HEALING FOODS: Practical Guide to the Health Benefits and Medicinal Properties of Food (5 page)

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.

Olives

Although we generally think of olives as a zesty vegetable, they are technically classified as a fruit. Olives are nothing short of astounding. Few high-fat foods offer such a diverse range of valuable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Olives provide almost three-quarters of their fat as oleic acid, a healthy monounsaturated fatty acid, and offer us dozens of protective health benefits. 

Bone Loss

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. 

Cancer

Olives are a great source of vitamin E and monounsaturated fat, which have the ability to neutralize free radicals in the body.
If our cells get overwhelmed by oxidative stress cause by free radicals and chronic excessive inflammation, our risk of cell cancer is increased. By providing us with rich supplies of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients, olives can help us avoid this dangerous combination of chronic oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.

Studies have shown that olive oil exerts a protective effect against certain malignant tumors in the breast, prostate, and digestive tract.
Studies have also shown that consuming olives or olive oil leads to a lower risk of colon cancer. Olive oil rich diets have been shown to reduce the number of cancerous lesions, result in less aggressive tumors and a better prognosis.

Heart Disease

Oleuropein is found exclusively in olives and has been shown to decrease oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
In addition, the high monounsaturated fat content of olives has been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and decreased blood pressure. The oleic acid found in olives affects changes at cell membrane levels which result in decreased blood pressure
.

Inflammation

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.

Papaya

Papayas are rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, and special digestive enzymes that have a remarkable effect on proper digestion and overall health.

Cancer

Cancer is one of the world's leading killers. Papaya can be
very beneficial for reducing your risk of developing certain types of cancers. 
Studies suggest that the proteolytic enzymes in papaya can digest the fibrin protein layer of cancer cells that usually surrounds and protects them, leaving the cancerous cells more susceptible to the body’s immune response. The papaya also contains isothiocyanates which may help prevent cancer by eliminating potential carcinogens from our bodies and enhancing the action of tumor suppressing proteins and lycopene, which research has shown to have anticancer properties.
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Gastrointestinal Problems

Undigested proteins can lead to many health issues, such as gastrointestinal problems and an overgrowth of flatulence causing bacteria in the colon. The enzymes in papaya can improve digestion by breaking down proteins into their individual amino acids.

Wrinkles

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.

Pineapple

Pineapples are sweet, juicy, and delicious, but more importantly they are very healthy and nutritious.
Pineapples are loaded with vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium and are also rich in fiber.

Asthma Inflammation

The bromelain in pineapple reduces asthma inflammation. Studies have found that bromelain can significantly reduce markers of lung inflation and reduce the total white blood cells which normally increase with the onset of asthma.

Gastrointestinal Problems

The bromelain in pineapple can improve digestion by breaking down proteins into their individual amino acids.

Tomato

Botanically classified as a fruit, tomatoes are sweet, juicy, and delicious
.
Tomatoes are not only a tasty addition to meal time, but they are packed with nutritional benefits as well. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A, C, K, folate, and potassium, and also provide thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper, all of which are necessary for good health. They are naturally low in calories, fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

Cancer

Tomatoes
 are a natural cancer fighter. Lycopene is rare in foods, and tomatoes are one of only a few that are rich in this powerful antioxidant. Clinical studies have shown that lycopene can reduce the risk of cancers such as prostate, cervical, mouth, throat, stomach, colon, rectal, prostate, and ovarian cancer. In addition, the vitamin A and C in tomatoes fight the free radicals which can cause cell damage. Ironically, processed tomatoes (sauce, paste, etc.) are more effective than raw tomatoes at reducing cancer risk. The processing breaks down the cell walls which trap the lycopene making it more bioavailable. Tomatoes have been shown to be particularly effective against prostate cancers.

Eye Conditions

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.

Osteoporosis

Tomatoes build strong bones and can ward off osteoporosis. Lycopene slows down the breakdown of bone cells and the vitamin K and calcium in tomatoes help strengthen and repair bones. A serving of tomatoes provide 18% the daily value for vitamin K.

Orange

Asthma Inflammation

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes wheezing, difficulty breathing and chest tightness Asthma symptoms can be triggered by allergens, such as pollen or pet dander, by non-allergic triggers, such as emotional stress, physical activity, cold air, smoke, or viruses. Consuming oranges and other citrus fruits may help reduce your symptoms. Citrus fruits are rich sources of vitamin A and C which help lessen lung inflammation associated with cigarette smoke and other pollutants.

Chest Congestion

Chest congestion can make breathing difficult and can cause coughing and, shortness of breath. Certain foods have an effect on the secretion of mucus by the glands lining your respiratory system. Oranges are rich in vitamin C which is an essential nutrient that may help increase the effectiveness of your immune system. This can help reduce the severity and duration of conditions that cause chest congestion. Foods that are rich in vitamin C also tend to be a natural source of water, which can help reduce the thickness of mucus.

VEGETABLES

Preserve and treat food as you would your body, remembering that in time food will be your body.

—B.W. Richardson

While the health-related benefits of a diet rich in vegetables is known to most, scientific research has increasingly pointed to their influence on a variety of diseases. Like fruits, vegetables are loaded with vitamins and mineral including phytonutrients, antioxidants, such as vitamin A, C, E, and selenium. Options like broccoli, tomatoes, spinach provide additional benefits! People who eat more vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of many chronic diseases.