Page 18 - PA_Enterprise_July-2022

PAE
significant impact on our mental wellbeing,
with the pressure of following diets and calorie
counting often making us feel worse. By
removing these targets and looking at making
some simple lifestyle changes we can all live a
healthy life and promote positive wellbeing.
To help us do this, here are ten foods that are
great for our physical and mental health and
well worth adding to our diets in 2022!
1. Yoghurt
Live yoghurt has an excellent source of
so-called friendly bacteria, also known as
probiotics. Probiotics can help to strengthen
the digestive tract, which is perfect for the gut
and help to support our immune system. Along
with this, new research has found that there
may be an emerging link between lactobacillus
and reduced levels of depression.
Yoghurt can be enjoyed in many ways, including
as a yoghurt drink or mixed in with fruit, nuts or
grains; however, when buying yoghurt, consider
the sugar content as some yoghurts can contain
significantly more than others.
2. Aubergines
Aubergines are a tasty vegetable which
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can easily be added to a lot of our favourite
dishes. The vegetable has an antioxidant that
may help to lower “bad” cholesterol. Along
with this, it is a great source of fibre and has
various important nutrients which can support
the immune system and brain function.
3. Almonds
Almonds have a multitude of health benefits
and are a protein rich, tasty snack that is great
for curbing the appetite! Research has shown
that almonds can help to improve our sleep
and regulate blood sugar as they contain
high amounts of muscle-relaxing magnesium.
Magnesium helps the body to switch from its
adrenaline cycle to what is known as the ‘rest
and digest cycle’.
4. Ginger
Fresh ginger can help produce stomach
acid as it stimulates the digestive system to
keep food moving through the gut, helping
to support digestion. Along with this, studies
have recently been looking into how ginger
may affect serotonin levels and may help to
reduce anxiety.
The best way to incorporate ginger into
your diet is by adding it into soups, stews,
July 2022