| | | Almonds | | Almonds
help maintain healthy blood-fat levels, strengthen the cardiovascular system and
reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. They also enhance antibody production,
strengthen cell membranes, and help protect against aging. They are rich in protein
– containing nearly 75 per cent more protein than eggs- and have healthy
amounts of vital vitamins and minerals. | | | | | Apple | | The
vitamin c in apples helps to boost the bodies own immune defenses, and the pectin
content can lower cholesterol. Viruses do not live long in the presence of apple
juice, and researchers have found that people who eat apples tend to have fewer
colds and upper respiratory ailments. The pectin in also helps regulate the digestive
system, increasing its efficiency and improving the absorption of nutrients. | | | | Apricot | |
Apricots are packed with the antioxidant beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A. They
also aid the body to make antibodies, help stabilise blood sugar levels, keep
muscles, nerves, enzymes and hormones working properly, boost the transport of
oxygen in the blood and are a good source of iron. | | | | Asparagus | |
Asparagus is a super source of glutathione, an antioxidant which boosts the immune
system against infections. Glutathione helps other important antioxidants, such
as vitamins C and E, to do their job properly and protect the body against a range
of diseases. In the human body it acts as a valuable detoxifying agent and regulates
and regenerates immune cells. | | | | Aubergine | |
Aubergines supply the heart-protective nutrient vitamin E and, like other vegetables
are a useful source of potassium which helps keep blood pressure normal. Also
they contain vitamin K which aids blood clotting and prevents bleeding. Also eating
aubergine can lower cholesterol and help counteract some detrimental blood effects
of fatty foods. | | | | Avocado | |
Avocados are high in vitamin E which helps protect the heart and promote wound
healing. They also contain copper which helps the formation of red blood cells.
The special nutrients they contain stimulate the immune system, enhance antibody
production and relax the muscles surrounding blood vessels, reducing blood pressure.
They are also a rich source of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that mops up
free radicals. | | | | Banana | |
Bananas help prevent high blood pressure, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis
and supports kidney function. They are packed with carbohydrate and are a wonderful
source of potassium. | | | | Beetroot | |
Beetroot has a unique mixture of minerals and phytochemicals which helps resist
infection, it boosts cellular intake of oxygen and treats disorders of the blood,
liver and the immune system. It stimulates the immune system by improving the
speed and efficiency at which cells take in oxygen and excrete waste products.
There is evidence that eating beetroot causes inflamed cells and tissues to either
revert to normal or die. Beetroot helps stabilise the bodies function and regulate
acid-alkaline (pH) balance, this is important for immunity because bacteria thrive
when the body’s ph balance is disturbed. | | | | Blackcurrant | |
One of the riches sources of vitamin C, which is vital for its ability to protect
against heart disease, stokes and inflammatory bowel disease, and for its general
immunity-boosting qualities. | | | | Blueberry | |
Blueberries have the highest antioxidant levels of any fruit. They also contain
anti-bacterial agents called anthocyanosides, which have a tonic effect on blood
vessels and make them a useful aid in the treatment of varicose veins, cystitis
and other urinary infections. Blueberries also contain chemicals that curb diarrhoea,
are anti-viral and are high in natural anti inflammatory action similar to that
of aspirin. | | | | Brazil
Nut | |
The Brazil nut contains high levels of protein, unsaturated fat, selenium, zinc
and other minerals, plus substantial quantities of vitamins E and B-complex. But
it is the combination of vitamin E with selenium that gives the nut its special
immune enhancing properties. These two antioxidants work together, improving the
performance of the other to boost immune system function. Antioxidants prevent
cell damage by moping up harmful free radicals, thus preventing the reactions
that can damage DNA, accumulated damage by free radicals is known to be an important
factor in ageing and disease. Antioxidants play a preventative role in many conditions
including asthma, heart disease, immune-deficiency disorders and cancer. Selenium
enhances immunity by activating an enzyme in the body which inhibits the formation
of free radicals and suppresses tumour growth. Infection depletes the body’s
selenium levels. This, in turn, suppresses the immune system because a low level
of selenium affects the normal antibody response to infection. | | | | Broccoli | |
Broccoli contains a spectacular and unique package of versatile disease –
fighters. Abundant in numerous strong antioxidants including beta-carotene, vitamin
C and indoles – it has an extremely high anti-inflammatory capability, particularly
against ileal, colon, gall bladder and lung tissues. It is a cruciferous vegetable
it has four petals that to botanical historians resembled a cruciferous –
and, like other cruciferous vegetables including radish, mustard and horse radish,
it is hailed of one of the biggest weapons in the nutritional fight against chronic
diseases. It speeds up the removal of oestrogen from the body, helping suppress
breast cancer. | | | | Brussels
Sprout | |
There has been much excitement about the inflammation fighting properties of sprouts.
Researchers at the institute of food research of Norwich discovered that a compound
called sinigrin, found in sprouts caused pre-cancerous cells to self destruct.
The effect was so strong that the researchers believe even an occasional serving
of sprouts could destroy such cells in the large intestine. Spouts also generally
strengthen the immune system and help the health of the skin, nervous system and
mucous membranes. They also help maintain normal energy and blood-fat levels and
may protect against asthma, migraine and depression. | | | | Cabbage | |
Cabbage was revered in ancient Rome as a cancer cure, it contains numerous anti-inflammatory
and anti-oxidant compounds. It also suppresses growth of polyps, a prelude to
colon cancer. In studies, eating cabbage more than once a week, as little as two
table spoons of cooked cabbage a day protected against bowel cancer. Cabbage juice
also contains anti-ulcer compounds and has anti-bacterial and anti-viral powers.
Its plentiful vitamin C content ensures that the body easily absorbs the rich
source of iron it provides. | | | | Carrot | |
Carrots are a super source of beta-carotene, a powerful anti-inflammatory, artery-protecting,
immune boosting, infection fighting antioxidant with a wide protective power.
A single carrot provides enough beta-carotene for your body to convert to a whole
day’s dose of vitamin A. Carrots are vital for the protection of the lungs
and the function of the entire respiratory system. | | | | Celery | |
Celery has been used as a folk remedy to lower blood pressure in Asian cultures
since 200BC. Scientists are also aware that it contains inflammation – lowering
chemicals, found in few other vegetables. It decreases both the incidence and
intensity of recurrent bowel regressions. The secondary symptoms resulting from
chronic elevated concentrations of stress hormones such as cortisol can be slowly
reversed. As a mild diuretic, celery can aid people with rheumatism and fluid
retention. This action helps the kidney to eliminate the toxins and metabolites,
thus purifying the blood plasma. | | | | Cherry | |
As well as vitamin C cherries contain significant amounts of bioflavonoids, which
makes them an excellent antioxidant food. But what adds to their value as an inflammation
protector is their ellagic acid, which inhibits the development of cancer-causing
cells. They also boost energy and are beneficial to the heart, muscles and nerves.
They can lower uric acid levels in the blood and is a traditional way of avoiding
gout. | | | | Cranberry | |
Like blueberries, cranberries have strong antibiotic properties with unusual abilities
to prevent infectious bacteria from sticking to cells lining the bladder and urinary
tract. The cranberry can also raise the acidity of the urine which enhances its
anti-bacterial effect. | | | | Dairy
Products | |
Milk helps fight infections, and helps prevent osteoporosis. It is a health elixir
of amazing versatility. Evidence exists to support that milk prevents bowel –
cancer, has been snowballing for a decade. Acidophilus milk, a liquid yoghurt
fermented by bacteria, also looks promising as a bowel cancer deterrent. It can
block cell changes in humans that lead to chronic inflammation. Milk
cultures - fermented with living microbes is one of the legendary health foods
of all time. In the 19 century, experiments declared it a panacea against heart
disease, senility and general deterioration of the body. It is a natural antibiotic,
can boost immune functioning and makes people who eat it more resistant to influenza
infections. Cheese is a good source of calcium protein and B vitamins, vitamin
A and vitamin D, which works with calcium to maintain healthy bones and teeth.
Cheese is also a useful source of zinc. | | | | Dandelion | |
Known as a weed, dandelion has an astonishing range of health benefits. The leaves
which can be eaten in salads, have long been used as a diuretic to treat high
blood pressure. The root also encourages steady elimination of toxins due to infections
or pollution. It is rich in calcium and potassium as well as vitamins A B C and
D. It therapeutic benefits can ease skin problems such as acne, eczema and psoriasis
and arthritic conditions. | | | | Dried
fruit | |
Is a good energy provider, they are packed with iron, potassium, selenium and
other beneficial minerals. They are a nourishing food and a useful aid for people
with anaemia and illnesses that produce chronic fatigue. | | | | Eggs | | Many
people avoid eggs because of their cholesterol content but, in fact, high-cholesterol
foods are a minor cause of high blood cholesterol saturated animal fat is the
real enemy. Eating eggs can be healing in certain diseases. Surprisingly, if you
never or rarely eat high cholesterol foods, you could eventually develop a choline
deficiency, leading to liver and nerve malfunction. Which can result in diseases
such as fibromyelagia. There are two types of cholesterol high density lipids
(HDL) which are necessary and low density lipids (LDL) which have been identified
to cause heart and circulatory problems. The low density lipids (bad cholesterol)
can deposit in the blood vessels. The body can use all lipids as an energy source.
Thus regular exercise is recommended. The HDL are necessary to repair the nerve,
liver and other cell membranes. Choline
is a B-complex vitamin concentrated in high cholesterol foods, such as eggs and
liver. A lack of it in the diet can lead to liver dysfunction and impaired memory
and concentration. Eggs also contain selenium and iodine, important for maintaining
thyroid hormones to regulate the metabolism. During pregnancy, eggs help with
the development of the foetal nervous system. One of the important nutrients found
in eggs is lecithin, a substance that emulsifies fat and cholesterol in the body.
It helps prevent the development of heart disease and gall-stones. Eggs are also
rich in zinc and vitamins A D E and B, particularly B12, which could be lacking
in the diet of vegetarians. | | | | Elderberry | |
Elderberries and flowers have been used for centuries to treat colds and influenza.
Elderberry has remarkable properties that actually stop the flu virus from replicating
other viral and bacterial infections, especially of the respiratory tract, can
also be treated with the plant. The berries are inflammation preventors because
they contain chemicals called anthcyanins. An elder extract is thought to be effective
in treating diabetes because it behaves in a similar way to insulin, regulating
sugar levels. Vitamin C in the berries improves iron absorption from food, aids
haemoglobin production, benefits blood-fat levels and fat metabolism, support
the liver function and boosts energy. | | | | Fennel | | Fennel
helps to regulate blood-fat levels and maintains the health of the heart, muscles,
skin, mucous membranes and nerves. Fennel tea is both refreshing and a good carminative.
It helps the digestive system by relaxing the muscles and muscle rings called
the sphincters. This function plays an important role the management of the symptoms
of irritable bowel. Muscle relaxation results in reduction in frequency and intensity
of "stomach cramps". In ancient remedies fennel extract has been combined
with peppermint, cardamom and cinnamon to improve digestion. | | | | | | Fig | | For
centuries, figs have been recommended to restore energy since they are rich in
glucose. The fibre and other ingredients aid constipation, scurvy, haemorrhoids,
gangrene, liver conditions and boils. The idea of using the fruit to cure is not
as far-fetched as it might sound. Japanese scientists have isolated an anti-cancer
chemical called benzaldigyde, which helps to shrink tumours. Fig juice has also
killed bacteria in test tubes and roundworm in dogs. Other minerals in figs include
potassium, and calcium. The iron is not as easy to absorb from vegetables and
plants. | | | | | | Fish | | Extra-fatty
fish such as sardines, mackerel, herring, salmon, tuna, anchovy and trout help
maintain a healthy immune system. It is believed that unique fatty acids called
omega-3s, concentrated in cold water fish, help block the over production of hormone-like
substances called prostaglandin's and leukotrienes in excessive quantities, these
become over-zealous and issue instructions to cells to begin harmful disease processes
such as blood clots, inflammation, and immune reactions. Omega-3s have unique
chemical structures that seem to throw a spanner into these disease processes
at a cellular level, blocking their destructive sprees. Oil in fish can relieve
symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, psoriasis, high blood
pressure, raynauds disease, migraines, ulcerative colitis and possibly multiple
sclerosis, it may also ward off strokes. It is a known anti-inflammatory agent
and anti-coagulant and helps raise good type HDL cholesterol. It may also guard
against the development of glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes. | | | | | | Grapefruit | | A
powerful detoxifier, grapefruit rids the body of harmful microbes and strengthens
the immune system. It also aids tissue repair and helps the body to resist the
growth of abnormal tissues such as polyps. Grapefruit aids the digestive system
and liver and has a strong growth-inhibiting effect on bacteria, fungi, parasites
and viruses. The fruit contains a wealth of protective photochemicals that enhance
immunity and wound healing. | | | | | | Garlic | | This
all round wonder food protects against a wide range of organisms such as bacteria,
fungi, viruses and some parasites. It also helps in the maintenance of tissues
such as the heart and blood vessels. Garlic is one of the most effective natural
anti-microbials, stimulating the production of white blood cells. Even with the
development of modern antibiotics and a more sophisticated understanding of microbiology,
garlic is recognised by many health practitioners as an adjunct to the first line
treatment for infectious diseases. Allicin is one of the active ingredients responsible
for garlic's ability to suppress the formation of inflammation in cells. The combination
of anti microbial properties with the stimulation of the lymphatic system helps
to resolve the underlying causes of the inflammatory diseases. | | | | | | Ginger | | Ginger
is highly effective in protecting the body's blood platelets from sticking together
and so help stop blood clots forming. Research has shown that both fresh and processed
ginger relieves pain, prevents vomiting, reduces blood pressure, lessens gastric
secretion in the stomach and stimulates the heart. Other benefits include preventing
migraines and osteoarthritis, relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, working
as an anti-inflammatory agent and killing salmonella. It also has an anti-diarrhoeal,
anti-depressant and strong antioxidant activity. In inflammatory bowel disease
chronic trapped wind is among the causes of the symptoms of "stomach cramps".
The natural passage of wind helps to resolve the painful symptoms of peristalsis. | | | | | | Grape | |
Grapes are a storehouse of anti-oxidant, blood thinning compounds. Red grapes
(but not white or green ones) are high in antioxidant quercetin. They are also
antibacterial and anti-viral. They make ideal detoxifiers, particularly of the
skin, liver, kidneys and bowels. Grape juice is known to kill bacteria. Grapes
possess high levels of caffeic acid, a strong anti inflammatory compound. They
also contain ellagic acid, a strong antioxidant, and boron, a mineral that is
thought to help prevent osteoporosis and to alleviate menopausal symptoms by increasing
the level of oestrogen in the blood. | | | | | | Guava | | An
excellent natural antioxidant, combining vitamins A and C, which mop up free radicals
before they can do any harm. Guava has a major role to play in serious immuno-deficiency
disorders, heart disease, as well as reducing the severity of auto-immune diseases.
It is best eaten raw and slightly under-ripe. | | | | | | Ham | | Like
all red meat, extra lean ham is a good source of easily absorbed protein. It has
an abundance of B vitamins, which is a good for people with stress-related of
nervous problems, as well as phosphorus, iron and zinc, which is essential for
growth, reproduction and a healthy immune system. | | | | | | Hazelnut | | Hazelnuts
help regulate blood fats and aid cell renewal and repair. They also protect against
free radical damage and benefit skin, hair, nails, glands, nerves, bone marrow
and the mucous membranes. They are one of the richest dietary sources of vitamin
E and mono-unsaturates, both of which help protect against heart attacks. Vitamin
E inhibits the action of free radicals. | | | | | | Horseradish | | If
you have a cold, build a fire in your stomach. The notion that this will work
stems from the ancient medical concept of balancing opposites. Eating horseradish
and other spicy foods is good for the lungs. It works when spicy food hits the
stomach, a message is sent to the brain telling it to release a flood of watery
fluid. In the lungs, the sudden outpouring of the fluid thins the mucus or causes
the glands to produce less sticky mucus, so it flows more easily. | | | | | | Mango | | Mango
stimulates the immune system and is a good source of potassium. As its yellow
/red colour suggests, the mango is bursting with the antioxidant beta-carotene,
which fights the free radicals that can prevent the clogging of the arteries.
Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body, and one mango supplies
more than 50 per cent of the recommended daily allowance. It also contains another
antioxidant called beta-cryptoxanthin, which has been shown to reduce the risk
of cervical symptoms. One mango provides a day's recommended intake of vitamin
C. | | | | | | Marrow | | Marrow
is a member of the pumpkin family of vegetables. They are dark green because of
their carotenoid content, which makes them useful in protecting against various
cancers. This is because beta and alpha-carotene, which they contain, help mop
up free radicals, substances that trigger the disease. They are also high in vitamin
C and E, which promote healthy cell division thus healing. | | | | | | Mussels | |
Like oily fish and white fish, shellfish such as mussels are a valuable source
of omega-3 essential fatty acids. They are a good source of selenium, a mineral
with cancer-fighting properties, and iodine, a trace element that is important
for normal growth, health skin and hair and health thyroid function. Although
their vitamin and mineral content is similar to that of crabs and prawns, mussels
contain more vitamin A and iron. | | | | | | Mushrooms | |
Although few medicinal benefits are linked to the common button mushroom, oriental
mushrooms contain compounds that can stimulate the immune system, inhibit blood
clotting and retard the development of cancer. The most highly regarded are shiitake
mushrooms, which are an excellent source of immune-boosting minerals and vitamins,
essential amino acids and enzymes. They have long been prized in the East for
their ability to combat infection and protect against heart disease. Their ability
to stimulate resistance to disease and enhance the immune response is thought
to be because the fungus causes the release of interferon, a natural agent of
defence against viruses and cancer. At the same time, it increases the number
of protective chemicals in the blood, this strengthens the bodies first line of
defence against infection by encouraging the blood cells to destroy harmful organisms,
in particular, eating shiitake increases resistance to viral infection and is
hugely effective in fighting influenza. | | | | | | Nectarine | | One
large nectarine nearly supply's an entire days requirement of vitamin C. like
all yellow-orange fruit and vegetables, nectarines are rich in beta-carotene. | | | | | | Nuts | | All
nuts contain high amounts of compounds known to block cancer in tests on animals,
they are mostly high in antioxidant vitamin E, which protects against artery damage. | | | | | | Oats | | Oats
are high in protein, iron and soluble fibre. They lower blood cholesterol, ease
stress and soothe tired nerves. Oats stabilize blood sugar so are a good food
for diabetics. They have an anti-inflammatory effect on certain skin problems
like eczema and psoriasis, and are high in a chemical that dampens the activation
of certain viruses and cancer causing chemicals in the intestinal tract. Oats
are rich in nutrients the antioxidant vitamin E which protects the body damaging
free radicals and B-complex vitamins vital for a healthily nervous system as well
as calcium for health bones, magnesium and potassium. | |
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