Turmeric has been used and well respected for 2500 years in India as an Ayurvedic medicine. This brightly coloured spice, which gives curry its lovely orange-yellow colour, has many outstanding health-boosting properties. Curcumin is also a highly effective anti-inflammatory as well as having strong antioxidant properties. Regular consumption of turmeric in the diet could protect you against infections, especially those of the digestive tract, as well as relieving arthritic conditions and helping protect you from cancers and Alzheimer’s disease.

Lentils and other legumes are considered a low-GI food as they are digested slowly and won’t cause a sharp rise in blood sugar and insulin levels. The high protein and soluble fibre content of legumes slows the rate at which they leave the stomach and delays the absorption of its glucose. This makes them an ideal addition to the diet, especially for anyone having to watch their weight and blood sugar levels.

Chicken is an excellent source of protein containing branched-chain amino acids, leucine, isoleucine and valine, which are used to boost protein synthesis in the muscles as well as provide energy. Chicken also supplies vitamin B12, needed to support healthy nerve function and red blood cell production.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects millions of women Australia-wide and is one of the most common forms of hormonal imbalance in women of childbearing age. It varies in symptoms and degree from woman to woman but can significantly disrupt life. Thankfully, there are herbal, nutritional and lifestyle choices that can get your PMS into balance.

Antioxidants defend against cell-damaging free radicals, which increase your risk of disease and premature ageing. Including a variety of antioxidant-rich foods in your diet is one of the best ways to optimise health and longevity.

Chicken provides amino acids needed to build and restore the body. Eating protein helps stabilise blood sugar levels and gives you a sense of satiety after eating. Chicken also supplies plenty of zinc, an important nutrient needed for wound healing, healthy immune function and male and female fertility. Including dark green leafy vegetables like spinach in your daily diet is one of the best things you can do for your health. These nutritional powerhouses are rich in B vitamins, including folate, B6 and B12, which are all needed for good heart health.

This hearty risotto is a great source of dietary fibre. Brown rice contains around seven times more fibre than white rice per serving and has a lower GI (glycaemic index), which means it takes longer to digest and won’t cause sharp spikes in blood sugar levels. Fibre is important, not only for keeping blood sugar levels stable but also for cardiovascular health, as it helps to lower cholesterol levels.

Tahini, made from sesame seeds, is particularly rich in healthy polyunsaturated fats and the antioxidant vitamin E, both of which have a protective effect against heart disease and stroke. Dark chocolate is a great source of polyphenols that also promote heart health by helping dilate blood vessels and in turn reducing blood pressure.

Tahini is a good source of beneficial polyunsaturated fats that help improve brain function and memory. Tahini is also a rich source of magnesium for strong bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis, which makes it beneficial for balancing blood sugar levels.

Cranberries are rich in protective antioxidants, vitamin A and K — all-important nutrients needed to promote healthy eyes and good vision. Cranberries are also known for their ability to prevent bacteria from binding to teeth and the urinary tract, making them beneficial for preventing gum disease and urinary tract infections.

Including protein-rich foods like chicken in meals will provide amino acids to build and restore the body, along with helping keep blood sugar levels balanced and to give you a feeling of satiety after eating. Chicken provides plenty of zinc, which is an important nutrient needed for wound healing and to support healthy immune function, […]

Eggs make a valuable addition to your diet; they’re rich in protein and vitamin B12 for making red blood cells and maintaining a healthy nervous system, and vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bones and immune health. Eggs also contain choline, needed to make the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is vital for healthy brain function and memory. Always buy organic eggs when you can.