be eliminated from the body; fighting infections; manufacturing proteins and hormones; controlling blood sugar; cleansing your blood.

Is your blood pressure above 140/90? Is your resting pulse above 80? Is your cholesterol above 5.5? Discuss having a blood test with your GP that includes all of these, particularly homocysteine, which is not always part of a regular blood screen. Increased blood pressure (> 130/85). Increased fasting blood sugar (> 100 mg/dl USA, > 5.55 mmol/L UK).

Xylitol is one of the few healthy sugar substitutes available, while the fruit and nuts help to make Eating dark chocolate increases the flow of blood to the grey matter in the brain. It has been suggested that cocoa flavonols would benefit conditions associated with reduced blood flow

Compared to older wheat varieties, modern wheat has adverse effects on blood mineral content, cholesterol five out of six people who believed they had no gluten related symptoms had inflammatory autoimmune blood Beware the new gluten-free, highly processed, highly-refined products, spiking blood sugar and insulin

However, manufacturers often replace the fat with sugar to preserve the flavour, putting the consumer So it's easy to see how being stressed for long periods of time can lead to higher levels of blood cholesterol They can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of blood clots. However, ensure they're consumed in their natural form, without added salts or sugars. AVOID SMOKING: Smoking can lower HDL cholesterol and damage blood vessels, making them more susceptible

To start with, it will help lower your blood sugar levels, so your body will make less insulin.

The actual damage in the brain is often caused by inflammation linked to too many oxidants, blood sugar Eat whole-foods, and avoid refined foods and sugar, smoking, alcohol and fried foods. According to renowned neurologist David Perlmutter, MD, a diet high in wheat, refined carbohydrates and sugar Aim to reduce your intake of grains, refined carbs and sugar The good news: Since diet and lifestyle Aim to reduce your intake of grains, refined carbs and sugar.

A gentle walk lowers your blood sugar levels, reducing your insulin levels.

be an effective way of balancing your hormones, managing PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), reducing sugar Sugar, refined carbohydrates and trans fats – A diet that is high in these can lead to insulin resistance Sugar and trans-fats are lurking in most processed foods, but also in some natural ones. Be careful not to overdo sugary fruits, such as bananas and oranges, opting instead for lower sugar options Water plays many roles in fertility including creating plump egg follicles and a strong blood supply

From a healthy-heart perspective, coconut milk and butter help lower cholesterol levels, improve blood Chia seeds reverse inflammation, lower blood pressure and help regulate cholesterol.

Supplements One of the issues that often complicates supplements intended for the brain is the “blood-brain This is a highly selective, semipermeable border that separates the circulating blood from the brain, protecting the brain from potentially harmful substances in the blood while allowing essential nutrients

Avocados can help to lower total cholesterol and blood-triglyceride levels. These are rich in enzymes that support blood vessels and reduce inflammatory and oxidative molecules,

, Autoimmunity, Cancer, Chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, Diabetes, Endometriosis, Heart disease, High blood Fruit: Favour low sugar fruits such as berries, green apple or citrus. Greens: Greens increase the nutritional content of your smoothie without raising the sugar. They are packed full of GLA, which reduces symptoms related to cardiovascular issues like high blood Cacao: Cacao beans are loaded with flavonoids that help them naturally reduce cholesterol, lower blood

healthy but completely essential and low fat foods, which often replace healthy fat with unhealthy sugar resulted in highly pro-inflammatory compounds and all this has been exacerbated by our enormous intake of sugar Omega-3's also help with heart health, mood regulation, lowering triglycerides, improving blood circulation and lowering blood pressure. They may help to reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, lower blood pressure, reduce risk of heart

along with other fats such as triglycerides) in tiny protein covered particles that mix easily with blood If blood levels of cholesterol are high, this can be in response to the need for more cholesterol and Triglycerides are converted from sugar, carbs and trans fats and are carried around the body in the more Be familiar with your blood pressure and have your lipid profile checked every few years. This is an easy, inexpensive blood test.

Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants, may help lower blood pressure and supports HDL growth, although

Watch Out for Hidden Sugars Scan the menu for hidden sugars and high glycemic index carbohydrates. Be mindful of sauces and dressings, which can sometimes contain added sugars. Avoid desserts that are high in refined sugars and fats.

The muffins also have no added sugar, but the combination of dried apricot and apple sauce makes them yogurt 1 cup applesauce (unsweetened) - I recommend making your own applesauce, to avoid any added sugar Healthy applesauce recipe with no added sugar This apple sauce recipe is easy and quick to prepare and contains no added sugar or preservatives, so is much more healthy than the shop-bought kind.

Try to avoid those made with white flour and refined sugars. If you have time, consider baking your own with wholemeal flour and substitute refined sugar with date sugar or, even better, stevia (a low calorie, natural substance, derived from the South American stevia

It promotes cardiovascular health by: - helping prevent oxidised cholesterol from building up in the blood heart health later this month) - increasing potassium and magnesium levels, both of which work to lower blood