For many years almonds were considered ‘fattening’. However, studies, including the Nurses’ Health Study and the Physicians’ Follow-up Study showed those who ate the most nuts tended to have lower body mass indexes. Although almonds are high in fat and calories, eating them in moderation can actually help with weight loss.
Parsley's volatile oils-particularly myristicin-have been shown to inhibit tumor formation in animal studies, and particularly, tumor formation in the lungs. Myristicin has also been shown to activate the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase, which helps attach the molecule glutathione to oxidized molecules that would otherwise do damage in the body. The activity of parsley's volatile oils qualifies it as a "chemoprotective" food, and in particular, a food that can help neutralize particular types of carcinogens (like the benzopyrenes that are part of cigarette smoke and charcoal grill smoke).
Chilli is extraordinarily high in vitamin C which makes paprika not only tasty, but good for you. It is said that paprika contains as much as nine times as much vitamin C as one tomato does in weight. One would think the drying process would lessen the vitamin C potency, but instead it binds it further. Naturally dried paprika is higher in vitamin C, so choose the organic, sun dried form versus the commercially processed ones.
Other benefits of paprika include increasing saliva production, normalising stomach acid to assist with digestion, it has been known to regulate blood pressure, improve circulation by providing a blood thinning agent and in some countries it is used as an antibiotic.
While scientists work to figure out how these findings will translate to dietary advice, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy mushrooms. Clare Hasler, Ph.D., a well-known expert in functional foods and executive director of the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science at the University of California, Davis, points out that mushrooms offer a healthy helping of the blood pressure-- lowering mineral potassium. "Most people might be surprised to learn that while orange juice is touted as one of the highest potassium foods, one medium portobello mushroom actually has more potassium," she says. "And five white button mushrooms have more potassium than an orange."
the beta carotene, making it difficult for your body to extract. By cooking them slightly, you free the beta-carotene, from the fiber, which allows your body to absorb it better. Eating only a half-cup serving per day will give you more than the recommended dosage of beta-carotene. Also when you buy carrots raw at the store, you must cut off the leafy tops before storing, or they will suck out all the vitamins. the best way to consume your daily dose is to add carrot to your favorite juice blends. This actually breaks apart the fibers allowing the beta-carotene direct acess to absorption. So be sure to eat your carrots every day!
Rosó? is a traditional Polish meat broth. The most popular variety is Rosó? z kury, or clear chicken soup. It is commonly served with fine noodles, like Jewish lokshen.
As in black pepper corns, the active principles in the allspice may increase the motility of the gastro-intestinal tract as well as increase the digestion power by increasing gastro-intestinal secretions.
The strong association between increased intake of beta-carotene from food and a reduced risk of lung cancer does not necessarily mean that supplementation with natural beta-carotene supplements would reduce the risk of lung cancer. Dietary beta-carotene may be a marker for diets high in certain fruits and vegetables that contain other anticancer substances that may be responsible for the protective effects. Until more is known, some doctors advise smokers to avoid all forms of beta-carotene supplementation—even natural beta-carotene.
Eating garlic regularly has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer in the digestive system. It does this by reducing the formation of carcinogenic compounds. Lab studies show that garlic’s sulfur compounds slow the growth of cancer. This is particularly true of breast and skin cancers.
In addition, the leaf of the marjoram has been used to loosen phlegm. It acts as a decongestant and useful in bronchitis, sinusitis and sinus headaches. Used as a tonic for the nervous system, marjoram is believed to be more calming than oregano, as it is used to soothe the nerves, reduce tension and stress; especially environmental. One of the components in marjoram is the flavonoids which have sedation qualities which help to relieve insomnia, tension headaches and migraines.
Parsley cleanses and strengthens the kidney and can even help break up kidney stones.
And helps with bladder or urinary tract infections.
Studies in Israel show that pomegranate juice destroys breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. It may also prevent breast cancer cells from forming.
Zucchini helps to cure asthma as it contains Vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
If you are prone to migraines, try adding quinoa to your diet. Quinoa is a good source of magnesium, a mineral that helps relax blood vessels, preventing the constriction and rebound dilation characteristic of migraines. Increased intake of magnesium has been shown to be related to a reduced frequency of headache episodes reported by migraine sufferers. Quinoa is also a good source of riboflavin, which is necessary for proper energy production within cells. Riboflavin (also called vitamin B2) has been shown to help reduce the frequency of attacks in migraine sufferers, most likely by improving the energy metabolism within their brain and muscle cells.
Bay leaves are used for bacterial and fungal infections, chest infections, bronchitis, coughs, fever and flu
Before the nutrients we eat make it through the blood to our other organs, they are first cleared through the liver. When blood glucose levels fall, the liver releases glucose from stored glycogen or produces new glucose from amino acids and other molecules. When we need to burn fat for energy, fat is released to the liver, which turns that fat into ketones that can be used by other organs.
It has medicinal value. For good bowel movement and internal detoxification, honey is one of the best choices. A glass of warm water with lime and honey, on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning will help flush out toxins and regulate bowel movement.
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and told by your doctor to limit your salt intake, you may want to limit your intake of soy sauce as well or try a low-sodium variety instead.
Now we know that dill weed contains the carminative agent, carvone, which has a calming effect and aids with digestion by relieving intestional gas.
Some scientific research shows that apple juice may help improve brain function and, ultimately, improve cognition due to this reason.
Vitamin A in carrots contributes to healthy vision, maintains the mucus membranes, and prevents aging, cancer and chronic diseases. In ancient Germany, women ate raw carrots to look young and control age spots. This is because beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that counteracts the effects of sun damage. Carrot juice benefits dry and rough skin.