Health Foods - Oats

The Oat grain is very much like a kernel of wheat in structure. However, unlike wheat, the nutritious bran and germ are not removed in the normal processing because oats are not refined. Oats can often be eaten by those intolerant of wheat.

Very nutritious, they are full of protein and minerals - they contain high levels of calcium, phosphorus and iron. Oats also contain anitioxidants and high levels of the mood lifting amino acid tryptophan, which accounts for their tranqillizing uplifting effects.

Besides providing dietary bulk and improving the digestive process in general, the soluble fibre found in oats helps to lower cholestrol and boost cardiovascular health generally. In addition, because oats are digested slowly they help to maintain an even supply of energy to the brain by sustaining steady blood sugar levels. This is beneficial for diabetics and can help reduce mood swings, particularly those associated with PMS.

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.