Broccoli is low in calories and is
one of the most nutrient-dense
foods. It's an excellent source of
vitamins A, C, and K, folic acid,
and fiber. It's also a good source
of potassium, phosphorus,
magnesium, and the vitamins B6
and E. Broccoli also contains the
carotenoid lutein, glucosinolates,
and phytochemicals that have
tremendous anticancer effects.
Cloves are a great spice to heal ailments of the digestive system. They are well known for relieving flatulence and can actually help promote good digestion as well as metabolism. They may also help relieve vomiting and diarrhea as well as a host of other digestive disorders.
Topical capsaicin is now a recognized treatment option for osteoarthritis pain. Several review studies of pain management for diabetic neuropathy have listed the benefits of topical capsaicin to alleviate disabling pain associated with this condition.
There is also considerable literature speculating that cilantro may be an effective chellation therapy for people who have excess mercury in their systems. Some think that mercury poisoning could be the result of metallic teeth fillings. Every time a person with fillings chews, the fillings release minute amounts of mercury gas that may be breathed into the system (swallowing mercury is actually far less toxic than breathing it). Of course, this is all speculative and disputed. Nevertheless, many people who have suffered from mercury poisoning and the "brain cloud" it causes have reported fairly rapid relief by the consistent consumption of cilantro over a period of just a few weeks.
The vitamin K provided by green beans-25% of the daily value in one cup-is important for maintaining strong bones. Vitamin K1 helps prevent excessive activation of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for breaking down bone. In addition, friendly bacteria in our intestines convert some K1 into K2, which activates osteocalcin, the major non-collagen protein in bone. Osteocalcin anchors calcium molecules inside of the bone.
When six epidemiological studies that looked at the association of diets high in carotenoids and heart disease were reviewed, the research demonstrated that high-carotenoid diets are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. In one study that examined the diets of 1,300 elderly persons in Massachusetts, those who had at least one serving of carrots and/or squash each day had a 60% reduction in their risk of heart attacks compared to those who ate less than one serving of these carotenoid-rich foods per day.
Potatoes also contain substantial amounts of vitamins C and B6, which are vital for blood clotting, wound healing, a strong immune system, normal nervous system function and for converting the food you eat to energy. There’s also a substance called kukoamine found in potatoes that may help to lower blood pressure, although more research is necessary to know for sure.
Tomatoes contain many antioxidants, including a chemical called lycopene. There has been a lot of research investigating tomatoes and the chemicals contained in them like lycopene. From these studies, tomatoes have been shown to possess a vast array of healthy benefits, including macular degeneration and certain cancers. Studies have also proven that tomatoes may provide healthy effects on your cholesterol.
In general, chicken is quite a healthy food. As a source of protein it is one of the best, as it contains very little fat compared to other sources of meat. However, the preparation of the chicken should of course be considered, as well as the type or parts of the chicken that are being consumed. For example, the skin is quite fatty, and should be avoided by people who need to control their intake of fats. Internal organs such as giblets and liver should also be avoided, as these are extremely high in cholesterol. Capons (castrated roosters) should also be avoided if you are trying to control your weight, as this meat is usually quite fatty.
When looking for a healthy tortilla, choose a certified organic, sprouted, whole-kernel corn tortilla. Sprouting grains converts their carbohydrates into maltose, which is ordinarily done by the body during digestion. The enzymatic action enables the body to absorb the vitamins and minerals more efficiently. Plus, the sprouting process naturally increases the protein content, and decreases the calories and carbohydrates found in the original grain.
Green Beans offer cardiovascular protection. The antioxidant in this vegetable helps to prevent cholesterol from becoming oxidized. Oxidized cholesterol is able to stick to and build up in blood vessel walls, where it can cause blocked arteries, heart attack or stroke.
However, beyond being a flavouring-enhancer for certain foods and its use in cosmetics, you may not be aware that rosemary extract has a long history of medicinal uses too. It has been used to treat a wide range of ailments, including stomach upsets, digestive disorders and headaches.
Both regular and lowfat cheese products are available in today's market. Research has shown that a diet that includes three servings per day of dairy foods (such as lowfat and fat-free milk and yogurt, high and lowfat cheeses) as well as eight to 10 servings per day of fruits and vegetables reduces blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease, including lowering HDL-cholesterol and blood homocysteine levels.
Borneol and Linalool, other components of cilantro, work to cleanse the liver and reduce diarrhea. As well as Cineole, Limonene, Alpha-pinene & beta-phelandrene. Each of which contains anti-bacterial properties. The Citronelol component is a well-known natural antiseptic, helping to reduce bad-breath, heal mouth-wounds and prevent oral ulcers. It also contains high amounts of vitamin-A, and important minerals like phosphorus.
Celery is a very good source of fiber. It is an excellent source of Vitamin K, a good source of Vitamin A and potassium, and contains smaller amounts of many other nutrients including Vitamin C.
Many studies showed that the organic ingredient of garlic, allyl sulfur, another active ingredient in garlic, are effective in inhibiting or preventing cancer development. Many observational studies in human being also investigated the association of using garlic and allyl sulfur and cancer. Out of the 37 studies, 28 studies showed evidence that garlic can prevent cancer. The evidence is particularly strong in prevention of prostate and stomach cancers. This particular study looking at the risk of stomach cancer was especially interesting. This study was conducted in China. Researchers found that smokers with high garlic intake have a relatively lower stomach cancer risk than smokers with low garlic intake.
Because cheese is a calcium-rich food, its inclusion in the diet may help reduce the risk for osteoporosis. In addition, cheese, in moderation, is included in the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet designed to reduce the risk of hypertension. This diet, which includes 3 servings/day of dairy foods (e.g., lowfat and fat free milk and yogurt, regular and lowfat cheeses) and 8 to10 servings/day of fruits and vegetables, has also been shown to reduce other risk factors for heart disease, specifically blood levels of total and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and homocysteine.
Few realize the true antioxidant potential of the modest black bean. Black beans get their dark color from anthocyanins, the same powerful flavonoids found in such nutritional superstars as red cabbage, blueberries, cranberries, and red beets. Black beans have the highest levels of antioxidants of all of the common beans tested, as much as the antioxidant-rich cranberry.
Tomatoes have a great nutritional value. To start with, tomatoes contain four of the basic nutrients from the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). They contain 40% of Vitamin C, 15% of Vitamin A, 8% of Potassium, and 7% of iron for women (10% for men). The red pigment of tomatoes is lycopene. Lycopene acts as an antioxidant, which helps to neutralize free radicals that can damage cells in the body. Studies have been conducted indicating that consuming tomatoes reduces the risk of developing rectal, colon, and stomach cancer. Tomatoes also contain two powerful compounds, coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid, which seem to be able to block the effects of nitrosamines (strongest carcinogen in smoke) and thus reduce the risk of lung cancer.
Spinach reduces the risk of heart disease: Vitamin A and C, present in spinach, work as antioxidants to keep cholesterol from oxidizing (oxidized cholesterol easily sticks to the walls of blood vessels). Spinach also contains choline and inositol, the substances that help to prevent atherosclerosis or thickening and hardening of arteries. Spinach is an excellent source of folate that is believed to decrease homocysteine (an amino acid found in blood) in the bloodstream. Elevated level of homocysteine is associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Factor C0-Q10, an antioxidant present in spinach, plays important role in strengthening muscles especially heart muscle which continuously pumps blood to all parts of the body.