Five Foods, Drinks & Spices that Can Bump Your Weight Loss

It seems like not a day goes by without you witnessing some kind of magical weight-loss-promising product. There’s a pill, gel and machine to target any problem wellness area on your behalf – with absolutely no effort of your part, of course. More often than not, you see such adverts and change the channel, or write it off without much thought, but there’s always one product you see and think “well, maybe…” Being overweight is a real concern in this country, and millions put their wellbeing at risk by buying into these shams. In actual fact, the only way to lose weight is to exercise and eat right, and anything else on top of that can only help you along in that journey. If you do want a boost – and just a boost, mind – to your weight loss wellness, it’s better to opt for natural, home remedies, so even if they don’t work, you’re not putting yourself in any danger. Here are a few natural remedies that can help make your efforts more effective:

 

1. Flaxseed: The outer coating on flaxseed is the thing that makes you feel fuller, and so it’s this miracle layer that aids you in your weight loss. By feeling fuller, you’re less likely to overindulge in unhealthy snacks and meals, and so you can lose weight more quickly. Moreover, flaxseed is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids which is good for your heart – and that’s always a good bonus! As flaxseeds are naturally flavourless, they won’t negatively affect the taste of your food, but they might add a nice little crunch. Simply crush them up and add them to soups, cereals, salads, and oats.

 

2. Green Tea: There’s no denying the immense popularity of green tea for weight loss, but where does it come from? The reason why so many people are switching from coffee to green tea is because of its high antioxidant capacity. In addition, research shows that green tea is capable of boosting your metabolism and burning fat, both of which can be a great help when you’re trying to lose weight. Plus, as you don’t drink green tea with milk or sugar, you can cut down on unnecessary calories.

 

3. Cinnamon: You might reserve this spice for Christmas, but cinnamon is a weight loss aid you should consume all year long. By activating the insulin receptors and enzyme systems involved in carbohydrate metabolism, cinnamon helps your body to regulate your blood sugar levels, increase metabolism and reduce bad cholesterol. Add a little to your coffee or tea, sprinkle some on your breakfast cereals, or try making healthy baked goods such as flapjacks, with added cinnamon.

 

4. Black Pepper: Adding black pepper to your foods aids in weight loss the same way that any hot food does; the piperine in black perpper acts as a digestive while also helping to prevent the formation of fat. Moreover, spicy foods tend to inspire you to become more active, which is a mightily important part of any weight loss programme. And the best thing is you can add black pepper to almost any dish.

 

5. Turmeric: There are many studies purporting the benefits of turmeric, with scientists even researching methods to see if it can be used to fight cancer. Therefore, it’s not hard to see how this Indian spice can aid in weight loss. As well as reducing your risk of health concerns such as diabetes, studies have shown that turmeric helps metabolise fat. Add turmeric to any Indian-style dish, such as veggies, rice, curries, and dahls.

Categories: black pepper, Cinnamon, Green, green tea, Lose weight, loss, nbsp, turmeric, weight, Weight Loss

What Are the Best Herbs to Help Boost Your Immunity?

Herbs can be part of a healthy diet and using them wisely can boost your wellness and wellbeing. If you are aware of your nutrition (including the use of herbs) you should find yourself having to make less visits to the GP than you otherwise would, as your immune system will be boosted and healthy.

 

Echinacea is one of the well-known ones, and is great for boosting your immune system. You can either take Echinacea tablets or there is a tea that you can drink, as well as tea blends.

 

Oregano works as a strong, natural antibiotic, antiviral and anti-fungal agent, and so is considered one of the most powerful herbs. You can cook with oregano, of course (spaghetti Bolognese is always nicer with a sprinkle of oregano) but you can also put a drop of oregano essential oil into a foot spa every day (unless you are pregnant or breast feeding).

 

Garlic can be used in all kinds of different dishes, and it has a really strong ability to enhance your immune system. Recent studies have shown that garlic also has benefits for the heart, and contains anti-microbial and antineoplastic properties which make it well worth ingesting on a regular basis.

 

Bright yellow turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, and it contains curcumin which is a powerful antioxidant. It also has stomach soothing and antibacterial properties. You can try taking turmeric capsules or drinking turmeric tea or turmeric milk, or of course you can cook with the spice.

 

Reishi mushroom is an oriental herb, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help to strengthen your immune system and has even been known to fight against cancer. Some people think of this as the ‘elixir of immortality’ as it is thought to protect your immune system from bacteria, viruses, pollution, chemicals, toxicity and molds, all at the same time.

Categories: anti, anti-inflammatory, Boost, herb, herbs, immune, nbsp, turmeric

Dry Cough? Look No Further than Your Own Kitchen Cupboard

Dry cough can be a horrible experience for your child, but you don’t have to let it get in the way of family wellness. Your kitchen cupboard is full of simple solutions to combat dry cough, and you won’t put your child’s wellbeing at risk to any negative side effects that you might find with medicines. However, it’s always a wise idea to check with a GP before starting any remedy.

 

1. Honey and lemon: There are many natural properties in honey which are soothing to both your child’s throat and stomach, while the vitamin C and antioxidants found in lemon will help to cure coughs and colds.

 

2. Steam: OK, this one isn’t in your kitchen cupboard, but the water vapours present in steam helps to loosen the tightness in your child’s chest, and the moisture will also help to calm your child’s dry or tickling throat.

 

3. Eucalyptus oil: If you add eucalyptus oil to a warm compress, the fumes can help to break up congestion, and ease the tickling and scratchiness in your child’s throat which leads to coughing. You can also try adding a few drops to your child’s humidifier at night, as this might help him or her to sleep better.

 

4. Miracle paste: Combine ¼ teaspoon of fresh ginger paste, ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, a tablespoon of honey, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and two tablespoons of water. Giving this paste to your child every few hours reduces a dry cough.

 

5. Broth: This vegetable broth not only reduces dry cough, but will also flush unnecessary toxins out of your child’s body. Simple let three skinless potatoes, a carrot, a celery stalk, garlic, onion, salt and pepper simmer together in water for 30 minutes, let it cool a little, strain it and give it to your child.

 

6. Vitamins and phytochemicals: If your child’s cough was caused by allergies, quercetin and bromelain can help, so give your child colourful fruits and vegetables, as well as pineapple. To build immunity, your child needs zinc so try kidney beans, green peas, cheese, milk and yogurt.

 

7. Turmeric: This reduces the inflammation in your child’s throat and soothes the throat lining.

Categories: Child, cough, Dry Cough, Eucalyptus Oil, Honey and Lemon, kitchen cupboard, nbsp, paste, Throat, turmeric

How CanTurmeric Boost Your Health?

Ayurvedic medicines rely heavily on spices, and turmeric is one of the main additions to many treatments – it offers a host of health benefits and can significantly improve your general wellbeing. While it may not enhance flavours too much, you will easily be able to spot a dish that has it against one which doesn’t. Here are some of the main benefits to turmeric and the various ways in which you can benefit from it.

Healer

Surprisingly, you can actually apply this spice directly to wounds and burns to help health them – it has a cooling effect and boasts antiseptic qualities. You simply need to mix a spoon with water and apply it to the wound – even if the wound is bleeding, this treatment will work. It will work to allow pus to form, which will stave off infection and keep the wound clean.

Anti-inflammation

Adding turmeric to milk can help to ease congestion if you have a cough or cold – it works by soothing the respiratory tract and has anti-inflammatory properties. Simply add a spoonful to a glass of milk.

Slimmer and trimmer

Many people love turmeric for the effect it has in diets and weight loss programmes. People believe that it can improve digestion and help your body to burn fat.

No arteriosclerosis

It’s thought that turmeric can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, as it lowers the cholesterol and reduces blood pressure. Some studies suggest it can even improve blood circulation and can reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in your blood. If you’re struggling to bring your cholesterol down, adding turmeric to your diet can help to assist your diet and medication in doing this successfully.

Categories: Ayurveda, complementary, turmeric

Categories: cancer, complementary, turmeric