Health Foods - Oily Fish

All oily fish (herring, kippers, mackerel, tuna, salmon, sardines, whitebait and anchovies) contain Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA's). They are called essential because they cannot be made within the body and must be obtained from the diet.

Omega-3 oils provide a range of health benefits. They are crucial for protecting the parts of our brain that send messages to the body, and improving memory. They also strengthen cardiovascular health - providing protection against heart disease, helping prevent blood clots, and lowering cholestrol levels and high blood pressure.

Fish oils also have a beneficial effect on arthritis, swollen joints, dry skin and inflammatory skin conditions. Another health benefit of taking fish oils is a reduction of the symptoms of PMS.

Besides containing EFAs, fish are a good source of the antioxidant selenium. This mineral helps protect against the development of cancer by detoxifying the body, removing heavy metals such as mercury from the body and mopping up free radicals.

Selenium also protects against heart disease so oily fish are an excellent inclusion in the diet. Vitamin E is another antioxidant found in many oily fish.

Health Foods - Garlic

A perfect food, garlic has many properties beneficial to health. Taken regularly, it helps build up high levels of resistance to infection within the immune system.
It is antiviral, antibiotic, antibacterial and antiseptic. It contains the antioxidants selenium and Vitamin C, which help to fight free radicals.
It is a good detoxifying agent, cleanses and tones the liver and its decongestant properties makes it excellent for clearing respiratory ailments.
Renowned for its beneficial effects on the heart and the circulation, garlic can reduce high blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels.
It contains allicin, which dilates the blood vessels and reduces clotting. It also contains sulphur, which is believed to inhibit the growth of tumours.

Health Foods - Spinach

Spinach:

Spinach is just one example of the leafy green vegetables rich in calcium and magnesium. Half a cup of cooked spinach contains more calcium, magnesium and iron than half a cup of milk.

The calcium and magnesium in spinach work together to ensure efficient nerve transmissions.

Calcium strengthens bones, teeth and gums, while magnesium and vitamin K build healthy red blood cells, the iron in the spinach strengthens the blood and potassium regulates high blood pressure.

Leafy greens are particularly rinch in antioxidants too and therefore more important for strengthening the body's immune system.

The antioxidants in spinach are believed to reduce the risk of both heart disease and stroke and lower the risk of skin and stomach cancer.

Spinach is another energizing food, and is most effective in combating long term fatigue.