Clove contains significant amounts of an active component called eugenol, which has made it the subject of numerous health studies, including studies on the prevention of toxicity from environmental pollutants like carbon tetrachloride, digestive tract cancers, and joint inflammation. In the United States, eugenol extracts from clove have often been used in dentistry in conjunction with root canal therapy, temporary fillings, and general gum pain, since eugenol and other components of clove (including beta-caryophyllene) combine to make clove a mild anaesthetic as well as an anti-bacterial agent. For these beneficial effects, you'll also find clove oil in some over-the-counter sore throat sprays and mouth washes.
Pineapple may help in the treatment of colds, sore throats, and acute sinusitis by suppressing coughs and reducing the thickness of mucus.
The mango fruit encloses a lot of antioxidants, and it a marvelous fruit that can stop the aging process. For this reason, the dried mango is introduced in many cereals and muesli. Also, the peel of the mango contains the most antioxidants, so if you are not allergic to it, this may bring you a lot of mango health benefits. But be careful not to eat it, just use the peel to apply it on your skin or let the specialists include the peel extracts in creams and use them in this way. So, why not use the entire mango to your advantage?
Parsley is also rich in vitamins A and C. Vitamin C is an anti-oxidant as well as an anti-inflammatory substance. It is necessary for a healthy immune system and can help prevent colds and ear infections. Vitamin A is well-known for its effects on vision, plus can mitigate risks of atherosclerosis and diabetes. Parsley is also a source of folic acid, another vitamin that helps reduce cancer risk and atherosclerosis.
The chayote leaves and fruit have diuretic, cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tea made from the leaves has been used in the treatment of arteriosclerosis and hypertension and to dissolve kidney stones.
Thyme has a history of use in the treatment of whooping cough . Up to 5oz. of the fresh herb may be pounded and mixed with syrup to provide a palitable preparation.
It is reputed to get rid of phlegm and has been used to treat catarrh and sore throat and associated shortness of breath, using an infusion made with 1 oz. of the fresh herb in a pint of hot water
Habanero chili peppers can provide symptomatic relief from rhinitis and possibly bronchitis by clearing mucus from stuffed noses or congested lungs.
One of the benefits of pineapple is that it helps to build healthy bones. Pineapples are rich in manganese, a trace mineral that is needed for your body to build bone and connective tissues. Just one cup of pineapple provides 73% of the daily recommended amount of manganese. The benefits of pineapple can effect the growth of bones in young people and the strengthening of bones in older people.
The milk of a coconut is produced by a process in which the grated fruit is boiled and all of the liquid is pressed from the fruit. The milk contains a saturated fat known as lauric acid which is also found in breast milk. It has been shown to promote brain development and healthy bones.
A grain is considered whole when all three parts – bran, germ and endosperm – are present. Most people know that fruits and vegetables contain beneficial phytochemicals and antioxidants, but many do not realize that whole grains are often an even better source of these key nutrients. In fact, whole grains are a good source of B vitamins, Vitamin E, magnesium, iron and fiber, as well as other valuable antioxidants not found in some fruits and vegetables. Most of the antioxidants and vitaminsare found in the germ and the bran of a grain.
Allspice is also appreciated for its medicinal properties. Jamaicans use it as a remedy for stomach-aches and colds, while the Guatemalans make a revitalizing tea from the leaves of the allspice plant. The oil derived from the allspice berry has a sweet spicy aroma used in masculine scents. Not just that, the oil also contains a myriad variety of antifungal and antiseptic substances.
Banana for energy
A large banana supplies more than 100 calories. It contains a large amount of sugar that can be easily assimilated by the body. This makes it a good source of quick of quick energy and an excellent means to recover from fatigue. The use of bananas has been found beneficial in the treatments of several medical conditions such as intestinal disorders, constipation, arthritis, gout, anemia, allergies, kidney stones, tuberculosis and urinary disorders.
Japanese researchers, Osaka City University, discovered three new
galloylglycosides; and the radical-scavenging activity nearly equivalent
to that of gallic acid (4) against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical. [3]
Later, different research groups reported that allspice contains
chemicals which have radical-scavenging and anti-cancer cells activities.
[6-8] This particular properties of allspice ingredients contribute the
potential health benefits of allspice.
In traditional medicine around the world coconut is used to treat a wide variety of health problems including the following: abscesses, asthma, baldness, bronchitis, bruises, burns, colds, constipation, cough, dropsy, dysentery, earache, fever, flu, gingivitis, gonorrhea, irregular or painful menstruation, jaundice, kidney stones, lice, malnutrition, nausea, rash, scabies, scurvy, skin infections, sore throat, swelling, syphilis, toothache, tuberculosis, tumors, typhoid, ulcers, upset stomach, weakness, and wounds.
Two new studies from Japan have recently demonstrated that a specific orange’s rewards go well beyond its solid parts. In one of these studies, the juice from the mandarin orange demonstrated its most powerful result: keeping Hepatitis-C infected patients from developing liver cancer.
Lycopene is not a naturally produced element within the body and the human body requires sources of Lycopene in order to make use of this powerful anti-oxidant. While other fruits and vegetables do contain this necessary health ingredient, no other fruit or vegetable has the high concentration of Lycopene that the tomato takes pride in.
The dulcet, juicy insides of the mango pack a nutritional punch. Its characteristic orange color is a clue to its storehouse of beta carotene (Vitamin A). Ripe mangos hold the highest levels of beta carotene, while green mangos are higher in Vitamin C. These antioxidant carotenoids are known for their protective power against certain cancers. Mangos also supply ample potassium, making them ideal for hypertensive patients or anyone looking to replenish energy after physical activity.
The presence of antioxidants in tomatoes is said to be helpful in cleansing the body, of toxic compounds.
Lycopene, present in tomatoes, has been known to neutralize free radicals and cut the risk of prostate cancer.
Basically curry's medical benefits are derived from their spice rich ingredients; here is the break down of usual spices found in curry (and their benefits)
Several in vitro studies of allspice provide evidence of antibacterial and antifungal activity . It is also claimed to act as a GI stimulant and an antiflatulent.