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Food
is Powerful Medicine - A Dietary Feast From A to Z
Once food
(protein, carbohydrates and fats) is broken down to its basic components (amino
acids, glucose and fatty acids) and sent into the bloodstream, it has a more powerful
impact on your body and your health than any drug your doctor could ever prescribe.
As we have pointed out, Americans are still much more likely to die of lifestyle-related
diseases such as heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes than people who live
in Third World countries, the reason being largely due to what we put on our plates.
Numerous studies reveal that people who live in less affluent countries with
diets rich in whole grains and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables have much
lower rates of heart disease and cancer than wealthier, more advanced nations.
Now we know that certain of these foods have a protective effect against our diseases
of "civilization".
Scientists are increasingly finding particular
chemicals in fruits, vegetables, herbs and common spices like garlic and turmeric.
These protective compounds are called phytonutrients, many of which are powerful
antioxidants. Here is a sampling of some of the best and tastiest out there-a
bounty of health for you, ready for the plucking.
Apples
o Lowers cholesterol
o Protects against cancer
o Protects against heart
disease
Key Ingredients: Quercetin and pectin
Berries
o
Good for vision
o Protects against cancer
o Lowers cholesterol
Key
Ingredients: Anthocyanin; ellagic acid and pectin Carrots
o
Protects against cancer
o Protects against heart disease
o Protects against
stroke
Key Ingredients: Alpha carotene, beta carotene, calcium pectate. Dark
Green Leafy Vegetables (Spinach)
o Prevents macular degeneration
o
Helps protect against heart attacks
o Protects against cancer
Key Ingredients:
Folic acid, lutein and lipoic acid. Echinacea
o Immune stimulant
o Anti-inflammatory
o Antiviral-Antibacterial
Key Ingredients: Complex
polysaccharides Fruit (Citrus - grapefruit, oranges, lemons, limes and
tangerines)
o Protects against cancer
o Decreases cholesterol
o Protects against cardiovascular disease
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, lycopene,
D-limonene, flavanoids. Garlic
o Prevents blood clots and heart
disease
o Protects against cancer
o Natural antibiotic and antifungal
Key Ingredients: Selenium, ajoene, sulphur compounds. Hawthorn Berries
(tea)
o Protects against heart disease
o Anti-inflammatory
o Good
for insomnia and stress
Key Ingredient: Procyanidins, flavanoids Ipecacuanha
Root
o Good for indigestion
o Protects against cancer
o Anti-inflammatory
Key Ingredient: Emetia Juices (Tropical fruits - pineapples, mangoes,
guavas, kiwi fruit)
o Protects against cancer
o Protects against
heart disease
o Immune enhancement
Key Ingredient: Vitamin E and C, many
antioxidants, pylopene, fiber Kava Kava
o Induces relaxation
o Helps insomnia
o Reduces anxiety
Key Ingredient: Kavalactones Legumes
(dried beans, peas and lentils)
o Lowers cholesterol
o Protects against
cardiovascular disease
o Helps control diabetes
Key Ingredients: Folate,
Fibre Melons (cantaloupes, watermelon, honeydew)
o Protects against
cancer
o Helps high blood-pressure
o Protects against cardiovascular disease
Key Ingredients: Beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium, lycopene,
resveratol Nuts
and Seeds
o Protects against heart disease
o Increase HDL levels
o Helps with weight loss
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, B, magnesium, zinc, selenium,
arginine, fiber.
Onions
o Protects against stomach cancer
o Protects against cardiovascular disease
o Prevents stroke
Key Ingredients:
Quercetin, selenium Polyphenol Teas (Camellia Sinensis) (green tea, oolong,
black tea)
o Prevents oxidation of LDL cholesterol
o Less risk of
heart disease
o Protects against cancer
Key Ingredients: Polyphenols,
caffeine-is this a health benefit? Quinine (Peruvian Bark)
o
Anti-malarial
o Helps muscle cramps at night
o Membrane stabilizer
Key Ingredient: Alkaloids, chinchora Red - Grapes and Wine
o Protects against heart disease and blindness
o Regulates blood flow and
circulation
o Prevents oxidation of LDL cholesterol
Key Ingredients: Phenolics;
quercetin Soy Products and Tofu
o Protects against cancer (breast
& prostate)
o Lowers blood cholesterol and triglycerides
o Prevents
oxidation of LDL cholesterol and clogging of arteries.
Key Ingredients: Isoflavones,
phytoestrogens; genistein. Tomatoes (cooked with oil)
o Protects
against cancer (prostate, cervix)
o Protects against heart disease
o Decreases
esophageal cancer
Key Ingredients: Lycopene, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic
acid Unusual Spices (Turmeric curry powder)
o "Spice of
life"
o Good for digestion and liver function
o Lowers cholesterol
and reduces inflammation
Key Ingredient: Phenolic compounds - curcuminoids
Vegetables (green and leafy - cruciferous-broccoli, cabbage,
brussels
sprouts, kale)
o Protects against macular degeneration
o Protects
against cancer
o Lowers cholesterol
Key Ingredients: Indoles, sulforaphane,
fiber Walnuts
o Reduces cholesterol
o Prevents heart disease
o Reduces stroke
Key Ingredients: Polyunsaturated fats. Xiao Yao
Wan (Bupleurum)
o Reduces menstrual cramps and pelvic pain
o Reduces
PMS symptoms
o Reduces bleeding
Key Ingredient: Paeonia Yellow
and Orange Vegetables (ie. Red and yellow peppers)
o Protects against
cancer
o Protects against heart disease
o Stimulates immune function
Key Ingredients: Carotenoids, flavanoids Zeaxanthin Greens (Beet greens,
watercress, collard greens,
mustard greens, and Swiss chard)
o Cancer
prevention
o Helps vision
o Lowers cholesterol
Key Ingredient: Zeaxanthin,
lutein, beta carotene, vitamin C and E
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