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      You Need To Make This Yummy Cauliflower Recipe With A South African Twist

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      Looking for a delicious cauliflower recipe with some South African flair? You’ve come to the right place because this recipe delivers all of that goodness in spades!

      READ MORE: Try These Veggie Sosaties Even Meat Lovers Will Love

      This recipe is from Mokgadi Itsweng’s debut cookbook, Veggielicious, and it’s a cookbook worth investing in. Filled with tons of recipes that will help you eat more veggies and enjoy plant-based meals, you’re guaranteed to find some new faves.

      But now for the best part. Mokgadi uses indigenous ingredients that are often overlooked or forgotten (think: impepho in this recipe) and prioritises making affordable meals. We’re huge fans of hers and you will be too!

      READ MORE: This Braai Dessert Is So Simple Even Kids Can Make It

      The Secret SA Ingredient In This Cauliflower Recipe

      It’s Impepho, of course! “Impepho or wild sage is an indigenous African herb that is widely used by traditional healers in spiritual prayer rituals. The herb is also used as an antifungal, antiseptic and anti-anxiety medicine,” explains Itsweng.

      And seriously, Impepho adds so much flavour to any food it is smoked with. “I use a kettle braai for smoking, but you can follow the quick smoking hack that I have included in the recipe,” says Itsweng.

      3 Essentials You’ll Use In This Recipe

      Le Creuset Venus Basting Brush

      Nothing beats a good basting brush, and this one will serve you well for years to come because it’s very high quality.

      Severin Smoothie Mix & Go Blender

      We love this all-in-one smoothie maker and blender that you can use to blend red peppers for this recipe.

      Weber 37cm Smokey Joe Kettle Braai

      This kettle braai might be small but it packs a punch. So take it along for picnics, braais or camping trips.

      READ MORE: How To Braai Like A Pro

      Impepho Smoked Cauliflower With Red Pepper Sauce

      Mokgadi Itsweng

      Impepho adds so much flavour to any food it is smoked with. And it will seriously up the ante on this cauliflower that will be the stand-out side at your next gathering.

      Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

      Course Side DishCuisine South African, Vegetarian

      Servings 6 people

      1 Kettle braai1 Saucepan1 Blender
      1 whole Cauliflower headHandful of dried impepho herb, for smoking the cauliflower1 clove Garlic, crushed¼ cup Olive oilSalt and pepper to tasteSauce2 Red peppers, left whole2 Tbsp Olive oil1 clove Garlic, crushed1 Tbsp Smoked paprika¼ cup Lemon juice1 Tbsp Brown sugarSalt and pepper to tasteHandful of fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
      Preheat the oven to 200 °C.Bring a saucepan of water with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt to a boil, then add the cauliflower head. Cook for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.Smoke the cauliflower by placing a hot charcoal disk inside a small foil container, then adding a handful of dried impepho herb. When the impepho starts smoking, place it inside a kettle braai with the cauliflower. Close the kettle braai lid and allow to smoke for at least 10-15 minutes. Remove from the kettle braai and set aside. Quick hack: Use your oven as a smoker. Place the impepho on an oven tray, light it and when it starts to smoke place the tray on the bottom rack of the oven. Then place the cauliflower on the rack directly above the impepho. Close the oven and allow to smoke for 5-10 minutes.Mix the garlic with the olive oil and brush over the whole cauliflower. Season with salt and pepper. Place on a baking tray and roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until crisp on the outside.While the cauliflower is roasting, make the sauce by first roasting the peppers in the oven until the skins are blackened.Remove the peppers from the oven and place in a bowl, cover with clingwrap and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Once cooled, peel the skins off and blend the peppers, then set aside.Heat the oil, then add the garlic and paprika, and cook for 2 minutes on medium heat. Add the blended peppers and cook for 5 minutes, stirring continuously to ensure that the sauce doesn’t stick and burn.Add the lemon juice and brown sugar, cook for a further 2 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.To serve, slice the cauliflower into steaks or leave whole, then place on a platter. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower and top with chopped herbs.

      Keyword braai, dinner, starter, vegetarian

      Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More

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      This Crunchy, Buttery Macadamia Nut Pie Is So Satisfying

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      Fun fact for you: while macadamia nuts hail from Australia, South Africa is the largest producer of macadamia nuts in the world. To celebrate, why not make this crunchy and buttery macadamia nut pie?

      South Africa has much to be proud of in terms of macadamia nut production. The sector employs nearly 30,000 people across the value chain. Over 700 farmers grow the nuts, with growing regions expanding rapidly across the country.

      And while the nuts are in abundance here in SA, they’re also choc-a-block full of benefits. With one serving, you’ll get 58% of your recommended daily allowance of manganese. You’ll also get 9% of magnesium, as well as iron and vitamin B6.

      They’re also high in monounsaturated fats, the kind that’s good for your heart and even lowers your LDL, or the “bad” kind of cholesterol.

      In this macadamia nut pie, you’ll be serving yourself up a portion of antioxidants. These nix free radicals in the body, boost your brain health and stave off disease.

      Macadamia nuts boast some of the highest flavonoid levels of all tree nuts. This antioxidant fights inflammation and helps lower cholesterol. Plus, regularly eating macadamia nuts may reduce your risk of metabolic syndrome and contribute to lower, more stable blood sugar levels.

      Here, get those benefits with this delicious, buttery macadamia nut pie.

      Macadamia Nut Pie

      This macadamia nut pie is buttery, crunchy and oh-so satisfying.

      Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 39 minutes mins

      Course DessertCuisine American

      1 ready made pie crust, pressed into a pie dish3 large eggs1 cup syrup or honey1/2 cup sugar2 tbsp butter melted1 tsp vanilla extract2 cups chopped macadamia nuts roasted and unsalted
      In a bowl, beat the eggs, syrup, sugar, butter and vanilla until combined.Stir in the nuts. Pour into crust.Bake at 160°C for 50-55 minutes or until centre is set and the top is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

      Keyword macadamia nut pie

      Easy as pie

      Get more from your baking experience with these essentials.

      Babylonstoren Raw Macadamia Nuts

      Roast these nuts in the oven for a few minutes before adding them to your pie.

      KitchenCraft Round Pie Dish

      This pretty-as-a-picture dish is homemade and goes from oven to table in style.

      Country Road Nolan Cake Serving Set

      Serve up your delicious creation with these golden tools. More

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      Magnesium Is Brilliant For Sleep And Cramps – Here’s How To Get Enough Of It

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      Amid wellness trends like sea moss and custard apples, there’s one classic yet oh-so-important nutrient dominating the industry: magnesium. Magnesium-rich foods are continuously trending on Google as people take to the search engine to find the simplest ways to top up on this nutrient – but do you know exactly why it’s so important?

      ‘Magnesium is an essential mineral that is involved in over 600 cellular reactions in the body, from supporting brain function to maintaining a healthy heartbeat and making DNA,’ says nutritionist Eli Brecher.

      Sounds important, right? Yet, up to 30% of people are at risk of low magnesium levels.

      What are the benefits of magnesium?

      As Brecher said, magnesium is associated with many, many processes in the body. But getting enough of it comes with certain benefits, including:

      Exercise performance

      A study from the University of East Anglia looked at 2,570 women aged 18 to 79 years old and found that those who had the highest intake of magnesium had more muscle mass and power. It was even shown to be more important than protein intake when it came to improving fat-free mass.

      PMS reduction

      A report from the Magnesium Research Journal found that magnesium supplementation can prevent or reduce symptoms of dysmenorrhea, PMS and menstrual migraines.

      READ MORE:5 Quick-Fix Food Remedies That Do Everything From Flatten Abs To Tame PMS

      Muscle support

      Magnesium is thought to be effective at reducing muscle cramping, with a 2021 Nutrition Journal study reporting that magnesium improved nighttime leg cramping in sufferers. Meanwhile, the reduction in PMS pain includes stomach cramps, as it’s thought to reduce uterus cramping.

      Improved sleep

      Magnesium is a popular pre-bed supplement and, according to The Sleep Foundation, magnesium may relax the central nervous system and cause chemical reactions in the body that increase sleepiness. A 2021 paper reported that older adults with insomnia who took 500 milligrams of magnesium a day for eight weeks fell asleep fast, stayed asleep longer, reduced nighttime awakenings and increased their levels of naturally circulating melatonin.

      Foods high in magnesium

      According to Brecher, the best foods for magnesium include:

      Green leafy vegetables like spinach (around 12mg of magnesium per 100g) and kale (44g of magnesium per 100g)

      Pumpkin seeds (262mg per 100g) and flax seeds (392mg per 100g)

      Almonds (285mg per 100g) and cashews (292mg per 100g)

      Avocado (58mg per medium fruit)

      Dark chocolate (232mg per 100g)

      Wholemeal bread (82mg per 100g)

      But did you know you can get extra magnesium by absorbing it through the skin?

      “Adding some Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) to a bath is a great way to soothe sore muscles and aid recovery after exercise while winding down in the evening,” says Brecher.

      READ MORE: 10 Signs You May Have a Magnesium Deficiency

      How to make sure you get enough magnesium

      Before you start adding more magnesium to your diet, check if you’re already getting enough. ‘The UK recommended daily allowance for magnesium is 300mg for men and 270mg for women,’ says Brecher.

      ‘In theory, you can get all the magnesium you need from a healthy, balanced diet. However, so many of us don’t eat a balanced diet – at least not consistently, day in, day out – and many of us are not meeting our daily requirements for magnesium.’

      There are a couple of ways you can help your body make the most of your magnesium intake:

      Pair it with vitamin B6

      The amount of vitamin B6 in the body determines how much magnesium will be absorbed. So, if you take a multivitamin containing B vitamins, or a B-vitamin complex, take this alongside eating your magnesium-rich foods to optimise absorption,’ says Brecher.

      Time your other minerals

      ‘Taking zinc supplements and eating calcium-rich foods at the same time as magnesium-rich foods both reduce how much magnesium you absorb, so it’s a good idea to have these at different times,’ Brecher adds.

      Get the right supplement

      There are many types of magnesium, so if you think it’s time to test a supplement, make sure you choose the right one.

      ‘For example, magnesium glycinate may be helpful for sleep and anxiety, magnesium threonate may support brain function, magnesium malate may help support energy levels, while magnesium citrate can have a slight laxative effect, so may be helpful for constipation,’ says Brecher.

      There are some people who need to be more cautious than others when it comes to their magnesium intake. ‘People following a restricted diet (low in vegetables and nuts) may not be getting enough magnesium in their diet, and low magnesium levels are more common in older adults, as magnesium absorption from the gut decreases with age.

      ‘Certain gastrointestinal conditions such as Crohn’s and coeliac disease have been associated with magnesium deficiency, and various medications may deplete magnesium or make it harder to absorb, including blood pressure medications, antibiotics or diuretics,’ explains Brecher.

      Adding Supplements To Your Diet

      And before anyone starts changing their diet or adding supplements, it’s always best to check in with your GP. Overdoing the magnesium can cause diarrhoea, according to the NHS, so it’s important not to eat too much. ‘Magnesium can also interact with common medications, so always speak to a healthcare professional before taking supplements,’ advises Brecher.

      Solal Magnesium Glycinate

      The Real Thing Tri-Mag

      This article was originally published by Chloe Gray on Women’s Health UK.

      Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More

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      Try These Veggie Sosaties Even Meat Lovers Will Love

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      Delicious kebabs are a must-have at any South African braai. And these veggie sosaties from cookbook author Mynie Steffens, will impress vegetarians and meat lovers alike. So let’s get braaing!

      READ MORE: Exactly How To Make The Perfect Pizza On The Braai

      The recipe for these veggie sosaties is from Mynie Steffens, a self-confessed braai addict who has been cooking over coals since she was only 10!

      Whether you’re a braai newbie or a seasoned first-starter, you can still learn new tricks the Mynie way. Mynie Plays With Fire is jam-packed with easy recipes, curated braai-tasting menus, themed menus, playlists and fun facts. So you’ll definitely be the hostess with the mostess this Heritage Day. *Adds to cart*

      3 Must-Have Braai Essentials We Swear By

      Le Creuset Venus Basting Brush

      The bristles on this basting brush are designed to work like a real bristle brush. They hold liquids at the top and releasing them slowly towards the tip. This brush is heat resistant for up to 250°C. 

      Cast Iron Multi Grill

      Best for grilling meat, seafood or vegetables with minimal oil. Because of its extremely high heat retention, cast iron is a versatile material that can be used on almost any heat source. 

      Ripple Enamel Oval Roaster White

      You can easily store and serve wonderful warm meals with this grill-to-table roaster. Made of stainless steel and ceramic, it’s a must-have piece of kitchenware for every SA household. 

      READ MORE: This Braai Dessert Is So Simple Even Kids Can Make It

      Halloumi and Veggie Sosaties

      Mynie Steffens

      Delicious sosaties are a must-have at any South African braai. These veggie ones from self-confessed braai addict, Mynie Steffens, are guaranteed to impress vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

      Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 7 minutes mins

      Course Side DishCuisine South African

      Servings 6 people

      6 Cherry tomatoes1 Red onion, halved from top to bottom and each half cut into 3 chunks1 Yellow pepper, cut into 3x3cm cubes6 Blocks firm halloumi cheese, cut into 5x5cm blocks6 Medium button mushrooms1 tbsp Salt2 tbsp Fresh rosemary, choppedOlive oil for drizzling
      Skewer one of each vegetable and 1 block of cheese onto a large sosatie stick. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and rosemary.Braai over hot coals for 5–7 minutes (or until the halloumi has browned all over).

      Keyword braai, healthy, kebab, starter, vegetarian More

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      How To Braai Like A Pro

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      Move over boys, we’ve got this!The sun is out which means it’s time to get the fire going this weekend, right? Here are five tips that’ll help you to get the most out of your grill.

      1. The Oil

      Look we all love a good drizzle of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil now and again, but it’s one oil that should be reserved for salads only. The moment the olive oil hits 199°C it starts to degrade, which gives your meats a bitter taste (not to mention it releases toxins). We’ll pass on that, thanks! Rather opt for oils with a higher smoking point, like refined peanut oil (it’s good at 232°C) or avocado oil (it can be heated to 271°C).

      READ MORE: This Braai Dessert Is So Simple Even Kids Can Make It

      2. The Marinade

      Hands up if you marinate your meat in a little alcohol to cut down on carcinogens? FYI – there is an alternative. According to a study, a marinade of garlic, onion and lemon juice reduces heterocyclic amine contamination, a carcinogen created by charcoal flames, by 70%. So, what’s the perfect ratio then? Try two parts garlic and onion to one part lemon. Bonus: It makes for one delicious marinade.

      3. The Sauce

      Ah, tomato sauce, how we do love thee… unfortunately our waistlines don’t. Your fav bottle of tomato sauce contains a quarter sugar. And we have more bad news… that mayo in your potato salad has a whopping 11.5g of fat per tablespoon! But, not all hope is lost. Try swapping mayo for Greek yoghurt and opt for a fresh salsa instead of reaching for tomato sauce. You’ll still get maximum flavour (minus the bad stuff).

      READ MORE: Exactly How To Make The Perfect Pizza On The Braai

      4. The Carving

      Fact: After a long hard week you need a little R&R… your steak is exactly the same. The temperature of meat rises during cooking (obvs) and as it’s heating up, the muscle fibres shrink. This pushes water towards the centre of your meat. If you cut into it as it comes off the braai, all the moisture will pour straight onto your plate. So, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before you slice into that bad boy.

      5. The Kit

      Burn your meat and blame your tools? It might be time to invest in some essential grilling gadgets that will not only elevate your braai game but also make your grilling experience a breeze. Consider adding these must-have braai tools to your arsenal: sturdy braai tongs for precision handling, a reliable basting brush to infuse mouthwatering flavours and quality cleaning equipment to keep your grill in top-notch condition. With the right tools at your disposal, you’ll be on your way to becoming a braai master in no time!

      Grillight Tongs with LED Flashlight

      Mid-week braais, a South African passion, especially during loadshedding. These tongs come equipped with a built-in torch, set to amplify your grilling experience.

      Braai Brush

      Say hello to the guardian of your gleaming braai grid – the braai cleaning brush! Armed with brass bristles, it fearlessly tackles even the most stubborn dirt, while its beech wood handle keeps your cleaning mission a breeze.

      Megamaster Basting Brush And Bowl

      This basting combo? Nails a rock-solid 4.9 out of 5-star rating! “Great, solid strong quality and so affordable. Definitely worth buying. Perfect for the braai! The basting brush cleans easily and is my go-to for all types of cooking and baking.” Charne

      Looking for more ways to up your braai game this summer? Here are 4 low-calorie cocktails to enjoy next to the fire and a delicious braai dessert you need to try. More

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      This Braai Dessert Is So Simple Even Kids Can Make It

      by

      Looking for an easy braai dessert? These mini chocolate braai pies only use three ingredients and take 10 minutes to cook on the coals. Perfect for after-summer lunches or as a sweet treat on Heritage Day on the 24th of September.

      READ MORE: Exactly How To Make The Perfect Pizza On The Braai

      If you’re looking for more braai recipes and inspiration, make sure to pick up a copy of Mynie Plays With Fire. You know you can trust her recipes because she is a self-confessed braai addict and has even been cooking over fire since she was just 10 years old!

      This is the ultimate braai and entertaining cookbook, you’ll reach for every chance you get.  It has braai-tasting menus so you have a carefully curated menu just for you. There are themed menus accompanying music playlists, fun facts, and of course, delicious recipes. If you haven’t planned out your Heritage Day menu or weekend yet, this cookbook has you more than covered (plus, it makes an amazing gift if you’re not the one hosting).

      READ MORE: Treat Yourself! These Lemon Slices Are Dreamy AND Healthy

      And now for the star of the show! This fuss-free dessert means you can carry on entertaining or whip it up in minutes if you don’t have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen. We love a quick, yet delicious dessert!

      Mini Chocolate Braai Pies

      Mynie Steffens

      Trust South Africans to take classic puff pastry that can take up to five hours to make and whack it onto a braai. Just one example of how South Africans make Frenchie things better by bending the rules.

      Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes mins

      Course DessertCuisine South African

      400 g Pack frozen ready-rolled puff pastry, defrosted6 tsp Chocolate spread (e.g. Nutella)36 mini Marshmallows (or 6 regular-sized ones cut into 6)
      Roll out the puff pastry on a cutting board and divide into 6 squares, each ±10 x 10cm. Spread a teaspoon of chocolate spread over half of each square, leaving a clear edge of 1cm. Scatter 6 mini marshmallows over the  chocolate spread on each. Fold the uncovered pastry over the filling and press the sides together to prevent the filling from seeping out too much. Keep the pies as cold as possible and refrigerate if necessary.Arrange the cold pies on a warm braai grid but leave the top uncovered so as not to puncture the puff pastry. Braai over medium-hot coals for 10 minutes in total, making sure the pastry is golden-brown underneath before turning the first time. Once turned, close the grid loosely and continue braaing.

      Keyword braai, chocolate, chocolate pie, comfort food, dessert

      Stock Up On These Spreads For Your Easy Braai Dessert

      The hazelnut content of this dairy-free chocolate spread is 38% more than regular spreads. Yum!

      This keto-friendly spread is sweetened with Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener.

      It is handmade in Cape Town from a blend of ethically sourced, organic ingredients.

      Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes. This means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More

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      The “Amazing Skin” Smoothie Recipe That Actually Works

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      Eat yourself gorgeous! Try this skin-hydrating smoothie recipe…

      The recipe for your skin…

      Winter skin? Add an avocado to your morning smoothie. It contains high amounts of antioxidants, vitamin E and polyunsaturated fats, which all help to keep your skin moisturised. The addition of baobab-fruit powder – high in vitamin C – helps your body to form collagen and elastin, two structural proteins that give your skin support and elasticity.

      Rehydrate Smoothie Recipe

      Serves 1. Per serving (655g): 2 215kJ, 21g fat (3g sat), 77g carbs, 190mg sodium, 19g fibre, 20g protein.

      Total Time 10 minutes mins

      Course Drinks, SnackCuisine Healthy

      Servings 1

      1 banana1/2 avo1/2 cup coconut water10 frozen strawberries1 tbsp baobab powder1 tsp honey10 almonds

      Keyword Smoothie

      Try these products:

      Health Connection Baobab Powder 200g

      This tangy, nutrient-rich African gem enhances foods and boosts immunity with natural vitamins and antioxidants. Add to water, juice, smoothies, yoghurt and cereal.

      Faithful to Nature Karoo Almonds

      Locally sourced Karoo Almonds: Eco-friendly, nutrient-rich “power snack” with protein, vitamin E and a delightful crunch to any meal.

      Nutribullet High-Speed Blender

      Overall this blender received 5-star ratings and reviews. “I love my Nutribullet blender — this is my second one from the first smaller blender and I am so excited that it has a jug. It’s faster and efficient and no spills compared to my first one; very easy to clean. I make my favourite smoothies and soups. Love it!” Valencia K

      Recipe by Amy Rankin More

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      17 Foods That Fight Spring Allergies

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      Guess who’s back in town? Yep, allergy season has rolled in again, bringing its tissue tornado along for the ride. And if you’re on a quest to kick that pesky hay fever to the curb ASAP, worry not! The good news? Your trusty grocery cupboard and faithful fruit bowl are here to save the day.

      As the climate does its change-up dance, ushering in warmer days, the sweet symphony of chirping birds and the much-awaited cherry blossom festivals, there’s a tiny catch—it might not be all sunshine and rainbows if you suffer from allergies. But before you embark on those endless pharmacy pilgrimages, how about a detour to your kitchen?

      Here are the 17 foods that will keep those irritating allergies at bay.

      1. Greens

      Spinach, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and other dark, leafy veggies are loaded with magnesium and phytochemicals. They form part of the crucifer family and are one of the healthiest foods for runners. They’re known to clear out blocked-up sinuses too.

      2. Blueberries

      What do these deep-purple treats have in common? One important ingredient – a compound called resveratrol. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that this compound helps to suppress allergic responses in mice.

      Blueberries are “neuro-protective agents”. Studies show that these little blue power foods contain a chemical that can deactivate inflammation-causing cells.

      3. Salmon

      This fish is the perfect low-calorie, low-hassle weeknight choice and it’s packed with goodness. Researchers found that the omega-3s in fatty fish keep white blood cells from overreacting.

      4. Flaxseed

      This seed is rich in fibre, good fats and micro-nutrients. It’s considered to be a ‘wonder food’ by many people but finding creative ways to add it to meals can be a challenge. Try adding it to your homemade muffins.

      READ MORE: 4 Natural Sweeteners That Are Better Than Sugar, According To A Dietician

      5. Legumes, Lentils and Beans

      Lentils and beans aid in regulating your blood sugar, which helps to keep inflammation in check.

      6. Turmeric

      This zesty spice has been found to have impressive anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties as it removes excess mucus in sinuses and helps to heal respiratory issues. When you feel your allergy symptoms coming on, try eating one teaspoon of turmeric honey 3-4 times a day.

      7. Soup

      There is nothing like a warm hearty bowl of soup when you feeling ill and while many people prefer chicken soup to combat the flu, any vegetable soup can naturally battle allergies.

      READ MORE: 3 Comforting Soups That’ll Boost Your Immune System

      8. Pineapple

      You’re probably thinking how can this tropical tart fruit ease sore throats and irritated sinuses? Well, a study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine found that it helped ease airways.

      Eat it fresh to get the most out of this fruit, as it’s a great source of the allergy-fighting antioxidant vitamin C.

      9. Parsley

      A pretty little Mediterranean herb that lends a sprinkling of colour to your plate, often seen as a garnish ignored and not eaten but according to Michael Castleman, author of The New Healing Herbs, parsley inhibits the secretion of allergy-inducing histamine. So eat up.

      10. Chocolate (Cocoa)

      Everyone’s favourite snack, regardless of the benefits. So, you’re about to love this news, as cocoa has been found to have some anti-allergy properties. A study in the Journal Pharmacological Research reveals that laboratory animals who consumed a cocoa-enriched diet for four weeks displayed lower levels of IgE compared to rats on a standard diet.

      READ MORE: What Is Moringa And What Are The Health Benefits?

      11. Watermelon

      While watermelons consist mainly of water (92%), this invigorating fruit is rich in nutrients and contains higher lycopene content than tomatoes (both boasting elevated lycopene levels). Research has indicated that this abundance of lycopene can diminish allergic responses and the buildup of cell types that trigger symptoms in the lungs.

      12. Elderberries

      Elderberries contain many organic pigments and vitamins and are often hailed as a natural flu treatment but they too serve a purpose in allergy relief. Try elderberry wine or jam to get this fruit’s beneficial flavonoids that reduce inflammation.

      13. Onions and Garlic

      Wondering what these two veggies could have in common? Quercetin is the secret weapon that helps fight allergies by acting like an antihistamine. Onions and garlic are packed with this flavonol, as are apples.

      Just be sure that if you go with eating apples, they don’t stimulate oral allergy syndrome.

      14. Grapes

      Opting for the Mediterranean diet could prove advantageous in combating springtime allergies. In a study published in the Thorax Journal, researchers found that children from Crete who consumed a diet full of grapes, apples and fresh tomatoes had reduced rates of wheezing and rhinitis.

      Researchers have said that the fact that their diet consists mainly of fish, fruits, vegetables and nuts; explains their lack of allergic symptoms.

      READ MORE: Is ‘Girl Dinner’ Really Healthy? Experts Weigh In On The Viral TikTok Trend

      15. Hot Tea

      Any time you introduce hot, clear liquids into the body, it can help thin nasal passages. How? Simply because of the introduction of steam – the same effect as filling a sink with hot, steamy water and putting a towel over your head to breathe it in.

      Bonus: Green tea and Ginger tea are also anti-inflammatories that can help reduce overall allergy woes.

      16. Spicy Foods

      Bring on the Heat! Hot peppers, Cajun spices and even horseradish can stimulate the nasal passages to break up and relieve congestion associated with springtime allergies.

      17. Nuts

      Nuts are not only the perfect go-to snack to curb hunger pangs, but they can also curb allergy symptoms. It can decrease allergy-induced inflammation around tissues in the nose and throat; this is due to their high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. More