The spice also works as an anticoagulant, slowing and stopping blood platelets from grouping together to form clots, thereby contributing to lowering the risk of blood clots.
It’s high antioxidant levels also fight the effects of free radicals in the body, making it helpful in lowering the risk of certain cancers and neurodegenerative diseases.
HEALTH CURES: SESAME SEEDS.
Treat toothache
Sesame seeds contain natural pain-relieving compounds. Soak four teaspoons in boiling water and when the mixture’s cooled, apply it around the painful area.
REASONS TO WALK #3
10
Number of minutes it takes to walk 1,000 steps – a tenth of your recommended daily quota.
WHAT’S SO GOOD ABOUT AVOCADOS?
With a 25% rise in sales last year, what has got everyone obsessed with the humble avocado?
- Healthy heart – rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids that can help lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.
- High in soluble and insoluble fibre – helping keep the blood cholesterol levels low and your digestive system healthy. Also, high potassium levels help with regulating blood pressure and heart rate.
- Full of vitamins – a high concentration of vitamin E for healthy skin, vitamin A for a strong immune system and vitamin K for blood-healing functions.
- An antioxidant punch – high levels of phenol essential for counteracting the effects of free radicals.
HEALTH CURES: CAMOMILE TEA.
Brighten your eyes
Camomile tea has natural anti-inflammatory agents. Make a mug of it with boiling water and add a little salt. When cool, soak two cotton pads in the tea and relax with them over your eyes.
REASONS TO WALK #2
20%
The amount of extra calories you’ll burn if you use Nordic Poles, which will also help firm up your belly.