FOOD + DRINK water with the added health benefits of lots of lovely life-giving microorganisms .
Hemp seeds The nutritional benefits of hemp are numerous , but it ’ s also an incredible mood and mind booster . Regarded as a huge part of the next generation of natural holistic relief for mind and body , hemp is an excellent supplement to combat daily stress and research has long revealed that high levels of optimism can lead to a better diet , regular exercise and lower stress . Additionally , up to 80 % of women of reproductive age suffer from physical or emotional symptoms caused by premenstrual syndrome ( PMS ) and symptoms are very likely caused by sensitivity to the hormone prolactin . The gamma-linolenic acid ( GLA ) found in hemp seeds however produces prostaglandin E1 , which reduces the effects of prolactin and can decrease the breast pain and tenderness , depression , irritability and fluid retention associated with PMS .
Brassica oleracea Which is a scientific term for the family of vegetables that includes cabbage , cauliflower , kale , broccoli , and Brussels sprouts . Cauliflower particularly is amazingly versatile : you can pulse raw florets in a food processor to make cauliflower ‘ rice ’; steam it and mash it for a comforting side dish ; or just remove the leaves , shove it in the oven and bake it whole ( which is great drizzled with a bit of good quality honey ). They ’ re all low in carbs and calories and high in fibre , vitamin C , folate and potassium , and also contain compounds called glucosinolate metabolites , which are not only thought to have anti-cancer properties but have been promoted by the National Institute of Health for their beneficial effect on neurological and psychiatric conditions such as depression , schizophrenia , Alzheimer ’ s disease and multiple sclerosis .
Super spices 2024 is the year of the super spice , the queen of which is bright yellow turmeric . Why ? Turmeric contains curcumin , which has potent antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties , plays a role in cancer prevention and protecting against heart disease , and has also been shown to help relieve the pain of arthritis , injuries and even dental procedures . Other spice royalty includes cinnamon , a nutritional dynamo that keeps cells safe from oxidative stress and dangerous free radicals ; saffron , as little as a tenth of a teaspoon of which has been shown to help improve cognitive performance and mood ; and cayenne pepper , the capsaicin in which helps fight weight gain and obesity . Additionally , saffron and turmeric may reduce both depression and anxiety , so spice up your dishes with this little lot and you ’ ll get a far bigger boost that you ’ d hoped for .
The message ? Become more mindful about your food choices . Swap out quick-fix sugary , fatty foods for those that are more nutrient dense and higher quality ( without obsessing over the calorie count on the label ) and it ’ s likely you ’ ll feel more energised and trimmer – hopefully eliminating the need for mischievous calorie counting altogether . It ’ s important to remember that while maintaining a balanced , healthy diet is key , it ’ s also essential to drink plenty of water , lower your caffeine and alcohol intake , and keep your blood sugar levels stable by choosing complex carbohydrates that metabolise slowly as dips and peaks can increase anxiety .
Crucially , it ’ s OK not to be OK - nutrition can only do so much , so if you feel like you need help with your mental health , make sure you speak to a professional . www . insidekent . co . uk • 79