Quick Fixes Do Work

Quick Fixes Do Work

Everyone lives life at a helter-skelter pace today, rushing from place to place, task to task and problem to problem. Often their own health and wellbeing come pretty well low down on their list of priorities. So here are a bunch of really quick tips that could add years to your life and life to your years.

60 SECOND CANCER-FIGHTING SMOOTHIE

Ingredients

150g Total 0 per cent fat Greek yogurt
100g blueberries
100g frozen cranberries
3 ready-to-eat stone less prunes
200ml Soya milk
(All quantities approximate – just chuck in what you've got)

The berries contain concentrated and significant quantities of cancer-protective phytochemicals, and prunes are the richest source of anti-oxidants that protect every cell in the body. Soya milk provides some plant oestrogens that help prevent hormone-related cancers in men and women.

Yogurt is a super source of bone-strengthening calcium and immune-boosting friendly bacteria.

NUTS TO HEART DISEASE

All nuts are a valuable source of protein, minerals and health-giving oils, so make them a healthy addition to your shopping list – but not salted or covered in chocolate. Because of their high oil content, they go rancid very quickly – always buy from specialist shops with a high turnover, like Julian Graves. Walnuts are the best of the heart protectors. Toss in a very hot frying pan for 60 secs and sprinkle generously over salads and breakfast cereals. This superfood is rich in mono-unsaturated fats which reduce cholesterol and protect the heart.

THE 60 SECOND BRAIN BOOST

Open a can of sardines in olive oil – ring-pull cans are easiest. Pour off the oil, tip the sardines into a bowl, mash with a generous dollop of tomato sauce, a dash of Worcestershire sauce and some black pepper. Spread on a thick slice of wholemeal bread.

This is real Superfood – loads of calcium for your bones and vitamin D to make sure you absorb it, healthy protein, no saturated fat and masses of omega 3 fats to boost brain function and reduce the inflammation that causes arthritis and skin problems.

BEAT THE WIND

This is a five-second health boost. We all know how healthy and important it is to eat lots of green vegetables, but for many people, they're the source of uncomfortable flatulence. When cooked, simply sprinkle a generous pinch of caraway seeds onto your cabbage, kale, sprouts, spring greens or broccoli. It not only tastes great, but does the same for you as gripe water does for babies.