Wine, in addition, contain substances called antioxidants which inhibit bad cholesterol from being incorporated in the artery wall. The antioxidants also reduce the damage caused by the body's free radicals (toxic waste products) which help cause degenerative diseases in the body such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and aging.The benchmark antioxidants are vitamins E and C, but wine in particular contains the strongest antioxidants in nature called resveratrol, quercitin and epicatechin which are five times stronger than vitamin E. Frankel (5) has shown that no matter how much vitamin E you take, its antioxidant activity plateaus at 20%, whereas wines' antioxidants will plateau at 100% after a couple of glasses. It should also be noted here that the fermentation process of converting grapes into wine enhances the antioxidant level many times over, plus produces alcohol, which helps the absorption of antioxidants. This explains why wine is far superior for your health than taking concentrates grape extract which has been advocated by some misguided people.
Unlike grapefruit, grapefruit juice, citrus fruits as a group, or fruits in general, apples have shown up in several studies as a significant way to lower asthma risk. In fact, apples have stood out amongst other fruits when it comes to general support of lung function and lung health. Flavonoids unique to apple - including phloridzin - are thought to play a potentially key role in the special ability of apples to support lung health
.
Like several other medicinal herbs, chervil is good for treating digestive and stomach disorders. It is good for relieving stomach pain.
The outer layer of peppercorn assists in the breakdown of fat cells. Hence, peppery foods are a good way to help you shed weight.
Using a simulated digestion model, the researchers found that capers help to prevent the oxidation of fat that occurs during cooking and digestion, especially of meats. They also found that components in capers help to regenerate antioxidant vitamin E, making more of it available for use in the body. Both of these things may help reduce the risk for heart disease. Capers also contain isothiocyanates, the same anti-cancer components found in cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli sprouts. Isothiocyanates are capable of interrupting several steps in cancer initiation, and can provide DNA protection. (J Agric Food Chem 2007 55:8465-71.)
This familiar culinary herb, like feverfew, contains pathenolides. Try using bay in combination with feverfew to prevent migraine.
The wonderful smell of rosemary is often associated with good food and great times. But it could just as easily be associated with good health. Rosemary contains substances that are useful for stimulating the immune system, increasing circulation, and improving digestion. Rosemary also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may make it useful for reducing the severity of asthma attacks. In addition, rosemary has been shown to increase the blood flow to the head and brain, improving concentration. So, the next time you enhance the flavor of some special dish with rosemary, congratulate yourself for a wise as well as delicious choice.
According to the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease may be included among the health benefits of mushrooms. This assessment is based on research suggesting that niacin-rich foods, like mushrooms, appear to prevent or delay Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders by as much as 70 percent. In addition, niacin interrupts the activity of homocysteine, an amino acid associated with elevated cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and osteoarthritis.
Tomatoes are full of the nutrient, Lycopene -- a vital anti-oxidant that helps guard against breast, prostate, pancreatic, intestinal and other cancers, as well as heart disease and Age-Related Macular Degeneration, amongst other things. And interestingly, when combined with oil, Lycopene levels increase. Therefore, cooking tomatoes does not diminish its benefits. Slathering your tomato with olive oil, regardless of its fat content, not only makes it more tasty but increases its health benefits. Eating tomatoes, either raw or cooked, will benefit you greatly.
In numerous studies, curcumin's anti-inflammatory effects were comparable to the potent anti-inflammatory drugs; both prescription and over-the-counter. Recent research suggests that curcumin may provide an inexpensive, well-tolerated, and effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. In another study, curcumin was given to a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Participants reported improvements in shortened duration of morning stiffness, lengthened walking time, and reduced joint swelling.
Celery seeds are mainly used as a diuretic, these help clear toxins from the system, so are especially good for gout, where uric acid crystals collect in the joints, and arthritis. Infusions from the seeds are used for rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Diluting the essential oil is also effective for these conditions. The essential oil and oleoresin of celery seed are used as a flavoring or fragrance in liqueurs, perfumes, and cosmetics, such as soaps, creams, and lotions. Large amounts of the volatile oil can produce sedation and irritation that may be responsible for attributed antispasmodic properties. Celery juice from the whole, fresh plant is taken for joint and urinary tract inflammations, as well as for rheumatoid arthritis, cystitis, or urethritis, weak conditions, and nervous exhaustion. Root also acts as a bitter digestive remedy and liver stimulant. Root tinctures have been used as a diuretic in hypertension and urinary disorders, are a component in arthritic remedies or used as a kidney stimulant and cleanser.
Broccoli is extremely strong in anticancer activity, particularly against lung, colon, and breast cancers. Like other cruciferous vegetables, it speeds up the removal of estrogen from the body, helping suppress breast cancer. Broccoli is rich in cholesterol-reducing fiber and has antiviral and antiulcer activity. It is a super source of chromium that helps regulate insulin and bloodsugar. Broccoli is also a good source of calcium, thus help fight osteoporosis. However, brocoli is one of the leading intestinal gas producers.
Bay Leaf has been used as an herbal remedy for headaches, as it contains compounds called parthenolides, which have proven useful in the treatment of migraines. Bay Leaf has also been shown to help the body process insulin more efficiently, which leads to lower blood sugar levels. Moreover, it has also been used to reduce the effects of stomach ulcers. Bay Leaf contains eugenol, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, and it is also considered an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial herb. Bay Leaf has also been used to treat rheumatism, amenorrhea and colic.
Thyme is an antiseptic and disinfectant that prevents the occurrence of putrefaction. A small quantity of thymol added to albumen, milk, solutions of gum or gelatin, will preserve them for several months. Thymol has proven effective in the treatment of wounds, ulcers and abscesses, and is an invaluable disinfectant that is highly effective in disinfecting sick rooms.
In addition to bay leaf's high content of antioxidants, it may have potential
health benefits on people suffered from diabetes. Researchers from
Agricultural Research Service found that bay leaf has insulin-like
biological activities.
Consider this: cayenne peppers, through the instrumentality of its main ingredient capsacin, are reported to kill prostate cancer cells, among other fantastic health benefits, and that is just the beginning as to the benefits of cayenne pepper.