Wanderlust: Expat Life & Style in Thailand April / May 2017: Health & Wellness Issue | Page 15

MINT
Mint helps with memory, alertness and digestion. A few
sprigs of the fragrant plant can also quell stomachaches,
nausea, headaches and respiratory conditions, such as
asthma and allergy symptoms. Add a few mint leaves to
your bottled water with a slice of cucumber or a splash of
lime juice for a refreshing, health-boosting beverage.
DRAGON FRUIT
Though dragon fruit
might look a little funny, if
you peel back the thick, pink,
outer layer you’ll see that inside lies
delicious, nutritious flesh. Low in calories
but high in nutrients — including vitamin C,
B vitamins, phosphorus, protein, calcium, fiber, and an-
tioxidants — dragon fruit is proven to lower blood sugar
levels and blood pressure, strengthen bones and teeth,
promote healthy blood and tissue formation, strengthen
the immune system, heal bruises and wounds faster, and
stave off respiratory problems. If possible, shop for the
ones with the red-colored fruit inside.
GINGKO NUTS
AND LEAVES
BUTTERFLY PEA
This brightly-colored plant has gained a reputation here
in Thailand not just for its bold hues but also the health
benefits it offers. It is believed to improve eyesight and
treat eye infections, for starters. And butterfly pea’s anti-
oxidants boost immunity and even strengthen the hair. In
fact, many health and beauty products use butterfly pea
because of the positive effects it can have on the hair and
skin thanks to the flavonoid, quercetin. The ancient Thai
herbal plant is often consumed in a tea; simply drop a few
flowers into a mug, add boiling water, and watch as the
steep turns the water a vivid shade of blue.
A popular brain-boosting plant,
gingko increases the amount
of oxygen to the brain, which
sharpens focus and attention.
Research suggests that gingko
can improve cognitive function,
boost your mood, increase energy
levels, aid memory, and even help
to reduce symptoms associated
with ADHD and dementia. Keep in
mind that gingko nuts should be
cooked through and eaten in small
amounts to avoid unpleasant side-
effects, while the leaves are better
consumed in larger portions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A native of Canada, Ror is a fitness, nutrition and lifestyle specialist living
in Bangkok. His expansive knowledge in exercise, nutrition and high-
performing lifestyles comes via his world travels and his experiences
living in five countries. Ror is the host of the new thriveLIFE Podcast
and runs a new boutique called thriveLIFE Studios in Bangkok (Bang
Chak BTS). You can follow Ror on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram,
and you can also follow his blog on www.RorAlexander.com
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