Bust a headache
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a traditional remedy for headaches – especially migraines, because it can also help nausea. Grate about a teaspoon of fresh ginger, pour boiling water over it, leave to infuse for 10 minutes, then drink.
Zap fat
Cinnamon can help balance blood sugar and keep you feeling fuller for longer. Dissolve a teaspoon in warm water and drink with your breakfast.
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.
Add the following superfoods to your diet to help increase the fat you burn and to support your workouts.
I know I’m always going on about this super-fruit, but bananas really do make an ideal snack before your workout.
Not only are they loaded with digestible carbohydrates, to fuel your body, they are also packed with potassium and magnesium, which aid in maintaining nerve and muscle function.
Have a banana with 2tbs of Greek yoghurt 30mins to 1 hour before you exercise. It will prevent low blood sugar, which leads to light-headedness and fatigue.
This combination will also fuel your body with both the carbohydrates and protein needed to maximise your workout and performance.
And what’s better they’re cheap to buy, so you don’t have to break the bank! Another reason why I will continue to sing this fruit’s praises.
It seems Popeye was on to a winner with his diet of spinach, as this super vegetable is a powerhouse of nutrients.
Just 125g of fresh spinach will provide you with more than 20 nutrients, including more than your recommended daily allowance of vitamins K and A, almost all your daily requirements of folate and around 40% of your daily magnesium needs. Even better you get all this for around just 30 calories.
There are many benefits of these rich green leaves, but the most interesting from my point of view, is the fact that spinach is a super workout food.
Research has shown that spinach may help reduce oxidative stress caused by regular exercise and protect against muscle damage.
It may also make the body more efficient, as it contains a compound called nitrate, which has been shown to boost the mitochondria (the microscopic part of cells that generates most of your energy), meaning your body will need less oxygen when exercising.
So let’s take a leaf out of Popeye’s book and top up on spinach. However, rather than canned, why not try using it in a salad, lightly cooked or even in a juice!