- Grapes Snacking on juicy red grapes could lower cholesterol, blood pressure and your all-around risk of heart disease. Just don't peel them or spit out the seeds. Research at the University of Madrid found that both were key to reducing levels of harmful LDL cholesterol (by 9%) and blood pressure (by 5%). According to the medical journal Nutrition Research, the polyphenols in grapes help keep the blood vessels supple.
- Cinnamon Half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day helps control blood sugar levels in diabetes - great news for the 2-3 million people (and rising) diagnosed with the disease. And it has been found to lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol by over 20%. Sprinkle it on porridge, toast or your morning cappuccino. And smile. According to Dr James Duke, that also lifts depression.
- Black Tea Sipping black tea several times a day helps stop bacteria-laden plaque from clinging to your teeth and could fight decay, too. The secret is the polyphenols it contains. Plaque, and the tartar it turns into, cause yellowing teeth and gum diseases, and are linked to narrowing of the arteries - so keep drinking, but omit the milk and sugar.
- Bay Leaves in your stew, they release up to 6 hard-hitting anti-inflammatory chemicals called Cox-2 inhibitors. These are also found in strong prescription drugs for arthritis, which can have devastating side effects - not a problem here. Breathe deeply as you stir, bay leave is anti-bacterial and could help see off headaches.
- Sardines These little fish pack a bone-protective punch to ward off osteoporosis. Choose canned for calcium, according to the British Nutrition Foundation, a 90g tin contains 70% of your daily needs. But fresh fish are higher in vitamin D: one serving of grilled sardines provides around three quarters of the recommended daily intakes.
(Source: Good Housekeeping Magazine, March 2009 edition)
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