Category: Diet

The Health Benefits of Chives

Chives are one of the richest plant sources of vitamin K which is vital for bone and neurological health and can help to prevent osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Chives also have an exceptional amount of vitamin A and other antioxidants such as carotenes and lutein which help to protect the body from a variety of cancers.

Chives contain a healing compound called allicin which has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. Allicin also has the ability to help reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and help to decrease the risk of coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke. The sulfur containing oil in chives provides powerful antiseptic abilities without any of the digestion disturbing tendencies that the rest of the onion family can create.

Chives are also known to help build the immune system, fight intestinal fermentation, and stimulate both stomach and liver function. Chives are also an excellent source of folic acid which is essential for woman before and during pregnancy.

Chives can be easily grown indoors or out and are a simple, flavorful, and healthy addition to any salad, guacamole, potato, rice, soup, or vegetable dish.

The Health Benefits of Celery

Celery is a strongly alkaline food that helps to counteract acidosis, purify the bloodstream, aid in digestion, prevent migraines, relax the nerves, reduce blood pressure, and clear up skin problems. Celery contains compounds called coumarins which are known to enhance the activity of certain white blood cells and support the vascular system.

Celery’s rich organic sodium content has the ability to dislodge calcium deposits from the joints and holds them in solution until they can be eliminated safely from the kidneys. Celery is a well known natural diuretic and has ample ability to flush toxins out of the body. Celery also has significant anti-inflammatory properties making it an essential food for those who suffer from auto-immune illnesses. It also contains significant amounts of calcium and silicon which can aid in the repair of damaged ligaments and bones.

Celery is rich in vitamin A, magnesium, and iron which all help to nourish the blood and aid those suffering from rheumatism, high blood pressure, arthritis, and anemia. Fresh celery juice is one of the most powerful and healing juices one can drink. Just 16 oz of fresh celery juice a day can transform your health and digestion in as little as one week.

The Health Benefits of Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is an amazing fruit that has over 19 vitamins and minerals that help to boost the immune system, detoxify the organs, and deeply hydrate and alkalinize the body. Since cantaloupe is a pre-digested food, meaning it does not require any digestion in the stomach and can pass straight through to the intestines for assimilation, it is best eaten on an empty stomach alone for breakfast.

The high vitamin C content in cantaloupes is critical for immune system support and to fight bacterial and viral infections. Cantaloupe is also excellent for helping to relieve nerves and calm anxieties. It is known to keep the heartbeat normal and regulated while under stress as well as keep muscles relaxed and free from cramps and hypertension. The rich vitamin A and beta carotene content in cantaloupe helps to lower the risk of cataracts and aids in maintaing healthy eyesight.

Cantaloupe also aids the body in excreting excess sodium which helps to reduce water tension and bloating. After purchasing a cantaloupe, let it sit on your counter until it emits a light floral scent and yields to gentle pressure. Cantaloupe is a sweet and delicious fruit that is a wonderful way to start your morning and nourish your body and soul.

 

The Health Benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutrient rich vegetable that has several proven health benefits. It is very high in vitamins, minerals, and phyto-nutrients such as vitamins A, C, K, & B-complex, calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, & iron, and beta carotene.

Broccoli is packed with anti-cancer compounds such as sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, which are known to help prevent stomach, colon, liver, breast, skin, and prostate cancers. It also has the ability to fight against H.Pylori bacteria that can cause a great amount of discomfort in the digestive tract.

Broccoli is excellent for strengthening and sharpening cognitive abilities such as memory, focus, and concentrations skills. It is also great for helping to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Broccoli is highly beneficial for the nervous system and is known to ease migraines, hypertension, anxiety, and nervous ticks. It contains natural antihistamine properties and is fantastic for warding off seasonal allergies, watery eyes, sinusitis, sinus infections, colds, flu, and bronchitis. Broccoli is well known for its ability to protect against heart disease and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, strokes, and heart attacks. It can also help to lower high blood pressure and maintain good cardiovascular health.

Broccoli is also great for building strong muscles and bones as well as for helping to prevent injury or future osteoporosis. Broccoli is high in fiber which makes it helpful for regulating blood sugar, preventing constipation, and curbing overeating. Broccoli is known to be excellent for vision and eye health and can significantly reduce the risk of macular generation and the need for cataracts. Broccoli is high in protein and contains more protein per cup, than that of rice, while only having half the calories.

Broccoli is most nutritious when eaten raw or steamed and can be easily made into a delicious creamy fat-free soup by adding fully steamed broccoli, carrots, and onions to a blender with a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth for a nutrient rich and satisfying meal. Steamed potatoes can also be added for a heartier, creamier version, if desired. Broccoli can readily be found at your local supermarket, health food store, and/or farmer’s markets.

 

The Health Benefits of Mamey

Mamey is a sweet, creamy fruit that grows in Florida, Texas, California, Hawaii, Mexico, and South America. It is exceptionally rich in fiber, antioxidants, and beta carotene and is high in vitamins C, A, & B and minerals such as copper, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Mamey contains antiseptic properties and is often recommended to help calm the nervous system, soothe an upset stomach, and alleviate headaches.

Mamey has been found to reduce the risk of colon cancer, improve immune function, and help to protect against heart disease and osteoporosis. It is also excellent for helping to alleviate hypertension and the symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Mamey is a great food for eye and skin health and can help to prevent age related macular degeneration, cataracts, and skin cancer. It is a wonderful food to help rebuild and nourish the body after a long illness as it is easy to digest and rich with healing properties.

Mamey fruit can range from a softball size to a football size and are ripe when soft all the way around. They have a rough brown exterior but a deep orangey red flesh that is decadently sweet and satisfying. Mamey fruit is completely fat-free, cholesterol-free, and sodium free and makes an excellent addition to smoothies, puddings, pies, fruit salads, and ice creams. It is often said that mamey tastes just like pumpkin pie in terms of its flavor and texture.

When in season, mamey can be found in the tropical fruit section of most supermarkets, as well as in speciality caribbean and mexican food stores.

They can also be found online and through mail order or at farmer’s markets in southern Florida, Texas, California , & Hawaii. Mamey is a fruit treasure with wonderful health properties that should not be missed.