GOOD HEALTH?
and it seems silly to purchase powders from a berry that grows so far away. If you really want to give it a try have a chat with your GP first if you have any health conditions.”
Chicken soup may be good for the soul but bone broth is said to be brilliant for your body. Made by boiling meat bones and connective tissue in water, plus vinegar (to help release nutrients from bone marrow), the resulting broth is seen as highly nutritious and rich in vitamins for good health.
As it contains gelatin, there are claims it protects joints from wear and tear, plus keeps osteoarthritis at bay. Celebrities such as Salma Hayek and Elle MacPherson are alleged to be fans.
Emily says: “Bone broth is essentially stock cooked for a long time so that the collagen in the connective tissue breaks down and turns into gelatin, giving the broth the majority of its protein content.
“It also contains components such as glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid, which are said to support joints and connective tissue. Research on chondroitin supplements has found it has mild pain relief abilities for those with GREEN POWER: Many celebrities extol the virtues of vegetable juices osteoarthritis and some studies on glucosamine showed the slowing of progression of osteoarthritis.
“However these studies used supplements that contain much higher amounts than found in bone broth. If you’re buying broth from the supermarket be sure to check for salt, as levels can be high.
Can mushrooms really work some magic when blended into coffee – helping to ward off colds, boost concentration and energise you without the jitters? Finnish company Four Sigmatic’s coffee mixes (available online in various UK health outlets), use chaga mushrooms (which contain betulinic acid, said to beat colds and help fight flu).
Emily says: “Some studies suggest that as it reduces inflammation in test-tube and animal studies, chaga mushroom extract could positively impact immunity. In several other studies, anti-cancer effects were demonstrated, believed to be due to the antioxidant concentration in the extract.
“Some coffee/chaga blends contain significantly less caffeine than an average cup of coffee so if you’re looking to lower your caffeine intake this could be a good option.
Less acidic and more expensive than tap water (and loved by celebrities such as Beyonce), alkaline water is said to help neutralise acids in your body. Emily says: “What makes alkaline water different to tap water is its pH; tap water can vary in pH from 6.5-9.5. A pH of 7 is neutral, below this is acidic and above 7 is alkaline. “The average pH for marketed alkaline waters is around pH8 or pH9. Alkaline water claims to reduce what’s called ‘acid tide’, which happens after fasting and increases the acidity of your urine but this is not a common occurrence. There is not enough evidence to show that alkaline water is any better for you than tap but if paying double for your water floats your boat, drink on.”
These pretty pink frothy lattes look good in pictures on Pinterest and Instagram and are said to give you a super-boost of energy plus lower your blood pressure. You can make your own by juicing fresh beets (or buying a beetroot powder or ready-made beetroot latte mix) and adding to milk – then sweetening to taste. Emily says: “Beetroot is a source of nitrate that can help lower blood pressure and reduce the amount of oxygen needed during exercise – so can enhance athletic performance. “Check powders and latte mixes for extra ingredients – added sugars for example. Raw vegetable is best.
● Find out more at Glowing Potential (glowingpotential.com)