Food as Medicine: How Eating Right Can Keep You Healthy
There are many ways to eat food as medicine every day. One way is to eat foods that are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. Other ways include eating foods that are high in vitamins and minerals. Another way to eat food as medicine is to eat foods that have been specifically designed to help with certain health problems.
When you begin to come down with a cold, what’s the first thing you typically reach for? Many will reach into their medicine cabinet and search for a cough or pain reliever. However, have you ever thought of taking a tablespoon of honey or eating a spoonful of turmeric?
The idea of food as medicine may sound like a fad, but the concept has been around for centuries. Ancient Celtic cultures utilized the immunity-boosting properties of huckleberries (bilberries) to fight common colds and even prevent acne.
The Ancient Egyptians took great pride in their many uses for aloe vera. It is rumored, that Cleopatra even used it alone as a moisturizer for her skin. When eaten, this plant also regulated their digestion and fought sickness.
Today, medicine has evolved from mixing different herbs to mixing chemicals. Although the medical world has made strides in finding cures for our ailments, many are skeptical about medicine’s safety.
For example, many who experience migraines have to take acetaminophen, caffeine, and aspirin tablets. While these components eliminate the pain associated with a migraine, when taken regularly, they can cause serious kidney issues.
With the safety precautions right on the label, many are steering away from traditional medicine and seeking natural alternatives to their ailments.
Can you replace your medicine cabinet with items from the grocery store? Let’s explore a few common ingredients and how they can have a great impact on your health.
Food as Medicine Examples
1. Apples
The old saying rings true as apples are jam-packed with nutrients that increase our health. Apples can help with allergies, make diarrhea less bad, and even stop liver cancer from happening. Studies have also found that consuming apples regularly will prevent the onset of colorectal cancer, which, unfortunately, can be fatal.
2. Turmeric
As mentioned, turmeric has countless health benefits. Whether you consume it in its raw state or powder form, this glowing herb has been known to improve the health of many for centuries.
Originating in India, Kanchani, as it’s traditionally called, has over 500 preventative benefits. Some of the more common benefits are stress control, breast and colon cancer, and Alzheimer’s, and can even improve liver damage.
3. Probiotics
Probiotics are awesome stress-fighting mechanisms. They help with digestion most of the time, but they also help with fatigue, thyroid control, and immunity. Did you know that disorders such as anxiety and depression could be attributed to the foods we eat? Probiotics, such as yogurt, help with removing those toxins and clearing the mind. Literally!
4. Salmon and wild-caught fish
Omega-3 fats are awesome for regaining hormone balance, fighting cancer, and providing anti-inflammatory support. Often, a diet rich in these foods promotes weight loss as well.
5. Ginger
If you ever have to deal with an upset stomach or a difficult digestive system, ginger, in many forms. Ginger can also help with nausea and even ease the symptoms of morning sickness in women who are pregnant.
6. Honey
Honey is a natural sugar. It comes in handy when trying to fight off a pesky cold or allergy. Honey does more than just complement a beverage. It fights against bacterial infections, and plaque, and can even coat the stomach to prevent lesions. Much like aloe, honey also has antioxidant properties that are great for skin and hair care masks.
The beauty of including these natural remedies in your diet is that they are convenient choices. Many of which don’t even require intense preparation.
Completely changing to a holistic lifestyle is a personal decision that should be made with your doctor’s agreement. All in all, creating a moderate diet of health-promoting foods as medicines will prove to be beneficial!
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