NUTS
Almonds...Brazil...Cashew...Chestnuts...Coconuts...Hazelnuts...Macadamia...Peanuts... Pecan...Pine...Pistachio...Wallnuts.
Rich in B complex vitamins, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, clacium, phosphorus, and iron, nuts offer an abundance of nutrients, although they contain a hefty number of calories. Most nuts are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, with the exception of Brazil nuts and coconuts, which are high in saturated fat, but do not contain cholesterol. Numerous studies highlight the substantial health benefits of walnuts. According to one study, the essential fatty acids found in walnuts can decrease cholesterol levels and may reduce the risk of heart disease by 50%. Almonds and hazelnuts have similar properties. Of all foods, Brazil nuts are the richest in selenium, which is a known mood enhancer. Nuts are one of the riches vegetable sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, which has been assiciated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.

SEEDS
Seame...Sunflower...Poppy...Pumpkin...Hemp...Linseeds.
Seeds contain valuable amounts of the antioxidant vitamin E, which inhances the immune system and protects cells from oxidation. Vitamin E also improves blood circulation, and promotes healing and normal blood clotting, as well as reducing infections associated with aging. Numerous studies show that the vitamin works in tandem with beta carotene and vitamin C to fight off certain cancers and heart disease as well as slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Seeds, particularly sunflower seeds, may help to reduce blood cholesterol levels in the body because they contain plentiful amounts of linoleic acid, which is also known as omega-6 fatty acid. For thier size, seeds contain a huge amount of iron. Sunflower seeds are often prescribed by natural medicine practitioners for thier restorative qualities.

SPICES
Allspice: Allspice is used to relieve digestive problems, including flatulence.

Caraway: It is recommended for colicky babies and has a similar effect in adults, relieving gas and aiding digestion. It can also be used to relieve menstrual pain.

Cardamom: This is said to relieve colds and coughs.

Cayenne: It possesses stimulant, antiseptic, and digestive properties. It can improve blood circulation, but if eaten in large quantities may aggravate the stomach.

Celery Seeds: Celery seeds are carminative, relieving both flatulence and indigestion.

Chile: A powerful stimulant and expectorant, chile also has a reputation as an aphrodisiac.

Cinnamon: This is an effective detoxifier and cleanser, containing substances that kill bacteria and other microorganisms.

Cloves: Clove oil has long been used as a cure for toothaches, and both its anitseptic and anesthetic qualitieis can relieve other pains.

Coriander: This has been prescribed as a digestive for thousands of years, relieving indigestion, diarrhea, and nausea. It also has anitbacterial properties.

Cumin: Is stated to have digestive properties.

Fenugreek: It has long been prescribed to treat stomach and intestinal disorders, and its ability to cleanse the body may help in the release of toxins.

Ginger: Recent studies confirm that ginger can successfully pervent nausea and may be more effective than prescribed drugs. Research also shows ginger to be effective in the treatment of pain and gastrointestinal disorders, and it may even halt certain cancers.

Lemongrass: Lemongrass is reputed to benefit rheumatism.

Galangal: This has similar medicinal properties to ginger, relieving nausea and stomach problems.

Mustard: Like many hot spices, mustard is traditionally used as a stimulant, cleansing the body of toxins and helping to ward off colds and flu.

Pepper: Pepper is a digestive stimulant, as well as a decongestant and antioxidant.

Paprika: Like cayenne, it is a digestive stimulant and has anitseptic properties. It can also improve blood circulation, but if eaten in large quatities may aggravate the stomach.

Saffron: Saffron has the ability to calm and balance the body and is believed to be an aphrodisiac.

Turmeric: Its valued for its antibacterial and antifungral qualities. It can aid digestion and in Asia it is believed to be a remedy for liver problems.

Vanilla: Vanilla is considered to be a aphrodisiac and a tonic for the brain.

PASTA
Durumwheat...Wholewheat...Buckwheat...Corn.
Pasta provides the body with fuel for all kinds of physical activity. High in complex carbohydrates, pasta is broken down slowly, providing energy over a long period of time. Whole wheat pasta is the most nutritious, containing a richer concentration of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. All pasta is a useful source of protein, as well as being low in fat. Buckwheat is vary nutritious; it contains all eight essential amnio acids, making it a complete protein. It is also particularly high in fiber.

NOODLES
Wheat...Rice...Cellophane Vermicelli...Buckwheat.
Noodles are high in complex carbohydrates, which are broken down slowly, providing energy over a long period of time. Whole wheat noodles are the most nutrtitious, containing a richer concentration of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. All noodles are a useful source of protein, as well as being low in fat. Buckwheat noodles are made from buckwheat flour, which contains all eight eesential amino acids, making it a complete protein. It is also particularly high in fiber. Cellophane noodles are made from mung bean starch, which is reputed to be one of the most powerful detoxifiers.

OILS
Olive...Corn...Safflower...Soy...Peanut...Sunflower...Canola...Grapeseed... Sesame...Walnut...Hazelnut...Almond.
Oils are undeniably high in calories and should always be used in moderation, but they also have a number of health benefits. Monounsaturated fats, found particularly in olive oil and canola oil, either stabilize or raise the levels of the beneficial high density lipoproteins (HDLs), while lowering harmful low density lipoproteins (LDLs), thus keeping down blood cholesterol levels in the body. A high level of LDLs in the blood is usually an indication of increased cholesterol levels, as the LDLs carry the fatty substance (chloresterol) around the body; HDLs, however, carry much less fat. Olive oil also contains vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that can help fight off free radicals, which damage cells in the body and have the potential to cause cancer. Polyunsaturated fats provide essential fatty acids known as omega-3 and omega-6, which must be included in the diet. Omega-3, which is found in walnut, canola, and soy oil, has been found to reduce the likelihood of heart disease and blood clots, while omega-6, provided by safflower, sunflower, and walnut oil, reduces harmful chloresterol levels. Polyunsaturated fats are more unstable than monounsaturated fats and are prone to oxidation, which can lead to the build-up of free radicals. Although polyunsaturates do contain vitamin E, it appears in varying amounts and so it is advisable to eat other foods that are rich in vitamin E to protect the fatty acids and the body from damage due to oxidation..

VINEGARS
Wine...Balsamic...Sherry...Raspberry...Malt...Rice...Cider.
Hippocrates prescribed vinegar as a cure for respiratory problems, and it may also be beneficial in cases of food poisoning. Cider vinegar is said to have many therapeutic benefits such as a cure for everything from arthritis and headache, to obesity and hiccups.

TEAS & TISANES
Green Tea...Oolong Tea...Black Tea...Fruit Teas...
Tisanes: Peppermint...Camomile...Raspberry Leaf...Rosehip...Dandelion & Verbena...Rosemary...Thyme...Elderflower...
The latest research shows that drinking about 5 cups of tea a day may help to prevent heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. These benefits have been attributed to a group of antioxidants found in teas, which are called polyphenols or flavonoids. Flavonoids have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea contains the hishest amounts of flavonoids and black tea the lowest. Antioxidants help to mop up harmful free radicals, which cause damage to the body's cells and may cause cancer. Tea also contains floride, which can protect the teeth against decay. On the down side, tea can reduce the absoption of iron if drunk after a meal and it contains caffeine, which is a well know stimulant.

SWEETENERS
Molasses: Contains iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

Honey: It is much sweeter than sugar but lower in calories. It has the reputation as an antiseptic, and recent studies show that it is effective in healing and disinfecting wounds if applied externally. Made with lemon and hot water, it can relieve sore throats and is also thought to be helpful in treating diarrhea and asthma.
Carob: This provides iron, calcium, vitamin B6, riboflavin, and potassium.

Maple Syrup: This has a rich, distinctive flavor and is sweeter than sugar, so less is required in cooking. Look for the pure varities.

Grain Syrups: Corn, barley, wheat, and rice can be transformed into syrups that are used in place of sugar in baked goods and sauces. Grain syrups tend to be easier to digest and enter the bloodstream more slowly than other forms of refined sugar, which cause swings in blood sugar levels. Grain syrups are not as sweet as sugar and have a mild, subtle flavor.