Mark Twain Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint
This high-fibre, low GI cereal star aids weight loss and combats fluid retention. Wholegrain cereals play an important role in weight loss. Full of insoluble fibre, they score low on the glycaemic index (GI), meaning they release sugar into the blood slowly, whereas refined versions have little nutritional value and cause a sudden spike in [...]
Bursting with protein and B vitamins, lentils are one of the best foods for stabilizing blood sugar and boosting energy levels. Rich in minerals and fibre, lentils are excellent intestinal cleansers, increasing the amount of friendly bacteria in the gut that aid digestion. They are a staple of detoxifying diets and they also cleanse the [...]
This high-energy grain is extremely cleansing for the whole system and in particular the liver. Rye, like oats, is often tolerated by people who can’t eat wheat. It has more fibre and less gluten and is very filling, making it an excellent choice for those who feel hungry all the time. Rye bread sandwhiches make [...]
A light, nutty-tasting cracked wheat grain, bulgur is a great complex carbohydrate and fantastic source of dietary fibre. Bulgur wheat has been cracked, roasted and steamed before it is sold and the result is a deliciously nutty flavour. It is rich in fibre, boosting digestion, and is a slow-release energy food that stabilizes blood sugars [...]
A powerful laxative, for centuries psyllium has been used in India for promoting digestive health. Psyllium comes from the Plantago ovata plant and it is the ground husk of the seed that is used. It is excellent for cleansing the intestines, fighting bacterial and fungal infections. Scatter a tablespoon over soups and salads or, for [...]
Brown rice is a much better choise for dieters than its white counterpart – its slow-release carbs stabilize blood sugar and help banish cravings. A good source of protein and dietary fibre, brown rice is an excellent cleanser and regulator of the digestive tract. It also reduces water retention and other side-effects of PMS such [...]
One of the most nutritious grains, oats are full of protein and minerals and contain a soluble fibre that helps the digestive system to work at an optimum level. Oats reduce the absorption of carbohydrates into the blood stream, stabilizing blood sugar levels and combating food cravings and hunger pangs. They also help alleviate mood [...]
High in fibre and protein while low in fat, wild rice is not a rice at all, but a grain, Zizania aquatica. Wild rice has a delicate, nutty flavour and can be served alone or with brown rice. It is an excellent source of fibre and protein and also contains the amino acid tryptophan. This [...]
The most nutritious of all beans, soya contains essential omega-3s and amino acids, as well as phytoestrogens, protein, minerals and vitamins. Soya is one of the most versatile foods, available as beans for cooking, as a flour, as milk, miso, yogurt, tofu and soya sauce. Rich in fibre, it helps prevent or ease constipation. Its [...]
A perfect vegetable protein and slow-release energy food, this South American seed is becoming widely available and a must for dieters. This delicious nutty-tasting, gluten-free grain is very easy to digest and suitable for those with wheat intolerance or coealiac disease. Packed with vegetable protein, quinoa provides more calcium than milk and contains all eight [...]