By MACROS | Published on September 10, 2017
Fight the obesity epidemic by tweaking your diet. A few small changes can make all the difference.
And there’s no time like the present because a study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests sugar – not physical activity – is behind the rise of obesity sweeping the nation. Substitute this evil for these healthier options.
Cranberry
Best for fighting bacteria
Drop some cranberries on your oatmeal instead of sugar because Worcester Polytechnic Institute found compounds in this little orb of goodness have antibacterial effects. The same research found it’s able to alter E. coli bacteria, which are responsible for a glut of human illnesses, like kidney infection and gastroenteritis. Use the juice or just gobble them up for the ultimate bacteria defence.
Cinnamon
Best for heart health
If you’re not using cinnamon you need to ask yourself why, because it’s overflowing with numerous antioxidant compounds that help reduce diabetes and heart disease, according to a study by the US Department of Agriculture. Sprinkle a little (250mg) into your morning coffee to hit your body with all the nutritional punch it needs.
– RELATED: Sweet And Healthy: 3 Essential Nutritional Substitutions –
Raisins
Best for blood pressure
You don’t have to wait for a pancake day to enjoy a healthy twist. Instead of sweetening your pancakes with sugar try adding a handful of raisins, because the American College of Cardiology found eating a few dried grapes three times per day significantly lowers blood pressure. Adding these little beauties means you could have pancakes once a week.
Maple syrup
Best for antioxidants
Maple syrup is stacked with benefits and will sweeten your health. Research by the University of Rhode Island, US, found that several healthy compounds in maple syrup possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which have been shown to fight cancer, diabetes and bacterial illnesses. Drizzle some pure maple syrup on your morning granola to get a double health kick.
