HEALING FOODS: Practical Guide to the Health Benefits and Medicinal Properties of Food (10 page)

The oleic acid in avocadoes can help lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels while increasing the HDL (good cholesterol) levels.

Almonds

Almonds are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and are packed with numerous health promoting phytochemicals. Almonds contain unsaturated fatty acids like oleic and palmitoleic acids which have been shown to
lower
blood LDL
(bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (good cholesterol) levels and thus helping to prevent coronary artery disease and strokes.

Cinnamon

Scientists have found evidence that cinnamon helps lower lipid levels. Just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day may help you lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels

Grapefruit

Grapefruits can help reduce cholesterol levels.
Grapefruits are high in antioxidants and contain pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown to slow down the progression of atherosclerosis. Studies have shown that grapefruits can reduce blood levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Both red and blond grapefruits can positively influence cholesterol levels, but red grapefruit is more effective, especially in lowering triglycerides

Mango

Mangoes have high levels of soluble fiber, Pectin and Vitamin C, all of which help to lower serum cholesterol levels, especially LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol)
.
Research suggests that compounds in mangoes could ease the effects of high cholesterol.

IBS

Coconut

Extra virgin coconut oil has been shown to help improve the digestive system and thus prevents various stomach and digestion related problems including irritable bowel syndrome. The saturated fats present in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties which can help control the bacteria, fungi and parasites that cause indigestion.

Infections

Garlic

Garlic contains allicin which is a powerful antibiotic and a potent agent that helps the body to inhibit the ability of germs to grow and reproduce. Garlic has been used effectively against a whole host of bacteria, fungus, and viruses. Some studies suggest that garlic is an even more powerful germ-killer than either penicillin or tetracycline.

Inflammation

Blackberries

Inflammation is really the cause of a lot of our ill health. As we age, we become more susceptible to free radical damage and inflation. Blackberries are full of antioxidants which protect the body against inflammation and free radicals. More specifically, studies have shown that the p
henolic components of blackberries exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory properties and inhibit the activity of inflammatory chemicals such as interleukins.

Blueberries

Blueberries are excellent anti-inflammatories and pain relievers. B
lueberries
 increase the amounts of compounds called heat-shock proteins which help reduce inflammation and pain. Blueberries also contain salicylic acid which is the natural version of aspirin and is known to thin the blood and reduce pain.

Olive Oil

The anti-inflammatory abilities of the monounsaturated fats, vitamin E and polyphenols in Olive oil also contains a chemical called oleocanthal, which acts as a painkiller and inhibits inflammation by the same means that drugs like Ibuprofen do.

Kidney Stones

Lemon

If you've ever passed a kidney stone, you won't forget the sudden, intense pain. Kidney stones form when urine in the kidney becomes supersaturated with stone-forming salts.
L
emon juice increases the amount of citrate in the urine which helps to inhibit kidney stones.
If you are prone to kidney stones, you may want to consider drinking low sugar or sugar free lemonade on a regular basis. Scientific evidence suggests that drinking 1 to 2 liters of lemon juice as lemonade per day can help you lower the risk of developing kidney stones.

Liver Complaints

Apple

Having a healthy liver results in greater energy and general well-being. A poorly functioning liver can result in tiredness, headaches, allergies, problem skin and weight gain. Apples periodically appear on the dinner table in the form of apple sauce or chutney to accompany dishes like roast pork or pork chops. The cook who created this menu was evidently acquainted with the action of the fruit on the liver. Sufferers from sluggish livers should eat apples. Apples contain pectin that bind to heavy metals in the body (in particular in the colon) and help their excretion. This reduces the load on the liver and its detoxification capacities.

Artichoke

Few veggies are as potent as the artichoke in helping an ailing liver. Studies have found they may even regenerate liver tissue. Experts believe that artichokes help stimulate production of bile in the liver as well as promote the movement of bile through the system.
These two functions are vital to the liver’s wellbeing. One of the jobs of bile is to remove toxins through the bowel. If bile is not transported adequately, the liver has an increased risk of being damaged. It has been suggested that 30 minutes after eating globe artichoke, bile flow is increased by over 100%. Artichokes have long been used in folk and alternative medicine as a treatment for liver ailments and the scientific studies are now proving them to be correct.

Broccoli

The liver is one of the most important organs of the body. It is responsible for regulating blood sugar, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating harmful substances from the body. Broccoli is a very powerful detoxifier of the liver. Broccoli increases the amount of glucosinolate which help the liver to produce the enzymes it needs for its detoxification processes. Broccoli also contains chemicals that neutralize certain toxins

Garlic

A healthy liver maintains blood flow and circulation, breaking down nutrients from foods and distributing them to other body organs. Garlic contains allicin which is a sulphur-based compound needed by the liver for effective detoxification. The antioxidants in garlic help keep toxic substances filtered by your liver from reaching other organs. Garlic has been shown to help the liver rid the body of mercury, food additives, and the hormone estrogen.

Low Sex Drive

Mango

Mangoes are rich in vitamin E which has been shown to help to regulate sex hormones and boosts sex drive.

Muscle Cramps

Banana

A deficiency in potassium can cause muscle cramps and spasms, as well as greater susceptibility to injury. Bananas are high in potassium and thus can help relieve muscle cramps and spasms.

Memory Problems

Apple

Eating apples can improve your memory and help you sustain overall brain health. Apples contain a larger percentage of phosphorus than any other fruit or vegetable. For this reason it is an invaluable food for brain health. Sufferers from cognitive problems such as brain fog and poor memory should eat at least two apples every day. The effects of the antioxidants and flavonoids present in apples have been shown to reduce brain-cell inflammation and oxidation that occurs naturally due to the presence of free radicals. Eating apples increases acetylcholine, which is a critical neurotransmitter for memory and brain health. Eating apples has also been shown to diminish accumulations of toxins in the brain, particularly beta-amyloid, which is thought to be one of the main factors causing Alzheimer's disease

Blueberries

When it comes to brain health, there really is nothing quite like blueberries, some have even called them “brain berries”. Blueberries contain anthocyanin, selenium, vitamins A, B-complex, C, and E, zinc, sodium, potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese. These power-packed berries can help prevent degeneration and death of neurons, brain-cells and restore health of the central nervous system. Blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age-related memory impairments like dementia and even Alzheimer’s. Blueberries have even been shown to improve learning capacity

Meniere’s Disease

Lemon

Meniere’s disease is an idiopathic disease involving the inner ear that is characterized by vertigo, hearing loss and pain, nausea and tinnitus. Meniere's disease does not have a cure; however lemons may bring some relief to those who suffer from this disease. Research has shown that Meniere’s disease patients treated with lemon bioflavonoid complex saw improvements in their vertigo and hearing symptoms. Although the exact physiologic mechanism by which this effect is produced is unknown, it is hypothesized that the bioflavonoids in lemon may act as a blocking agent on histidine decarboxylase.

Pain

Blueberries

Blueberries are excellent anti-inflammatories and pain relievers. B
lueberries
 increase the amounts of compounds called heat-shock proteins which help reduce inflammation and pain. Blueberries also contain salicylic acid which is the natural version of aspirin and is known to thin the blood and reduce pain

Hot Peppers

Capsaicin, the active ingredient in hot peppers, has been shown to reduce pain. It acts by acts by binding to receptors in the cell wall of nerve endings and triggering an influx of calcium ions into the neurons. It also interferes with substance P, a chemical involved in transmitting pain impulses to the brain

Osteoporosis

Dairy Products

It is of course no secret that milk and other dairy products are one of the best sources of calcium and vitamin D, both of which are needed for healthy bones. If you can’t consume dairy products due to lactose intolerance or food allergies, there are other good sources of calcium such as tofu, calcium fortified juices and soy milk

Olives

Hydroxytyrosol is a phytonutrient in olive oil has been found to have the potential to help us prevent bone loss. Several studies have found increased depositing of calcium in bone and decreased loss of total bone mass following consumption of this olive phytonutrient.

Pumpkin Seeds

Magnesium and calcium work together to promote bone health. 50% of the body’s magnesium resides in the bones and low levels have been linked to fragile bones. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of magnesium.

Tomato

Tomatoes can improve your vision. The vitamin A that tomatoes provide can improve vision and help prevent eye conditions such as night blindness and macular degeneration. A deficiency in vitamin A contributes to the development of night blindness. A one cup serving of fresh tomatoes provides 30% of the daily value of vitamin A.

Spinach

One cup of cooked spinach provides over 1000% of the daily recommended vitamin K which helps prevent excess activation of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bones. Vitamin K also promotes the synthesis of osteocalcin, an essential protein for maintaining the strength and density of our bones.

Poor Circulation

Beets

Beet juice is best known as a blood purifier and blood builder that help in the creation of red blood cells. Beet juice can help in the construction of red blood cells which help to carry oxygen around the body. Beets contain nitrate which causes dilation of the blood cells allowing more blood to get around the veins thereby reducing high blood pressure. This then improves circulation.

Skin Problems

Mango

If you suffer from skin problems, you may want to think about adding mangoes to your diet. Applying mangoes directly to the skin will help to get rid of clogged pores, however eating mangoes regularly helps to reduce dry skin and flakiness, leaving the skin soft and shining from the inside out.

Sore Throat

Lemon

Lemon and honey mixture makes an excellent sore throat relieving alternative. Lemons help reduce inflammation, cool down irritated sore throat and thin mucous congestion.

Urinary Tract Infection

 Blueberries

Everybody knows that cranberries help fight urinary tract infections, but for those of us who do not appreciate their tartness, blueberries are an excellent choice. Blueberries have been shown to be quite beneficial to urinary tract health. Bacteria like b-coli are responsible for urinary tract infections. Blueberries have a compound which inhibits the growth of these bacteria. Blueberries also have some antibiotic properties which add to this effect.

Vision Problems

Blueberries

Blueberries have the potential to slow down visual loss and prevent or delay age related ocular problems like macular degeneration and cataract due to their high levels of antioxidants including Carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin), Flavonoids (resveritrol, quercetin), vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin A, selenium, zinc and phosphorus, which are very beneficial to ocular health.

Carrots

The beta-carotene in carrots helps to protect against macular degeneration and the development of senile cataracts. Studies have found that people who eat the plenty of carrots have a much lower risk of macular degeneration than those who eat very little.

Tomato

Tomatoes can improve your vision. The vitamin A that tomatoes provide can improve vision and help prevent eye conditions such as night blindness and macular degeneration. A deficiency in vitamin A contributes to the development of night blindness. A one cup serving of fresh tomatoes provides 30% of the daily value of vitamin A.

Wrinkles

Papaya

Papayas are a great source of antioxidant vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids, nutrients which can help protect your skin against free radicals known to cause damage that leads to wrinkles and signs of aging.

^[1]
Mazereeuw G, Lanctôt KL, Chau SA, Swardfager W, Herrmann N (2012). Effects Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids On Cognitive Performance: A Meta-Analysis. Neurobiol Aging, 33, 17–29.