Crème de la Crème: Superfoods that Are a Cut above the Rest

While including any fruits or veggies in your diet will be beneficial for your wellness – not to mention your waistline – some fresh foods have more of an impact on your wellbeing than others. We’ve rounded up the crème de la crème; the Supermen of all superfoods, which all contain more than their fair share of vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting nutrients.

1. Alfalfa sprouts: Aside from being virtually fat-free and sporting less than 10 calories in a single cup, alfalfa sprouts are packed with phytochemicals called saponins. Why are these important? Saponins are thought to protect you against cancer and help lower your cholesterol. Try adding a few alfalfa sprouts on top of your turkey or veggie burger, or else get some of that fresh, earthy crunch in salads or sandwiches.

2. Apples: Sure they’re not exotic or new, but there’s a reason why apples have stood the test of time. This superfood is the richest fruit source of pection, which is a soluble fibre that lowers your blood pressure, reduces your cholesterol, decreases your risk of colon and breast cancers, and maybe even lessens the severity of your diabetes. If apples have never been your thing, try a different variety or toss a few slices with field greens, toasted pecans, and a light vinaigrette.

3. Avocados: In just one half of a medium-sized avocado, you’ll find 15% of your recommended daily folate intake and more than four grams of fibre. Avocados are also a powerhouse for heart health, being free of cholesterol while also rich in monounsaturated fats and potassium. Avocados make for a great base in creamy sandwich spreads, or you can add a few chunks to your favourite salsa for a simple and delicious way to dress up grilled chicken or fish.

4. Cranberries: You may have heard that the cranberry’s wheel-house is in protecting you against urinary tract infections, but don’t limit its superfood potential. Cranberries may improve blood cholesterol and aid in recovery from strokes, while cranberry juice has been shown to increase the potency of cancer drugs. You can get these tart and tangy berries in frozen form throughout the year, but the best time to eat them fresh is during their peak season from October through December.

5. Flaxseed: On top of lowering your blood cholesterol and reducing your risk of heart attacks, flaxseed also provides you with a rich source of lignan, a powerful antioxidant that may be a formidable force against disease and certain cancers, especially breast cancer. You digest ground seeds more efficiently than whole seeds, so these are the best ones to plump for. In just two tablespoons of ground seeds, you’ll find 20% of your recommended daily fibre intake and more than 100% of your recommended intake for omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation. However, as flaxseeds are so full of fibre, you need to be careful when incorporating them into your diet. Doing too much too quickly can have a laxative effect, so gradually add it to baked goods (for a nutty flavour), on top of your cereal, or blended with yoghurt and fresh fruit for a tasty smoothie.

6. Papayas: Just one cup of papaya cubes gives you well over your daily requirement for vitamin C, as well as packing a nutritional one-two-punch of potassium and folate. Moreover, papaya is a good source of two powerful antioxidants – vitamins A and E – that protect you against heart disease and colon cancer. The rich, buttery flesh of this tropical superfood is amazing in smoothies and salads, but you’ll love it just on its own when you scoop it out of the shell with a spoon.

Categories: Alfalfa Sprouts, blood cholesterol, cancer, cholesterol, fibre, Flaxseed, fresh, ground seeds, Papaya, recommended, recommended daily

Young, Free and Natural: Five At-Home Anti-Ageing Remedies

As you get older, you may notice the odd wrinkle here and there, and start worrying about visible ageing. Wrinkles are a common skin wellness concern, with many women forking out thousands of pounds on Botox injections, face lifts, fillers, lasers or liposuction, or at least spending a pretty penny on expensive lotions, moisturisers, and anti-ageing creams. However, if you understand the main causes of wrinkles, you can determine your own inexpensive and natural way to avoid and minimise the problem In the first place.

 

As a general rule, the leading cause of wrinkles is direct exposure to the sun, but smoking can also take its toll on your skin (and, on a non-cosmetic level, these two factors can greatly damage your wellbeing too). Unhealthy skin can also arise from poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress, as well as rapid weight loss, heredity, and skin pigmentation. However, just because there is a long list of skin-damagers out there, it doesn’t mean you have to rush out and buy eight different anti-ageing creams. You may have all the wrinkle treatments you need right in your kitchen.

 

Firstly, because lemon juice is a deep cleansing agent, it is perfect for getting rid of your wrinkles. If you massage the juice all over your skin often, you’ll be surprised how long you can stave off the signs of ageing. While we’re on anti-ageing fruits, papaya is another natural source of anti-ageing goodness, as it contains lots of vitamins which are good for your skin, as well as your body in general. For the best results with this fruit, mash the papaya into a pulp and massage it into your face and neck.

 

However, it’s not just fruits that reduce the signs of ageing, but vegetables can also be a surprising help. Cabbage juice has been used for thousands of years for plumping and freshening up the skin. Simply massage the juice over your face and, when it dries, rinse with warm water for that fresh skin feeling. If that doesn’t appeal, try mixing rose water with honey and turmeric and applying it to your skin to eliminate wrinkles quickly. Finally, on one of the most popular anti-ageing remedies out there is egg whites and coconut oil. As with cabbage juice, apply the mixture to your face and allow it to dry completely before rinsing it off.

Young, Free and Natural: Five At-Home Anti-Ageing Remedies

Categories: Cabbage Juice, Lemon, Papaya