FIGHT OFF INFECTIONS WITH ENERGY-GIVING FOODS

Have you ever heard the rumour: feed a cold to starve a fever? Although this rumour has persisted for hundreds of years throughout the world, there is no medical evidence to back it up. It has its origins from people believing that food regulates body temperature, hence the idea that you should eat to fight off a chill and fast to cool a fever. But your body actually needs energy to fight off an infection. In fact, a fever causes your metabolism to speed up, meaning you will require more calories than usual when you are under the weather. It is also important to replenish your fluids, especially if you have a fever. Sipping drinks with electrolytes (minerals that help regulate fluid balance), such as sports drinks, helps. Warm liquids such as chicken or vegetable soup can also soothe flu

and cold symptoms.

SLEEP THE WEIGHT OFF

A consistent sleep pattern may help you to maintain a healthier weight, according to a study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion. Researchers at Brigham Young University in the US found that men and women who woke and went to sleep at the same time every day had lower body fat. The results showed sleeping between eight to eight-and-a-half hours a night was linked to the lower levels of body fat. So go on and establish a consistent sleep pattern to lose those extra pounds.

TEA IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEART

Kenyans are tea drinkers – and any time is teatime, right? Whether you prefer yours black or milky, in a mug or a teacup, any way you have your tea may be good for your heart. A study of 13,000 people found that drinking tea reduces non-cardiovascular mortality by 24 per cent. According to the study done in the UK, tea has antioxidants, which may provide survival benefits. So put the kettle on and leave it on all day, as any time is teatime.

CHOCOLATE CRAVINGS AND HORMONES

Contrary to popular belief, chocolate cravings don’t fluctuate in line with your reproductive hormones, suggests a study at Louisiana State University in the US. Women are no more likely to have intense desire for chocolate in the days leading up to menstruation, compared with other days. However, the research didn’t look at the effect female hormones have on your moods, which could be the cause of those chocolate cravings.

May 2016