The Wonderful Healing Properties of Common Foods
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), a plant-based diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes can help detour stress and disease because of the protective nutrients and powerful antioxidants. The American Heart Association says that diet is one of the best ways to fight cardiovascular disease. Finding the link between nutritious foods and healing the body is possible.
Vegetables/Fruits
The Cancer Project explains that the pigment within fruits and vegetables that give them their dark colors is called carotenoids and they help prevent cancer. Cabbage, kale, turnips, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts all contain flavones and indoles which have anti-cancer activities, thus healing the body of potentially harmful disease. Sweet potatoes have vitamin A and potassium, needed to promote a healthy nervous system and brain function. Broccoli has vitamins A, C and K. Vitamin K is especially important for blood clotting and strong bones. Berries are full of antioxidants and high in vitamin C, both of which are needed to protect and repair cells from damage caused by free radicals. According to the American Heart Association, all vegetables and fruits are high in vitamins, minerals and nutrients that help you control your weight and lower your blood pressure.
Whole Grains
Whole grains contain all three parts of the grain: the endosperm, the bran and the germ. Together these three can provide the fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that protect cells from damage and help the body build healthy new cells. The AICR says that whole grains have antioxidants, phenols and lignans. Whole grains are powerful for interrupting the pathways of cancer production and can bind harmful free radicals within the body, says the Linus Pauling Institute. They are also full of the B vitamins. B12 is especially important for keeping red blood cells healthy. Consider brown rice, wild rice, bulgur wheat, oatmeal and kasha as great sources of whole grains that promote healing within the body.
Fish
Eating fish two times a week is recommended by the American Heart Association in order to increase the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fats that make up part of the membrane in every cell in our bodies. Our bodies need omega-3s but cannot make these essential fatty acids, we have to get them from our diet. DHA is a fatty acid that is highly concentrated in the brain and has a direct influence on brain development and function. Salmon, tuna and mackerel are a few of the oily fish that the AHA recommends.
Legumes and Nuts
Nuts are full of omega-3s and phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are powerful, naturally occurring substances that promote cell function and tissue healing within the body. Almonds and walnuts are high-energy foods that are packed with vitamins and minerals. Legumes are full of protein and amino acids, which are needed to build protein inside the body. In addition, legumes are packed with fiber, a necessary component for a healthy colon. According to the Center for Young Women's Health some of the best legumes you can eat are black beans, black-eyed peas, navy beans, lentils and kidney beans.
By Julie Webb Kelley
References
Photo Credit
vegetables image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
The Wonderful Healing Properties of Common Foods
courtesy of LIVESTRONG.COM
