Let Food Be The Medicine

For the first 5000 years of civilization, humans relied on foods and herbs for medicine. The healing properties of food have been reported by cultures worldwide throughout history. However, the past decade has presented an explosion of dinical research to show specifically what health benefits Individual foods can offer. While pharmaceuticals have their value, we should not forget the well-documented, non toxic and inexpensive healing properties of whole foods.

Here are a few "Super Foods that have received a lot of press for their research supported health benefits.

APPLE-They are excellent blood purifier and they help to lower the cholesterol level in blood. They also help to alleviate constipation.

AVOCADO - It the most protein rich fruit and excellent in maintaining the blood sugar level. It is also good for anemia and nervous disorder.

BANANA-They help to alkalize the blood and eliminate excessive uric acid, which makes them a very good food for those suffering from gout and arthritis.

BARLEY-It contents potent antioxidants like Tocotrienols having a anti-viral and anti-cancer activity.

BEANS AND LEGUMES-They are a great meat substitute and an excellent food for hypertensi and constipation. They are also beneficial for hair follicles and recommended foe for hair loss

BEEFS-Beefs fight inflammation, have anti-cancer properties and help to detoxify the lower and the blood.

BELL PEPPER-Rich in antioxidant vitamin C helps to fight off colds, asthma, bronchitis, cataracts macular degeneration and angina.

CARROT-Rich in beta carotene and a great medicine for the eyes, particularly night vision

CAULIFLOWER-It regulates the transit time in the colon. It has diuretic properties and is helpful for the cardiovascular system.

CHERRY-Compounds within cherries known as Anthrocyanin have been shown to be an effective as NSAID drugs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in reducing pain and inflammation.

CINNAMON - Strong stimulator of insulin activity, thus potentially helpful for those with type 2 diabetes

CLOVE - Used to kill the pain of toothache and its main ingredient Eugenil acts as an anti inflammatory agent against rheumatic diseases.

COCONUT-Both the milk and the water of the coconuteffect.

CRANBERRY  The extract of this berry is as effective as the drugs used for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection, especially in women.

GARLIC - It is a natural anti-biotic and it stimulates our immune system and digestive system Garlic helps to reduce inflammation int he body and increase blood fluidity drugs

GINGER-Ginger is a proven anti-nausea, anti-motion sickness remedy that matches or surpasses

 GRAPE - Grape skins contain Resveratrol, shown to inhibit blood platelet clumping and boost good type HDL. Cholesterol and tranquilizing properties.

HONEY-Strong antibiotic properties. It has sleep inducing sedative It should be used sparingly as it is high in sugar

OATS-Oats reduces cholesterol level in blood, help stabilize blood sugar, have estrogenic and anti oxidant activity: It is renowned as a heart friendly food.

 ONION-Onions are the richest dietary source of Quercetin, a potent anti-oxidant which helps inblood thinning raises HDL cholesterol and wards off blood clots, fight asthma and chronic

PAPAYA - New researches indicates that topical application of unripe papaya on chronic skin bronchitis.ulcers generates a positive response.

 PINEAPPLE - The enzyme Bromelain extracted from pineapple is a potent agent in killing ofcancerous cells.

POMEGRANATE-It helps to protect the dermis and epidermis by promoting the regeneration of
skin cells and healing wounds at a faster rate. It provides the best defense against sun burn.
wrinkles, age spots and hyper pigmentation caused by harmful UV rays

RICE BRAN-Rice brain is excellent against constipation, lowers cholesterol and tends to block development of kidney stones.

SOYABEAN - It boosts estrogen levels in post-menopausal women. Soyabeans are the richest source of potent protease inhibitors which act as anti-cancer, anti-viral agents

STRAWBERRY-Strawberry extract has been shown to improve lipid profile and oxidative stress markers. It reduces high blood pressure and disburdens the heart muscles from over-exertion.

TURMERIC-Its main active ingredient Curcumin acts a anti-inflammatory agent.

WATERMELON-It contains amino acid, such as L-Citrulline, which help the blood vessels to dilatenaturally and reducing blood pressure.

WHEAT-High-fiber whole wheat ranks as the world's greatest preventives of constipation. The bran is potent anti-cancer agent.

By-
Prerana Yadav
Amity University, Kolkata