You could save your own life by having a cup of morning coffee.
Experts have claimed that drinking tea and coffee may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by 25 per cent.
People who consumed two to three cups of coffee per day had a lower risk of suffering strokes.
Chinese scientists have found that both drinks contain caffeine and flavonoids, plant chemicals. These chemicals boost blood flow and reduce inflammation. They also attack rogue proteins.
These survey results were based on a study that included 365,682 Brits between 50 and 74, who were followed for 15 years.
We examine what other items in your kitchen cupboard might be able to help you avoid getting sick.
TOMATO KETCHUP
Premier League football managers may ban ketchup, but tomatoes are rich in lycopene which is an anti-oxidant that protects cells from damage and lowers the risk of developing heart disease.
It appears to also reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol – with a Finnish study claiming volunteers cholesterol fell in a few weeks of eating extra ketchup.
Tomato puree or canned tomatoes may be even better as they don’t contain as much sugar.
Additional studies show that lycopene is effective in preventing prostate cancer.
SPICES AND HERBS
These little jars can help you stay healthy.
Turmeric, according to some sources, can lower your chances of developing cancer.
Research in Diabetes Care suggests that a cup of cinnamon tea daily can help to control blood sugar for people with Type 2 Diabetes.
A teaspoon of dried oregano contains the same anti-cancer antioxidants as a cup of broccoli.
PEANUT BUTTER
Peanut butter may help reduce breast cancer risk in women who eat it regularly.
In a study published in the journal Breast Cancer Treatment and Research, it was found that girls who ate peanuts or nuts every day from age nine to 15 were less likely than those who ate peanuts or nuts daily by the time they reached 30.
Breast cancer risk is increased by benign breast disease.
DARK CHOCOLATE
Eating dark chocolate can improve your mood and combat depression.
In a 2019 study by University College London, those who reported eating dark chocolate in two 24-hour periods were 70 per cent less likely to report symptoms of depression than those who hadn’t eaten any.
Flavonoids found in dark chocolate can help prevent cancer and elevate mood.
COFFEE
New research shows that coffee drinkers are less likely not to be exposed to Covid-19.
Experts from Northwestern University in Chicago said that those who drink one cup per day are around 10% less likely to contract the virus.
Tea didn’t have the same effect so researchers said it could be down to the higher caffeine content or compounds found in coffee that you don’t get in tea.
WHOLEGRAIN BROWN
These types of bread, pasta, and rice are rich in fibre, B vitamins, protein, antioxidants, and other nutrients.
According to the British Dietetic Association, people who regularly consume them as part a healthy and low-fat diet may have a lower risk of stroke, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Studies have shown that they can help you maintain a healthy body weight.
OLIVE OIL
A single study on mice has shown that extra virgin oil can boost brain health and protect against cognitive decline.
Mice that were given oil in addition to their regular diet performed better in learning and memory tests.
It is thought a diet rich in extra virgin olive oil may help fight the build-up of toxic tau proteins that are found in the brains of Alzheimer’s and some dementia patients.
BAKED BEANS
Even a simple tin can of baked beans can provide a healthy boost.
Nutritionist Aman-da Ursell explains: “Baked beans are a great source of soluble fibre, that helps balance blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
“They are also a source of good value protein, which we need to keep everything from our immune system to our skin, in good health.”
NUTS
Nuts for nuts
A small amount of unsalted nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios can significantly reduce the chance of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
Scientists from Iran’s Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute claimed that eating the fruits twice per week reduces your risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by 17%.
It’s thought to be down to the healthy unsaturated fats they contain though they are also a good source of protein, minerals, vitamins, fibre and polyphenols, some of which are known to boost heart health.
TINNED salmon
These are also great sources for Vitamin D. Vitamin D supports the immune system and bone strength as well as brain function.
This should be our main goal ‘sunshine vitamin’It is great to be outdoors, but it can be very difficult to do so in the UK, especially during winter.
Choose a tin that is canned in water, rather than oil which can be high-fat.
PORRIDGE
A BOWL breakfast can help you feel full and prevents you from feeling bloated.
One US study of 22,000 adults found that those who ate oatmeal daily had lower body weights and slimmer waists than those who didn’t.
It could be due to their high level of fibre, which has been proven to lower cholesterol and keep your heart healthy.
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