Use cinnamon to lower blood pressure

Cinnamon has long since been credited with several health benefits. Our resident fitness expert, Lisa Raleigh, gives us the lowdown

Cinnamon is not only excellent for managing your sugar and blood pressure levels, it’s a great winter warmer as well. Sprinkle French toast with maple syrup and cinnamon, or simmer whole sticks in milk and sweeten with honey for a soothing night time drink.

Balance your pH with lemon water. Getting your pH to the recommended 7.5 can be tricky, and whilst being too alkaline is not good for you, being too acidic is far more common. Squeeze fresh lemon into your water for an alkaline boost, and include leafy green vegetables and coconut milk in your diet.

In your later stages of pregnancy, switch your chair to an exercise ball. Not only is it easier to get up from, but it’s a safe way to tone your abs and keep your core strong. An exercise ball will also ease any back pain as well as improve circulation.

The Goji berry should be your go-to berry this winter. Packed with C, E and B vitamins, it is a surprisingly rich source of protein, providing 18 of the 20 essential amino acids we need. Blend them into smoothies or add them to your trail mix for a nutrient-dense snack.

With less sun on our horizon, keep an eye on your family’s intake of vitamin D. A deficiency could cause rickets in kids, and softening of the bones in adults. Lack of vitamin D has also been linked to higher risk of breast cancer, as well as depression.

Catch Lisa Raleigh on Wellness in the WorkZone every day, Monday to Friday