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Medicinal Benefits of Whole Foods
For the first 5000 years of civilization, humans relied on foods and herbs for medicine. Only in the past 50 years have we forgotten our medicinal “roots” in favor of patent medicines. While pharmaceuticals
have their value, we should not forget the well-documented, non-toxic and inexpensive healing properties of whole foods. The following list is but a sampling of the health benefits from whole foods.
Apple
Celery
Good to eat in their raw state, including the skin.
Helps to alleviate constipation.
Excellent blood purifier.
Lower cholesterol and relieve liver congestion.
Anti-inflammatory fruit and also useful for lung health.
Artichoke
Helps to detoxify and protect the liver.
Good for the kidneys, especially in cases of fluid retention.
Helpful with digestive problems.
Very good for diabetis and blood sugar issues.
High in inulin and should be included to regulate blood sugar.
Excellent for the skin.
Asparagus
Stimulates kidney function.
Promotes the flow of urine.
Contains potassium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium.
High in protein, low in calories.
Great for weight loss, heart and bone health.
Good blood purifier.
Excellent body builder.
Rich in B vitamins and dietary fiber.
Very high in potassium, which aids cardiovascular system.
Helps regulate blood pressure.
Good for anemia and nervous disorders.
Excellent for maintaining a healthy blood sugar level.
The most protein rich fruit, containing amino acids.
Very high in potassium.
Great energy food.
Help to alkalize the blood and eliminate excessive uric acid.
Good food for those suffering from arthritis and gout.
Known as a “heart medicine” in the Middle East.
Reduces cholesterol.
Has anti-viral and anti-cancer activity.
Contains potent antioxidants, including tocotrienols.
(legumes, including navy, black, kidney, pinto, soy beans and lentils.
Very rich in protein and fiber.
Excellent for constipation.
Very rich in potassium, excellent food for hypertension.
Beneficial for hair follicles and for hair loss.
Contain more amino acids than any other plant food. Great meat substitute, and great for those who are undernourished.
Beans (String)
More nourishing than leafy vegetables, helps to invigorate the body.
Very good for constipation, rheumatism, bladder and kidney issues. Good diuretic and help to reduce blood glucose levels.
Anti-inflammatory and also low in calories.
Beets
One of the best foods for constipation.
Fights inflammation.
Has anti-cancer properties (especially colon cancer).
Helps to detoxify the liver and the blood.
Greens are excellent and very healthy for the large intestine.
Bell Pepper
Rich in antioxidant vitamin C.
Helps to fight off colds, asthma, bronchitis, respiratory infections,
cataracts, macular degeneration, angina, atherosclerosis and cancer.
Blueberry
Wonderful blood purifier and improve blood circulation.
Good for anemia, constipation, poor complexion, and obesity. Improve vision.
Aid in cancer prevention.
Very high in antioxidants that helps against degenerative diseases.
Broccoli
Used to kill the pain of toothache.
Anti-inflammatory against rheumatic diseases.
Its main ingredient, eugenol, is anti-inflammatory.
Coffee
High concentration of caffeine, a psychoactive drug.
Can be a mood elevator and mental energizer.
Improves mental performance in some.
An emergency remedy for asthma.
Dilates bronchial passages.
Mildly addictive.
Triggers headaches, anxiety and panic attacks in some.
In excess, may cause psychiatric disturbances.
Promotes insomnia.
Coffee stimulates stomach acid secretions.
Can aggravate heartburn.
Promotes bowel movements in many, causes diarrhea in others.
Caffeine may promote fibrocystic breast disease in some women.
Collard Greens
Beans
Helps dissolve blood clots, opens up sinuses and air passages, breaks up
mucus in the lungs, acts as an expectorant or decongestant, helps
prevent bronchitis, emphysema and stomach ulcers.
Potent painkiller, alleviates headaches and joint pain.
Hot paprika made from hot chili peppers is high in natural aspirin.
Antibacterial, antioxidant activity.
Using hot chili sauce on food speeds up metabolism, burns calories.
Do not harm the stomach lining or promote ulcers.
Clove
Barley
Strong stimulator of insulin, helpful for Type 2 diabetes.
Mild anti-coagulant activity.
Banana
Chili Pepper
Cinnamon
Avocado
One of the oldest remedies for controlling high blood pressure.
Cleanses the blood.
Good for fluid retention and gout.
Wonderful juice that is good blended in smoothies with apples.
Has an astringent quality and helps with digestion and weight loss.
Juice helps lower cholesterol.
Very rich in the mineral potassium.
Excellent for the circulatory system and the heart.
Powerful anti-carcinogenic food and great cancer preventative.
Low in calories and sugars, great food for diabetics.
Wonderful source of dietary fiber.
Very high in calcium and promote good bone health.
Help with vision health and offer antioxidant protection.
A cancer protective.
Good food for weight, low calorie and high fiber count.
Rich in vitamin C, which promotes healthy liver function.
Benefits are better when the leaves are steamed.
Corn
Anticancer, induced by corn’s content of protease inhibitors.
Has estrogen-boosting capabilities.
Common cause of food intolerance linked to symptoms of
rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches
and migraine-related epilepsy in children.
Only eat non-GMO organic corn.
Cranberry
Strong antibiotic properties.
Prevents bacteria from sticking in the bladder and urinary tract.
Helps prevent recurring urinary tract (bladder) infections.
Has antiviral activity.
Cucumbers
High in silica and are a good food for the complexion and nails.
Cool the body temperature.
Excellent for obesity, skin, fevers, heart health, and constipation.
Hydrate the body and rich in alkalizing minerals.
Date
High in natural aspirin.
Has laxative effect.
Linked to lower rates of cancers, especially pancreatic cancer.
Contains compounds that may cause headaches.
Eggplant
Eggplant substances, called glycoalkaloids, made into a topical
medications have been used to treat skin cancers.
Lower blood cholesterol.
Help counteract some detrimental blood effects of fatty foods.
Has antibacterial and diuretic properties.
Fenugreek Seed
Possesses some of the same powers as broccoli and cabbage.
Anti-cancer, estrogenic and packed with antioxidants and indoles.
Cabbage (including bok choy)
Flax Seeds and Oil
Brussels Sprouts
Excellent healing food.
Their juice will help to heal ulcers.
Especially helpful in lowering the risk of stomach and colon cancer.
High in calcium and potassium.
Valuable for the heart, reduces fluid retention and blood pressure.
Carrot
Very rich in Vitamin A and beta carotene.
Great medicine for the eyes, particularly night vision.
Help regulate elimination and are soothing to the intestinal tract.
Help to strengthen the liver, immunity, and improve the blood.
Beneficial food for cancer prevention.
Health benefits improve when cooked.
Juice is especially beautifying for the skin.
Cauliflower
Spice common in the Middle East and is available in U.S.
Has anti-diabetic powers.
Helps control surges of blood sugar and insulin.
Anti-diarrheal, anti-ulcer, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer.
Lowers blood pressure and helps prevent intestinal gas.
Used primarily for constipation.
Lowers blood fat levels associated with heart attacks and strokes.
Reduces blood cholesterol levels.
Prevents colon and breast cancer through its rich source of lignins,
a documented anti-cancer agent.
Improves moods, diminishes allergies and produces healthier skin.
Figs
Helps prevent cancer.
Both extract of figs and the fig compound, benzaidehyde,
have helped shrink tumors in humans.
Laxative, anti-ulcer, antibacterial and antiparasitic powers.
Triggers headaches in some people.
Fish and Fish Oil
Excellent source of fiber.
Protects our body again cancers, such as breast and colon cancer.
Stimulates the immune system.
Rich in potassium and calcium.
Helps to regulate the transit time in the colon.
Has diuretic properties and helps the cardiovascular system.
An ounce a day may cut risk of heart attacks by 50 percent.
The omega-3 oil in fish can relieve symptoms of rheumatoid
arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, psoriasis, high blood pressure,
Raynaud’s disease, migraine headaches, ulcerative colitis and
multiple sclerosis.
May help ward off strokes.
Anti-inflammatory agent and anti-coagulant.
Raises good type HDL cholesterol.
Lowers triglycerides.
Guards against glucose intolerance and Type 11 diabetes.
Some fish are high in antioxidants.
Exhibits anti-cancer activity especially in colon and breast cancer.
Sardines, mackerel, herring, salmon, tuna are highest in omega-3.
Garlic
Natural antibiotic and stimulates immune and digestive systems.
Helps lower blood pressure.
Helps to reduce inflammation and increase blood fluidity.
Excellent for respiratory problems.
Raw garlic, eaten twice a week can lower the risk for lung cancer. Use of garlic as a medicine goes back to the time of Hippocrates.
Ginger
Used to treat nausea, vomiting, headaches, chest congestion, cholera,
colds, diarrhea, stomach ache, rheumatism, and nervous diseases.
Proven anti-nausea, anti-motion sickness remedy.
Helps thwart and prevent migraine headaches and osteo-arthritis.
Relieves symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory agent.
Anti-ulcer agent in animals.
Has anti-depressant, anti-diarrheal and strong antioxidant activity.
High in anti-cancer activity.
Grape
Rich in antioxidant compounds.
Red grapes are high in the antioxidant quercetin.
Grape skins contain resveratrol, shown to inhibit blood-platelet
clumping and boost good-type HDL cholesterol.
Red grapes are antibacterial and antiviral in test tubes.
Grape seed oil also raises good-type cholesterol.
Grapefruit
Pulp contains a unique pectin (in membranes and juice sacs–not in juice)
that lowers blood cholesterol and reverses clogged arteries in animals.
Has anticancer activity, particularly stomach and pancreatic cancer.
Juice is antiviral and high in antioxidants, especially vitamin C.
Honey
Strong antibiotic properties.
Has sleep-inducing, sedative and tranquilizing properties.
Use sparingly, as it is high in sugar.
Kale
Protective against at least five different types of cancer.
Has detoxification properties that is very good for liver function.
High in bone building calcium and benefits improve when steamed.
Kiwi Fruit
Prescribed in China to treat stomach and breast cancer.
High in vitamin C.
Lecithin
Protects the nerves.
Improves memory.
May help thyroid and adrenal hypertension.
Protects cells against damage by oxidation.
Emulsifies fat in the blood.
Good general blood and body purifier and a mild diuretic.
Works as an antiseptic for external use.
Improve blood fluidity, circulation, and helps remove of toxins.
Help strengthen the capillary walls and lower blood pressure.
Alkalizes the blood.
Helps with arthritic conditions and digestive disorders.
Helpful for weight loss and helps to correct liver function.
Licorice
Strong anti-cancer powers, high concentration of glycyrrhizin.
Kills bacteria, fights ulcers and diarrhea.
May act as a diuretic.
Too much can raise blood pressure.
Not advised for pregnant women.
Only real licorice has these powers. Licorice “candy” is made with
anise instead of real licorice. Real licorice says “licorice mass.”
Melon (green and yellow, such as cantaloupe and honeydew)
Has anti-coagulant (blood-thinning) activity.
Contains the antioxidant beta carotene.
Mushroom (Asian, including shiitake)
A longevity tonic, heart medicine and cancer remedy in Asia.
Maitake helps prevent and/or treat cancer, viral diseases, such as
influenza and polio, high blood cholesterol, sticky blood platelets
and high blood pressure.
Eaten daily, maitake or shiitake, fresh (3 ounces) or dried
(1/3 ounce), cut cholesterol by 7 and 12 percent respectively.
Lentinan, a broad-spectrum antiviral, promotes immune function.
Used to treat leukemia and breast cancer.
Eating black (“tree ear’) mushroom thins the blood.
Recognized as a decongestant and expectorant.
Helps break up mucus in air passages.
Remedy for congestion caused by colds and sinus problems.
Antibacterial.
Increases metabolism, burning off extra calories.
Nuts and Seeds
Foods that deeply nourish the body.
Good for nervous system and brain function.
Helps to prevent cardiovascular disease.
High in calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
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Spirulina
Contains a high quality protein.
Easily digested and tastes delicious sprinkled on vegetables
or organic non GMO popcorn.
Adds nutritional value and flavor to soups.
Great alternative to animal protein.
Rich in B complex vitamins, especially B-12.
Can depress cholesterol 10 percent or more.
Help stabilize blood sugar, have estrogenic and antioxidant activity.
Contain psychoactive compounds that may combat nicotine
cravings and have anti-depressant powers.
High doses can cause gas, abdominal bloating and pain.
Olive Oil
Lowers bad LDL cholesterol without lowering good HDL cholesterol.
Helps keep bad cholesterol from being converted to a toxic form. Helps protect arteries from plaque.
Reduces blood pressure, helps regulate blood sugar.
Has potent antioxidant activity. Best oil for cooking and salads.
Onion (including chives, shallots, scallions, leeks)
Reputed in ancient Mesopotamia to cure virtually everything.
Exceptionally strong antioxidant.
Full of numerous anti-cancer agents.
Blocks cancer dramatcally in animals.
The richest dietary source of quercetin, a potent antioxidant
(in shallots, yellow and red onions only-not white onions).
Linked to inhibiting human stomach cancer.
Thins the blood, lowers cholesterol, raises good-type HDL cholesterol
(preferred dose: half a raw onion a day), wards off blood clots, fights
asthma, chronic bronchitis, hay fever, diabetes, atherosclerosis and
infections.
Anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiviral, diverse anti-cancer powers.
Onions aggravate heartburn, may promote gas.
Orange
Cancer-inhibitor, includes carotenoids, terpenes and flavonoids.
Rich in antioxidant vitamin C and beta-carotene.
Specifically tied to lower rates of pancreatic cancer.
May help ward off asthma attacks, bronchitis, breast cancer,
stomach cancer, atherosclerosis, gum disease, and boost fertility
and healthy sperm in some men.
May aggravate heartburn.
Anti-cancer because of its high concentrations of antioxidants,
such as monoterpenes, phthalides, polyacetylenes.
Helps detoxify and neutralize certain carcinogens in tobacco smoke.
Has diuretic activity.
Pineapple
Fresh contains bromelain which helps to prevent indigestion.
Highly anti-inflammatory, good for arthritis, sore throat, and colds.
Good complement to weight loss diets.
Protective against stomach cancer.
Juice is great for weight loss.
Provides strength to muscles and protects the retina of the eye.
Very low in calories and contains great nutritive power.
Good for anemia and helps to prevent macular degeneration.
Helps with production of red blood cells and protective
against prostate cancer.
Excellent food for constipation.
Strengthens the immune system and is cancer protective.
Low in calories and helps with weight loss.
Curbs hunger and helps decrease inflammation.
Helpful in the treatment of allergies.
Has all 9 essential amino acids and is a complete protein.
High in chlorophyll, easy to digest, and gives the body
abundant energy on a cellular level.
Sugar
Helps heal wounds when applied externally.
Like other carbohydrates, sugar helps induce cavities.
May be related to Crohn’s disease.
Triggers rise in blood sugar and stimulates insulin production.
One teaspoon is said to set the immune system back 3 ½ hours.
Causes fatigue and adrenal weakness.
Sweet Potato (yams)
A source of the antioxidant beta carotene
Linked to preventing heart disease, cataracts strokes and cancers.
One half cup of mashed sweet potatoes contains about 23,000
international units (lUs) of beta carotene.
Swiss Chard
A blood purifier.
Helps with digestion and is good for constipation.
Good for anemia and weight loss.
Tea (including black, oolong and green tea, not herbal teas)
Amazing and pharmacological activity, mainly due to catechins.
Acts as an anticoagulant, artery protector, antibiotic, anti-ulcer agent,
cavity-fighter, anti-diarrheal agent, anti-viral agent, diuretic
(caffeine), analgesic (caffeine), mild sedative (decaffeinated).
In animals, tea is a potent blockers of various cancers.
Drinkers have less damaged, clogged arteries and fewer strokes.
Excessive tea drinking because of its caffeine could aggravate anxiety,
insomnia and symptoms of PMS.
May promote kidney stones because of its high oxalate content.
Green tea is highest in catechins, followed by oolong and black tea.
Green tea is considered most potent. One study, however, found
no difference in benefits to arteries from green or black tea.
Tomato
A major source of lycopene, an antioxidant and anti-cancer agent
that intervenes in devastating chain reactions of oxygen free
radical molecules.
Linked to lower rates of pancreatic cancer and cervical cancer.
Tumeric
(white)
Contains anti-cancer protease inhibitors.
High in potassium, helps prevent high blood pressure and strokes.
Some estrogenic activity.
Prune
Watermelon
Plum
Antibacterial, Anti-viral and a Laxative.
Potato
Extremely high in beta carotene.
Antioxidant reputed to help numerous health problems,
including heart attacks, cancer, cataracts.
Raspberry and Strawberry
Both good for digestion and urinary tract infections.
Both cleanse and detoxify, and are anti-aging.
Good remedy for constipation, are high in fiber, and can
prohibit the growth of cancer cells.
High in potassium and good for high blood pressure prevention.
Good for liver disorders.
Rice
Anti-diarrheal, anti-cancer activity.
Contains anti-cancer protease inhibitors.
Least likely to provoke intestinal gas or adverse reactions.
Bran is excellent against constipation, lowers cholesterol
and tends to block development of kidney stones.
Seaweed and Kelp (brown or Laminaria type seaweed)
Mustard (including horseradish)
Rich in hormones, it boosts estrogen levels in
post-menopausal women.
Has anti-cancer activity and is thought to be especially
antagonistic to breast cancer.
Richest source of protease inhibitors which are anti-cancer,
anti-viral agents.
Lowers blood cholesterol substantially.
In animals, soybeans seem to deter and help dissolve kidney stones.
Oats
Pumpkin
Milk fat promotes cancer and heart disease.
Milk can trigger “allergic” reactions that induce joint pain and
symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, irritable bowel
syndrome and diarrhea.
In children and infants milk is may cause or contribute to colic,
respiratory problems, sleeplessness, itchy rashes, migraines,
epileptic seizures, ear infections and even diabetes.
May retard healing of ulcers.
Spinach
A well known laxative. High in fiber, sorbitol and natural aspirin.
Milk
Soybean
Nutritional Yeast
Parsley
Lemon
Higher concentration of protein than plants.
Best in raw state and not roasted.
Walnuts and Flax Seeds are high in Omega 3s.
Sesame Seeds are high in Calcium.
Almonds are rich in magnesium, which is beneficial to the muscles,
teeth, and bones.
Pumpkin Seeds are high in zinc and beneficial for immunity.
Cashews are high in magnesium and help promote relaxation
and prevent osteoporosis.
If weight is an issue, eat a small handful for an energetic snack.
One of the best foods to eat in cases of hypo-thyroid.
Rich in many important minerals.
Antibacterial and anti-viral activity in kelp.
Kills herpes virus.
May also lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Wakame boosts immune functioning.
Nori kills bacteria and seems to help heal ulcers.
A chemical from wakame seaweed is a clot-buster and
can be twice as powerful as the common drug heparin.
Most types of seaweed have anti-cancer activity.
Might aggravate acne flare-ups.
Truly one of the marvelous medicinal spices of the world.
Main active ingredient is curcumin, which gives turmeric its
intense cadmium yellow color.
Curcumin, studies show, is an anti-inflammatory agent on par
with cortisone, and has reduced inflammation in animals and
symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in humans.
Lowers cholesterol, hinders platelet aggregation (blood clotting),
protects the liver from toxins, boosts stomach defenses against
acid, lowers blood sugar in diabetics, and is a powerful antagonist
of numerous cancer-causing agents. Anti-cancer activity.
High amounts of lycopene and glutathione, antioxidant
and anti-cancer compounds.
Mild anti-bacterial, anti-coagulant activity.
Wheat
High-fiber whole wheat, and particularly wheat bran,
ranks as the world’s greatest preventives of constipation.
Bran is potently anti-cancer.
Can suppress colon cancer.
Anti-parasitic.
Triggers food intolerances and allergies, resulting in symptoms of
rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and neurological
illnesses.
Yogurt
Goat yogurt is preferred.
An ancient wonder food, strongly antibacterial and anti-cancer.
A cup a day boosts immune functioning by stimulating production
of gamma interferon.
Spurs activity of natural killer cells that attack viruses and tumors.
A daily cup of yogurt can reduce colds and other upper respiratory
infections and prevents vaginitis (yeast infections) in women.
Helps prevent and cure diarrhea.
Helps fight bone problems because of high calcium content.
Acidophilus yogurt cultures neutralize cancer-causing agents
in the intestinal tract.
Yogurts with L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus cultures, both live
and dead, blocked lung cancers in animals.
Yogurt with live cultures is safe for people with lactose intolerance.
Zucchini
Good for constipation, high blood pressure, kidney
and bladder health, as well as weight loss.
Soothing to the intestinal tract and easy to digest.
Very good for heart health.
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