Top Form Ingredients

You want a list of ingredients that’ll strengthen your heart, keep you lean, make you happy and protect you from the elements? Check these ingredients out. Combine them all together into a paella to reap the full benefits. 

 

Stronger heart

Parsley & lime
Parsley has been found to lower your blood pressure by helping the body to eliminate sodium – combatting the salty effects of chorizo. Lime’s vitamin C will also help to metabolise LDL (bad) cholesterol, according to Oregon State University.

 

Leaner body

Prawns, squid, mussels
The mixture of mussels, squid, and prawns delivers the whole spectrum of B vitamins – from B1 to B12 – to help digestion and rebuild nerve tissue. They’re also very low in calories, with just 80kcal per 100g serving.

 

Improved mood

Saffron rice
The active alpha-crocin compound found in saffron has known anti-depressant qualities, increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. It also works as an immune modulator and protects against oxidant-induced stress after a tough workout.

 

Sun protection

Peppers
Peppers are a great source of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which a study by research group Kemin Health found to protect against damaging UV light.

 

Protein payload

Chicken & chorizo
A third of the spicy sausage is pure protein. It obtains its crimson colour from a hefty dose of paprika, which is packed full of vitamin C, aiding the body’s absorption of iron. Both chicken and chorizo are good sources of phosphorus for bone health.

 

 

Words by Anna Longmore. Image by Patrice De Villers

 

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