Disease Fighting Powers In Common Foods
Food Stimulates Diverse Biological Responses in the Body, Below Are Common Foods with Pharmacological Activity according to the latest Evidence -
Information Sourced From Various Resources And Research
See More Fun Fruit and Veg Photos On The Links And Fun Page < Click Here
'Health Benefits Of Foods' Listed Below
Asparagus - A source of glutathione an antioxidant with strong anticancer activity.
Apples - High in fiber, helps avoid Constipation, Suppresses Appetite. Has mild Antibacterial, Antiinflammatory, estrogenic activity and is Antiviral, Reduces Cholesterol, and Contains Anti Cancer agents
Avocados - contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that may help to lower cholesterol. decreases total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. Adequate intake of potassium can help to guard against circulatory diseases, like high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke. been shown to offer protection against breast cancer, Prostate Cancer As well as Oral cancer. Source of vitamin K, dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, folate and copper. they are higher in potassium than a medium banana.
Bananas are good for your heart and nerves: Bananas contain a high dose of potassium - an essential ingredient to keep your heart and nervous system in good shape. Bananas are good for your kidneys and bones: Benefits to the kidneys and the bones are again due to the high potassium content of bananas. A normal intake of potassium suppresses calcium excretion in the urine and minimizes the risk of kidney stones. Bananas can act as mood enhancers or mild sedatives: Bananas contain tryptophan (although it’s not one of the major sources, a medium still contains about 10.6 mg of tryptophan). Tryptophan is one of the 20 amino acids which are building blocks of proteins. Bananas are good for your blood: Bananas are one of the highest sources of naturally available vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 plays an important role in converting tryptophan to serotonin, and also helps the body to make hemoglobin - a crucial ingredient of your blood. Vitamin B6 is also essential for antibody production and to maintain a healthy immune response. It also helps to convert carbohydrates to glucose and thereby maintains proper blood sugar levels. Bananas are good source of dietary fiber: A single serving (one medium-sized banana) contains 16% of the daily recommended dietary fiber intake for a normal adult. See Below for more Benefits of Bananas.
Broccoli - Strong anti-cancer ingredient. Also helps to cleanse and strengthen the blood, boost the immune system and improve digestion. Broccoli helps to lower cholesterol and adds vitamins C, a, b6 and b2, and the minerals folate, iron, potassium and magnesium!
Cabbage - Anti-cancer, Strengthens blood, Strengthens immunity, Weight Loss, Source of Fibre, Vitamin C, Folate
Celery - Lowers Cholesterol, Weight Loss, Source of Fibre, Vitamin C, Folate
Chocolate - A antioxidant, Chocolate contains flavonoids, which are a type of flavonol. What are flavonols, you might ask? Flavonols are natural compounds found in plants, and these compounds help the plants to fight off toxins and to heal themselves, chocolate that has not had sugar added to it has natural antibacterial agents that combat tooth decay, The carbohydrates found in chocolate raise the serotonin levels in your brain, which can make you feel happier. Chocolate also raises the level of endorphins in your brain, which can put you in a better mood. Can protect against Stroke, natural compound found in chocolate can helps to reduce blood pressure, Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine which has been shown to help reduce the coughing reflex. See Below
Coffee And Its Benefits - studies have shown that those who drink coffee in moderation seem to have a statistically lesser chance of developing Type II Diabetes, which is the non-inherited form of Diabetes. those who drink coffee are 50 percent less likely to suffer from Cancer. Most specifically studied were breast, rectal and Colon Cancer, A study done over 30 years shows that those who drink coffee have a much lower chance of contacting Parkinson’s Disease, coffee is actually a natural antioxidant source. Antioxidants help to keep the Blood Clean thus possibly helping to prevent High Blood Pressure and heart disease. But remember to drink coffee in moderation; too much coffee, and caffeine, is not good for your health. Those who drink coffee regularly are 80 percent less likely to develop cirrhosis of the liver. coffee Can boosts your metabolism which can also help to burn off calories. Medicines for asthma almost always contain high does of caffeine because caffeine helps with the symptoms of asthma. coffee is a natural diuretic, but it can also naturally cleanses the stomach as it passes through in Some, Coffee apparently lowers the levels of cholesterol in stomach bile, thus helping to prevent the body from building up gall stones.
Fish - Omega-3 fatty acids are essential, polyunsaturated fatty acids found primarily in fish. They have been shown to lower LDL-cholesterol. Eating 35grams or more of fish daily reduces the risk of death from non-sudden myocardial infarction. As little as one fish meal per week has been associated with a significantly reduced risk of total cardiovascular mortality.
Garlic -
Garlic can be used to treat high cholestrol, parasites, respiratory problems, poor digestion, and low energy. Studies suggest that regularly eating garlic helps lower blood pressure, controls blood sugar and blood cholesterol, and boosts the immune system. It has also been found to reduce the risk of esophageal, stomach, and colon cancer.
Note that it is not recommended to take garlic in its raw form, since the enzyme necessary to produce allicin may be destroyed in the stomach before having any positive effect. For this reason, dried or powdered garlic tablets are more suitable to take advantage of garlic's immune-boosting qualities. Studies have shown that other forms of garlic such as cooked garlic, pickled garlic, and aged garlic are also beneficial.
Garlic is known to have antiviral properties, Garlic may also reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infections. Garlic is considered to regulate blood sugar levels by increasing the release of insulin in diabetics, lowers blood pressure levels as effectively as patients taking prescription blood pressure drugs, lowers cholesterol levels and reduces arterial plaque formation, Garlic's antibacterial, analgesic, and anesthetizing properties can help cure toothaches. Simply put some garlic oil or a piece of crushed garlic clove directly onto the affected tooth and the gum for instant relief,
Garlic's ability to fight infections and bacteria makes it an effective cure for warts and other skin problems.
Note: that due to garlic's anti-clotting and blood thinning properties, people taking anti-coagulant drugs or who are scheduled for surgery should check with their doctor before taking garlic supplements.
Okra - Anti-cancer, Strengthens blood, Strengthens immunity, Improves digestion, Lowers Cholesterol, Weight Loss, Source of Fibre, Vitamin C, B1, B6, Folate, Iron, Calcium
Oranges - Besides being rich in vitamin C, folate, and fiber, citrus fruits are rich in limonoids which have been identified as protective against a variety of spontaneous and chemically-induced tumors in rats and mice.
Always check with your doctor if you believe you are suffering from a disease or ailment
Papaya - Aids digestion, eliminates heartburn, indigestion and inflammatory bowel diseases
Soya Bean - Soya bean is a great source of protein and Benefits the immune system
Spinach - Anti-cancer, Improves blood pressure, Strengthens blood, Strengthens immunity, Improves digestion, Lowers Cholesterol, Weight Loss, Source of Fibre, Vitamin C, A, B2, B6, Folate, Iron, Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium
Sprouts - Sprouts contain literally hundreds of condensed vitamins, minerals and micro nutrients.
Tomato - Lycopene, the primary carotenoid found in tomatoes, is associated with reduced cancer risk of the prostate, breast, digestive tract, cervix, bladder, and skin. Proposed mechanisms by which lycopene could influence cancer risk are related to its anti-oxidant function. Anti-cancer, Strengthens blood, Strengthens immunity, Lowers Cholesterol, Weight Loss, Vitamin C, A, Folate, Iron, Potassium
See More 'Health Effects' On The Human Body On The 'Resources Page' < Click Here
Some of The Benefits of Herbs And Spices Below
Kelp - Strengthens the blood and immune systems while lowering cholesterol! Importantly, also assists in breakdown of protein and regeneration of blood cells. Also a source of folate, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium and Iodine.
HERBS FOR DISEASE PREVENTION
Bilberry > Hardening of the arteries. Poor Night Vision, Haemorrhoids
Cranberry > Urinary Tract Infections
Evening Primrose Oil > Essential Fatty Acid Deficiencies
Feverfew > Helps Prevent Migraines
Garlic > Hardening of the arteries, High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol
Ginko Biloba > Macular Degeneration, Tinnitus, Memory Loss
Hawthorn > Congestive Heart Failure, Angina Pectoris
Liquorice > Ulcers
Milk Thistle > Liver Problems
St Johns Wart > Depression
Saw Palmetto > Prostate Enlargement, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
HERBS FOR GENERAL GOOD HEALTH
Ginseng > Adaptogen, General Tonic, Boosts Energy
Astragalus > Boosts Energy, General Tonic
Bilberry > Improves Circulation, Repairs Veins
Garlic > Helps Prevent Cancer, Lowers Cholesterol
Ginko Biloba > Improves Circulation and Memory, Antioxidant
Gotu Kola > Improves circulation, Healing and Memory
Green Tea > Helps Prevent Cancer, Antioxidant and Tonic
Milk Thistle > Repairs Liver Cells and a Liver Tonic
Reishi > Immune Stimulant, Adaptogen and a Tonic
Siberian Ginseng > Tonic, Boosts Energy, and a Adaptogen
Tumeric > Antioxidant
Some Alternative Remedies For High Blood Pressure Below
There are lots more home remedies available including fennel seeds, onion , cayenne pepper
BROWN RICE
The amount of calcium in brown rice makes it a good source for providing balance in the vitamin and mineral contents of the blood cells. calcium promotes a relaxed nervous system to maintain normal blood pressure levels
FENUGREEK SEEDS
The seeds are rich in polysaccharide galactomannan that can aid a lot in the digestion process to promote proper metabolism of nutrients especially in sodium and potassium intakes and can prevent hypertension from taking place.
LEMON
Its juice and rind are also good sources of vitamin P or bioflavonoid substances that can prevent the capillary from being weak and provide better blood circulation
WATERMELON SEEDS
Eaten either dry or roasted, have positive effects in the blood vessels by relaxing or dilating them as good receptacles during blood circulation
PARSLEY
The various elements present in parsley are good for the maintenance of suitable blood vessels and passageways especially the capillaries. The readiness to absorb and take in the blood flow during circulation makes it easy for the blood to surge forward and reach other parts of the body.
POTATO
Is Rich in potassium that is usually needed as a nutritional supplement especially for people who are hypertensive
GRAPEFRUIT
Contains vitamin P that helps the arteries. Vitamin P is actually not a vitamin but a bioflavonoid substances that enhances the absorption of Vitamin C in the body to promote proper blood circulation
GARLIC
This ancient wonder drug used for centuries is versatile since it can effectively act against the hardening of arteries. Constricted or hardened arteries make it difficult for the blood pressure or systolic to surge forward and distribute blood to the blood vessels (see Above for more on Garlics Benefits to Health)
See More 'Health Effects' On The Human Body On The 'Resources Page' < Click Here
Scroll Down For More Benefits Of Foods
Guava Fruit
Brilliantly colored from a soft cream to bright blood red, each cup loaded with antioxidants, only the blueberry has more.
The guava is a superfood, full of vitamins C and A, lycopene, potassium, fiber to fight cancer, diabetes, heart disease
and, build your immune system and brighten your skin; lower your bad cholesterol and keep bad bacteria at bay .
Bio Yoghurt And its Benefits
Scientists at the University of California studied the effect of live and heat-treated yoghurt consumption on younger and older adults. Both age groups, consuming 200g of the live yoghurt, showed a significant decrease in nasal allergies and also seemed to get fewer upper respiratory infections, such as colds and flu. There's evidence that the friendly bac-teria in some yoghurts and probiotic-style yoghurt drinks might ease the symptoms of diarrhoea, wind, constipation and bloating associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The bacteria appear to benefit the gut's immune system, reducing inflammation. A small pot (150g) of nat-ural yoghurt provides 243mg calcium - about 30% of the RDA. The cultures in yoghurt make absorption easier.
Yoghurt may have a lowering effect on cholesterol and improve the balance of "good" HDL cholesterol to "bad" LDL types. Some bacteria also have the ability to break down bile acids - cholesterolcontaining digestive secretions. If the bile acids are broken down, the cholesterolcannot be re-absorbed, but is flushed out of the system.
There is Scientific Proof Bio Yoghurt with Live Cultures is GOOD for You ! Boring some people mite think but You cud try mixing a few Table spoons of Strawberry Yoghurt or Small Piecies of Fruit to Liven up Plain Bio Yoghurt! And makes it more fun as a Desert or Afters.
Article from Various Sources including : The South African News Paper 'Daily News' And 'Answers.com'
A List Of External Links Below 'Benefits Of Different Foods'
The materials in this website is Not Intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor or qualified GP. Food Doctor © 2011