Top tips for better health on a budget
With the credit crunch really beginning to bite, who can afford expensive gym memberships and fancy diets. But there are other ways that you can improve your health without breaking the bank. We take a look at a few:
Drink water
The old favourite but many of us still aren’t drinking enough water. The daily recommended amount is 8 glasses a day which will improve your digestive function as well as help with concentration and better skin. Headaches and tiredness can often indicate that you are not drinking enough water and don’t waste your money on bottled, straight from the tap or filtered is fine.
Cinnamon
As an arthritis sufferer myself, this one really interests me. Adding half a teaspoon of cinnamon to your breakfast cereal, or sprinkling it onto your cappuccino instead of chocolate, can relieve the pain of arthritis as well as lowering cholesterol and balancing blood sugar levels . Even if you don’t like the taste of cinnamon, the smell alone can boost brain function and improve memory.
Don’t forget to floss
As unlikely as it sounds, there is actually a link between gum disease and narrowing of the arteries (which can lead to heart attacks and strokes) so brushing twice a day and using dental floss could actually help you live longer.
Chewing Gum
As long as it’s sugar free then chewing gum can actually be good for your teeth because it cleans the surfaces of your teeth as you chew. It also and stimulates saliva production, which helps to neutralise the acids that attack your teeth.
A nice cup of Tea (Green Tea that is)
Studies have shown that green tea can lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. It can also balance blood sugar levels, helping to prevent Type 2 diabetes. And if you are watching your weight, green tea boosts metabolism which will help you burn off more calories.
Soya Milk
The benefits of soya products include lowering cholesterol levels and protecting the heart, and research has revealed that they may even help to prevent cancer. Soya products could also help you to lose weight, as it contains arginine, which aids the breakdown of fat. Soya contains isoflavones, which are antioxidants thought to protect the walls of arteries. Start by adding soya milk to your cup of tea and coffee.
Red Hot Chillies
It doesn’t really matter how you eat them, fresh or powdered, chillies are a great source of vitamin A, which helps to protect the immune system. Their active ingredient – capsaicin – helps to speed up your metabolism and boost your calorie loss. In addition, they can also help to balance blood sugar levels and have blood-thinning properties, which benefits the heart and blood vessels.
