An orange packs over 170 different phytonutrients and more than 60 flavonoids, many of which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and blood clot inhibiting properties, as well as strong anti-oxidant effects.
Eugenol, which is found in essential oil of basil, provides an anti-inflammatory effect, by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. Aspirin and Ibuprofen work by blocking this same enzyme. So, basil can have healing benefits, and provide relief from the symptoms of inflammatory problems, like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions.
Romaine's vitamin C and beta-carotene content make it a heart-healthy green. Vitamin C and beta-carotene work together to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. When cholesterol becomes oxidized, it becomes sticky and starts to build up in the artery walls forming plaques. If these plaques become too large, they can block off blood flow or break, causing a clot that triggers a heart attack or stroke. The fiber in Romaine lettuce adds another plus in its column of heart-healthy effects. In the colon, fiber binds to bile salts and removes them from the body. This forces the body to make more bile, which is helpful because it must break down cholesterol to do so. This is just one way in which fiber is able to lower high cholesterol levels.
Tomato sauce, a common staple found in most pantries, has powerful health benefits thanks to an ingredient called lycopene. Lycopene is a phytochemical that acts as a powerful antioxidant, potentially helping to reduce the risk of prostate, esophageal and breast cancers. Lycopene is also a pigment. This pigment is what makes watermelon vivid pink and tomatoes bright red. You can also find lycopene in fresh papaya, guava, pink grapefruit and all other tomato products.
One of the primary medicinal uses of basil comes from BCP, or (E)-beta-caryophyllene, a natural anti-inflammatory compound also found in oregano and medicinal cannabis. BCP found in basil may offer an alternative to medical marijuana, because it offers the same anti-inflammatory effects without the mental and neurological side-effects of illicit drugs. BCP in basil is believed to combat bowel inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis.
As an antibacterial agent and stimulant, paprika can help normalize blood pressure, improve circulation, and increase the production of saliva and stomach acids to aid digestion.
Olive oil is very well tolerated by the stomach. In fact, olive oil's protective function has a beneficial effect on ulcers and gastritis. Olive oil activates the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones much more naturally than prescribed drugs. Consequently, it lowers the incidence of gallstone formation.
Energy Source: Honey is also used by many as a source of energy as it provides about 64 calories per tablespoon. One tablespoon of sugar will give you about 50 calories. Further the sugars in honey can be easily converted into glucose by even the most sensitive stomachs. Hence it is very easy to digest honey.
Health Benefits: Cumin is rich in iron, which is excellent for energy and keeping the immune system healthy. It is also known to benefit the digestive system, as cumin may stimulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes that help with digestion and nutrient assimilation. Cumin may also have cancer-fighting properties.
0.4mg Vitamin B6 - 22% - Vitamin B6 helps brain function and helps the body convert protein to energy. And in addition to vitamin B6, red pepper contains a good amount of almost all of the B vitamins. The B vitamins aid in healthy metabolism, skin, immune function, and cell growth and may help relieve symptoms caused by stress, depression and heart disease.
Asparagus have detoxifying and diuretic effects. Their fibers help us clean out our gastrointestinal tract. They also help the body get rid of the excess water.
Asparagus also contains the phytochemical glutathione, which has antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties.
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
In one survey, researchers gathered information from nearly 400 individuals (half with MS) over three years. They found that consumption of vegetable protein, fruit juice, and foods rich in vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, calcium, and potassium correlated with a decreased MS risk.
Allspice is an aromatic stimulant that helps to relieve indigestion and gas.
The combination of low fat and carbohydrates and zero cholesterol with high proteins, vitamins, minerals, water and fiber makes mushrooms ideal for diabetics. Moreover, mushrooms contain natural insulin and enzymes which break down the starch and sugar in food. Finally, certain compounds stimulate the endocrine glands and the formation of insulin.
Mushrooms are beneficial for patients of hypertension, as they control the blood pressure.
Yellow mustard, the kind you put on your hot dogs is a low calorie food. Unlike mayo or catsup it is low sugar, has no fat and may have some striking health benefits.
Mustard has been know since biblical times as an anti inflammatory agent however the main health benefits from yellow mustard come from the spice that gives it its yellow color.
The spice that gives yellow mustard its health benefits is turmeric.
Turmeric is another ancient healing plant. The yellow color in turmeric is loaded with healing properties.
Choosing to regularly eat lycopene-rich foods, such as pink grapefruit, and drink green tea may greatly reduce a man's risk of developing prostate cancer, suggests research published the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Jian L, Lee AH, et al.)
Avocados contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that may help to lower cholesterol. In one study of people with moderately high cholesterol levels, individuals who ate a diet high in avocados showed clear health improvements. After seven days on the diet that included avocados, they had significant decreases in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, along with an 11% increase in health promoting HDL cholesterol.
Cilantro is also a blood cleaner. It seems that for years there have been drugs available to help rid the body of the heavy metals called, 'Chelation therapy' [which] using chemical agents like EDTA has long been used to help remove heavy metals" but it seems as if cilantro is one of the affordable natural substances than can remove these metals naturally.
Like other Brassicas, mustard seeds contain plentiful amounts of phytonutrients called glucosinolates. The seeds also contain myrosinase enzymes that can break apart the glucosinolates into other phytonutrients called isothiocyanates. The isothiocyanates in mustard seed (and other Brassicas) have been repeatedly studied for their anti-cancer effects. In animal studies - and particularly in studies involving the gastrointestinal tract and colorectal cancer - intake of isothiocyanates has been shown to inhibit growth of existing cancer cells and to be protective against the formation of such cells.
Cheese is extremely high in its calcium content. This is the most important thing when it comes to strong teeth. In addition, cheese has a very low content of Lactose. Lactose is a substance that comes from food and can harm teeth (The older the cheese, the lower the Lactose levels). Eating certain varieties of cheese such as aged Cheddar, Swiss, Blue, Monterey Jack, Brie, Gouda, and processed American cheese immediately after a meal or as a snack has been proven to prevent tooth decay.