Food Choices - Good
We all have choices in what we eat. Many times we make bad choices simply because we have gotten in the habit of those choices. We feed our children bad choices because they are things they will eat without complaining. What we don’t realize is that those bad choices can lead to lower immune systems and sometimes to serious illness. Instead of focusing on the bad choices let’s focus on some good choices. When we make an effort to include good choices the bad ones will almost automatically decrease. We can only eat so much food in a day.
Have you ever eaten a meal that was supposed to be good for you and it tasted like cardboard? Nobody wants to eat cardboard! The key is to spice up those foods with spices that are actually good for our bodies. Make sure they are from clean sources, and haven’t sat on the shelf for too long. Here are some favorites, and the reasons why you might want to include them in your cooking.
Dill – Helps digestion and eliminates bloating! Helps digest both carbohydrates and proteins. Even kills stomach bugs.
Tarragon – Lowers cholesterol and improves circulation.
Oregano – Kills bacteria and viruses, boosts immune system.
Bay Leaf – Relieves pain.
Rosemary – Helps you have energy and think more clearly.
Cayenne – Reduces appetite and increases metabolism. Cayenne has been shown to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. There is evidence that giving a teaspoon of cayenne pepper mixed with a glass of warm water could instantly rescue a patient from an ongoing heart attack. It has also been shown to reduce indigestion, itching and pain. It has even been known to reduce the symptoms of sinus infections.
Cinnamon – Controls blood sugar and reduces inflammation. It has the capacity to inhibit the formation and proliferation of bacteria, yeast, fungi matter and mainly what is called candida albicans.
Cardamom – Combats indigestion.
Sage – Improves memory.
Turmeric - a complete well-being tonic – it benefits every organ in the body. Studies are showing that it benefits almost any major illness.
To really be healthy you will want to combine these spices with foods that heal the body instead of tearing it down further. Let’s look at a few of those.
Fruits – Contain carotenoids that help your body fight diseases such as ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Many also contain Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and increases the immune system.
Green leafy vegetables – Also contain the carotenoids that help with ALS. Spinach in particular is known for being high in niacin and zinc, as well as protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E and K, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and manganese. In other word, it’s loaded with good things for every part of your body!
Green tea – Full of antioxidants. Also lowers cholesterol and strengthens the heart.
Chocolate – Contains magnesium and flavonoids that reduces blood pressure.
Beets – Contain nitric oxide is known to help regulate muscle contraction, blood flow, the balance of blood sugar and calcium, and cellular energy use. This reduces blood pressure and increases stamina.
Tomatoes – Contain lycopene, which has been known to fight cancer. Avoid canned tomato products because they often contain BPA, which messes up the body’s hormones and has even been linked to cancer.
Nettles - According to the USDA one cup of fresh cooked nettles has 555% of the RDI for vitamin K, 36% vitamin A, 43% calcium, 35% manganese, 13% magnesium, plus a smattering of other nutrients. They can be eaten cooked or dried. Both methods of preparation get rid of the ‘stinging’ properties.
Mesquite Seed Pods – Not on your normal menu, but these pods can be dried and ground into flour that is gluten free. It has a high fiber content and well as being packed full of protein. It is rich in essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron. Because of its low glycemic index and low fat content it is considered optimal for both diabetics and those looking to lose weight.
Cheese – But only if it is made right. To be healthy cheese must be made from truly organic milk and be prepared properly with real bacteria.
Wild Alaskan Salmon – Not any old salmon will do. To be healthy you must choose a truly wild Alaskan product. These contain low levels of mercury and PCB’s and high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3’s have been linked with lower levels of inflammation and heart disease and increased longevity.
Coconut oil – This amazing oil has been linked with reversing Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. Studies are also showing benefits for hormone production, brain function, cellular health, bone health, and even immunity.
Avocados – the unique fats in this fruit are credited with all sorts of healthy benefits from brain, eye and heart health to improving blood pressure, blood sugar, inflammation, aging, digestion, and even fighting cancer. During pregnancy avocados can provide the folic acid needed by babies for strong brains and nerves.
Nuts – contain healthy fats, minerals and fiber. Can replace other protein sources. Walnuts in particular are known to improve heart health and improve blood pressure. They have also been shown to improve brain function and reduce depression and cognitive degeneration.
Mushrooms – Frowned on by many because they are a fungus. A well grown mushroom has been known to help with weight management, improve nutrition, increase Vitamin D levels, improve immune function, reduce inflammation, and even fight cancer. The Shitake in particular is renowned for stimulating the immune system, inhibit the growth of cancer, reducing cholesterol levels, reducing blood clots, and increase hemoglobin in the blood.
Garlic - Garlic is a natural antibiotic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. Eaten raw garlic helps with blood pressure, prevent calcium deposits, boost the immune system, and possibly prevent cancer.
Onions – Have many of the same properties as garlic.
Royal Jelly – A substance made by bees for their young has been shown to fight cancer, improve blood health, improve skin tone, and improving infertility in both men and women. Part of this is due to its impressive concentration of vitamins and minerals.
Bone based broths – Soups made from the bones of animals contain collagen, gelatin, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, glycosamino glycans, proline, glycine, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. These all help with the development of healthy joints, bones, ligaments and tendons as well as hair and skin. Individuals with anemia, lung disorders, immune disorders, chronic infections, etc. would more specifically target these disorders using broth with increased marrow, found in the larger bones. Smaller bones are better known for fighting candida (yeast infections) leaky gut, and other intestinal problems and parasites.
Eggs – Although vilified for years studies are showing that eating eggs reduces LDL cholesterol, a lowered risk of macular degeneration, and improved cognitive and nervous system function.
We have only touched the surface of good for you foods. There are many more, and in some cases more health benefits of the ones we have touched on. The point is that there are a lot of healthy options available. With a little bit of forethought and planning there is no need to eat unhealthy foods.
Sources:
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Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of the author(s). Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of the authors. You are encouraged to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
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