Studies show that chili peppers can provide pain relief for migraine and sinus headaches. Capsaicin, the chemical that makes chili peppers hot, is known to inhibit a key neuropeptide, Substance P, that is the key brain pain transmitter. Go capsaicin!
As an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene) and a very good source of vitamin C, sweet potatoes have healing properties as an antioxidant food. Both beta-carotene and vitamin C are very powerful antioxidants that work in the body to eliminate free radicals. Free radicals are chemicals that damage cells and cell membranes and are associated with the development of conditions like atherosclerosis, diabetic heart disease, and colon cancer. This may explain why beta-carotene and vitamin C have both been shown to be helpful for preventing these conditions. Since these nutrients are also anti-inflammatory, they can be helpful in reducing the severity of conditions where inflammation plays a role, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Sweet potato varieties with dark orange flesh have more beta carotene than those with light coloured flesh, and their increased cultivation is being encouraged in Africa, where vitamin A deficiency is a serious health problem. Despite the name "sweet", it may be a beneficial food for diabetics, as preliminary studies on animals have revealed that it helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and to lower insulin resistance.[13] Some Americans, including television personality Oprah Winfrey, are advocating increased consumption of sweet potatoes both for their health benefits and because of their importance in traditional Southern cuisine.
Nutmeg has been used to treat conditions such as gastroenteritis, dysentery, vomiting, indigestion and bloating. It has also been used in India's Ayurvedic medicine to treat many digestive conditions, premature ejaculation and urinary incontinence. It can help with the treatment of arthritis, neuralgia, muscle pain, rheumatism and poor circulation.
Peanut butter contains fairly high quantities of dietary fiber, amounting to about 8%, which again helps in regulating both blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Dietary fiber has also been shown to significantly reduce the risk of colo-rectal cancer (which is among the most common causes of death by cancer in civilized countries) and atherosclerosis (another common disease in the U.S. and Europe).
Our food ranking system, based on nutrient density, qualified soy sauce as a good source of niacin (vitamin B3), manganese, and protein. Of course, it would take far too much tamari to provide any substantial amount of a person's daily vitamin, mineral or protein needs. Nevertheless, for the calories it costs, tamari, unlike salt, delivers an unusual amount of nutrients to the person who uses it. Use low sodium soy sauce.
Figs are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps to control blood pressure. Since many people not only do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, but do consume high amounts of sodium as salt is frequently added to processed foods, they may be deficient in potassium. Low intake of potassium-rich foods, especially when coupled with a high intake of sodium, can lead to hypertension.
Peas are lower in calcium and phosphorus than beans, but they provide similar levels
of protein and carbohydrates. They are a good source of protein, B vitamins,
magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, and potassium. Dried peas are an
excellent source of fiber. Green peas are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and
carotenes. Even though dried peas contain less nutrients than fresh peas, they are
more calorie-dense due to their lack of water. Dried peas provide the same
nutritional content and health benefits as common beans. Green peas provide a little
more additional nutrition and antioxidants.
Beta-carotene helps to protect vision, especially night vision. After beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the liver, it travels to the retina where it is transformed into rhodopsin, a purple pigment that is necessary for night-vision. Plus beta-carotene's powerful antioxidant actions help provide protection against macular degeneration and the development of senile cataracts, the leading cause of blindness in the elderly.
Okra is used for healing ulcers and to keep joints limber. It helps to neutralize acids, being very alkaline, and provides a temporary protective coating for the digestive tract.
There is a wide range of benefits of ginger such as nausea, digestive problems, circulation and arthritis. Nausea caused during pregnancy or by travelling is one of the benefits of ginger root. Ginger is also known to have the ability to calm an upset stomach and to promote the flow of bile. Stomach cramps can be eased and circulation can also be improved. Ginger supports a healthy cardiovascular system by making platelets less sticky which in turn reduces circulatory problems.
Cayenne stimulates digestion and muscle movement in the intestines, which helps restore deficient digestive secretions and aids absorption of food nutrients. (Stomach acid tends to decline with age, and some cases of poor digestion are related to a lack of this acid.)
Coconut has recently been reported to reduce the viral load of HIV. It began in September, 1996 when a PWA, Chris D. of Cloverdale, Indiana, prepaid his funeral, stopped all treatments and supplements and decided to take his last vacation in the jungles of South America. His HIV viral load was over 600,000, CD4 count was at ten and CD8 was 300. Around October 14,1996, he began eating daily a dish of cooked coconut prepared by the local Indians. By December 27, 1996, upon returning home, his viral load was at non-detectable levels and he had gained 32 pounds.
As for health benefits, the unsaturated fat content in peanut butter helps reduce the risk of heart disease by 25% (if you eat 1oz per day), its rich folate and niacin (vitamin B3) content helps increase the HDL (good cholesterol) level by as much as 30%, all while being a very good source of proteins (up to 25% of peanuts consists of proteins) and dietary fiber; the most unique property of peanut butter, though, is its high content in Resveratrol, a substance that's been shown to have very strong anti-cancer properties.
The active constituents in oregano are thymol and carvacrol, which are also found in thyme. According to researchers, both of the compounds help loosen phlegm in the lungs and relieve spasms in the bronchial passages. Many commercial cough remedies, including cough drops and skin rubs such as Vicks VapoRub, contain thymol (a derivation of thyme).
In addition to assisting with absorption of iron, vitamin C is needed in the body to make healthy tissue and is also needed for a strong immune system.
Capsicum can temporarily deaden nerve endings, making it helpful in the treatment of nerve pain associated with toothaches, shingles, and diabetes. Taken in connection with stomach ailments, it has been shown to encourage the production of mucous, which in turn protects the stomach lining. By bolstering the clotting factor of blood, it helps control both external and internal bleeding and actively works to heal stomach ulcers. Small amounts of cayenne pepper taken daily aids in digestion by increasing both the flow of saliva as well as stomach secretions. Its role in the formation of hydrochloric acid is particularly useful in the breakdown of food.
, the same family as cotton and hibiscus.
Okra is low in calories (about 25 calories per half cup of cooked okra and 33 calories per one cup of raw okra) and packed with many nutrients. It is a good source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.