Health
Kiwi Cuts Heart Risk
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Kiwi Cuts Heart Risk
EATING two kiwi fruit a day could be as good as taking aspirin to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Research shows the vitamin- packed fruit is as effective as the blood-thinning drug at preventing life threatening blood clots.
The findings suggest healthy people who want to reduce their risk of a heart attack or stroke may not need to rely on aspirin, which can have side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding.
One of the reasons clots occur is because of the activity of platelets in the blood. The main role of platelets is to detect damage to the walls of blood vessels and provide the first line of defence if they become ruptured.
They do this by forming 'plugs' at the site of the injury, to slow the loss of blood.
But under certain conditions, this platelet function contributes to cardiovascular disease by promoting excess clotting.
Science has yet to pinpoint what it is in kiwi fruit that helps to thin the blood. But the fruit is known to have more vitamin C than oranges, and studies have shown it contains phytonutrients - chemicals that protect DNA in cells from damage that can lead to diseases such as cancer.
Superfood recipe
BLUEBERRIES have been labelled a new superfood by doctors for their ability to help lower cholesterol, as well as their antiageing and brainfeeding power. Boost your intake with this easy recipe: BLUEBERRY FLAPJACKS 8tbsp honey; 4tbsp brown sugar; 3tbsp vegetable oil; 11/2tsp ground cinnamon; 31/2cups porridge oats; 2 cups blueberries.
Preheat oven to 350f/180c/gas 4.
Lightly grease a shallow baking tray.
Combine honey, brown sugar, oil and cinnamon in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Allow to bubble for two minutes without stirring. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats and blueberries.
Stir in honey mixture until blended.
Tip on to baking tray and spread out, gently pressing the mixture flat. Bake until light golden brown (about 40 mins).
Cool in the tray then cut into squares.