Super Foods & Herbs
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Super Foods & Herbs |
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We all know the importance of eating healthy foods. Since we were children our
parents nagged for us to eat our vegetables so we would grow up big and strong,
but did you know there are other reasons to eat healthy? Some foods contain
antioxidants and other things that can help our body do things like lower
cholesterol, lower our blood pressure, strengthen our immune system and even
raise our mood. Now we can share some healthy foods, you may have overlooked. Red Wine- even without alcohol, red wine has polyphenols that may protect against various types of cancer. Polyphenols are potent antioxidants, compounds that help neutralize disease-causing free radicals. Also, researchers at the University of North Carolina's medical school in Chapel Hill found the compound resveratrol, which is found in grape skins. It appears that resveratrol inhibits cell proliferation and can help prevent cancer. However, the findings didn't extend to heavy imbibers, so it should be used in moderation. Raspberries- These small fruits contain many vitamins, minerals, plant compounds and antioxidants known as anthocyanins that may protect against cancer. Research reported in the journal Nutrition and Cancer in May 2002 shows black raspberries may also thwart colon cancer. Black raspberries are rich in antioxidants, thought to have even more cancer-preventing properties than blueberries and strawberries. Avocados- Avocados are rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the body by blocking intestinal absorption of certain fats. They also supply even more potassium than bananas and are a strong source of beta-carotene. Scientists also believe that avocados may also be useful in treating viral hepatitis (a cause of liver cancer), as well as other sources of liver damage. Almonds- Nuts like Almonds are packed with nutrients like fiber, riboflavin, magnesium, iron and calcium. In fact, almonds have more calcium than any other nut, 75 milligrams (mg) in one serving (about 23 almonds). Also, one serving of almonds provides half of your body's Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin E. Like all nuts, almonds provide one of the best plant sources of protein. And they're good for your heart. Most of the fat in almonds is monounsaturated fat, a healthier type of fat that may help lower blood cholesterol levels. Tomatoes- Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that attacks roaming oxygen molecules, known as free radicals, that are suspected of triggering cancer. It appears that the hotter the weather, the more lycopene tomatoes produce. They also have vitamin C, an antioxidant which can prevent cellular damage that leads to cancer. Watermelons, carrots, and red peppers also contain these substances, but in lesser quantities. It is concentrated by cooking tomatoes. Scientists in Israel have shown that lycopene can kill mouth cancer cells. An increased intake of lycopene has already been linked to a reduced risk of breast, prostate, pancreas and colorectal cancer. Apples-Apples are an excellent source of pectin, a soluble fiber that can lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Fresh apples are also good sources of vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects your body's cells from damage. Vitamin C also helps form the connective tissue collagen, keeps your capillaries and blood vessels healthy, and aids in the absorption of iron.Red Beans- Small red beans and dark red kidney beans are good sources of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and thiamin. They're also an excellent low-fat, low-calorie source of protein and dietary fiber. Red beans also contain phytonutrients that may help prevent chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Cinnamon- Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol. In some studies, cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections. Cinnamon also has an anti-clotting effect on the blood. In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells. In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month. When added to food, cinnamon inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative. One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory. Turkey- Skinless turkey is chock-full of B vitamins that help boost your energy and cinch stress -- something many of us could probably use. Think of the B vitamins in turkey, niacin, B6, and B12, as your psyche's little bodyguards. These nutrients also help patch up DNA and keep your cells in good repair. And best of all, with turkey, your B vitamins get served up in one of the leanest meat sources around. |
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