HEALING FOODS: Practical Guide to the Health Benefits and Medicinal Properties of Food (6 page)

Asparagus

Asparagus is a very good source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K, and chromium. 

Cancer

Asparagus is packed with antioxidants and can neutralize cell-damaging free radicals. Asparagus is the best food source of glutathione, a detoxifying compound that helps break down carcinogens and other harmful compounds like free radicals. In addition, Asparin A, a compound
in asparagus, has been found to halt the growth liver cancer cells and can even cause death in those cells.

Artichoke

Artichokes have one of the highest levels of antioxidants. Some of the powerful antioxidants in artichokes are quercetin, rutin, anthocyanins, cynarin, luteolin, and silymarin.

High Blood Glucose Levels

An artichoke has a glycemic index ranking of 15, which places it among the very lowest foods or beverages on the glycemic index. Scientific evidence shows that the artichoke can help balance blood glucose levels and help deal with diabetes.

Liver Ailments

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.

Beets

Beets are one of those often overlooked foods, but adding beets to your diet can greatly increase your wellbeing and immunity. The roots and leaves of the beet have long been used in folk medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments.

Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which too few red blood cells are in circulation. Iron deficiency is the most frequent cause of anemia.
Beets are good source of iron which regenerates and reactivates the red blood cells and supplies fresh oxygen to the body. The copper content in beets helps make the iron more available to the body.

Arteriosclerosis

The juice of this wonderful root is a powerful solvent for inorganic calcium deposits that cause the arteries to harden and therefore it is very useful in fighting arteriosclerosis. It helps to keep the blood vessels and the arterial system in a very sound condition.

Depression

Depression, mental fatigue, and insomnia have been linked with lower levels of folate. One cup of beets supplies you with 30% of your daily needs. In addition, beets contain trimethylglycine, the same substance that is used in certain treatments of depression. It also contains tryptophan, which relaxes the mind and creates a sense of well-being.

Poor Circulation

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.

Broccoli

Some people love broccoli and others hate it, but there's no denying that broccoli is a nutritional powerful.
Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins C, K, and A, as well as folate and dietary fiber, and a very good source of manganese, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, and vitamins B2 and B6. In addition to providing these valuable nutrients, broccoli offers an abundance of powerful phytochemicals that may help protect the body against many ailments including cancers.

Blood Pressure

Research indicates that glucoraphanin, a compound found in broccoli, may reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Broccoli also contains potassium, magnesium, and calcium which also help regulate blood pressure.

Cancer

Diets high in broccoli have been linked with a lower risk of certain types of cancer.
Broccoli contains certain chemicals that work through numerous mechanisms to inhibit tumor cell adhesion, spread, and invasion. These
substances act as antioxidants, boost detoxifying enzymes in the body, and may even
produce beneficial changes in gene expression. Studies suggest that a broccoli compound known as sulforaphane induces cancer cells to commit a sort of cellular suicide.
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Liver Detoxifier

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.

Carrot

Everyone knows that carrots are great for eyesight, but your vision isn’t the only thing carrots are good for. Carrots are an excellent source of various essential nutrients and have many other health benefits.

Asthma Inflammation

Carrots contain beta carotene, which may decrease the asthma symptoms caused by exercise. Carrots are a top source for beta-carotene, hence the name. Beta-carotene may also reduce lung inflammation caused by toxins.

Cancer

Studies have shown that carrots may help lower the risk of breast, colon, and lung cancer. Studies indicate that falcarinol, another compound in carrots, may be largely responsible for the carrot’s anti-cancer benefits.

Heart Disease

Diets high in carrots are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Carrots are high in fiber and beta-carotene, nutrients which help keep blood pressure down and reduce cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.

Vision Problems

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.

Spinach

Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse. It is one of the most nutrient dense foods in existence. Spinach is packed with vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, manganese, zinc, and selenium which all serve as powerful antioxidants that protect against many diseases and health conditions.

High Blood Pressure

Spinach contains almost 40% of magnesium your body needs. Magnesium is essential in maintaining healthy levels of blood pressure. In fact, just a salad-size portion of spinach will work to lower high blood pressure within hours.

Osteoporosis

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.

HERBS AND SPICES