Money-Saving Diet Tips For A Healthy New Year
For many of us, 2014 will begin as new years often do: with diet resolutions. One way to give your diet a little edge is by finding healthy food choices that will also save you money in the long run. Pairing diet with cash provides added incentive to stay the course. Here are a few tips to get the year started.
Save on dentist visits by drinking black tea
Black tea is full of helpful chemicals called polyphenols that kill cavity-causing bacteria and inhibit plaque build-up on teeth. (Black tea, slightly lower in caffeine than coffee, is also a good coffee replacement if you’re trying to ween off the java.)
Save on pain relievers by eating olives
Olives are full of a compound called oleocanthal that has anti-inflammatory properties similar to over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Try to find olives that are lower in sodium and avoid canned black olives, which contain additional chemicals from the canning process. Genuine extra virgin olive oil contains plenty of oleocanthal as well but is also quite pricey.
Save on muscle creams by eating ginger root
Ginger root also has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Studies show that daily ginger consumption reduces muscle pain after exercise.
Save on skin moisturisers by eating walnuts
Walnuts are full of essential fatty acids that improve the health of cell membranes, allowing nutrients and water to enter our cells more efficiently. Healthier skin cells equal healthier looking skin. Wild salmon and flax seed oil provide similar benefits.
Save on respiratory allergy medications by eating onions and garlic
Onions and garlic contain a chemical called quercetin that laboratory tests show has properties similar to antihistamines. Studies haven’t yet shown conclusive results, but there’s no major downside to trying this remedy, unless you happen to be allergic to onions and garlic!
Save on antacids by eating sauerkraut
Real, unpasteurized sauerkraut (not to be confused with cabbage pickled in vinegar) contains more beneficial lactobacillus bacteria than yogurt and will give your gut a boost. The bacteria lives on the cabbage leaves and the fermentation process multiplies them into an army of gastrointestinal warriors. Eat a couple of forkfuls a day to keep the antacids away.
Save on dandruff shampoo by eating sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A. The vitamin helps your scalp produce the necessary oil that keeps it from drying out, resulting in itching and flaking. Other good sources of beta carotene are carrots, apricots and mangoes.
Save on mouthwash by drinking lemon water
Lemons are powerful medicine for a range of uses, but the most practical may be to simply drink a glass of lemon water in the morning and at night to kill halitosis-causing bacteria. Just be careful how much lemon juice you use because it’s strong enough to erode tooth enamel.
Source: David DiSalvo for Forbes.
