I RECENTLY discovered a fascinating article at a website entitled Dr. Axe (http://ift.tt/294Wmjl) which, I believe, is a British website.
I have quoted it below; it’s full of interesting facts about the healing power of food. And, for people who have chronic illness, this may be life-preserving information.
How food works like medicine
“Perhaps more than anything else in our lives, the foods we regularly eat help determine whether or not we will become ill, or remain healthy into older age. Whether vegetables, fruit, meat, oils or grains, foods contain influential substances including antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and fiber.
“Some of the ways that medicinal foods specifically act like natural protectors against disease and help to slow the effects of aging, include:
Decreasing & controlling inflammation
“Inflammation is the root of most diseases and a major contributor to the effects of aging. Inflammation is a response from the immune system when the body perceives it’s being threatened, and it can affect nearly every tissue, hormone and cell in the body. Research also shows that ‘obesity has a strong inflammatory component,’ a problem that now affects nearly two-thirds of all adults in the U.S.
Balancing hormones
“Hormones affect every part of health, from your energy and cognitive abilities to your body weight and sex drive. Abnormal hormonal changes contribute to accelerated aging, diabetes, obesity, fatigue, depression, low mental capacity, reproductive problems and an array of autoimmune diseases.
Alkalizing the body
“Processed, low-quality foods make the body more acidic and allow diseases to thrive more easily. An alkaline diet (high in plant foods that are detoxifying) helps with cellular renewal and might promote longevity.”
That is why I often recommend taking ½ tsp of baking soda in a glass of water. It is alkalizing and very healthy. It also helps to prevent cancer.
Balancing blood glucose (sugar)
“Diabetes and weight gain are tied to poor insulin response and other hormonal changes. Poorly managed blood sugar levels due to consuming high amounts of sugar and processed carbohydrates can lead to cravings, fatigue, neurological damage, mood disorders, hormonal balances and more. To sustain normal blood sugar, experts recommend that low-glycemic and non-processed carbohydrates take the place of refined, empty calories and added sugar.
Detoxifying & eliminating toxins
“Toxicity is tied to poor digestive health, hormonal changes and decreasing liver functioning. In modern society, we are bombarded by chemicals from our diet and environment that contribute to inflammation, autoimmune diseases, infertility, hypothyroidism, and fibromyalgia.
Improved absorption of nutrients
“Many of today’s illnesses are due to nutritional deficiencies and high rates of free radical damage. The majority of processed convenience foods are stripped of their natural nutrients or at least partly manmade, packed with synthetic ingredients and preservatives but very low in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and enzymes.
Seven of the best medicinal foods
1. Fresh vegetables
“Green vegetables (kale, broccoli, and spinach, for example), sea vegetables and fresh vegetable juices are considered some of the healthiest foods on earth, known to dramatically help slow aging. They help restore the body’s proper pH, prevent nutrient deficiencies, curb hunger and detoxify the blood. They are also low in calories, yet beaming with antioxidants, phytonutrients and vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, iodine and fiber. Vegetables of all kinds help to lower free radical damage and control inflammation.
2. Organ meats & bone broth
“Consuming nutrient-packed organ meats and all edible parts of an animal, plus making bone broth with the remaining parts that are normally discarded (like bones, skin and ligaments), provides us with hard-to-find nutrients like collagen, glucosamine and an abundance of electrolytes and trace minerals. These nutrients help ward off and treat illnesses like irritable bowel disorders, arthritis and joint pains, chronic fatigue, leaky gut syndrome, anemia and allergies.
3. Probiotic foods
“Probiotics are not only critical for optimal digestion, but also for overall immune function and health. The digestive system is the second largest part of our neurological system and holds 80 percent of your entire immune system. A huge array of illnesses actually stem from poor gut health, including thyroid imbalances, chronic fatigue, joint pain, psoriasis, autism and food allergies.
“The microbes that make up our gut flora are involved in weight control, appetite, inflammatory processes, cognitive functioning and neurotransmitter production. This means that everything from your mood and energy levels to your ability to prevent common colds is tied to your gut.
4. Omega-3 fats
“A diet high in ‘good fats’ is essential for controlling inflammation, cognitive health, hormone production, cancer prevention, weight loss and cellular healing. Omega-3 fats are natural anti-inflammatories and help counteract the effects of pro-inflammatory omega-6 fats, which are very high in modern-day diets.”
“The best sources of omega-3s include wild-caught fish like salmon, sardines, halibut, tuna and mackerel. Other plant sources include walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds. You must avoid hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils, trans fats, soybean oil, canola oil and other vegetable oils which are very high in omega-6s.
5. Healthy fats
“Not all fats are created equal but the good ones pack a lot of medicinal punch. From lowering bad cholesterol and helping shed excess weight to giving you shiny hair and healthy nails, your body will reap the benefits of healthy fats like avocado, grass-fed butter, ghee, coconut oil, MCT oil, and extra virgin olive oil.
6. High-antioxidant foods
“Antioxidants slow the effects of aging by decreasing free radical damage. A good indication that a food has a high amount of antioxidants? If it’s naturally brightly colored (red, orange, yellow, green, etc.) chances are it’s supplying nutrients like beta carotene, Resveratrol, flavanoids and more. Some of the best foods for obtaining antioxidants include: berries, red wine, raw cocoa, acai, spirulina, leafy greens, fresh herbs and spices, cruciferous veggies and bright root veggies.
7. High fiber foods
“Fiber helps to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, strengthens the colon walls, plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels, helps prevent insulin resistance, and promotes the growth of beneficial probiotic bacteria in your gut that influence immunity.
“It’s recommended that adults get at least once ounce of fiber daily. High-fiber diets are associated with better protection against obesity, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, digestive disorders and menstrual problems. High-fiber foods include leafy greens, celery, cruciferous veggies, avocado, coconut, berries, nuts, seeds, sprouted legumes and ancient grains.
It’s a fact that healthy eating has numerous benefits: disease prevention, greater vitality, anti-aging factors and overall well-being. Eating junk will eventually bring you to your knees and may possibly kill you. Please be smart: eat only healthy food!
Opinions expressed by Marianas Variety contributors are their own.
No comments:
Post a Comment