Healing benefits of food #1

I am a strong believer in the healing power of foods. Making sure you are aware of what you put in your body is important, because food has the ability to effect your mood, energy, health, skin and overall quality of life. Try to make sure you have a diet with lots of leafy greens and uncooked vegetables, fresh fruit, fish and grains. I would strongly suggest you to eat raw vegetables whenever you can, cooking can kill the enzymes that benefit your body in such ways as helping it digest food, detoxification and rebuilding. The following is a list of foods and how certain types can aid in healing you. 

ONION

Onions are used in many dishes, but have you ever stopped to think of what benefit it is doing your body? This vegetable has a large amount of sulfur in it, which will help to cleanse your skin and liver. Onions also protects and regenerates Vitamin E, which among many things, protects your skin from ultraviolet light, helps in the prevention of cancer and alzheimer and prevents damage from free radicals.

QUINOA 

This seed comes from a plant that is related to spinach. It contains all nine essential amino acids, these acids are ones your body cannot synthesize in the amount that your body needs in order to contain a good level of health, so eat up! Quinoa is particularly high in protein, which is a plus for those vegetarians out there. Another note to add is that it can also prevent migraines and headaches, which is a blessing for migraine sufferers like myself.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Have just two table spoons of this a day has limitless positive benefits, there are so many I'd be listing them for days, so here is a small rundown. The vinegar can help aid in healing acne, sinus infection, high cholesterol, flu, reflux, sore throats, contact dermatitis and for those of you who are looking to lose weight, it helps to break down fat. I like to add a little bit of honey to sweeten it up.

BLUEBERRIES 
Although they are small, don't turn a blind eye to these cute little berries, they contain a whole lot of antioxidants, which helps fight off illness. They also contain a lot of vitamin C, which is important, especially for smokers who tend to have lower levels of vitamin C, as it helps to reduce the severity and duration of a cold. Recent studies show that they can help fight the signs of aging, prevent memory loss and stimulate new brain cell growth. A couple in your muesli each morning is an easy way to get your intake. 

TUNA
Tuna contains omega-3, which can reduce your risk of memory problems and the risk of dementia by an amazing 47% and it is an anti inflammatory, which will blood flow to your brain. It is also rich in selenium, which when you are lacking, can cause bad moods, irritability, anxiety, fatigue and depression. I like to add a can of tuna, which is best if it is in springwater (try to avoid tuna soaked in brine or other sugary type liquids), to my salads at lunch time.

MUSHROOMS
These yummy vegies are suggested for anyone with poor immunity and acne prone skin. Mushrooms can inhibit tumor growth, boost the immune system and lower cholesterol. They also contain zinc, which is needed for your sense of taste and smell. I suggest eating the asian shiitake mushrooms because they are full of flavor and research suggests they may reduce tumor growth by 70% !!! When cooking them yourself, try to avoid soaking them in butter, instead use a healthier option like olive oil.

WALNUTS
People avoid nuts due to their high fat content, but you only need a small few and the trick is not to eat too many. They help keep your arteries open, your blood flowing smoothly which helps prevent the risk of heart disease. Walnuts also help prevent the risk of breast and prostate cancer. Some nutrients in the Walnut are contained in virtually no other eaten food. So if you are going to choose something high in calories, make it a healthy choice :)

SPINACH
There are SO many benefits to this wonderful leafy green that I try to sneak it in to every meal I have at lunch. For those who are weight concious, it is low in calories and very rich in nutrients. Spinach is full of antioxidants, which protect the body from free radicals, folate, which is important for your cardiovascular system, may slow the age-related decline in brain function and an excellent source of iron, which is important for energy.

There are so many wonderful healing foods out there, I will be posting about more favourites soon as well as the benefits of spices. And how about mixing a few of these wonderful foods in a meal? I suggest onion, cooked with apple cider vinegar, a small sprinkle of quinoa, spinach, chopped walnuts and tuna? yum!