EVEN MORE RESEARCH FOR CRANBERRY SUPPORTING URINARY HEALTH
Research on cranberry benefits usually focuses on the juice and how it may help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). But now a study has shown that cranberry fruit powder (peel, seeds, pulp) may also reduce symptoms in women with a history of recurring attacks.
SALT ALERT
This year’s National Salt Awareness week runs from February 29th-March 6th. Make this the year you cut back your intake for the sake of your health. Here’s four ways for starters.
- Add less salt to cooking and at the table
- Be a label watcher: check front of pack colour-coded labels (red, amber, green) to understand salt content of what you’re buying
- Cut down on ready meals and takeaways, which can have a high salt content
- When eating out ask for low-salt options
For more information visit the salt action group.
NO SMOKING DAY
Stub out for good on this year’s No Smoking Day on March 10th and help reduce your risk of health problems such as stroke and heart attack risk by as much as 40% over 5 years.
Cutting down or stopping altogether can make you feel annoyed and irritated not only with yourself but also with those around you. Nip these bad feelings in the bud with the herbal remedy St John’s wort. It’s ideal for feelings of low mood as well as nervous exhaustion. Don’t expect immediate results, though. It can take up to six weeks to take effect.
For more information on the health benefits of stopping smoking visit the British Heart Foundation.
EATING FISH CAN REDUCE THE RISK OF DEPRESSION
Recent research published in the Journal of Epidemiology reveals that a diet high in fish can help lower the risk of depression. The reason? Fish, especially oily fish such as tuna, mackerel and salmon, is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to help boost levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin.
