The health benefits of spinach are many. It is loaded with a whole host of vitamins, including Vitamin B, folate, iron, as well as the photochemical lutein and zeaxanthin. Folate is associated with a reduction in blood levels of homocysteine, which is an amino acid that has been associated with cardiovascular disease. Zeaxanthin is linked with a lower risk of macular degeneration, a condition which can lead to blindness. Spinach has also been regarded a fighter of cancer.
Though foreign to most of us in the West, this relative of ginger has many of the same health benefits, most notably its ability to aid with digestion.
Galangal is now grown in most Southeast-Asian countries, but was first harvested for use in cooking and medicine in China and Java. By the Middle Ages, galangal was already in common use throughout Europe. Referred to as “the spice of life” by St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), galangal was, in fact, one of her favorite remedies. This famous herbalist used galangal to treat everything from deafness and heart disease to indigestion.
Not only are black-eye peas low in fat and high in quality protein, but they also have the added bonus of soluble fiber's disease-preventing qualities. The soluble fiber in beans dissolves in water, trapping bile acids in its gummy goo. This lowers blood levels of damaging LDL cholesterol, especially if LDL cholesterol levels were high to begin with, without compromising the level of protective HDL cholesterol
Dates are also rich in natural fibres. Modern medicine has shown that they are effective in preventing abdominal cancer. They also surpass other fruits in the sheer variety of their constituents. They contain oil, calcium, sulphur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium. In other words, one date is a minimum of a balanced and healthy diet. Arabs usually combine dates with milk and yogurt or bread, butter and fish. This combination indeed makes a self-sufficient and tasty diet for both mind and body.
A laboratory analysis and comparison of the antioxidant power of 100 foods completed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that pecans ranked among the top 20 foods for antioxidant capacity. The study also found that pecans have the highest amount of antioxidants of the nuts tested, including almonds or walnuts. The antioxidant compounds found naturally in pecans, including vitamin E, ellagic acid and flavonoids, are believed to help prevent disease-causing oxidation in cells. Such oxidative damage has been linked to developing a wide variety of diseases including heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease.
The health benefits of clove can be attributed to its antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, aphrodisiac and stimulating properties. The oil is used for treating a variety of health disorders including toothaches, indigestion, cough, asthma, headache, stress and blood impurities.
Health Benefits of Lettuce
The following information states the major nutrients found in lettuce. It also reveals
research findings on the health benefits of eating lettuce.
All lettuce is a good source of chlorophyll and vitamin K. Iceberg lettuce provides a
good source of choline. Romain lettuce is the most nutrient-dense of all the lettuce
varieties and is an excellent source of vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, folic acid,
manganese and chromium.
Rosemary-spice also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may make it useful for reducing the severity of asthma attacks.
Cherries mix well with other fruits and with proteins, but never with starches. They are wonderful in an elimination diet. The cherry should not often be mixed with dairy foods. This fruit, which has a high alkaline content, also helps get rid of toxic waste, and It has a wonderful effect on the glandular system.
Studies on canavanine, an amino acid analog in alfalfa, has demonstrated benefit for pancreatic, colon and leukemia cancers. Plant estrogens are also abundant in sprouts. They increase bone formation and density and prevent bone breakdown or osteoporosis. They are also helpful in controlling hot flashes, menopause, PMS and fibrocystic breasts tumors.
Glucosinolates increase the liver's ability to detoxify carcinogens and they may actually suppress the growth of existing cancerous tumors," said Mosbah Kushad, U of I associate professor of food-crop systems. "And our analysis of various horseradish varieties shows they are a rich source of these compounds.
Regardless of how you say it, there is no debating the health benefits of pecans, according to the National Pecan Shellers Association (NPSA). Pecans are loaded with heart-healthy unsaturated fats and recently published scientific studies show that pecan consumption can help lower blood cholesterol.
For a tortilla wrap, position the ingredients in a small rectangle on the bottom half of a round tortilla. Fold in two sides until they meet in the center. Fold the bottom of the tortilla to the center over the filling, and continue rolling.
Cabbage has been credited with several health benefits such as relieving constipation. Drinking cabbage juice acts as a laxative and can also aid digestion. Cabbage contains an amino acid known as glutamine which aids in the digestive process and helps to detoxify the digestive system. The high sulfur content of cabbage also plays a role in cleansing the digestive tract.
While all-around nutrition is essential to maintain good health, healing and health benefits can also be derived from bell peppers. The vitamin C and beta-carotene content of these peppers has been shown to help protect against cataracts. The capsaicin and flavonoids of bell peppers have also been helpful for preventing blood clot formation, which, in turn, provides a lower likelihood for stroke or heart attack. While people with elevated levels of cholesterol have been encouraged to consume chili peppers which are also incredibly healthful, some people might prefer to consume the milder flavors of bell peppers which can also help lower cholesterol levels.
Interestingly, when it comes to bell peppers, color can actually make a difference to your health. Red bell peppers have been shown to offer better protection against heart disease and even cancer. Red bell peppers have higher concentrations of nutrients than the others. While any color bell pepper will provide healthful properties, the red variety packs the most healthful punch. Their intense color can also add a bright splash to any dish.
Carrots contain beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a provitamin A which body converts to Vitamin A. Many researches suggest that high-carotenoid diet is good for the heart health. It reduces the risk of heart disease. For keeping the heart healthy we need good amount of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Carrots contain both the vitamins in good amount. These two are extremely important to keep the heart healthy and prevent heart diseases. Carrots are also very helpful to lose weight and because of this carrots prevent heart diseases. Eating carrots is extremely beneficial to those who are suffering from hypertension. Regular consumption of carrot juice reduces the risk of heart attack. Also, consumption of carrots reduces the blood cholesterol levels and thus prevents heart related problems. For beta-carotene you should always prefer carrots rather than any beta-carotene pills.
In traditional medicine, cinnamon has been used for digestive ailments such as indigestion, gas and bloating, stomach upset, and diarrhea. More recently, modern medical research has turned its eye on cinnamon and is coming up with some intriguing results. It has a mild anti-inflammatory effect. It also slows the spoiling of food (which is probably related to why it was used as an embalming agent in ancient Egypt), and has anti-fungal properties as well.