Swissotel, recently created an info graphic called ‘Best superfoods for travellers’ which highlights a number of common travel ailments such as jet lag, altitude sickness and digestion and the superfoods that can be consumed in order to alleviate the symptoms of each. The graphic features a number of quotes from a variety of nutrition and fitness experts to help set readers off in the right direction.
Low immunity
Anyone who has been on a plane and has heard a fellow passenger coughing or sneezing in their vicinity has probably thought once or twice about catching a cold from being in such a confined area. Lemons, goji berries, cantaloupe, ginger and turmeric are just a few of the foods highlighted as a great way to boost your immune system.
Jet LagThe world is getting smaller which means that a lot of people nowadays are travelling internationally for work or pleasure and jet lag can be a big hindrance. Once again lemons are on the list, this time for their strong hydrating properties. Others making the list are bananas (natural muscle relaxants rich in potassium ), goji berries (enhance the quality of sleep), ginger (rich in melatonin) and dried cherries/cherry juice which are the only natural food source of melatonin.
Sun damage
For those travelling to a sunny destination superfoods can also be the a soother for that sunburn you picked up while enjoying all of those active outdoor activities. It has been known for years that applying aloe topically is a great soother of sunburns, but what about using some ground ginger instead when aloe is difficult to find? To minimise damage from the sun, both persimmon and coconut water are great ways to prevent ageing.
Motion and altitude SicknessFeeling a little queasy from your travels by car, boat, train, plane or camel? Ginger proves itself again as a super, superfood! As one of the best natural remedies, just pop a couple of slices into your tea to alleviate nausea symptoms. Better yet, pop it in some mint tea, because mint has also been proven as a great way to calm the stomach. Up in the Andes and having a bout of altitude sickness? Don't forget to bring some cantaloupe and persimmon to snack on. Cantaloupe contains adenosine which thins the blood, and persimmon aids in the creation of red blood cells.
Don't forget that you don't have to be in some exotic destination for these foods to be beneficial. The foods above are also just a few examples. Click here to see the full info graph from Swissotel and to learn more about foods that can also help you with circulation, long lasting energy and digestion.